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Insights into the abiotic fragmentation of biodegradable mulches under accelerated weathering conditions
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Biodegradable plastic mulches are increasingly tilled into agricultural soils as an alternative to removal, but this study found that UV weathering breaks them down into biodegradable microplastics that adsorb aromatic compounds and heavy metals, potentially transferring these contaminants through the food web. The findings suggest that "biodegradable" does not mean risk-free, and that fragmentation products from these mulches warrant serious attention in farmland pollution assessments.
Biodegradable mulches (BMs) can be tilled into soils to mitigate disposal and environmental problems. However, the content of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) would increase with the addition of biodegradable macroplastics (BMaPs). The fragmented particles have a strong affinity to soil pollutants, having the potential to transfer via the terrestrial food web in an agroecosystem. Based on the spectral analysis and particle size analysis, this study explored the physicochemical characteristics of weathered BMaPs and BMP-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM). Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation reduced the mechanical strength of BMaPs and induced oxygenated functional groups, thus increasing surface roughness and hydrophilicity. This promoted the adsorption of aromatic compounds and heavy metals from soils to BMPs. After entering the water environment, the pH of the solution with DOM decreased, whereas the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) increased. Compared with paper mulch, bioplastic mulch contributed a higher amount of DOM, such as aromatic structure-containing chemicals and carboxylic acids, to the water environment but released fewer and smaller plastic particles. The findings from this study can help manage environmental risks and determine disposal strategies after the use of mulching.
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Investigating aquatic biodegradation and changes in the properties of pristine and UV-irradiated microplastics from conventional and biodegradable agricultural plastics
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Researchers compared the biodegradation of conventional and biodegradable agricultural plastic mulching films in aquatic environments, testing both pristine and UV-weathered samples. The study found that while biodegradable plastics break down well under controlled composting conditions, their degradation in non-target environments like water bodies is considerably less predictable.
Sampling and degradation of biodegradable plastic and paper mulches in field after tillage incorporation.
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Field experiments evaluated degradation of biodegradable plastic mulch after tilling into soil over four years, developing a reliable sampling method to track mulch fragment persistence. Incomplete degradation was documented, raising concerns about long-term microplastic accumulation from agricultural mulching practices.
Soil-biodegradable mulch film: Distinguishing between persistent microplastics and fragments released from certified soil-biodegradable products
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Researchers incubated a certified soil-biodegradable mulch film in agricultural soil and used μ-FTIR microscopy to track fragmentation and biodegradation kinetics, distinguishing between fragments that biodegraded within the study period and those that would persist as microplastics.
UV and tillage abrasion facilitate macro- and micro-plastic fragmentation in agricultural soils
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Laboratory experiments showed that combined UV exposure and tillage abrasion dramatically accelerated fragmentation of agricultural mulch films — including polyethylene and biodegradable alternatives — generating thousands of microplastic particles per 100 cm² and promoting surface oxidation. The findings clarify how common farming practices actively generate microplastics in agricultural soils, with implications for food crop contamination.
Are micro- and nanoplastics from soil-biodegradable plastic mulches an environmental concern?
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Researchers examined whether micro- and nanoplastics generated from soil-biodegradable plastic mulches pose environmental risks comparable to those from conventional plastics. They argue that when disposed of properly in soil or compost, biodegradable mulch plastics degrade relatively quickly, limiting the accumulation of their micro- and nanoplastic fragments. However, the study cautions that if these materials end up in aquatic or atmospheric environments where degradation is slower, they could still cause environmental harm.
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