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Biodegradability of Innovative Bio-Based Films Enriched with Monoammonium Phosphate
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Novel bio-based mulch films made from chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium alginate in a 1:1 ratio achieved over 90% biodegradation within 120 days under soil conditions, confirmed by isotopic tracing and pyrolysis-GC-MS analysis. These biodegradable alternatives directly address agricultural plastic mulch as one of the primary sources of microplastic contamination in farmland soils worldwide.
The widespread use of conventional plastic mulch films in agriculture contributes significantly to soil pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature. This study explores the potential of novel bio-based mulch films composed of chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium alginate, formulated in different ratios (1:1 and 17:3), with or without enrichment with monoammonium phosphate (MAP), to serve as biodegradable films with potential nutrient-releasing functionality as alternatives to conventional plastics. A multi-analytical approach, including elemental and isotopic analysis (EA-IRMS), biodegradation assays, and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), was employed to assess their chemical properties, degradation behavior, and environmental compatibility. The results demonstrated that the 1:1 films, both with and without MAP, achieved over 90% biodegradation within 120 days under controlled soil conditions, in agreement with international criteria for soil biodegradability. In contrast, the 17:3 films showed reduced degradation, especially without MAP enrichment, highlighting the influence of polymer composition on microbial degradation. Isotopic tracing confirmed MAP integration and revealed composition-dependent fractionation effects. Py-GC-MS provided structural fingerprints of film components and putatively annotated nitrogen-containing compounds indicative of chitosan presence. Overall, these results demonstrate that the 1:1 films can be considered viable, multifunctional, and soil-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic mulches for sustainable agriculture.
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Researchers developed biodegradable mulch films from a blend of carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, and sodium alginate enriched with ammonium phosphate, finding that adjusting polymer ratios and crosslinking with calcium chloride improved water resistance and mechanical strength while enabling controlled slow-release of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients into soil.
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Researchers tested the biodegradability of chitosan-based films enhanced with metal oxides and graphene as potential replacements for conventional plastic packaging. When buried in soil, the films showed significant weight loss and structural breakdown within weeks, confirming they can decompose naturally. The study suggests that these bio-based materials, which also have antimicrobial properties, could offer a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based food packaging.
MineralizationandTransfer of Polymer-Derived Carbonfrom Biodegradable Mulch into the Soil Microbial Biomass and OrganicMatter Pool
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Researchers developed a novel isotope-tracing approach to track how carbon from biodegradable mulch films enters soil microbial biomass, organic matter, and CO2, distinguishing between catabolic and anabolic pathways. The study provides improved understanding of the fate of biodegradable mulch polymer carbon in agroecosystems, with implications for evaluating biodegradable mulch as a substitute for conventional plastic films.
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Researchers assessed the biodegradation and ecotoxicity of a commercial biodegradable mulch biofilm in soil systems. The study found that while marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic mulch, biodegradable films did not fully degrade under natural soil conditions as certification standards would predict. The results suggest that more rigorous testing under realistic field conditions is needed before assuming these products are safe for soil ecosystems.
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