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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Toxicity of aged and unaged conventional or biodegradable mulching films microplastics to the estuarine bivalve Scrobicularia plana
ClearToxicity of aged and unaged conventional or biodegradable mulching films microplastics to the estuarine bivalve Scrobicularia plana
This study assessed whether aging changes the toxicity of microplastics from conventional and biodegradable mulching films across soil and aquatic environments, testing both fresh and UV-aged particles on a range of organisms. Aging altered toxicity profiles of both conventional and biodegradable microplastics, with effects varying by polymer type and test species.
Toxicity of aged and unaged conventional or biodegradable mulching films microplastics to the estuarine bivalve Scrobicularia plana
This study tested the toxicity of microplastics derived from aged and unaged conventional and biodegradable mulching films on the estuarine bivalve Scrobicularia plana, finding that both types caused harm to this ecologically important species. Aged microplastics showed different toxicity profiles compared to fresh particles.
Effect of aging on the toxicity of polyethylene microplastics on the estuarine bivalve Scrobicularia plana
Researchers compared the toxicity of new versus artificially aged polyethylene microplastics on an estuarine bivalve species. They found that aged microplastics, which better represent what is actually found in the environment, caused different and sometimes greater biological effects than pristine particles. The study emphasizes the importance of using environmentally realistic aged microplastics in toxicity testing rather than only new materials.
Long-term effects of conventional and biodegradable microplastics from mulch on freshwater communities
Researchers examined the long-term effects of both conventional and biodegradable mulch film microplastics on freshwater zooplankton populations after leaching from agricultural soils. Even environmentally relevant concentrations of mulch-derived microplastics reduced zooplankton reproduction, with biodegradable mulch microplastics showing effects comparable to conventional plastics.
From plastic mulching to microplastic pollution : An effect assessment of microplastics in the soil-plant system
This review assessed how plastic mulching films contribute to agricultural microplastic pollution, finding that biodegradable alternatives rarely fully degrade under field conditions and instead fragment into microplastics, with both LDPE and biodegradable microplastics producing measurable ecological effects in soil-plant systems.
Are mulch biofilms used in agriculture an environmentally friendly solution? - An insight into their biodegradability and ecotoxicity using key organisms in soil ecosystems
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.
Response of terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber and mealworm Tenebrio molitor to non-degradable and biodegradable fossil-based mulching film microplastics
Researchers tested how two soil organisms, woodlice and mealworms, responded to microplastics from both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable mulching films used in farming. Both types of microplastics affected the organisms' gut bacteria and caused stress, though the effects varied by plastic type. The study challenges the assumption that biodegradable farm films are completely safe, since their microplastic fragments can still harm soil organisms important for healthy agricultural ecosystems.
Microplastics originated from agricultural mulching films affect enchytraeid multigeneration reproduction and soil properties
This study tested microplastics from real agricultural mulching films, both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable types, on small soil worms over multiple generations. Even biodegradable film microplastics reduced worm reproduction and altered soil properties like pH and water-holding capacity. The results show that microplastics from agricultural plastics, including supposedly eco-friendly alternatives, can harm soil organisms and threaten long-term soil health and food production.
Microplastics in agroecosystem – effects of plastic mulch film residues on soil-plant system
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.
Direct and indirect effects of microplastics from agricultural mulch films on terrestrial isopods Porcellionides pruinosus (Crustacea, Isopoda)
Researchers examined both direct and indirect effects of microplastics from agricultural mulch films on terrestrial isopods, comparing conventional polyethylene with biodegradable alternatives. The study found that indirect effects of microplastics on soil conditions often exceeded the direct toxic effects on the organisms, and that biodegradable mulch film microplastics were not necessarily less harmful than conventional plastic particles.
Continuum from microplastics to nanoplastics: effects of size and source on the estuarine bivalve Scrobicularia plana
Researchers exposed the estuarine bivalve Scrobicularia plana to environmentally realistic concentrations of both microplastics and nanoplastics to compare their toxic effects. The study found that particle size influenced toxicity profiles differently in gill and digestive gland tissues, suggesting that nanoplastics may pose distinct ecotoxicological risks compared to larger microplastic particles in estuarine organisms.
Comparing the impact of microplastics derived from a biodegradable and a conventional plastic mulch on plant performance
Researchers directly compared how microplastics from biodegradable and conventional plastic mulch films affect plant growth and found that biodegradable plastic particles actually reduced plant biomass more than conventional plastic particles in some cases. This challenges the assumption that biodegradable plastics are always safer for agriculture, since their breakdown products may still harm crops that end up in the human food supply.
Soil Microbial Biomass and Microarthropod Community Responses to Conventional and Biodegradable Plastics
Researchers assessed the medium-term effects of conventional polyethylene plastic mulch versus biodegradable alternatives on soil microbial biomass and microarthropod communities. They found that both plastic types and their residues in soil influenced biological communities over time, though the specific impacts differed between conventional and biodegradable materials. The study provides evidence that switching to bioplastic mulches may alter, but not necessarily eliminate, the effects of plastic residues on soil ecosystems.
Different mulch films, consistent results: soil fauna responses to microplastic
Scientists compared how conventional polyethylene and biodegradable PLA/PBAT microplastics affect earthworms and springtails in soil over 28 days. Neither plastic type significantly harmed reproduction, but subtle cellular stress responses were detected, and the effects were similar for both conventional and biodegradable plastics, suggesting that biodegradable alternatives may not be safer for soil organisms.
The long-term uncertainty of biodegradable mulch film residues and associated microplastics pollution on plant-soil health
This study investigated the long-term effects of biodegradable mulch film residues and their associated microplastics on soil health and plant growth. Researchers found that as biodegradable films break down faster than conventional plastics, they may actually generate more microplastics in a shorter timeframe. The results raise concerns that biodegradable mulch films, often promoted as eco-friendly alternatives, could pose their own risks to agricultural soil ecosystems.
Kinetics of microplastic generation from different types of mulch films in agricultural soil
Researchers investigated the kinetics of microplastic generation from different mulch films in agricultural soil, finding that weathering rates and microplastic formation patterns varied significantly between oxodegradable, biodegradable, and conventional plastic films.
Agricultural mulch films as soil microplastic contamination factor
This review examines agricultural mulch films as a source of soil microplastic contamination, summarizing evidence on degradation rates, particle accumulation in soil profiles, and impacts on soil properties and biological communities over time.
Microplastic contamination in agricultural soils from mulch films and organic amendments: Transformation mechanism, soil-Biota toxicity, and future perspectives
This review examines how agricultural soils are becoming increasingly contaminated with microplastics from plastic mulch films and organic amendments like compost, with land-based contamination being 4 to 23 times higher than in water. Microplastics in farmland can harm soil organisms, disrupt soil structure, and enter the food chain through crops, posing potential risks to human health.
A comparison of the toxicity induced by the exposure to microplastics made of a conventional and a biodegradable polymer on the earthworm Eisenia fetida
Researchers compared the toxicity of conventional versus biodegradable polymer microplastics on the earthworm Eisenia fetida, evaluating whether biodegradable alternatives present reduced ecotoxicological risk in soil environments where microplastic contamination is increasingly documented.
Multigenerational toxicity of microplastics derived from two types of agricultural mulching films to Folsomia candida
This study tested whether microplastics from agricultural plastic mulch films affected springtail reproduction over five generations. Surprisingly, neither biodegradable nor conventional plastic microplastics caused significant harm to survival or reproduction at environmentally relevant levels. While reassuring for soil invertebrates, the study only looked at one species, and other organisms may respond differently to these common agricultural contaminants.
Microplastics from agricultural mulch films: Biodegradation and ecotoxicity in freshwater systems
Researchers investigated the biodegradation and ecotoxicity of microplastics derived from bio-based biodegradable agricultural mulch films in freshwater systems. They found that UV-aged particles triggered stronger antioxidant defense responses in insect larvae compared to pristine particles, though long-term survival and growth were not significantly affected. The study suggests that while biodegradable mulch microplastics do interact with freshwater organisms, the ecological effects observed were relatively moderate at the concentrations tested.
Microplastics distribution and microbial community characteristics of farmland soil under different mulch methods
This study compared microplastic distribution and soil microbial community structure in farmland soils under different plastic film mulching methods including no mulch, biodegradable film, and conventional polyethylene film. Mulching method significantly altered both microplastic abundance and microbial diversity in the top soil layer.
Macro and microplastics in agricultural soils after use of conventional and biodegradable plastics
Researchers sampled 38 agricultural fields where different plastic products had been used — conventional polyethylene mulching films, polypropylene weed fabrics, biodegradable PBAT mulching films, frost covers, and oxo-degradable films — analyzing both macro and microplastics in soil at varying size fractions. They found plastic particles from all film types present in soils, with biodegradable and oxo-degradable films producing detectable microplastics, raising concerns about all agricultural plastic categories.
A review of soil pollution from LDPE mulching films and the consequences of the substitute biodegradable plastic on soil health
This review examines how conventional plastic mulch films break down into micro- and nanoplastics in agricultural soil, disrupting soil health, microbial communities, and plant growth. Researchers compare these effects with biodegradable plastic mulches, which are designed to decompose more safely. The study highlights that while biodegradable alternatives show promise, more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects on soil ecosystems.