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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Long-term effects of conventional and biodegradable microplastics from mulch on freshwater communities
ClearLong-term effects of conventional and biodegradable microplastics from mulch on freshwater communities
Researchers used outdoor mesocosms to study how conventional (polyethylene) and biodegradable (PBAT) microplastics from mulch films affect freshwater zooplankton and macroinvertebrate communities over 60 days, finding measurable community-level effects at environmentally relevant concentrations.
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.
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.
Toxicity of aged and unaged conventional or biodegradable mulching films microplastics to the estuarine bivalve Scrobicularia plana
Researchers tested the toxicity of aged and unaged microplastics from both conventional and biodegradable mulch films on soil organisms under realistic agricultural exposure conditions. Aged mulch film microplastics were more toxic than virgin particles, and biodegradable alternatives were not inherently less harmful to soil biota.
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.
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.
Microplastics from biodegradable mulching films affect soil physicochemical properties and earthworm reproduction, but not microarthropod communities
Researchers studied the long-term effects of biodegradable mulching film microplastics on soil properties and soil organisms in a 13-week controlled mesocosm experiment. The study found that even the lowest concentration of microplastics (0.025%) significantly altered soil pH and aggregate structure, and higher concentrations reduced earthworm reproduction. However, springtail communities were not affected, suggesting different soil organisms have varying sensitivity to biodegradable microplastics.
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.
Soil biota modulate the effects of microplastics on biomass and diversity of plant communities
Researchers used mesocosm experiments with natural soil biota to compare the effects of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics on plant community biomass and diversity. Soil biota modulated the impact of microplastics, with biodegradable plastics showing similar effects to conventional plastics on plant community structure, challenging the assumption that biodegradable alternatives are environmentally benign.
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.
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.
Effects of microplastic properties and dissolved organic matter on phosphorus availability in soil and aqueous mediums
Researchers studied how different types of microplastics from agricultural mulching films affect phosphorus availability in soil and water. They found that both conventional plastics like polyethylene and biodegradable plastics like polylactic acid significantly reduced available phosphorus in soil, with smaller and more concentrated particles causing the greatest reductions. The study suggests that microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils may impair nutrient availability for crops.
Impact of long-term conventional and biodegradable film mulching on microplastic abundance, soil structure and organic carbon in a cotton field
Researchers compared microplastic levels in cotton fields after 23 years of plastic film mulching and found that switching to biodegradable film actually produced more total microplastics than continuing with conventional polyethylene film. The biodegradable film broke down into many small particles that also reduced beneficial soil microbes and dissolved organic carbon. This challenges the idea that biodegradable agricultural films are a simple solution to farmland plastic pollution.
Investigating aquatic biodegradation and changes in the properties of pristine and UV-irradiated microplastics from conventional and biodegradable agricultural plastics
Researchers compared the biodegradation of conventional and biodegradable agricultural plastic mulching films in aquatic environments, testing both pristine and UV-weathered samples. The study found that while biodegradable plastics break down well under controlled composting conditions, their degradation in non-target environments like water bodies is considerably less predictable.
Microplastics from conventional and biodegradable mulch films alter microbial necromass accumulation and organic carbon sequestration in farmland soils
Researchers compared how microplastics from conventional polyethylene and biodegradable mulch films affect soil organic carbon storage over 120 days. They found that both types of microplastics altered microbial activity and reduced the accumulation of microbial-derived carbon in soil. The study suggests that even biodegradable plastics, once broken into microplastics, may interfere with soil carbon sequestration in farmland.
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.
Nonlinear microbial nutrient limitation responses to biodegradable vs. conventional microplastics under long-term agricultural management
Researchers sampled long-term agricultural plots to compare how biodegradable and conventional microplastics affect microbial nutrient limitation in soil. Both types of MPs altered microbial metabolism, with biodegradable MPs in some cases causing greater disruption to nutrient cycling than conventional plastics.
[Occurrence and Characteristics of Macro/Micro-plastics and Phthalates in Soils Under Different Plastic Film Mulching].
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.
Combined impacts of micoplastic type, concentrations and nutrient loading on freshwater communities and ecosystems
Researchers used 40 outdoor freshwater mesocosms to test the independent and interactive effects of microplastic type (conventional vs. bio-based biodegradable), particle concentration, and nutrient enrichment on pelagic community structure and ecosystem functions including phytoplankton biomass, periphyton productivity, and leaf litter decomposition, finding no significant impacts at the ecosystem scale.
iMulch: an investigation of the influence of polymers on a terrestrial ecosystem using the example of mulch films used in agriculture
This research project studied how plastic mulch films used in farming break down into microplastics in soil, comparing conventional polyethylene films with biodegradable alternatives. The findings show that both types of mulch release microplastic particles into agricultural soil, though they behave differently in the environment, raising questions about the true sustainability of biodegradable farm plastics.