We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polyethylene and Biodegradable Microplastics Modulate the Bioavailability and Morphology of Soil Cadmium and Arsenic: Insights into Transformation Mechanisms
No summary available — this paper's abstract is not included in the open metadata provided by the publisher. Learn why →
More Papers Like This
Enhanced Adsorption of Cadmium onto Microplastics Derived from Polyethylene Mulching Film by Weathering
AI summary Read the abstract
Weathered polyethylene microplastics from agricultural mulch film showed more than four times greater adsorption capacity for cadmium ions compared to pristine particles, driven by increased surface roughness and oxygen-containing functional groups that develop during environmental aging. Because weathered microplastics are far more common in real environments than pristine particles, this finding significantly elevates the estimated risk of microplastics acting as vectors for heavy metal transport in contaminated soils and water.
Polypropylene microplastics alter the cadmium adsorption capacity on different soil solid fractions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polypropylene microplastics reduce soil's ability to bind the toxic heavy metal cadmium, with the effect varying by soil composition and microplastic aging — suggesting that microplastic contamination could indirectly increase the risk of heavy metals leaching into groundwater.
Relevance of dissolved organic matter components on the adsorption behaviors of cadmium onto non-biodegradable and biodegradable microplastics in an agricultural soil
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that microplastics in agricultural soil — both conventional and biodegradable types — reduce the soil's ability to bind cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, largely by altering organic matter that controls metal mobility. This suggests microplastic contamination could increase cadmium availability in farmland, raising potential food safety concerns.
Adsorption mechanism of arsenic(V) on aged polyethylene microplastics: Isotherms, kinetics and effect of environmental factors
AI summary Read the abstract
When plastic waste breaks down in the environment (from sun, acids, or other weathering), its surface changes in ways that make it much better at binding arsenic, a toxic contaminant commonly found in water. This matters because these "aged" microplastics, which are now widespread in our water supplies, could act as carriers that transport arsenic through waterways and potentially into the food chain or drinking water. The findings suggest that weathered microplastics might pose a greater risk for spreading arsenic contamination than fresh plastic particles, though more research is needed to understand what this means for human exposure.
Polyethylene Microplastics Modulate the Copper Adsorption–desorption Processes in Agricultural Soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Batch adsorption experiments showed that adding 1% polyethylene microplastics to two agricultural soils modestly increased copper adsorption capacity while altering desorption behavior in soil-type-dependent ways. This matters because microplastic accumulation in farmland can disrupt heavy metal cycling, potentially increasing bioavailability of toxic metals like copper in crops and the humans and animals that consume them.
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.