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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Runoff and accumulation of microplastics derived from polymer-coated fertilizer in Japanese paddy fields
ClearThe role of coated fertilizer used in paddy fields as a source of microplastics in the marine environment
Researchers found that polyethylene microcapsules from slow-release coated fertilizers used in Japanese paddy fields are a major source of coastal microplastic pollution, comprising up to 90% of all microplastics sampled during irrigation season, with coastal density influenced by topographic and meteorological conditions beyond simple agricultural land area.
The input–output balance of microplastics derived from coated fertilizer in paddy fields and the timing of their discharge during the irrigation season
This study tracked the input-output balance of microplastics from polymer-coated fertilizer capsules in Japanese paddy fields, finding that large numbers of microplastic capsule fragments are discharged into waterways during the irrigation season.
A first approach to estimate the leakage of polymer-coated fertilizer-derived microplastics from paddy fields to beaches
Researchers investigated polymer-coated fertilizer-derived microplastics (PE and PU) along Japanese coastlines, finding that direct drainage from paddy fields to beaches retained 27.9% of applied microcapsules, while river transport resulted in less than 0.2% reaching beaches, with the Sea of Japan coast showing nearly three times higher beach concentrations than Pacific coast sites.
Accumulation of microcapsules derived from coated fertilizer in paddy fields
Plastic microcapsules from slow-release coated fertilizers, each 2-5 mm in diameter, were found to accumulate in Japanese paddy fields after the fertilizer contents diffused. Unlike some other agricultural plastics, these microcapsules are not collected after use and have been found in large quantities in farmland and waterways.
Spatiotemporal variation in microplastics derived from polymer-coated fertilizer in an agricultural small river in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
Researchers tracked seasonal and daily variation of microplastics from polymer-coated fertilizer microcapsules in a small Japanese agricultural river, documenting their transport patterns and identifying timing of peak runoff events linked to agricultural practices.
Monitoring Microplastic Release from Simulated Paddy Fields in Controlled Planting Containers
Researchers used paddy field model containers equipped with soil, rice plants, and drainage systems to monitor the release and concentration patterns of microplastics from slow-release fertilizer (SRF) polymer coatings over 10 days under controlled conditions. The study found that SRF coatings shed measurable microplastic particles into drainage water, raising concern about agricultural microplastic pollution entering rivers and coastal waters.
A comparative assessment of polymer-coated and non-coated urea in direct-seeded rice: agronomic, economic, and environmental performance and sensitivity analysis
A field and modeling study in Japan compared polymer-coated urea (slow-release fertilizer wrapped in plastic capsules) with conventional urea, finding that despite the plastic pollution cost of the capsules, the coated fertilizer had a lower overall environmental cost because it reduced nitrogen runoff losses. However, the authors note that the environmental cost of microplastic pollution from the capsules is highly uncertain because the ecological harm of agricultural microplastics is still poorly understood. If alternative low-loss nitrogen application methods achieving over 50% nitrogen recovery can be developed, they could replace coated urea without the plastic pollution trade-off.
Biodegradation of microplastics derived from controlled release fertilizer coating: Selective microbial colonization and metabolism in plastisphere
Scientists studied how microplastics from fertilizer coatings break down in soil over more than two years, finding that polyethylene degraded the most (nearly 17% weight loss) while producing secondary microplastic fragments and chemical byproducts. Specific bacteria and fungi colonized the plastic surfaces, forming biofilms that helped break down the material. This research shows that coated fertilizers are a direct source of microplastic pollution in farmland, where the breakdown products could enter crops and groundwater.
Occurrence and emission characteristics of microplastics in agricultural surface runoff under different natural rainfall and short-term fertilizer application
Researchers investigated how microplastics travel from agricultural fields into waterways through surface runoff during natural rainfall events. They found that fertilizer application and rainfall intensity significantly affected the amount and type of microplastics washed off farmland. The study highlights agricultural runoff as a major pathway for microplastic transfer from land to aquatic environments.
An integrated assessment of microplastic pollution in coastal surface water and sediment of Japan
Researchers conducted a comprehensive survey of microplastic pollution across 14 coastal locations around Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa, measuring concentrations of 288.7 g/km2 in surface water and 1,185 kg/km2 in sediment and characterizing polymer types, shapes, and size distributions.
Mechanisms of microplastic generation from polymer-coated controlled-release fertilizers (PC-CRFs)
This study investigated how the plastic coatings on slow-release fertilizers break down and release microplastics into soil. Significantly more microplastic particles were released in soil conditions than in water alone, and wet-dry cycles accelerated the breakdown, meaning agricultural soils receiving these fertilizers may be accumulating substantial amounts of microplastic pollution.
Quantification and identification of microplastics in organic fertilizers: the implication for the manufacture and safe application
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in 23 commercial organic fertilizers, finding widespread presence at levels that could meaningfully contribute to agricultural soil pollution when fertilizers are applied. The results raise concerns about organic fertilizers as an underappreciated pathway for microplastics entering farm soils and the food system.
Contribution of mulch film to microplastics in agricultural soil and surface water in China
Researchers developed a framework to quantify how much agricultural mulch film contributes to microplastic contamination in farmland soil and surface water in China, measuring the ratio of mulch-derived particles to total microplastics from all sources.
Generation Characteristics of Micro Plastics from Different Types of Coated Controlled-Release Fertilizer Films
Researchers conducted soil incubation experiments simulating five years of continuous application of three polymer-coated controlled-release fertilizers to characterize microplastic generation from their degrading coating films. The study found that the polymer coating type significantly affected both fertilizer release characteristics and microplastic production, with changes in soil nitrogen fractions and electrical conductivity influencing the rate of membrane shell degradation and subsequent plastic particle release.
Uneven Distribution of Microplastic Pollution in Paddy Fields Driven by Irrigation Hydrodynamics
Microplastic distribution in paddy fields was found to be uneven, with accumulation patterns influenced by irrigation, tillage, and proximity to field edges. The study maps how common rice cultivation practices drive heterogeneous microplastic distribution in one of the world's most important cropping systems.
The potential contribution of microplastic pollution by organic fertilizers in agricultural soils of Bangladesh: quantification, characterization, and risk appraisals
Researchers found an average of 1,530 microplastic particles per kilogram of commercial organic fertilizer in Bangladesh, estimating that annual fertilizer application could introduce up to 1,387 metric tons of microplastics to agricultural soils nationwide.
Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in organic fertilizers in China
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in organic fertilizers across China, finding widespread plastic particles in compost, manure, and biosolids, identifying fertilizer application as an emerging pathway for microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils.
An Integrated Assessmentof Microplastic Pollutionin Coastal Surface Water and Sediment of Japan
Researchers conducted an integrated assessment of microplastic pollution in coastal surface water and sediment around Japan, providing a comprehensive dataset that clarifies the extent of contamination in Japanese coastal areas previously lacking systematic monitoring data.
[Distribution and Sources of Microplastics in Farmland Soil Along the Fenhe River].
This study investigated the distribution and sources of microplastics in farmland soil along the Fenhe River in China, finding widespread contamination from agricultural plastic films and other sources. The results highlight how agricultural plastic use contributes directly to microplastic buildup in food-producing soils.
[Distribution, Sources, and Behavioral Characteristics of Microplastics in Farmland Soil].
This systematic review summarizes existing research on how microplastics distribute, accumulate, and move through farmland soils worldwide. The study found that microplastics in agricultural soil come mainly from plastic mulch films, fertilizers, and irrigation water, with fibers and fragments being the most common shapes detected. Since farmland microplastics can be taken up by crops, this contamination pathway is a direct route for microplastics to enter the human food supply.
Quantification and Analysis of Microplastics in Farmland Soils: Characterization, Sources, and Pathways
This study quantified and characterized microplastics in farmland soils from multiple sites, identifying agricultural mulch films, irrigation water, and compost as major sources and documenting widespread soil contamination across different farming regions.
A risk assessment framework for fragmenting (micro-)plastics. A case study for polymer coated fertilizers in soil
Researchers developed a risk assessment framework specifically for fragmenting microplastics from polymer-coated fertilizers in agricultural soils, incorporating fragmentation dynamics and bioavailable particle fractions. The framework found that current environmental concentrations of PCF-derived microplastics approach hazardous levels for some soil organisms.
A nationwide assessment of microplastic abundance in agricultural soils: The influence of plastic crop covers within the United Kingdom
A nationwide study of 108 agricultural sites across the United Kingdom found microplastics in all soil samples, with concentrations averaging 3,680 particles per kilogram. Fields where plastic crop covers were used had significantly higher microplastic levels than those without plastic covers. This study shows that common agricultural plastic use is a major source of soil microplastic contamination, which could ultimately affect crop quality and enter the food chain.
Analysis of Slow-Released Fertilisers as a Source of Microplastics
Analysis of slow-release fertilisers coated with polymer shells found that these products can release microplastics into agricultural soils as the coatings degrade. Two major manufacturers' products showed varying polymer compositions and differing abilities to adsorb soil contaminants, raising concerns about MP accumulation from fertiliser use.