We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Vertical distribution and weathering characteristic of microplastics in soil profile of different land use types
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the vertical distribution and weathering characteristics of microplastics in soil profiles across four land use types near Taihu Lake in China. The study found that microplastic abundance was highest in paddy fields and decreased linearly with soil depth, with weathering patterns suggesting that microplastics undergo significant changes as they migrate through soil layers.
After deposition on the topsoil, microplastics (MPs) may be vertically migrated to deeper soil layers over time or eventually enter the groundwater system, leading to more widespread environmental and ecological issues. However, the vertical distribution of MPs in natural soils are not yet fully understood. In this study, we collected soil profiles (0-100 cm) from four different land use types on the west bank of Taihu Lake in China to investigate the vertical distribution and weathering characteristics of MPs. The average abundance of soil MPs followed the pattern of paddy field (490 ± 82 items/kg) > dryland (356 ± 55 items/kg) > tea garden (306 ± 32 items/kg) > woodland (171 ± 27 items/kg) in the 0-10 cm layer, and the abundance of MPs decreased linearly with soil depth (r = -0.89, p < 0.01). Compared to tea garden and woodland, MPs in dryland and paddy field have migrated to deeper soil layers (80-100 cm). The carbonyl index of polyethylene and polypropylene MPs increased significantly with soil depth (r = 0.96, p < 0.01), with values of 0.58 ± 0.30 and 0.54 ± 0.33, respectively. The significant negative correlation between MPs size and carbonyl index confirmed that small-sized MPs in deeper soil layers originated from the weathering and fragmentation of MPs in topsoil. The results of structural equation model showed that roots and soil aggregates may act as filters during the vertical migration of MPs. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the environmental fate of MPs in soil and the assessment of associated ecological risks.
More Papers Like This
Vertical distribution and characteristics of soil microplastics under different land use patterns: A case study of Shouguang City, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers systematically investigated microplastic distribution across seven land use types and three soil depth layers in Shouguang City, China. The study found that greenhouse and polytunnel agricultural soils had the highest microplastic abundance, dominated by polyethylene and polypropylene film fragments, with concentrations decreasing with depth but still reaching 11-19% of total levels in the deepest layer at 40-60 centimeters.
Distribution and weathering characteristics of microplastics in paddy soils following long-term mulching: A field study in Southwest China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic distribution in paddy soils following long-term plastic film mulching in Southwest China, finding that ten years of continuous mulching significantly increased filmy microplastic accumulation and that weathering altered the chemical properties of these particles.
Effects of soil properties and land use patterns on the distribution of microplastics: A case study in southwest China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in soils across different land use types in Guizhou Province, southwest China. The study found that soil properties and land use patterns significantly influence microplastic abundance and distribution, with agricultural and urban soils generally showing higher contamination levels than less intensively managed areas.
Distinct microplastic distributions in soils of different land-use types: A case study of Chinese farmlands
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic distribution across six types of farmland land use was surveyed from soils in five Chinese provinces to determine how agricultural practices shape soil microplastic contamination. The study found that microplastic abundance varied significantly by land-use type, with plastic mulch film use and irrigation practices as key contributing factors.
Vertical distribution of microplastics in the sediment profiles of the Taihu Lake, eastern China
AI summary Read the abstract
This study characterized the vertical distribution of microplastics in sediment profiles from northern and southwestern Taihu Lake in eastern China. It found microplastics present throughout sediment layers, with patterns reflecting historical plastic use and deposition dynamics.
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.