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A review of the occurrence and degradation of biodegradable microplastics in soil environments
Summary
This review evaluates whether the shift from conventional plastics to biodegradable plastics is truly beneficial for the environment, particularly regarding microplastic formation in soils. Researchers found that biodegradable plastics actually form residual microplastics at a faster rate than conventional plastics, and these particles can negatively affect soil properties, microbial communities, and plant growth. The study suggests the environmental trade-offs of biodegradable plastics deserve closer scrutiny.
The use of plastics for manufacturing of products and packaging has become ubiquitous. This is because plastics are cheap, pliable, and durable. However, these characteristics of plastics have also led to their disposal in landfill, where they persist. To overcome the environmental challenge posed by conventional plastics (CPs), biodegradable plastics (BDPs) are increasingly being used. However, BDPs form residual microplastics (MPs) at a rate that far exceeds that of CPs, and MPs have negative impacts on the soil environment. This review aimed to evaluate whether the move away from CPs to BDPs is having an overall positive impact on the environment considering the formation of MPs. Topics focused on in this review include the degradation of BDPs in the soil environment and the impacts of MPs originating from BDPs on soil physical and chemical properties, microbial communities, animals, and plants. The information collated in this review can provide scientific guidance for sustainable development of the BDPs industry.