We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics from conventional and biodegradable mulch films alter microbial necromass accumulation and organic carbon sequestration in farmland soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared how microplastics from conventional polyethylene and biodegradable mulch films affect soil organic carbon storage over 120 days. They found that both types of microplastics altered microbial activity and reduced the accumulation of microbial-derived carbon in soil. The study suggests that even biodegradable plastics, once broken into microplastics, may interfere with soil carbon sequestration in farmland.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants that may affect soil organic carbon (SOC) and thus influence global change. However, the aging behavior of mulch film-derived MPs exposure to farmland soils and their impact mechanisms on microbial necromass carbon (MNC) formation remain poorly understood. Polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable (Bio, polypropylene carbonate and polybutylene adipate terephthalate synthetic material (PPC + PBAT)) mulch film-derived MPs at 0.2 % (w/w) dosages were mixed into farmland soils, incubated for 120 days and sampled every 30 days. On day 120, compared to MPs before incubation, the relative contents of C-H or C-C on the surfaces of PE-MPs and Bio-MPs decreased by 12.2 % and 3.7 %. In the first 60 days, compared to control soils (CK), the bacterial necromass carbon (BNC) content decreased by 54.0-56.0 % and 23.9-44.8 %, while the MNC decreased by 30.2-53.8 % and 11.8-23.0 % in farmland soils exposed to PE-MPs and Bio-MPs, respectively (p < 0.05). This reduction was attributed to the rapid turnover of necromass. During 90-120 days, under PE-MPs and Bio-MPs exposure, the contents of microbial biomass carbon (MBC) (66-76 % and 10-18 %), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (1.8-16.9 % and 12.4-26.4 %), MNC (8.2-29.2 % and 14.0-16.1 %), and SOC (10.7-11.0 % and 6.8-8.9 %) showed significantly higher levels than those in the CK treatment. The PE-MPs and Bio-MPs promoted an increase in MNC and SOC content, which was associated with MPs aging that altered available nutrients and enzyme activities and directly or indirectly promoted an increase in DOC and microbial biomass. In summary, mulch film-derived MPs affect MNC accumulation and SOC sequestration, especially conventional PE-MPs.
More Papers Like This
Effect of different polymers of microplastics on soil organic carbon and nitrogen – A mesocosm experiment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that adding polyethylene and biodegradable microplastics to agricultural soil altered carbon and nitrogen dynamics, with biodegradable microplastics having stronger effects on soil organic carbon decomposition and nutrient cycling than conventional plastics.
Mechanism of polyethylene and biodegradable microplastic aging effects on soil organic carbon fractions in different land-use types
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared how polyethylene and biodegradable microplastics at different stages of aging affect soil organic carbon fractions across various land-use types. The study found that both types of microplastics altered soil carbon dynamics, but the effects depended on the plastic type, its degree of aging, and the specific land-use context.
Biodegradable Film Mulching Increases Soil Carbon Sequestration and Microbial Network Complexity in a Long-Term Field Study
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists studied biodegradable plastic mulch (the plastic sheeting farmers use to cover soil) and found it helps soil store more carbon and support healthier microbial communities compared to regular plastic mulch. However, the biodegradable plastic still breaks down into microplastics in the soil, raising questions about long-term environmental effects. This matters because while biodegradable farm plastics may help fight climate change by storing carbon, we still need to understand how the microplastics they leave behind might affect our food system.
Degradable versus inert microplastics: Effects on soil organic carbon persistence via microbial drivers in an agroecosystem
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that not all plastic pollution in soil acts the same way: regular plastic (polyethylene) seemed to break down soil carbon and reduce its ability to stay locked away, while "biodegradable" plastic (PLA) actually helped soil microbes build more stable carbon storage. This matters because healthy farm soil that holds onto carbon helps fight climate change, so the type of plastic mulch or waste farmers use could have real consequences beyond just pollution—it may affect how much carbon farmland can pull out of the atmosphere long-term.
Data from: Degradable versus inert microplastics: Effects on soil organic carbon persistence via microbial drivers in an agroecosystem
AI summary Read the abstract
Farm soil plastic pollution isn't all the same: a new field study finds that regular plastic (like plastic bags) breaks down soil carbon and depletes it over time, while "biodegradable" plastic actually helps soil microbes build more stable, long-lasting carbon stores. This matters because healthy soil carbon supports the fertile farmland that grows our food and helps fight climate change, suggesting that swapping conventional plastic mulch for biodegradable versions could be a small but meaningful win for both agriculture and the planet.
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.