We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of different sizes of polystyrene micro(nano)plastics on soil microbial communities.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study tested how polystyrene micro- and nanoplastic particles of three sizes affect soil microbial communities and nutrient cycling, finding that smaller particles caused greater disruption to nitrogen cycling and microbial activity. The results suggest that as plastics in soil fragment into smaller pieces over time, their impact on soil biology and fertility may worsen.
Micro(nano)plastic (MNP) pollution in soil environments is a major concern, but the effects of different sizes of MNPs on soil microbial communities, which are crucial in nutrient cycling, has not been well investigated. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of polystyrene (PS) MNPs of different sizes (0.05-, 0.5-, and 5-μm) on soil microbial activity and community composition. Changes in inorganic N concentration, microbial biomass, and extracellular enzyme activities were determined in soils treated with 100 and 1000 μg PS MNPs g soil during a 40-d incubation experiment. Soil microbial biomass was significantly lowered when soils were treated with 0.5- or 5-μm MNPs at 100 and 1000 μg PS MNPs g soil. NH concentration was higher in soils treated with 5-μm MNPs at 100 and 1000 μg g soil than in the control soils at day 1, suggesting that MNPs inhibited the soil nitrification in short term. In contrast, extracellular enzyme activity was not altered by MNPs. The composition of microbial communities analyzed by Illumina MiSeq sequencing changed; particularly, the relative abundance of several bacteria related to N cycling, such as the genus Rhizomicrobium belonging to Alphaproteobacteria was decreased by 0.5- and 5-μm MNPs. Our study shows that the size of MNPs is an important factor that can determine their effects on soil microbial communities. Therefore, the size effects need to be considered in assessing the environmental impacts of MNPs.
More Papers Like This
Divergent responses in microbial metabolic limitations and carbon use efficiency to variably sized polystyrene microplastics in soil
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics of all sizes disrupted soil microbe metabolism, but the smallest particles (nanoscale, 0.1 micrometers) caused the most stress. Smaller particles were more likely to enter microbial cells directly and reduce the efficiency with which soil microbes process carbon. This matters because soil microbes play a critical role in carbon cycling, and widespread microplastic contamination could affect how soil stores and releases carbon.
Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics reduces bacterial and fungal biomass in microfabricated soil models
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used micro-engineered soil models to study how polystyrene nanoplastics affect soil bacteria and fungi. They found that nanoplastic exposure reduced both bacterial and fungal biomass, with bacteria showing a linear dose-dependent decline and fungi being affected even at the lowest concentrations. The study suggests that nanoplastic pollution in soil may suppress the microbial communities essential for healthy soil function.
The need to focus on plastic in terrestrial environments: Do micro- and nanoplastic affect microorganisms in soil?
AI summary Read the abstract
This study used microfluidic chips to test whether micro- and nanoplastic polystyrene particles affect soil microorganisms, finding measurable effects on microbial behavior in simulated soil channels. The results highlight the need for greater research attention on how microplastics affect soil ecosystems, which have received far less study than aquatic environments.
Effects of nanopolystyrene addition on nitrogen fertilizer fate, gaseous loss of N from the soil, and soil microbial community composition
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that nanopolystyrene particles added to agricultural soil disrupted nitrogen cycling by altering microbial community composition and increasing gaseous nitrogen losses, potentially reducing fertilizer efficiency and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions in agroecosystems.
Size-dependent effects of polystyrene plastic particles on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as related to soil physicochemical properties.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study exposed the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to two sizes of polystyrene particles in both liquid and soil media and found that smaller particles were more toxic in liquid while larger particles caused greater harm in soil. The results show that the physical properties of the surrounding environment significantly influence how microplastics harm soil organisms.
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.