We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Plasticulture increases the diversity rather than the abundance of microplastics in soil: A case study
No summary available — this paper's abstract is not included in the open metadata provided by the publisher. Learn why →
More Papers Like This
Plastisphere and Soil Biodiversity
AI summary Read the abstract
This chapter reviews how discarded plastics accumulate in soil ecosystems and give rise to a distinct microbial community called the plastisphere, altering soil biodiversity and ecological function. The plastisphere can harbor novel microbial assemblages including potential pathogens and antibiotic-resistant organisms, meaning plastic soil pollution has implications beyond chemical toxicity for human and ecosystem health.
The positive effects of polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics on agricultural soil quality
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted three-month pot experiments testing polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics in agricultural soil, finding several unexpected positive effects including increased soil enzyme activity, higher organic carbon content, greater cation exchange capacity, and lower bulk density at certain concentrations.
Microplastics in Soil-Plant Systems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesized evidence on microplastic contamination in terrestrial soil-plant systems, examining effects on soil structure, nutrient cycling, microbial communities, and plant uptake of plastic particles. Because plants can absorb microplastics and translocate them into edible tissue, agricultural soil contamination represents a direct and underappreciated pathway of human dietary exposure to plastic particles.
Distribution of microplastics in soil aggregates after film mulching
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that microplastics from agricultural plastic film mulching preferentially accumulate in small soil aggregates, with fiber- and film-shaped particles dominating after long-term use, suggesting that monitoring microplastic distribution in soil aggregates can serve as a practical indicator of soil health degradation.
Microplastics in Agricultural Soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed what is known about microplastic contamination in agricultural soils, noting that despite hundreds of millions of tonnes of plastic entering the environment annually, very little is understood about how microplastics persist, migrate, and affect soil ecosystems. This knowledge gap is concerning given that contaminated soil directly affects food crops consumed by humans.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.