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Analysis of the generation of plastic debris and microplastics from geosynthetics
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This paper critically analyzes claims linking geosynthetic materials to microplastic generation, arguing that the environmental benefits of geosynthetics — such as preventing erosion and improving waste containment — far outweigh the minimal plastic debris they produce compared to alternative materials. The work is relevant to microplastic research by quantifying geosynthetics as a relatively minor source compared to other plastic pathways.
The uncontrolled generation and dispersion of plastic debris and microplastics in the environment and particularly in the oceans has become a global problem. The present paper intends to critically analyse the source and quantities of microplastic debris produced by geosynthetics vs the environmental benefits afforded by geosynthetics. The paper considers the environmental innovation in the geosynthetics industry. Some fake news which associate geosynthetics to detrimental effects like the generation of plastic debris and microplastics are critically analysed. It is shown that in reality the advantages of geosynthetics are much larger than disadvantages, while detrimental effects are absolutely minimal. The conclusions highlight the undisputable fact that the generation of plastic debris and microplastics from geosynthetics is very limited, and lower than the quantities of microplastics generated by alternative solutions.
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This multinational research project (EI-GEO) investigated whether geosynthetics used in hydraulic engineering applications such as riverbank stabilization and dam construction release microplastics or other contaminants into aquatic environments. Researchers found that geosynthetic materials can degrade and release particles under aquatic conditions, potentially contributing to microplastic pollution. The project fills a knowledge gap on geosynthetics as a previously overlooked source of environmental plastic contamination.
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Researchers evaluated the risk of microplastic release from gabion mattresses used in civil engineering applications, assessing the potential for these polymer-coated structures to contribute plastic particles to surrounding aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Is mulch film itself the primary source of meso- and microplastics in the mulching cultivated soil? A preliminary field study with econometric methods
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A field study examined whether mulch films were the primary source of meso- and microplastics in mulched agricultural soils using econometric methods to compare plastic-mulched and non-mulched fields, finding that while mulch contributed to soil plastic loads, it was not the sole source. The study challenges the assumption that plastic mulch is always the dominant microplastic source in farmed soils.
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.