We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Evaluation of thermal properties of soils amended with microplastics, vermicompost and zeolite using experimental and modeling data
Summary
Researchers evaluated the effects of microplastics, vermicompost, and zeolite additives on the thermal conductivity, diffusivity, and volumetric heat capacity of clay and loam soils using both laboratory experiments and modeling approaches. The study found that all three additives altered soil thermal properties, with outcomes varying by soil type and additive, providing insight into how plastic contamination can influence soil heat transfer dynamics.
The thermal properties of soils can be influenced by additives of different origins (non-organic, organic and mineral) and roles in soil quality. This study aims to evaluate the effects of microplastics, vermicompost, and zeolite on the thermal properties of two soil types using a combination of experimental data and modeling approaches. Laboratory experiments were conducted using surface layer samples of a clay soil (Vertic Phaeozem) and a loam soil (Haplic Cambisol). Each additive was applied at a mass ratio of 10% to the soil samples. The thermal conductivity (λ), thermal diffusivity (D) and volumetric heat capacity (Cv) were measured with the SH1 sensor of a KD2Pro device during the drainage process of the soil samples at different matric potentials. The relationships between λ, Cv, D, gravimetric water content, and matric suction (h) were analyzed using linear and polynomial regression models (for Cv and D) and a closed-form equation (for λ). The fitted models exhibited small errors, such as a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.03-0.06 W m-1 K-1, and high coefficient of determination R2>0.9. The effects of the different additives on water retention, λ, Cv and D were found to be specific to each soil type and depended on the properties of both the soil and the additives. These findings highlight the significance of additives in modifying soil thermal properties and emphasize the importance of considering the interactions between soil characteristics and additive properties. The combination of experimental data and modeling approaches provides valuable insights into understanding the complex dynamics of soil thermal properties and the potential impacts of additives on soil functionality and quality.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in sandy soils: Alterations in thermal conductivity, surface albedo, and temperature
Researchers studied how polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics in sandy soils alter thermal conductivity, surface albedo, and temperature dynamics. They found that PVC could decrease soil thermal conductivity by up to 38%, while surface deposition of microplastics increased albedo by as much as 77% for polyethylene. The study suggests that microplastic contamination could meaningfully affect soil thermal properties and energy balance, with implications for understanding land surface changes.
A comprehensive review of impacts of soil management practices and climate adaptation strategies on soil thermal conductivity in agricultural soils
This review examines how farming practices like tillage, crop rotation, and mulching affect how well soil conducts heat, which influences crop growth and water availability. While not directly about microplastics, the paper highlights that disrupted soil structure from various agricultural inputs can alter important soil properties, which is relevant as microplastic contamination of farmland soils continues to grow.
Saturated hydraulic conductivity in microplastics incorporated soils: Effects of soil texture, polymer type, particle size, and concentration
Researchers measured saturated hydraulic conductivity in loam and sandy loam soils amended with PET, PVC, and PE microplastics of two size classes, finding that PET particles in sandy loam produced the highest conductivity values and that polymer hydrophobicity and particle size both influence soil water flow.
Impact of Different Microplastics on Soil Evaporation Rates: A Comparative Analysis Across Chernozem, Umbrisol, and Luvisol
Researchers assessed the effects of high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene microplastics at 5% w/w concentration on evaporation rates, dry bulk density, and saturated water content across three soil types (Chernozem, Umbrisol, and Luvisol), finding that all three polymer types significantly altered soil physical properties in ways that varied by both polymer type and soil classification.
Polyethylene microplastic pollution changes the electrical resistance and thermal conductivity of loess soil
Adding polyethylene microplastics to loess soil altered its electrical resistance and thermal conductivity in a nonlinear way, with opposing effects of increased particle resistance and electrostatic charge reduction balancing at 6–8% PE content.