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Higher potential leaching of inorganic and organic additives from biodegradable compared to conventional agricultural plastic mulch film
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Researchers found that biodegradable agricultural plastic mulch films actually leach more organic additives and heavy metals into the environment than conventional polyethylene films, raising concerns about "pollution swapping" and highlighting gaps in regulatory oversight of these chemical mixtures.
Plastic mulch films support global food security, however, their composition and the potential release rates of organic, metal and metalloid co-contaminants remains relatively unknown. This study evaluates the low molecular weight organic additives, metal and metalloid content and leaching from low density polyethylene (LDPE) and biodegradable plastic mulch films. We identified 59 organic additives, and non-intentionally added substances in the new LDPE films (39.8 mg m-2) and 60 in the new biodegradable films (129 mg m-2). The leaching of organic compounds of high concern for ecosystem and human health (e.g. phthalates, organophosphite antioxidants) was comparable to those of low concern (fatty acids, fatty amides, alkanols). However, the majority of leached compounds have undergone no regulatory scrutiny and their environmental fate and toxicity remain unknown. Leaching of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb) was low relative to inert fillers (Ca, Na). Leaching was higher for both organic and metal/metalloid additives from the biodegradable films (74.6 mg m-2) than the LDPE films (23.7 mg m-2). This untargeted approach allowed assessment of the chemical burden posed to individual farms, based on existing use patterns of plastic mulch films, with higher chemical burden coming from biodegradable films, raising the potential for pollution swapping. This research emphasises the need to include the complex mixture of leached additives when assessing the environmental risks presented by plastic mulch films, balancing yield benefits with the protection of our agricultural soils.
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Thickness-dependent release of microplastics and phthalic acid esters from polythene and biodegradable residual films in agricultural soils and its related productivity effects
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Researchers conducted a two-year study comparing the release of microplastics and phthalic acid esters from polyethylene and biodegradable mulch films of different thicknesses in agricultural soil. The study found that biodegradable films degraded significantly more than polyethylene films, with thinner films breaking down faster, and that microplastic release from residual films can affect soil properties and crop productivity.
[Occurrence and Characteristics of Macro/Micro-plastics and Phthalates in Soils Under Different Plastic Film Mulching].
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Researchers assessed residual characteristics of macroplastics, microplastics, and phthalate plasticizers in agricultural soils under different plastic film mulching treatments over a three-year field experiment, comparing traditional PE film with three types of biodegradable mulch and a no-mulch control. The study examined whether biodegradable film substitution effectively reduces soil plastic and PAE residual pollution.
Evaluation of the sorption/desorption processes of pesticides in biodegradable mulch films used in agriculture
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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.
Environmental fate of microplastics and common polymer additives in non-biodegradable plastic mulch applied agricultural soils
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This review examines how plastic mulch films used in farming gradually break down and release both microplastics and chemical additives like phthalates and bisphenol A into agricultural soil. These chemicals have been found at concerning levels in farmland and can be taken up by crops, harm soil organisms like earthworms, and disrupt soil microbial communities, ultimately creating pathways for these toxins to enter our food.
Microplastics in agroecosystem – effects of plastic mulch film residues on soil-plant system
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This review examines how residues from both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable plastic mulch films accumulate in agricultural soils and affect plant growth and soil health. Both types of mulch film residues are found to have negative effects on the soil-plant system, raising questions about the environmental safety of biodegradable plastic alternatives.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.