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Humic acid accelerates polyurethane microplastic degradation via light-dark synergy, shortening degradation cycle over one-third
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Researchers found that applying humic acid alongside controlled-release fertilizer coated in polyurethane accelerated the degradation of polyurethane microplastics by 34.3-43.9% through a light-dark synergistic mechanism while simultaneously increasing crop yields by 12.3-22.4%, addressing both agricultural productivity and plastic pollution.
In agricultural ecosystems, the accumulation of polyurethane microplastics (PuM) resulting from the long-term application of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) constitutes an irreversible pollution-each kilogram of CRF introduces approximately 32,000 particles-and these particles are difficult to recover. This study proposes a synergistic approach: the combined use of CRF and humic acid (HA) not only increases crop yields by 12.3 %-22.4 % but also accelerates the degradation of polyurethane microplastics by 34.3 %-43.9 %, which is of great significance for addressing the dual challenges of ensuring food security and remediating soil microplastic contamination. This study also explores the interaction between HA and PuM: under dark conditions, HA facilitates radical formation through the cleavage and isomerization of C-H bonds in PuM macromolecules; under light conditions, the phenolic hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in HA moieties mediate the generation of reactive oxygen species via photoexcitation, thereby initiating the oxidative scission of PuM's carbon backbone. This research provides new ideas on how to solve the pollution of polyurethane microplastics in farmland and for the in-situ treatment of microplastics in farmland.
More Papers Like This
Exploring the mechanisms of humic acid mediated degradation of polystyrene microplastics under ultraviolet light conditions
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Humic acid in water promoted the photodegradation of polystyrene microplastics under UV light by generating higher levels of hydroxyl radicals (0.631 mM), resulting in 4.3% greater weight loss, smaller average particle size (89.5 microns), and more oxygen-containing products compared to UV alone.
Humic substance/metal-oxide multifunctional nanoparticles as advanced antibacterial-antimycotic agents and photocatalysts for the degradation of PLA microplastics under UVA/solar radiation
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Researchers developed hybrid nanoparticles made from humic substances and metal oxides that can both break down PLA microplastics under UV or sunlight and kill harmful bacteria and fungi. The nanoparticles showed strong photocatalytic activity, degrading microplastics while simultaneously acting as antimicrobial agents. The study suggests these biowaste-derived materials could offer a dual-purpose solution for tackling both plastic pollution and microbial contamination.
Revealing the effect of humic substance compounds on the aged characteristics and release compounds profiles from photodegradation of polyethylene microplastics
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This study investigated how humic substances (humic acid and fulvic acid) — natural organic compounds abundant in water and soil — affect how polyethylene microplastics degrade under UV light and what chemical by-products are released. Humic acid accelerated degradation more than fulvic acid, producing a wider range of oxidised breakdown compounds and releasing siloxane additives from the plastic. The findings matter because microplastics in real environments are always exposed to natural organic matter, which can substantially change both how fast they degrade and what toxic compounds they release.
Artificial humic acid reshapes microbial C-N metabolism and nitrogen partition in microplastic-contaminated soils
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Microplastics from common plastics like polypropylene are building up in farm soils and disrupting the nitrogen cycle that crops depend on. This study found that adding a compost-derived soil additive called artificial humic acid helped rebalance soil nitrogen and boosted helpful soil bacteria, even when microplastics were present. While this research focused on soil health rather than direct human health effects, healthier soil nitrogen cycling matters because it supports safer, more sustainable food production as plastic pollution keeps rising in farmland.
Alleviating binary toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics and atrazine to Chlorella vulgaris through humic acid interaction: Long-term toxicity using environmentally relevant concentrations
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Researchers found that when nanoplastics and the herbicide atrazine were combined in water, they had a synergistic toxic effect on algae that was worse than either pollutant alone. However, adding humic acid, a natural substance found in soil and water, significantly reduced this combined toxicity by coating the nanoplastics and changing their surface properties. This suggests that natural organic matter in the environment may offer some protection against the harmful effects of nanoplastic-chemical mixtures.
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