We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The influence of plastic mulch degradation on microplastic contamination in agricultural soils under different climatic conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how plastic mulch degradation generates microplastic contamination in Indonesian agricultural soils under humid (Bogor) and hot-dry (Lombok) climatic conditions, finding that environmental factors strongly influenced degradation rates and microplastic accumulation patterns.
Plastic mulch is widely used in agriculture to improve crop productivity by regulating soil temperature, retaining moisture, and suppressing weed growth. However, its degradation produces microplastics that can accumulate in the soil, disrupt microbial communities, and potentially enter the food chain. This study examines microplastic contamination in agricultural soils under different climatic conditions: Bogor (humid) and Lombok (hot and dry). Various analytical techniques were employed to characterize material degradation, including FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, UV-Vis, and thermal conductivity measurements. The results show that differences in climate and environmental factors such as high temperature, UV exposure, and microbial activity can accelerate mulch degradation, resulting in higher microplastic concentrations in Lombok (455 ± 57.74 particles kg-1) compared to Bogor (265 ± 43.59 particles kg-1). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of oxidation-derived functional groups (C=O, O-H), thermal analysis indicated a decrease in the material's thermal conductivity, UV-Vis revealed increased polymer chain scission, and SEM showed significant surface degradation. These findings highlight the environmental risks of plastic mulch use and underscore the importance of adopting more sustainable alternatives to reduce microplastic pollution in agricultural soils.
More Papers Like This
Assessment of Soil Microplastics and Their Relation to Soil and Terrain Attributes Under Different Land Uses
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in tropical soils under different land uses including forest, grassland, and agricultural areas. They found that agricultural soils had the highest microplastic concentrations, likely due to the use of plastic-based materials in farming. The study reveals how land use practices and soil characteristics influence the distribution and accumulation of microplastics in tropical environments.
Microplastics pollution modulated by farming regimes under multi-scenarios
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic concentrations in agricultural soils were found to vary with farming regimes, with certain practices under mulching leading to higher accumulation. The study highlights how common agricultural methods contribute to soil microplastic pollution and supports calls for better plastic mulch management.
Abundance, spatial distribution, and characteristics of microplastics in agricultural soils and their relationship with contributing factors
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastic concentrations of 2,800 to 82,500 particles per kilogram in agricultural soils of Hainan Island, China, with plastic mulching, farming practices, and environmental factors all contributing to spatial variation in contamination levels.
Microplastic Abundance and Characteristics in The Soil Around the Jambi Talang Gulo Landfill
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic abundance and characterized particle types in soil surrounding the Talang Gulo landfill in Jambi, Indonesia, finding that the high volume of plastic waste at the facility contributes to elevated microplastic contamination in surrounding soils through environmental weathering and fragmentation.
Impact of plastic mulching on microplastic contamination in mountainous agricultural soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how plastic mulching films affect microplastic contamination in remote mountainous agricultural soils in Kakani, Nepal, collecting soil samples from two depths across mulched farms, non-mulched farms, and adjacent forests and finding elevated MP concentrations in mulched plots.
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.