We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Mulch-derived microplastic aging promotes phthalate esters and alters organic carbon fraction content in grassland and farmland soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that microplastics derived from agricultural plastic mulch undergo aging in soil, which promotes the release of phthalate ester contaminants and alters organic carbon content. The study compared black and white polyethylene mulch to biodegradable mulch in grassland and farmland soils over eight weeks, revealing that aging characteristics and environmental impacts vary by mulch type and soil context.
Agricultural plastic mulch is a major microplastics (MPs) source in terrestrial ecosystems. However, knowledge about the aging characteristics of mulch-derived MPs entering natural and agricultural soils and their effects on phthalate esters (PAEs) and organic carbon fractions is still limited. Black (contains black masterbatches) and white polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable (Bio, Poly propylene carbonate and Polybutylene adipate terephthalate synthetic material (PPC+PBAT)) mulch-derived MPs, at 0.3% (w/w) dose, were added to grassland and farmland soils for eight-week incubation. Microplastic (MP) aging degree was explored by quantifying the carbonyl index (CI). The soil PAEs and organic carbon fractions were also analyzed. After incubation, black and white PE-MP aged greater in farmland than in grassland. PAEs accumulated highest in PE-MP treatment (5.27-6.41 mg kg) followed by Bio-MP (1.88-2.38 mg kg). Soil organic carbon (SOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were reduced by 5.3%-8.2%, 31.8%-41.6%, and 39.7%-63.0%, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was increased by 10.1%-27.6% in grassland containing MP compared to control. MPs' aging degree promoted PAEs content or altered nutrients, then regulated soil microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activity directly or indirectly, ultimately affecting SOC. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Microplastics are persistent environmental pollutants that gradually undergo surface aging in response to extracellular enzymes secreted by microorganisms. As microplastics age, their surface roughness and functional groups change; thus, organochemical contaminants gradually leach out. Therefore, this study analyzed the aging of mulch film-derived microplastics under the action of diverse microorganisms in farmland and grassland soils and the effect on plasticizer and organic carbon fractions. The results proved that polyethylene microplastic aging degree was highest in farmland soil. Besides, biodegradable microplastic caused lower contamination of phthalate esters than polyethylene, but they affected soil carbon balance in grassland and farmland soils. STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: This study highlights that MPs affect organic carbon fractions by influencing the PAEs, available nutrients, and extracellular enzyme activity.
More Papers Like This
Mechanism of polyethylene and biodegradable microplastic aging effects on soil organic carbon fractions in different land-use types
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared how polyethylene and biodegradable microplastics at different stages of aging affect soil organic carbon fractions across various land-use types. The study found that both types of microplastics altered soil carbon dynamics, but the effects depended on the plastic type, its degree of aging, and the specific land-use context.
[Occurrence and Characteristics of Macro/Micro-plastics and Phthalates in Soils Under Different Plastic Film Mulching].
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed residual characteristics of macroplastics, microplastics, and phthalate plasticizers in agricultural soils under different plastic film mulching treatments over a three-year field experiment, comparing traditional PE film with three types of biodegradable mulch and a no-mulch control. The study examined whether biodegradable film substitution effectively reduces soil plastic and PAE residual pollution.
Microplastics from conventional and biodegradable mulch films alter microbial necromass accumulation and organic carbon sequestration in farmland soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared how microplastics from conventional polyethylene and biodegradable mulch films affect soil organic carbon storage over 120 days. They found that both types of microplastics altered microbial activity and reduced the accumulation of microbial-derived carbon in soil. The study suggests that even biodegradable plastics, once broken into microplastics, may interfere with soil carbon sequestration in farmland.
Thickness-dependent release of microplastics and phthalic acid esters from polythene and biodegradable residual films in agricultural soils and its related productivity effects
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a two-year study comparing the release of microplastics and phthalic acid esters from polyethylene and biodegradable mulch films of different thicknesses in agricultural soil. The study found that biodegradable films degraded significantly more than polyethylene films, with thinner films breaking down faster, and that microplastic release from residual films can affect soil properties and crop productivity.
Microplastic formation and simultaneous release of phthalic acid esters from residual mulch film in soil through mechanical abrasion
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that mechanical abrasion of residual mulch film in soil simultaneously generates microplastics and releases phthalic acid esters like DEHP, with film thickness, polymer type, and aging all influencing the rate of microplastic formation and plasticizer release.
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.