We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Vertical migration of microplastics along soil profile under different crop root systems
AI summary Read the abstract
A lab incubation experiment showed that crop roots (corn, soybean, ryegrass) have minimal effect on downward vertical migration of microplastics in soil, though corn roots contributed to slight upward movement of particles in middle soil layers through root-generated pores.
Microplastics are highly accumulated in soils and supposed to migrate vertically due to water infiltration, fauna activities, and root growth. In this study, the vertical migration of microplastics along soil profile under three crop roots (corn, soybean, and ryegrass) was analyzed by a laboratory-scale incubation experiment. When microplastics were initially distributed in the surface layer, crop roots showed little effects on the vertical migration of microplastics. But in terms of homogenous microplastic distribution along soil profile, corn roots could contribute to the upward movement of microplastics in the middle layers (7-12 cm). It could be related to more pores and fissures created by primary and secondary corn roots and buoyancy effects once the pores and fissures were filled with water. Additionally, a significant positive correlation between microplastic numbers and tertiary roots of ryegrass has been observed and indicated the microplastic retention ability of fine crop roots. According to the results, in contrast to the downward microplastic migration caused by water infiltration and soil fauna activities, crop roots tended to move microplastics upwards or maintain them in soil layers.
More Papers Like This
Minimal vertical transport of microplastics in soil over two years with little impact of plastics on soil macropore networks
AI summary Read the abstract
A two-year field experiment found that microplastics placed on the soil surface moved very little downward, with only about 1% reaching below 8 cm depth, and had minimal effect on soil structure. While this suggests microplastics do not quickly contaminate deeper soil layers, they do persist near the surface where they can still be taken up by shallow-rooted crops.
Investigation into the Vertical Migration of Microplastic in Agricultural Soil
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how microplastic particles migrate vertically through agricultural soil profiles, finding that particle size, soil texture, and water flow influence how deeply plastics penetrate. This study highlights agricultural soils as both a sink and a potential pathway for microplastic transport to groundwater.
Vertical transport of microplastic in agricultural soil in controlled irrigation plot experiments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted field plot experiments in agricultural soil and found that microplastics migrate vertically with irrigation water, with smaller particles (53–63 µm) penetrating up to 6 cm deep and larger particles remaining near the surface, indicating that water infiltration is a key driver of subsurface plastic transport.
Vertical migration of microplastics in porous media: Multiple controlling factors under wet-dry cycling
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how microplastics move vertically through sandy soil during cycles of wetting and drying, testing four common plastic types at various particle sizes. They found that smaller, more hydrophobic particles migrated deeper, and that frequent wet-dry cycles and the presence of dissolved organic matter accelerated downward movement. The findings suggest that microplastics in agricultural soils could potentially reach groundwater, posing risks to underground water quality.
Size/shape-dependent migration of microplastics in agricultural soil under simulative and natural rainfall
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that microplastic migration in agricultural soil under rainfall depends on particle size and shape, with smaller particles moving deeper and rainfall intensity significantly influencing vertical transport patterns in soil profiles.
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.