We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The response of soil ecosystem multifunctionality to two different microplastics of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride
AI summary Read the abstract
A 144-day soil incubation experiment found that both polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics increased soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, and enzyme activities, while shifting microbial community composition in ways dependent on polymer type, dose, and particle size. Because soil ecosystem multifunctionality—nutrient cycling, microbial activity, and fertility—is altered by microplastic exposure, widespread soil contamination poses a long-term threat to agricultural productivity and food security.
To elucidate the response of soil ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) to microplastics (MPs), with particular emphasis on the effects of MPs’ type, dose, and particle size. A 144-day soil incubation experiment was conducted using two common MPs: polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The experiment employed three doses (0.1%, 1.0%, and 5.0%) and two particle sizes (150 mesh and 500 mesh). Soil EMF was assessed by measuring soil available nutrients (dissolved organic carbon, DOC; available nitrogen, NO3−-N and NH4+-N; and available phosphorus, AP), enzyme activities (urease, invertase, and alkaline phosphatase), and microbial community composition (analyzed via phospholipid fatty acids, PLFA). Both PE and PVC significantly increased DOC and AP, whileNO3−-N exhibited a mixed response and NH4+-N remained unchanged. Soil enzyme activities generally increased with MPs, particularly in PE treatments, whereas PVC treatments showed decreased activity at higher doses. PLFA analysis revealed that the microbial community structure varied depending on the type, dose, and particle size of MPs. Soil EMF consistently increased under both types of MPs, with larger-sized MPs and PVC treatments showing greater effects. Soil enzymes (including invertase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase), soil DOC and AP, as well as the relative abundance of general bacteria and G− bacteria, were the important variables for predicting the impact of MPs on soil EMF, and soil enzymes exhibited the highest contribution to the soil EMF. Our findings highlight the complex impacts of MPs on soil ecological functions and underscore the need for further research to comprehensively evaluate the effects of MPs pollution on soil ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics Change Soil Nutrient Availability, Microbial Properties, and Ecosystem Multifunctionality of a Red Soil
AI summary Read the abstract
A two-month incubation experiment found that polyethylene and PVC microplastics disrupt soil nutrient availability, microbial communities, and overall ecosystem function in red soil, with effects varying by plastic type, size, and dose. Soil microplastic contamination threatens agricultural productivity by undermining the microbial processes that keep soils fertile.
Microplastics and Their Effects on Soil Function as a Life-Supporting System
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics alter essential soil functions by changing soil structure, water retention, microbial communities, and nutrient cycling in ways that threaten the life-supporting capacity of agricultural and natural soils. As terrestrial microplastic contamination continues to grow — exceeding ocean concentrations in many regions — the long-term health of soil ecosystems and food production is at risk.
Microplastic Pollution in Terrestrial Systems: Sources and Implications for Soil Functioning and Plant Performance
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how microplastics enter terrestrial ecosystems through atmospheric deposition, irrigation, and agricultural mulching and found they reduce soil moisture, disrupt microbial communities, impair nutrient cycling, and harm earthworms — collectively threatening soil health and plant performance in agricultural and natural systems.
Microplastic in Soil Ecosystem: Transition and Ecological Impacts
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined how microplastics transition through soil ecosystems, alter soil structure, affect microbial communities, and impact plant health and agricultural productivity. Soil microplastic contamination is a growing threat to food security because it degrades the biological systems that underpin crop growth while simultaneously introducing chemical additives into the root zone where they can be taken up by edible plants.
Microplastics, Their Toxic Effects on Living Organisms in Soil Biota and Their Fate: An Appraisal
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics exert toxic effects on soil biota including earthworms, nematodes, and microorganisms, disrupting nutrient cycling and undermining ecosystem services that agriculture depends on. Their persistence in soils and accumulation through food chains represent a growing threat to terrestrial biodiversity and food system safety.
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.