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Palucha N, Fojt J, Holátko J, Hammerschmiedt T, Kintl A, Brtnický M, Řezáčová V, De Winterb K, Uitterhaegen E, Kučerík J. Does poly-3-hydroxybutyrate biodegradation affect the quality of soil organic matter? CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141300. [PMID: 38286312 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The search for eco-friendly substitutes for traditional plastics has led to the production of biodegradable bioplastics. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of bioplastic biodegradation on soil health. Despite these concerns, the potential negative consequences of bioplastics during various stages of biodegradation remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of micro-bioplastics made of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) on the properties of three different soils. In our ten-month experiment, we investigated the impact of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) on Chernozem, Cambisol, and Phaeozem soils. Our study focused on changes in soil organic matter (SOM), microbial activity, and the level of soil carbon and nitrogen. The observed changes indicated an excessive level of biodegradation of SOM after the soils were enriched with micro-particles of P3HB, with concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 3%. The thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of residual P3HB (particularly in the 3% treatment) and underscored the heightened biodegradation of SOM, especially in the more stable SOM fractions. This was notably evident in Phaeozem soils, where even the stable SOM pool was affected. Elemental analysis revealed changes in soil organic carbon content following P3HB degradation, although nitrogen levels remained constant. Enzymatic activity was found to vary with soil type and responded differently across P3HB concentration levels. Our findings confirmed that P3HB acts as a bioavailable carbon source. Its biodegradation stimulates the production of enzymes, which in turn affects various soil elements, indicating complex interactions within the soil ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natálie Palucha
- Brno University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Purkyňova 118, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic; Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW, Rodenhuizekaai 1, Desteldonk, Gent, 9042, Belgium
| | - Jakub Fojt
- Textile Testing Institute, Cejl 480/12, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Holátko
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic; Agrovyzkum Rapotin, Ltd, Výzkumniků 267, 788 13, Rapotin, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Hammerschmiedt
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic
| | - Antonin Kintl
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic; Agricultural Research, Ltd, Zahradní 400/1, 664 41, Troubsko, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Brtnický
- Brno University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Purkyňova 118, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic; Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Řezáčová
- Brno University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Purkyňova 118, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
| | - Karel De Winterb
- Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW, Rodenhuizekaai 1, Desteldonk, Gent, 9042, Belgium
| | - Evelien Uitterhaegen
- Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW, Rodenhuizekaai 1, Desteldonk, Gent, 9042, Belgium
| | - Jiří Kučerík
- Brno University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Purkyňova 118, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic.
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Filipe S, Mourão PM, Couto N, Tranchida D. Towards a Sustainable Future: Advancing an Integrated Approach for the Recycling and Valorization of Agricultural Plastics. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4529. [PMID: 38231954 PMCID: PMC11080938 DOI: 10.3390/polym15234529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental issue. The agricultural sector, in particular, is a significant contributor to this problem, given the widespread use of plastics in farming practices and a lack of and/or use of inefficient approaches for the recycling and valorization of agricultural plastic waste. This has resulted in the accumulation of these residues in landfills and/or their improper disposal, which has exacerbated their environmental impact, leading to negative consequences on soil, water, and ecosystems. This work provides an overview on the current methodologies available to address the challenges associated with inadequate management of agricultural plastics and highlights the need for a comprehensive and systematic methodology, involving material development, polymer processing, waste collection, sorting, and valorization. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between polymer producers, polymer manufacturers, farmers, policymakers, waste management companies, and recyclers to develop effective, technical, and economically viable recycling and valorization schemes. This paper addresses gaps and provides guidance on possible solutions, specifically polymer development, policy instruments, regulatory frameworks, collection schemes, and the technical approaches required for the adequate valorization of agricultural plastic waste. Furthermore, it highlights the associated barriers and benefits of the different presented approaches. It also aims to promote awareness on agricultural plastic waste and provide guidance on the best approaches to reduce its environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Filipe
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Paulo Mira Mourão
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal;
| | - Nazaré Couto
- CENSE—Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal;
| | - Davide Tranchida
- Competence Center Advanced Polymer Characterisation, Borealis GmbH, Sankt Peter Strasse 25, 4021 Linz, Austria;
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Jiang D, Chen X, Yan L, Yang J, Li Y. Mechanical and friction properties of agricultural plastic film during autumn harvest period of cotton in Xinjiang, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:89238-89252. [PMID: 37452244 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28642-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural plastic films have caused serious plastic pollution. There are many studies that consider mechanical recycling an appropriate system for the recovery of post-consumption agricultural mulch film. The recovery effect of plastic film depends on the mechanical properties, the level of dirtiness of the post-consumption film, and the recycling process itself. In this study, the mechanical properties of four types of polyethylene plastic films with a thickness of 8, 10, 12, and 10 μm, weather-resistant, commonly used in Xinjiang cotton fields, were tested. As well as the friction coefficient between the film and soil, the cotton stalk, boll shell, and leaf with different moisture contents were measured. Then, the self-propelled straw chopping and residual film recycling combined machine collected the four types of mulch films. The results showed that the longitudinal mechanical properties of the plastic film were greater than the transversal ones, with the exception of the nominal tensile strain at break, and the tensile characteristics of the mulching film covered with soil were greater than those without soil. The dynamic or static friction coefficient between the film and the contact material had a linear relationship with the moisture content of the material. During the recycling operation, the better the mechanical properties of the plastic film, the higher the pick-up rate of the mulch film. The maximum longitudinal tensile force of 12-μm plastic film was 3.42 N, and the nominal tensile strain at break was 303.09%. The pick-up rate reached more than 93% when the 12-μm plastic film was recovered in autumn, which effectively reduced the residue of plastic film coverage in the current year. Moreover, the more soil that was present on the much film, the greater the soil content of the recycled film roll, and the stalk content also increased, but the change was small. The research provides a reference for the mechanical and the friction features of agricultural plastic film in Xinjiang, and provides a theoretical basis for the formulation of standards for film thickness and mechanical properties, as well as the design and optimization of a residual film collecting machine in the cotton field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deli Jiang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Agricultural Equipment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | - Xuegeng Chen
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China.
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Agricultural Equipment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shihezi, 832003, China.
| | - Limin Yan
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Agricultural Equipment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | - Jiacheng Yang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Agricultural Equipment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shihezi, 832003, China
| | - Ying Li
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Agricultural Equipment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shihezi, 832003, China
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Wang P, Liu J, Han S, Wang Y, Duan Y, Liu T, Hou L, Zhang Z, Li L, Lin Y. Polyethylene mulching film degrading bacteria within the plastisphere: Co-culture of plastic degrading strains screened by bacterial community succession. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:130045. [PMID: 36162306 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As an ecological niche close to the polymer, microorganisms in the plastisphere possess the advantage of degrading plastics. This study aims to investigate the bacterial community succession and obtain degrading bacteria in the plastisphere, as well as identify the most efficient degradation combination by co-culture of multiple strains. The findings demonstrate the alpha-diversity indices of the plastisphere bacterial community are significantly lower, and the community structure is regularly and significantly altered. With the time of culture, the plastisphere community composition alters regularly, and the hydrocarbon-degrading genera become the core members. Functional prediction of community reveals the potential for Xenobiotics Biodegradation and Metabolism of plastisphere, and the apparent variations detections of polyethylene mulching film (PMF) indicating the PMF degrading ability of plastisphere. Besides, three PMF-degrading bacterial strains, Rhodopseudomonas sp. P1 (P), Rhodanobacter sp. Rs (R) and Microbacterium sp. M1 (M), are screened for co-culture with PMF degrading strain Bacillus aryabhattai 5-3 (B). By considering bacterial growth, biofilm adhesion, and apparent degradation of different samples, RB (R. sp. Rs + B. aryabhattai 5-3) is ultimately selected as the best PMF degradation combination. This study provides a new possibility for plastisphere-related research from the perspective of mitigating plastic pollution on agricultural land.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyuan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Jiaxi Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Siqi Han
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Yufan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Yifan Duan
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Tingting Liu
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Lijun Hou
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, PR China
| | - Yanbing Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, PR China.
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Wang P, Liu T, Liu J, Duan Y, Han S, Zhang Z, Li L, Lin Y. Effects of different colored polyethylene mulching films on bacterial communities from soil during enrichment incubation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 246:114160. [PMID: 36215881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that mulching agricultural fields with plastic residues can influence microbial communities in the environment, but few studies have investigated the differences in the soil microbial communities in distinct areas under mulching with different colored plastic products. Thus, in this study, we explored how different colored polyethylene mulching films (PMFs) might affect soil bacterial communities during enrichment incubation. We found significant differences in the bacterial communities under different colored PMFs after incubation. Treatment with the same colored PMF obtained more similar bacterial community compositions. For instance, at the class level, Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidia were most abundant with black PMF, whereas Actinobacteria and Bacteroidia were most abundant with white PMF. The most abundant genera were Acinetobacter and Chryseobacterium with black PMF but Rhodanobacter and Paenarthrobacter with white PMF. Polyethylene- and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were the core members detected under both treatments, and the bacterial communities were predicted to have the potential for the biodegradation and metabolism of xenobiotics after enrichment culture according to the Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) tool. In addition, the bacterial communities in soil from Xinjiang treated with white PMF and in soil from Yangling treated with black PMF were strongly correlated and stable. Our results suggest that the color of the PMF applied affected the soil bacterial communities, where plastics with the same color may have recruited similar species of microorganisms, although the origins of these microorganisms were not the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyuan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jiaxi Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yifan Duan
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Siqi Han
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Yanbing Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China.
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6
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Jiao M, Wang Y, Li T, Li R, Liu B. Riverine microplastics derived from mulch film in Hainan Island: Occurrence, source and fate. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 312:120093. [PMID: 36064060 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mulch film (MF) residues is an important source of microplastics (MPs) in farmland, but its transportation risk to the wider environment was still unknown. Some researches have pursued the sources of MPs found in exorheic rivers. Even so, a systematic study depicting the occurrence, source and fate of microplastics derived from mulch films (MPMF), the crucial component of MPs in farmlands, in exorheic rivers still lacking. Here, the combination of UV-Vis Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to identify the full-size MPMF (1-5000 μm) in field sediment samples collected by single-diagonal systematic sampling. This study verified that MPMF, a polyethylene-matrix composite doped with additives, contributed a considerable part of MPs detected in upstream farmland soil and riverine sediments, and even had an abundance of 38 ± 11 items/kg to 82 ± 15 items/kg, accounting for 9.0%-13.7% of the total MPs in estuary sediments. Notably, upstream farmland was identified to the main source of the riverine MPMF by partial least square path modeling (PLS-PM), contributing to 94.7% of MPMF in riverside sediments and 85.0% of MPMF in estuary sediments. Our study first demonstrates that MPMF constitutes a non-negligible component of MPs in estuarine sediments and underlines the urgency of strengthening the management of MPs pollution in drainage areas with a high agricultural intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Jiao
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Tiezhu Li
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Ruilong Li
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| | - Beibei Liu
- Institute of Environmental and Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, China
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Wang P, Song T, Bu J, Zhang Y, Liu J, Zhao J, Zhang T, Xi J, Xu J, Li L, Lin Y. Does bacterial community succession within the polyethylene mulching film plastisphere drive biodegradation? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 824:153884. [PMID: 35182639 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural fields are severely contaminated with polyethylene mulching film (PMF) and this plastic in the natural environment can be colonized by biofilm-forming microorganisms that differ from those in the surrounding environment. In this study, we investigated the succession of the soil microbial communities in the PMF plastisphere using an artificial micro-ecosystem as well as exploring the degradation of PMF by plastisphere communities. The results indicated a significant and gradual decrease in the alpha diversity of the bacterial communities in the plastisphere and surrounding liquid. The community compositions in the plastisphere and surrounding liquid differed significantly from that in agricultural soil. Phyla and genera with the capacity to degrade polyethylene and hydrocarbon were enriched in the plastisphere, and some of these microorganisms were core members of the plastisphere community. Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) analysis detected increases in metabolism pathways for PMF plastisphere Xenobiotics Biodegradation and Metabolism, thereby suggesting the possibility of polyethylene degradation in the plastisphere. Observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated the formation of biofilms on the incubated PMF. SEM, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and water contact angle detected significant changes in the surface microstructure, chemical composition and hydrophobicity change of the films, thereby suggesting that the plastisphere community degraded PMF during incubation. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the changes in agricultural soil microorganisms in the PMF plastisphere and the degradation of PMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyuan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Tianjiao Song
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jingshu Bu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yiqiong Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jiaxi Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jianbo Zhao
- College of Innovation and Experiment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Tingkai Zhang
- College of Innovation and Experiment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jiao Xi
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jing Xu
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agriculture University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Yanbing Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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