We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of microplastics and earthworm burrows on soil macropore water flow within a laboratory soil column setup
AI summary Read the abstract
A lab experiment explored how microplastics and earthworm burrows together affect water movement through soil columns. Low-density polyethylene microplastics in subsoil disrupted hydraulic properties, and their interaction with earthworm burrow networks altered saturated water flow in ways that could affect how pollutants move through agricultural soils.
Abstract Several earlier studies reported that microplastics (MP) accumulated on soil surfaces could be transported into the subsoil and ingested by soil biota, such as earthworms. The present study explores how networks of earthworm burrows and MP (low‐density polyethylene, LDPE) in subsoil affect the soil hydraulic properties and saturated water flow. A repacked and saturated sandy soil column experiment was conducted in an environment‐controlled laboratory with earthworms (anecic, Lumbricus terrestris ) inoculated into the soil columns to form networks of macropore. The macropore network parameters (i.e., number, length, volume, diameter, soil saturated conductivity, and tracer breakthrough curves of soil columns) have been determined. The relative arrival times of the tracer mass (i.e. T5%, T25%, and T50%) were determined in order to describe the shapes of the breakthrough curves. The results show that in some breakthrough curves for the treatments with earthworms, there are two peaks. This is an indication that water was flowing faster in the macropores than in the soil matrix. There is a significant correlation between 5% arrival time and the median burrow volume, and the correlation coefficient was .571 (at the level of p < .05). The formation of macropores due to the burrowing activities of earthworms is considered the main cause of nonequilibrium water flow in the present study. The MP did not show any significant effect on the saturated water flow. This may be attribute to the low concentrations of MP used in the present study.
More Papers Like This
Effects of microplastic particles on vertical water flow in soil columns
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how different types of microplastic particles added to soil columns at varying concentrations affect water flow through the soil profile. They found that certain microplastic shapes and concentrations altered the soils hydraulic conductivity, with potential implications for irrigation efficiency and water movement in plastic-contaminated agricultural fields. The study addresses an underexplored aspect of microplastic impact on soil function.
Leaching of microplastics by preferential flow in earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) burrows
AI summary Read the abstract
This study showed that earthworms can ingest microplastics from soil surfaces and transport them through their burrows into deeper soil layers via preferential flow pathways. The findings suggest earthworm activity contributes to the vertical movement of microplastics through soil profiles, with implications for groundwater contamination.
Microplastic-induced alterations in water flow and solute transport dynamics in soil
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted laboratory experiments to measure how microplastics alter water flow and nutrient transport through soil. They found that polyethylene and PVC microplastics clogged soil pores, reducing water conductivity by up to 74% and creating uneven flow patterns. The study suggests that microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils could significantly impair water and nutrient delivery to crops.
Microplastic distribution and transport in agricultural soils : from field to burrow scale
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the spatial distribution and transport of microplastics in agricultural soils through field surveys and laboratory experiments. They found that sewage sludge amendments led to significantly higher microplastic contamination than mineral fertilizers, and that earthworm activity was a key mechanism for moving plastic particles deeper into soil. The study highlights the importance of accounting for both horizontal and vertical microplastic transport in soils when assessing agricultural pollution.
The influence of microplastic on soil hydraulic properties
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how the addition of microplastics to soil affects hydraulic properties including water retention and conductivity, finding that effects depend strongly on plastic shape, concentration, and soil texture. This study suggests that microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils could alter water movement and availability for crops.
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.