We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A laboratory comparison of the interactions between three plastic mulch types and 38 active substances found in pesticides
Summary
This laboratory study tested the sorption interactions between 38 pesticide active substances and three types of plastic mulch film, finding that on average plastics reduced the rate of pesticide degradation in soil by about 30%. Plastic mulch films used widely in agriculture can alter the persistence and behavior of pesticides in soil, compounding their combined environmental impact.
The sorption behavior depended on both the pesticide and the plastic mulch type. On average, the sorption percentage was ~23% on LDPE and PAC and ~50% on Bio. The decay of active substances in the presence of plastic was ~30% lesser than the decay of active substances in solution alone. This study is the first attempt at assessing the behavior of a diversity of plastic mulches and pesticides to further define research needs.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics mulch film affects the environmental behavior of adsorption and degradation of pesticide residues in soil
Researchers tested how new, aged, and biodegradable polyethylene mulch film microplastics affect the adsorption and degradation of the pesticides imidacloprid and flumioxazin in soil. All three MP types slowed initial pesticide adsorption and extended the time to reach equilibrium, with aged MPs showing the greatest effect, potentially prolonging pesticide persistence in agricultural soils.
Evaluation of the sorption/desorption processes of pesticides in biodegradable mulch films used in agriculture
Researchers evaluated how biodegradable mulch films used in agriculture interact with pesticide residues compared to conventional polyethylene films. The study found that biodegradable films actually retained higher amounts of pesticide residues and released less back into the soil than polyethylene, suggesting that these supposedly greener alternatives may act as more persistent reservoirs for agricultural chemical contaminants.
Sorption to mulch film decreases bioavailability of two model pesticides for earthworms in soil
Researchers investigated how polyethylene mulch film microplastics interact with pesticides in agricultural soil and their combined effects on earthworms. The study found that sorption of pesticides to mulch film microplastics actually decreased the bioavailability of two model pesticides to earthworms, suggesting that in some cases microplastics may reduce rather than increase pesticide toxicity to soil organisms.
Sorption to mulch film decreases bioavailability of two model pesticides for earthworms in soil
This study investigated how agricultural mulch film microplastics affect the bioavailability of pesticides to earthworms in soil. Sorption of two model pesticides onto mulch film microplastics significantly decreased their bioavailability, suggesting MPs may alter the ecological risk profile of pesticide-contaminated agricultural soils.
Polyethylene film incorporation into the horticultural soil of small periurban production units in Argentina
Researchers surveyed Argentine horticultural soils and found plastic film residues covering 10% of the soil area, then demonstrated in laboratory experiments that polyethylene film strongly adsorbs pesticides (up to 2,284 µg per gram of plastic versus 32 µg per gram of soil), suggesting plastic mulch residues act as pesticide reservoirs that may alter contaminant fate in agricultural fields.