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Microplastics from agricultural mulch films: Biodegradation and ecotoxicity in freshwater systems
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Researchers investigated the biodegradation and ecotoxicity of microplastics derived from bio-based biodegradable agricultural mulch films in freshwater systems. They found that UV-aged particles triggered stronger antioxidant defense responses in insect larvae compared to pristine particles, though long-term survival and growth were not significantly affected. The study suggests that while biodegradable mulch microplastics do interact with freshwater organisms, the ecological effects observed were relatively moderate at the concentrations tested.
The application of bio-based biodegradable mulch films in agriculture has raised environmental concerns regarding their potential impacts on adjacent freshwater ecosystems. This study investigated the biodegradation of microplastics derived from a bio-based biodegradable mulch (bio-MPs) and its acute and chronic ecotoxicity considering relevant scenarios (up to 200 and 250 mg/kg of sediment, using pristine and/or UV-aged particles), using the fungus Penicillium brevicompactum and the dipteran Chironomus riparius as model organisms, respectively, due to their ecological relevance in freshwater environments. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested changes in the fungus's carbohydrate reserves and bio-MP degradation through the appearance of low molecular weight esters throughout a 28 day biodegradation test. In a short-term exposure (48 h), C. riparius larvae exposed to pristine or UV-aged bio-MPs had up to 2 particles in their gut. Exposure to pristine bio-MPs decreased larval aerobic metabolism (<20 %) and increased neurotransmission (>15 %), whereas exposure to UV-aged bio-MPs activated larval aerobic metabolism (>20 %) and increased antioxidant defences (catalase activity by >30 % and glutathione-s-transferase by >20 %) and neurotransmission (>30 %). Longer-term (28-d) exposure to UV-aged bio-MPs did not affect larval survival and growth nor the dipteran's emergence but increased male numbers (>30 %) at higher concentrations. This study suggests that the selected agricultural bio-based mulch film is prone to biodegradation by a naturally occurring fungus. However, there is a potential for endocrine disruption in the case of prolonged exposures to UV-aged microplastics. This study emphasises the importance of further research to elucidate the potential ecological effects of these plastic products, to ensure effective management practices, and to establish new regulations governing their use.
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Ecotoxicity of a biobased mulch film on the dipteran Chironomus riparius larvae
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Researchers exposed fourth-instar Chironomus riparius larvae to microplastics derived from a commercially available biobased biodegradable agricultural mulch film, finding ingestion occurred within 48 hours alongside alterations in aerobic metabolism, antioxidant enzyme activity, and acetylcholinesterase levels. No oxidative damage resulted, suggesting the larvae could counteract oxidative stress from bioplastic microparticles whether pristine or UV-aged, though the authors caution that other defense pathways warrant further investigation.
Long-term effects of conventional and biodegradable microplastics from mulch on freshwater communities
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Researchers examined the long-term effects of both conventional and biodegradable mulch film microplastics on freshwater zooplankton populations after leaching from agricultural soils. Even environmentally relevant concentrations of mulch-derived microplastics reduced zooplankton reproduction, with biodegradable mulch microplastics showing effects comparable to conventional plastics.
Investigating aquatic biodegradation and changes in the properties of pristine and UV-irradiated microplastics from conventional and biodegradable agricultural plastics
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Researchers compared the biodegradation of conventional and biodegradable agricultural plastic mulching films in aquatic environments, testing both pristine and UV-weathered samples. The study found that while biodegradable plastics break down well under controlled composting conditions, their degradation in non-target environments like water bodies is considerably less predictable.
Long-term effects of conventional and biodegradable microplastics from mulch on freshwater communities
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Researchers used outdoor mesocosms to study how conventional (polyethylene) and biodegradable (PBAT) microplastics from mulch films affect freshwater zooplankton and macroinvertebrate communities over 60 days, finding measurable community-level effects at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Toxicity of aged and unaged conventional or biodegradable mulching films microplastics to the estuarine bivalve Scrobicularia plana
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This study assessed whether aging changes the toxicity of microplastics from conventional and biodegradable mulching films across soil and aquatic environments, testing both fresh and UV-aged particles on a range of organisms. Aging altered toxicity profiles of both conventional and biodegradable microplastics, with effects varying by polymer type and test species.
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