1
|
Wang F, Cheng H, Lin S, Twagirayezu G, Xiao H, Gan C, Hu J, Wang Y, Hu R. Microplastics and biochar interactively affect nitrous oxide emissions from tobacco planting soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 952:175885. [PMID: 39216758 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175885] [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: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Biochar application to amend acidified tobacco-soils can enhance tobacco quality and reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Microplastics from agricultural mulch are commonly found in cash-crop farmland soils and, together with biochar, affect soil N2O emissions. In this study, we applied three types of microplastics (polyethylene, PE; polylactic acid, PLA; polybutylene adipate terephthalate, PBAT) and rice biochar alone or in combination to acidified tobacco planting soil in central China to investigate their effects on soil N2O emissions, soil chemical properties, nitrogen-cycle-related functional genes, and microbial functional diversity during a 35-day laboratory incubation period. Significant increases in N₂O emissions were observed with PE and PLA, which raised emissions by 15.96 % and 21.52 %, respectively. Additionally, different microplastics affected soil N₂O emissions through distinct regulatory pathways. Co-application of microplastics and biochar suppressed N2O emissions compared to microplastics alone. Biochar mitigates N2O emissions mainly by increasing the abundance of the nosZ gene. It can remediate soil contaminated by microplastics and reduce their negative impacts on the soil environment. This study provides deeper insight into the effects of microplastics on soil nitrogen cycling and biochar-mitigated remediation of microplastic-contaminated soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feier Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hongguang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou 550002, China
| | - Shan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Gratien Twagirayezu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou 550002, China
| | - Hengbin Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Cai Gan
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jinli Hu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ronggui Hu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang J, Song M, Lu M, Wang C, Zhu C, Dou X. Insights into effects of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on organic carbon decomposition in different soil aggregates. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124751. [PMID: 39151783 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124751] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The impacts of microplastics on soil ecological functions such as carbon recycling and soil structure maintenance have been extensively focused. However, the mechanisms underlying the impacts of microplastics on soil carbon transformation and soil microbial community at soil aggregate scale have not been clarified yet. In this work, the effects and action mechanisms of traditional microplastic polypropylene (PP) and degradable microplastic polylactic acid (PLA) on carbon transformation in three sizes of soil aggregates were investigated. The results showed that both PP and PLA promoted CO2 emission, and the effect depended on the type and content of microplastics, and the size of soil aggregates. Changes in soil carbon stocks were mainly driven by changes in organic carbon associated with macroaggregates. For macroaggregates, PP microplastics decreased soil organic carbon (SOC) as well as dissolved organic carbon (DOC). These changes were reversed in microaggregates and silt and clay. Interestingly, PLA increased the SOC, DOC and CO2 emissions in bulk soil and all three aggregates with a dose-effect response. These changes were associated with soil microbes, functional genes and enzymes associated with the degradation of labile and recalcitrant carbon fractions. Furthermore, PP and PLA reduced bacterial community diversities and shifted bacterial community structures in both the three aggregates and in bulk soil. Alterations of functional genes induced by microplastics were the key driving factors of their impacts on carbon transformation in soil aggregates. This research opened up a new insight into the mechanisms underlying the impacts of microplastics on soil carbon transformation, and helped us make rational assessments of the risks and the disturbances of microplastics on soil carbon cycling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Minghua Song
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, A11, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Mengnan Lu
- Beijing Langxinming Environmental Technology Co. Ltd., 16 W 4th Ring Middle Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Chenying Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaomin Dou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang H, Zhu W, Zhang J, Müller C, Wang L, Jiang R. Enhancing soil gross nitrogen transformation through regulation of microbial nitrogen-cycling genes by biodegradable microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135528. [PMID: 39154476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135528] [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: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in agricultural plastic film mulching system changes microbial functions and nutrient dynamics in soils. However, how biodegradable MPs impact the soil gross nitrogen (N) transformations and crop N uptake remain significantly unknown. In this study, we conducted a paired labeling 15N tracer experiment and microbial N-cycling gene analysis to investigate the dynamics and mechanisms of soil gross N transformation processes in soils amended with conventional (polyethylene, PE) and biodegradable (polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate, PBAT) MPs at concentrations of 0 %, 0.5 %, and 2 % (w/w). The biodegradable MPs-amended soils showed higher gross N mineralization rates (0.5-16 times) and plant N uptake rates (16-32 %) than soils without MPs (CK) and with conventional MPs. The MPs (both PE and PBAT) with high concentration (2 %) increased gross N mineralization rates compared to low concentration (0.5 %). Compare to CK, MPs decreased the soil gross nitrification rates, except for PBAT with 2 % concentration; while PE with 0.5 % concentration and PBAT with 2 % concentration increased but PBAT with 0.5 % concentration decreased the gross N immobilization rates significantly. The results indicated that there were both a concentration effect and a material effect of MPs on soil gross N transformations. Biodegradable MPs increased N-cycling gene abundance by 60-103 %; while there was no difference in the abundance of total N-cycling genes between soils without MPs and with conventional MPs. In summary, biodegradable MPs increased N cycling gene abundance by providing enriched nutrient substrates and enhancing microbial biomass, thereby promoting gross N transformation processes and maize N uptake in short-term. These findings provide insights into the potential consequences associated with the exposure of biodegradable MPs, particularly their impact on soil N cycling processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Research Center for cultural Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, China-Portugal Belt and Road Cooperation Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- College of Civil and Architecture Engineering, Chuzhou University, Chuzhou 239000, China
| | - Jinbo Zhang
- School of Breeding and Multiplication, Hainan University, Sanya 570228, China; Liebig Centre for Agroecology and Climate Impact Research, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christoph Müller
- Liebig Centre for Agroecology and Climate Impact Research, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany; Institute of Plant Ecology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392 Giessen, Germany; School of Biology and Environmental Science and Earth Institute, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lifen Wang
- Research Center for cultural Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, China-Portugal Belt and Road Cooperation Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Research Center for cultural Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, China-Portugal Belt and Road Cooperation Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lai H, Han S, Sun J, Fang Y, Liu P, Zhao H. The comparison effect on earthworms between conventional and biodegradable microplastics. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37308. [PMID: 39309927 PMCID: PMC11415699 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Many studies have reported the toxic effects of microplastics (MPs) on organisms, especially on how conventional plastics affect organisms after short-term exposure. The effects of biodegradable plastics on organisms are, however, largely unexplored, especially concerning their impact after long-term exposure. We perform a series of experiments to examine the effects of conventional (polyethylene (PE)) and biodegradable (polylactic acid (PLA)) microplastics on earthworms at three concentrations (0.5 %, 2 %, and 5 % (w/w)) and particle sizes (149, 28, and 13 μm) over short- (14 d) and long-term (28 d) periods of exposure. Negative effects on earthworms are more pronounced following exposure to PE than PLA, particularly over the shorter term. After longer-term exposure, earthworms may adapt to PE and PLA environments. A close relationship exists between the effects of MPs on earthworms and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde enzymes, which we use to evaluate the degree of antioxidant damage. We report both PE and PLA to negatively affect earthworms, but for the effects of PLA to be less severe after longer-term exposure. Further investigation is required to more fully assess the potential negative effects of PLA use on soil organisms in agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Lai
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, 225009, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shuwen Han
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, 225009, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), P.O. Box 50, 6700AB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jinyu Sun
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, 225009, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yujing Fang
- Hongyu Environmental Technology Company, 215000, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ping Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, 225009, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, 225009, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fei J, Bai X, Jiang C, Yin X, Ni BJ. A state-of-the-art review of environmental behavior and potential risks of biodegradable microplastics in soil ecosystems: Comparison with conventional microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176342. [PMID: 39312976 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
As the use of biodegradable plastics becomes increasingly widespread, their environmental behaviors and impacts warrant attention. Unlike conventional plastics, their degradability predisposes them to fragment into microplastics (MPs) more readily. These MPs subsequently enter the terrestrial environment. The abundant functional groups of biodegradable MPs significantly affect their transport and interactions with other contaminants (e.g., organic contaminants and heavy metals). The intermediates and additives released from depolymerization of biodegradable MPs, as well as coexisting contaminants, induce alterations in soil ecosystems. These processes indicate that the impacts of biodegradable MPs on soil ecosystems might significantly diverge from conventional MPs. However, an exhaustive and timely comparison of the environmental behaviors and effects of biodegradable and conventional MPs within soil ecosystems remains scarce. To address this gap, the Web of Science database and bibliometric software were utilized to identify publications with keywords containing biodegradable MPs and soil. Moreover, this review comprehensively summarizes the transport behavior of biodegradable MPs, their role as contaminant carriers, and the potential risks they pose to soil physicochemical properties, nutrient cycling, biota, and CO2 emissions as compared with conventional MPs. Biodegradable MPs, due to their great transport and adsorption capacity, facilitate the mobility of coexisting contaminants, potentially inducing widespread soil and groundwater contamination. Additionally, these MPs and their depolymerization products can disrupt soil ecosystems by altering physicochemical properties, increasing microbial biomass, decreasing microbial diversity, inhibiting the development of plants and animals, and increasing CO2 emissions. Finally, some perspectives are proposed to outline future research directions. Overall, this study emphasizes the pronounced effects of biodegradable MPs on soil ecosystems relative to their conventional counterparts and contributes to the understanding and management of biodegradable plastic contamination within the terrestrial ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Fei
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xue Bai
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Chuanjia Jiang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Xianqiang Yin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He M, Yao W, Meng Z, Liu J, Yan W, Meng W. Microplastic-contamination can reshape plant community by affecting soil properties. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 283:116844. [PMID: 39128455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116844] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, as emerging contaminants, pose a serious threat to terrestrial ecosystems, yet their impact on plant communities remains largely unexplored. This study utilized the soil seed bank to establish naturally germinated plant communities and investigated the effects of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) on community characteristics. Additionally, the study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which variations in soil properties influenced plant community. The results indicated that microplastics led to a significant increase in soil available potassium (AK), likely due to alterations in soil microorganism proliferation. Furthermore, microplastics caused a decrease in soil salinity, total phosphorus (TP), and ammonium nitrogen (AN). Additionally, plant community composition shifted, resulting in reduced stability and niche breadth of dominant species. Microplastics also impacted niche overlap and interspecific associations among dominant species, possibly due to the reduced accessibility of resources for dominant species. Salinity, AK, and TP were identified as major drivers of changes in niche breadth, niche overlap, and community stability, with TP exerting the strongest impact on plant community composition. These findings provide valuable insights for the restoration of plant communities in coastal saline-alkali wetland contaminated by microplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengxuan He
- Faculty of Geography, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Wenshuang Yao
- Faculty of Geography, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Zirui Meng
- Faculty of Geography, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730020, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Tianjin Urban Planning & Design Institute Co., LTD, Tianjin 300190, China.
| | - Weiqing Meng
- Faculty of Geography, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cui J, Tian H, Qi Y, Hu X, Li S, Zhang W, Wei Z, Zhang M, Liu Z, Abolfathi S. Impact of microplastic residues from polyurethane films on crop growth: Unraveling insights through transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 283:116826. [PMID: 39106570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116826] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
The utilisation of coated controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) leads to the persistence of residual plastic films in agricultural soils, posing a potential threat to crop health. This study investigates the impacts of four residual films (0.39 %, w/w) derived from CRFs in soil, including petrochemical polyether, bio-based polyether, castor oil polyester, and wheat straw polyester polyurethane on wheat growth. This study found that PecPEUR significantly reduced wheat plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, and aboveground fresh weight by 24.8 %, 20.2 %, and 25.7 %. Through an in-depth exploration of transcriptomics and metabolomics, it has been discovered that all residual films disrupted glycolysis-related metabolic pathways in wheat roots, affecting seedling growth. Among them, PecPEUR significantly reduced the fresh weight of aboveground parts by 20.5 %. In contrast, polyester polyurethane residue had no discernible impact on aboveground wheat growth. This was attributed to the enrichment of wheat root genes in jasmonic acid and γ-aminobutyric acid metabolic pathways, thus mitigating oxidative stress, enhancing stress resistance, and ensuring normal plant growth. This study, for the first time, provides comprehensive insights into the effects of polyurethane film residue on wheat seedling growth, underscoring its potential as a promising alternative to conventional plastics in soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cui
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Hongyu Tian
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Yingjie Qi
- Shandong (Linyi) Institute of Modern Agriculture, Zhejiang University, Linyi, Shandong 276041, China
| | - Xiaomin Hu
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Shuyue Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Wenrui Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Zhanbo Wei
- Engineering Laboratory for Green Fertilizers, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Min Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Zhiguang Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Recourses and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Huang F, Chen L, Yang X, Jeyakumar P, Wang Z, Sun S, Qiu T, Zeng Y, Chen J, Huang M, Wang H, Fang L. Unveiling the impacts of microplastics on cadmium transfer in the soil-plant-human system: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135221. [PMID: 39096630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135221] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
The co-contamination of soils by microplastics (MPs) and cadmium (Cd), one of the most perilous heavy metals, is emerging as a significant global concern, posing risks to plant productivity and human health. However, there remains a gap in the literature concerning comprehensive evaluations of the combined effects of MPs and Cd on soil-plant-human systems. This review examines the interactions and co-impacts of MPs and Cd in soil-plant-human systems, elucidating their mechanisms and synergistic effects on plant development and health risks. We also review the origins and contamination levels of MPs and Cd, revealing that sewage, atmospheric deposition, and biosolid applications are contributors to the contamination of soil with MPs and Cd. Our meta-analysis demonstrates that MPs significantly (p<0.05) increase the bioavailability of soil Cd and the accumulation of Cd in plant shoots by 6.9 and 9.3 %, respectively. The MPs facilitate Cd desorption from soils through direct adsorption via surface complexation and physical adsorption, as well as indirectly by modifying soil physicochemical properties, such as pH and dissolved organic carbon, and altering soil microbial diversity. These interactions augment the bioavailability of Cd, along with MPs, adversely affect plant growth and its physiological functions. Moreover, the ingestion of MPs and Cd through the food chain significantly enhances the bioaccessibility of Cd and exacerbates histopathological alterations in human tissues, thereby amplifying the associated health risks. This review provides insights into the coexistence of MPs and Cd and their synergistic effects on soil-plant-human systems, emphasizing the need for further research in this critical subject area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Li Chen
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China.
| | - Paramsothy Jeyakumar
- Environmental Sciences Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Environment and Resources, Southwest University of Science & Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Shiyong Sun
- College of Environment and Resources, Southwest University of Science & Technology, Mianyang 621010, China
| | - Tianyi Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hailong Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jia X, Yao Y, Tan G, Xue S, Liu M, Tang DWS, Geissen V, Yang X. Effects of LDPE and PBAT plastics on soil organic carbon and carbon-enzymes: A mesocosm experiment under field conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 362:124965. [PMID: 39284406 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Although the effects of plastic residues on soil organic carbon (SOC) have been studied, variations in SOC and soil carbon-enzyme activities at different plant growth stages have been largely overlooked. There remains a knowledge gap on how various varieties of plastics affect SOC and carbon-enzyme activity dynamics during the different growing stages of plants. In this study, we conducted a mesocosm experiment under field conditions using low-density polyethylene and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) debris (LDPE-D and PBAT-D, 500-2000 μm (pieces), 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%), and low-density polyethylene microplastics (LDPE-M, 500-1000 μm (powder), 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%) to investigate SOC and C-enzyme activities (β-xylosidase, cellobiohydrolase, β-glucosidase) at the sowing, seedling, flowering and harvesting stages of soybean (Glycine Max). The results showed that SOC in the LDPE-D treatments significantly increased from the flowering to harvesting stage, by 12.69%-13.26% (p < 0.05), but significantly decreased in the 0.05% and 0.1% LDPE-M treatments from the sowing to seedling stage (p < 0.05). However, PBAT-D had no significant effect on SOC during the whole growing period. For C-enzyme activities, only LDPE-D treatments inhibited GH (17.22-38.56%), BG (46.7-66.53%) and CBH (13.19-23.16%), compared to treatment without plastic addition, from the flowering stage to harvesting stage. Meanwhile, C-enzyme activities and SOC responded nonmonotonically to plastic abundance and the impacts significantly varied among the growing stages, especially in treatments with PBAT-D (p < 0.05). These risks to soil organic carbon cycling are likely mediated by the effects of plastic contamination and degradation soil microbe. These effects are sensitive to plastic characteristics such as type, size, and shape, which, in turn, affect the biogeochemical and mechanical interactions involving plastic particles. Therefore, further research on the interactions between plastic degradation processes and the soil microbial community may provide better mechanistic understanding the effect of plastic contamination on soil organic carbon cycling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinkai Jia
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China
| | - Yu Yao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China
| | - Gaowei Tan
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sha Xue
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, 712100, Yangling, China
| | - Mengjuan Liu
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China
| | - Darrell W S Tang
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Water, Energy, and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, China; Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AA, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jiang Y, Zhou C, Khan A, Zhang X, Mamtimin T, Fan J, Hou X, Liu P, Han H, Li X. Environmental risks of mask wastes binding pollutants: Phytotoxicity, microbial community, nitrogen and carbon cycles. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135058. [PMID: 38986403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135058] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The increasing contamination of mask wastes presents a significant global challenge to ecological health. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the environmental risks that mask wastes pose to soil. In this study, a total of 12 mask wastes were collected from landfills. Mask wastes exhibited negligible morphological changes, and bound eight metals and four types of organic pollutants. Masks combined with pollutants inhibited the growth of alfalfa and Elymus nutans, reducing underground biomass by 84.6 %. Mask wastes decreased the Chao1 index and the relative abundances (RAs) of functional bacteria (Micrococcales, Gemmatimonadales, and Sphingomonadales). Metagenomic analysis showed that mask wastes diminished the RAs of functional genes associated with nitrification (amoABC and HAO), denitrification (nirKS and nosZ), glycolysis (gap2), and TCA cycle (aclAB and mdh), thereby inhibiting the nitrogen transformation and ATP production. Furthermore, some pathogenic viruses (Herpesviridae and Tunggulvirus) were also found on the mask wastes. Structural equation models demonstrated that mask wastes restrained soil enzyme activities, ultimately affecting nitrogen and carbon cycles. Collectively, these evidences indicate that mask wastes contribute to soil health and metabolic function disturbances. This study offers a new perspective on the potential environmental risks associated with the improper disposal of masks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Jiang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Centre for Grassland Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Chunxiu Zhou
- Centre for Grassland Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Aman Khan
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xueyao Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Tursunay Mamtimin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Jingwen Fan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Hou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Pu Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Huawen Han
- Centre for Grassland Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China.
| | - Xiangkai Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Song T, Liu J, Han S, Li Y, Xu T, Xi J, Hou L, Lin Y. Effect of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on the soil-soybean system: A perspective on rhizosphere microbial community and soil element cycling. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108781. [PMID: 38880060 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108781] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
As an exogenous carbon input, microplastics (MPs), especially biodegradable MPs, may significantly disrupt soil microbial communities and soil element cycling (CNPS cycling), but few studies have focused on this. Here, we focused on assessing the effects of conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE), biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and polylactic acid (PLA) MPs on rhizosphere microbial communities and CNPS cycling in a soil-soybean system. The results showed that PBAT-MPs and PLA-MPs were more detrimental to soybean growth than LDPE-MPs, resulting in a reduction in shoot nitrogen (14.05% and 11.84%) and shoot biomass (33.80% and 28.09%) at the podding stage. In addition, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) increased by 20.91% and 66.59%, while nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N) significantly decreased by 56.91% and 69.65% in soils treated with PBAT-MPs and PLA-MPs, respectively. PBAT-MPs and PLA-MPs mainly enhanced copiotrophic bacteria (Proteobacteria) and suppressed oligotrophic bacteria (Verrucomicrobiota, Gemmatimonadota, etc.), increasing the abundance of CNPS cycling-related functional genes. LDPE-MPs tended to enrich oligotrophic bacteria (Verrucomicrobiota, etc.) and decrease the abundance of CNPS cycling-related functional genes. Correlation analysis revealed that MPs with different degradation properties selectively affected the composition and function of the bacterial community, resulting in changes in the availability of soil nutrients (especially NO3--N). Redundancy analysis further indicated that NO3--N was the primary constraining factor for soybean growth. This study provides a new perspective for revealing the underlying ecological effects of MPs on soil-plant systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Song
- 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
| | - Siqi Han
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Tengqi Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jiao Xi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lijun Hou
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Yanbing Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Liang R, Zhang C, Zhang R, Li Q, Liu H, Wang XX. Effects of microplastics derived from biodegradable mulch film on different plant species growth and soil properties. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174899. [PMID: 39043299 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable mulch residues contribute significantly to the presence of microplastics in soil ecosystems. The environmental impact of microplastics, especially biodegradable microplastics (bio-MPs), on soil and plants is of increasing concern. In this study, the responses of five crop species potted in soil treated with different mass concentrations of bio-MPs were assessed for one month. The shoot and root biomasses of cabbages and strawberries were inhibited by bio-MPs treatment. There was little variation in the growth indicators of identical plants with the addition of different mass concentrations of bio-MPs; however, a significant difference was observed among different plants with the addition of the same concentration of bio-MPs. The detrimental effects of bio-MPs were more pronounced in strawberries and cabbages than in the other plant species. Moreover, bio-MPs can affect the availability of soil nutrients and enzyme activities. Structural equation modeling showed that changes in soil properties may indirectly affect plant growth and nutrient uptake when exposed to bio-MPs. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the ecological effects of biodegradable mulch films.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China; Mountain Area Research Institute, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Mountain Area Research Institute, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruifang Zhang
- Mountain Area Research Institute, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyun Li
- College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongquan Liu
- College of Urban and Rural Construction, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China; Mountain Area Research Institute, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China; College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding 071001, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang Z, Zhao L, Jin Q, Luo Q, He H. Combined contamination of microplastic and antibiotic alters the composition of microbial community and metabolism in wheat and maize rhizosphere soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 473:134618. [PMID: 38761764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134618] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The widespread application of antibiotics and plastic films in agriculture has led to new characteristics of soil pollution. The impacts of combined contamination of microplastics and antibiotics on plant growth and rhizosphere soil bacterial community and metabolisms are still unclear. We conducted a pot experiment to investigate the effects of polyethylene (0.2%) and norfloxacin/doxycycline (5 mg kg-1), as well as the combination of polyethylene and antibiotics, on the growth, rhizosphere soil bacterial community and metabolisms of wheat and maize seedlings. The results showed that combined contamination caused more serious damage to plant growth than individual contamination, and aggravated root oxidative stress responses. The diversity and structure of soil bacterial community were not markedly altered, but the composition of the bacterial community, soil metabolisms and metabolic pathways were altered. The co-occurrence network analysis indicated that combined contamination may inhibit the growth of wheat and maize seedings by simplifying the interrelationships between soil bacteria and metabolites, and altering the relative abundance of specific bacteria genera (e.g. Kosakonia and Sphingomonas) and soil metabolites (including sugars, organic acids and amino acids). The results help to elucidate the potential mechanisms of phytotoxicity of the combination of microplastic and antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau / College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Le Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau / College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qianwei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau / College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau / College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Honghua He
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau / College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering (Institute of Soil and Water Conservation), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Yangling, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Shaanxi 712100, China; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu Y, Chen S, Zhou P, Li H, Wan Q, Lu Y, Li B. Differential impacts of microplastics on carbon and nitrogen cycling in plant-soil systems: A meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174655. [PMID: 39004375 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widely present in terrestrial ecosystems. However, how MPs impact carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling within plant-soil system is still poorly understood. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis utilizing 3338 paired observations from 180 publications to estimate the effects of MPs on plant growth (biomass, nitrogen content, nitrogen uptake and nitrogen use efficiency), change in soil C content (total carbon (TC), soil organic carbon (SOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC)), C losses (carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane), soil N content (total nitrogen, dissolved organic nitrogen, microbial biomass nitrogen, total dissolve nitrogen, ammonium, nitrate (NO3--N) and nitrite) and nitrogen losses (nitrous oxide, ammonia (NH3) volatilization and N leaching) comprehensively. Results showed that although MPs significantly increased CO2 emissions by 25.7 %, they also increased TC, SOC, MBC, DOC and CO2 by 53.3 %, 25.4 %, 19.6 % and 24.7 %, respectively, and thus increased soil carbon sink capacity. However, MPs significantly decreased NO3--N and NH3 volatilization by 14.7 % and 43.3 %, respectively. Meanwhile, MPs significantly decreased plant aboveground biomass, whereas no significant changes were detected in plant belowground biomass and plant N content. The impacts of MPs on soil C, N and plant growth varied depending on MP types, sizes, concentrations, and experimental durations, in part influenced by initial soil properties. Overall, although MPs enhanced soil carbon sink capacity, they may pose a significant threat to future agricultural productivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yige Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Siyi Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Pengyu Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Haochen Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Quan Wan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Ying Lu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China
| | - Bo Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu J, Han S, Wang P, Zhang X, Zhang J, Hou L, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Li L, Lin Y. Soil microorganisms play an important role in the detrimental impact of biodegradable microplastics on plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:172933. [PMID: 38703855 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172933] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics were developed to mitigate environmental pollution caused by conventional plastics. Research indicates that biodegradable microplastics still have effects on plants and microorganisms as their non-biodegradable counterparts, yet the effects on vegetable crops are not well-documented. Additionally, the function of soil microorganisms affected by biodegradable microplastics on the fate of microplastics remains unverified. In this study, Brassica chinensis was cultivated in soil previously incubated for one year with low-density polyethylene (LDPE-MPs) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) microplastics (PBAT-MPs) at 0.05 % and 2 % concentrations. High concentrations of PBAT-MPs significantly reduced the biomass to 5.83 % of the control. The abundance of Methyloversatilis, IS-44, and UTCFX1 in the rhizosphere bacterial community increased significantly in the presence of PBAT-MPs. Moreover, these microplastics significantly enhanced soil enzyme activity. Incubation tests were performed with three PBAT plastic sheets to assess the function of the altered bacterial community in the soil of control (Control-soil) and soil treated with high concentrations of PBAT-MPs (PBAT-MPs-soil). Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Transfer Microscopy (SEM/ATM) results confirmed enhanced PBAT degradation in the PBAT-MPs-soil. PICRUST2 analysis revealed that pathways related to substance degradation were upregulated in the PBAT-MPs-soil. Furthermore, a higher percentage of strains with PBAT-MPs-degrading ability was found in PBAT-MPs-soil. Our results confirm that PBAT-MPs significantly inhibit the growth of vegetable crops and that soil bacterial communities affected by PBAT-MPs are instrumental in degrading them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxi Liu
- 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
| | - Peiyuan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jiuyu Zhang
- Institute of Metabolism & Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Lijun Hou
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Yiqiong Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yufan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, 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.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Singh P, Varshney G, Kaur R. Primary Microplastics in the Ecosystem: Ecological Effects, Risks, and Comprehensive Perspectives on Toxicology and Detection Methods. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2024:1-52. [PMID: 38967482 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2024.2370715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Recent discoveries of microplastics in cities, suburbs, and even remote locations, far from microplastic source regions, have raised the possibility of long-distance transmission of microplastics in many ecosystems. A little is known scientifically about the threat that it posed to the environment by microplastics. The problem's apparent size necessitates the rapid development of reliable scientific advice regarding the ecological risks of microplastics. These concerns are brought on by the lack of consistent sample and identification techniques, as well as the limited physical analysis and understanding of microplastic pollution. This review provides insight regarding some unaddressed issues about the occurrence, fate, movement, and impact of microplastics, in general, with special emphasis on primary microplastics. The approaches taken in the earlier investigations have been analyzed and different recommendations for future research have been suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Singh
- Discipline of Polymer Science and Chemical Technology, Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Delhi, India
| | - Gunjan Varshney
- Discipline of Polymer Science and Chemical Technology, Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Delhi, India
| | - Raminder Kaur
- Discipline of Polymer Science and Chemical Technology, Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhao S, Rillig MC, Bing H, Cui Q, Qiu T, Cui Y, Penuelas J, Liu B, Bian S, Monikh FA, Chen J, Fang L. Microplastic pollution promotes soil respiration: A global-scale meta-analysis. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17415. [PMID: 39005227 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution likely affects global soil carbon (C) dynamics, yet it remains uncertain how and to what extent MP influences soil respiration. Here, we report on a global meta-analysis to determine the effects of MP pollution on the soil microbiome and CO2 emission. We found that MP pollution significantly increased the contents of soil organic C (SOC) (21%) and dissolved organic C (DOC) (12%), the activity of fluorescein diacetate hydrolase (FDAse) (10%), and microbial biomass (17%), but led to a decrease in microbial diversity (3%). In particular, increases in soil C components and microbial biomass further promote CO2 emission (25%) from soil, but with a much higher effect of MPs on these emissions than on soil C components and microbial biomass. The effect could be attributed to the opposite effects of MPs on microbial biomass vs. diversity, as soil MP accumulation recruited some functionally important bacteria and provided additional C substrates for specific heterotrophic microorganisms, while inhibiting the growth of autotrophic taxa (e.g., Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria). This study reveals that MP pollution can increase soil CO2 emission by causing shifts in the soil microbiome. These results underscore the potential importance of plastic pollution for terrestrial C fluxes, and thus climate feedbacks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Education, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Haijian Bing
- Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingliang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Education, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyi Qiu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yongxing Cui
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josep Penuelas
- CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF- CSIC- UAB, Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain
- CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Caalonia, Spain
| | - Baiyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Education, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiqi Bian
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Fazel Abdolahpur Monikh
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies, and Innovation, Technical University of Liberec Bendlova 1409/7, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Education, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Song X, Li C, Qiu Z, Wang C, Zeng Q. Ecotoxicological effects of polyethylene microplastics and lead (Pb) on the biomass, activity, and community diversity of soil microbes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:119012. [PMID: 38704010 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119012] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and heavy metals are ubiquitous and persistent contaminants that are widely distributed worldwide, yet little is known about the effects of their interaction on soil ecosystems. A soil incubation experiment was conducted to investigate the individual and combined effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and lead (Pb) on soil enzymatic activities, microbial biomass, respiration rate, and community diversity. The results indicate that the presence of PE-MPs notably reduced soil pH and elevated soil Pb bioavailability, potentially exacerbated the combined toxicity on the biogeochemical cycles of soil nutrients, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, and the activities of soil urease, sucrase, and alkaline phosphatase. Soil CO2 emissions increased by 7.9% with PE-MPs alone, decreased by 46.3% with single Pb, and reduced by 69.4% with PE-MPs and Pb co-exposure, compared to uncontaminated soils. Specifically, the presence of PE-MPs and Pb, individually and in combination, facilitated the soil metabolic quotient, leading to reduced microbial metabolic efficiency. Moreover, the addition of Pb and PE-MPs modified the composition of the microbial community, leading to the enrichment of specific taxa. Tax4Fun analysis showed the effects of Pb, PE-MPs and their combination on the biogeochemical processes and ecological functions of microbes were mainly by altering amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport, and signal transduction. These findings offer valuable insights into the ecotoxicological effects of combined PE-MPs and Pb on soil microbial dynamics, reveals key assembly mechanisms and environmental drivers, and highlights the potential threat of MPs and heavy metals to the multifunctionality of soil ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiliang Song
- College of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, De'zhou, 253023, China
| | - Changjiang Li
- School of Environment Science & Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Zhennan Qiu
- College of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, De'zhou, 253023, China
| | - Chenghui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, De'zhou, 253023, China
| | - Qiangcheng Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, De'zhou, 253023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kurniawan TA, Mohyuddin A, Othman MHD, Goh HH, Zhang D, Anouzla A, Aziz F, Casila JC, Ali I, Pasaribu B. Beyond surface: Unveiling ecological and economic ramifications of microplastic pollution in the oceans. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e11070. [PMID: 39005104 DOI: 10.1002/wer.11070] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Every year, the global production of plastic waste reaches a staggering 400 million metric tons (Mt), precipitating adverse consequences for the environment, food safety, and biodiversity as it degrades into microplastics (MPs). The multifaceted nature of MP pollution, coupled with its intricate physiological impacts, underscores the pressing need for comprehensive policies and legislative frameworks. Such measures, alongside advancements in technology, hold promise in averting ecological catastrophe in the oceans. Mandated legislation represents a pivotal step towards restoring oceanic health and securing the well-being of the planet. This work offers an overview of the policy hurdles, legislative initiatives, and prospective strategies for addressing global pollution due to MP. Additionally, this work explores innovative approaches that yield fresh insights into combating plastic pollution across various sectors. Emphasizing the importance of a global plastics treaty, the article underscores its potential to galvanize collaborative efforts in mitigating MP pollution's deleterious effects on marine ecosystems. Successful implementation of such a treaty could revolutionize the plastics economy, steering it towards a circular, less polluting model operating within planetary boundaries. Failure to act decisively risks exacerbating the scourge of MP pollution and its attendant repercussions on both humanity and the environment. Central to this endeavor are the formulation, content, and execution of the treaty itself, which demand careful consideration. While recognizing that a global plastics treaty is not a panacea, it serves as a mechanism for enhancing plastics governance and elevating global ambitions towards achieving zero plastic pollution by 2040. Adopting a life cycle approach to plastic management allows for a nuanced understanding of possible trade-offs between environmental impact and economic growth, guiding the selection of optimal solutions with socio-economic implications in mind. By embracing a comprehensive strategy that integrates legislative measures and technological innovations, we can substantially reduce the influx of marine plastic litter at its sources, safeguarding the oceans for future generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayesha Mohyuddin
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Hui Hwang Goh
- School of Electrical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- School of Electrical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Abdelkader Anouzla
- Department of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Mohammedia, Morocco
| | - Faissal Aziz
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climate Changes, Semlalia Faculty of Sciences, B.P. 2390, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Joan C Casila
- Land and Water Resources Engineering Division, Institute of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology, University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Los Baños, Philippines
| | - Imran Ali
- Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Buntora Pasaribu
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Li Y, Hou F, Sun L, Lan J, Han Z, Li T, Wang Y, Zhao Z. Ecological effect of microplastics on soil microbe-driven carbon circulation and greenhouse gas emission: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 364:121429. [PMID: 38870791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121429] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) pool, the largest part of terrestrial ecosystem, controls global terrestrial carbon balance and consequently presented carbon cycle-climate feedback in climate projections. Microplastics, (MPs, <5 mm) as common pollutants in soil ecosystems, have an obvious impact on soil-borne carbon circulation by affecting soil microbial processes, which play a central role in regulating SOC conversion. In this review, we initially presented the sources, properties and ecological risks of MPs in soil ecosystem, and then the differentiated effects of MPs on the component of SOC, including dissolved organic carbon, soil microbial biomass carbon and easily oxidized organic carbon varying with the types and concentrations of MPs, the soil types, etc. As research turns into a broader perspective, greenhouse gas emissions dominated by the mineralization of SOC coming into view since it can be significantly affected by MPs and is closely associated with soil microbial respiration. The pathways of MPs impacting soil microbes-driven carbon conversion include changing microbial community structure and composition, the functional enzyme's activity and the abundance and expression of functional genes. However, numerous uncertainties still exist regarding the microbial mechanisms in the deeper biochemical process. More comprehensive studies are necessary to explore the affected footprint and provide guidance for finding the evaluation criterion of MPs affecting climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Fangwei Hou
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Lulu Sun
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jing Lan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zhanghua Han
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optics and Photonic Devices, Center of Light Manipulation and Applications, School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zongshan Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang D, Xiong F, Wu L, Liu Z, Xu K, Huang J, Liu J, Ding Q, Zhang J, Pu Y, Sun R. A progress update on the biological effects of biodegradable microplastics on soil and ocean environment: A perfect substitute or new threat? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118960. [PMID: 38636648 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118960] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Conventional plastics are inherently difficult to degrade, causing serious plastic pollution. With the development of society, biodegradable plastics (BPs) are considered as an alternative to traditional plastics. However, current research indicated that BPs do not undergo complete degradation in natural environments. Instead, they may convert into biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) at an accelerated rate, thereby posing a significant threat to environment. In this paper, the definition, application, distribution, degradation behaviors, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of BPs were reviewed. And the impacts of BMPs on soil and marine ecosystems, in terms of physicochemical property, nutrient cycling, microorganisms, plants and animals were comprehensively summarized. The effects of combined exposure of BMPs with other pollutants, and the mechanism of ecotoxicity induced by BMPs were also addressed. It was found that BMPs reduced pH, increased DOC content, and disrupted the nitrification of nitrogen cycle in soil ecosystem. The shoot dry weight, pod number and root growth of soil plants, and reproduction and body length of soil animals were inhibited by BMPs. Furthermore, the growth of marine plants, and locomotion, body length and survival of marine animals were suppressed by BMPs. Additionally, the ecotoxicity of combined exposure of BMPs with other pollutants has not been uniformly concluded. Exposure to BMPs induced several types of toxicity, including neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity and genotoxicity. The future calls for heightened attention towards the regulation of the degradation of BPs in the environment, and pursuit of interventions aimed at mitigating their ecotoxicity and potential health risks to human.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daqin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lingjie Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jiawei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qin Ding
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Rongli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Labor and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang J, Jia M, Zhang L, Li X, Zhang X, Wang Z. Biodegradable microplastics pose greater risks than conventional microplastics to soil properties, microbial community and plant growth, especially under flooded conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172949. [PMID: 38703848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172949] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (bio-plastics) are often viewed as viable option for mitigating plastic pollution. Nevertheless, the information regarding the potential risks of microplastics (MPs) released from bio-plastics in soil, particularly in flooded soils, is lacking. Here, our objective was to investigate the effect of polylactic acid MPs (PLA-MPs) and polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) on soil properties, microbial community and plant growth under both non-flooded and flooded conditions. Our results demonstrated that PLA-MPs dramatically increased soil labile carbon (C) content and altered its composition and chemodiversity. The enrichment of labile C stimulated microbial N immobilization, resulting in a depletion of soil mineral nitrogen (N). This specialized environment created by PLA-MPs further filtered out specific microbial species, resulting in a low diversity and simplified microbial community. PLA-MPs caused an increase in denitrifiers (Noviherbaspirillum and Clostridium sensu stricto) and a decrease in nitrifiers (Nitrospira, MND1, and Ellin6067), potentially exacerbating the mineral N deficiency. The mineral N deficit caused by PLA-MPs inhibited wheatgrass growth. Conversely, PE-MPs had less effect on soil ecosystems, including soil properties, microbial community and wheatgrass growth. Overall, our study emphasizes that PLA-MPs cause more adverse effect on the ecosystem than PE-MPs in the short term, and that flooded conditions exacerbate and prolong these adverse effects. These results offer valuable insights for evaluating the potential threats of bio-MPs in both uplands and wetlands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Minghao Jia
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Long Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaona Li
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaokai Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang K, Min W, Flury M, Gunina A, Lv J, Li Q, Jiang R. Impact of long-term conventional and biodegradable film mulching on microplastic abundance, soil structure and organic carbon in a cotton field. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124367. [PMID: 38876376 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable film mulching has attracted considerable attention as an alternative to conventional plastic film mulching. However, biodegradable films generate transitory microplastics during the film degradation. How much of this transitory microplastics is being formed and their impact on soil health during long-term use of biodegradable plastic film are not known. Here, we quantified the amounts of microplastics (0.1 to 5 mm in size) in the topsoil (0-20 cm) of two cotton fields with different mulching cultivations: (1) continuous use of conventional (polyethylene, PE) film for 23 years (Plot 1), and (2) 15 years use of conventional film followed by 8 years of biodegradable (polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate, PBAT) film (Plot 2). We further assessed the impacts of the microplastics on selected soil health parameters, with a focus on soil carbon contents and fluxes. The total amount of microplastics was larger in Plot 2 (8507 particles kg-1) than in Plot 1 (6767 particles kg-1). The microplastics (0.1-1 mm) were identified as derived from PBAT and PE in Plot 2; while in Plot 1, the microplastics were identified as PE. Microplastics > 1mm were exclusively identified as PE in both plots. Soil organic carbon was higher (27 vs. 30 g C kg-1 soil) but dissolved organic carbon (120 vs. 74 mg C kg-1 soil) and microbial biomass carbon were lower (413 vs. 246 mg C kg-1 soil) in Plot 2 compared to the Plot 1. Based on 13C natural abundance, we found that in Plot 2, carbon flow was dominated from micro- (<0.25 mm) to macroaggregates (0.25-2 and >2 mm), whereas in Plot 1, carbon flow occurred between large and small macroaggregates, and from micro- to macroaggregates. Thus, long-term application of biodegradable film changed the abundance of microplastics, and organic carbon accumulation compared to conventional polyethylene film mulching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Research Center for Cultural Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, China-Portugal Joint Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science supported by the Belt and Road Initiative, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Wei Min
- College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832061, China
| | - Markus Flury
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman 99164 and Puyallup, WA 98371, United States
| | - Anna Gunina
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, University of Kassel, 37213, Witzenhausen, Germany; Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jun Lv
- Shihezi Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Shihezi 832061, China
| | - Qiang Li
- College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Horticulture & Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Research Center for Cultural Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, China-Portugal Joint Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science supported by the Belt and Road Initiative, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ahsan WA, Lin C, Hussain A, Sheraz M. Sustainable struggling: decoding microplastic released from bioplastics-a critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:554. [PMID: 38760486 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12721-z] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the complex issue of plastic pollution, focusing on the emergence of biodegradable plastics (BDPs) as a potential alternative to traditional plastics. While BDPs seem promising, recent findings reveal that a large number of BDPs do not fully degrade in certain natural conditions, and they often break down into microplastics (MPs) even faster than conventional plastics. Surprisingly, research suggests that biodegradable microplastics (BDMPs) could have more significant and long-lasting effects than petroleum-based MPs in certain environments. Thus, it is crucial to carefully assess the ecological consequences of BDPs before widely adopting them commercially. This review thoroughly examines the formation of MPs from prominent BDPs, their impacts on the environment, and adsorption capacities. Additionally, it explores how BDMPs affect different species, such as plants and animals within a particular ecosystem. Overall, these discussions highlight potential ecological threats posed by BDMPs and emphasize the need for further scientific investigation before considering BDPs as a perfect solution to plastic pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wazir Aitizaz Ahsan
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811213, Taiwan
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811213, Taiwan.
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811213, Taiwan.
| | - Adnan Hussain
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811213, Taiwan
| | - Mahshab Sheraz
- Advanced Textile R&D, Department Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chang J, Liang J, Zhang Y, Zhang R, Fang W, Zhang H, Lam SS, Zhang P, Zhang G. Insights into the influence of polystyrene microplastics on the bio-degradation behavior of tetrabromobisphenol A in soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134152. [PMID: 38552398 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134152] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Soil contamination by emerging pollutants tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and microplastics has become a global environmental issue in recent years. However, little is known about the effect of microplastics on degradation of TBBPA in soil, especially aged microplastics. In this study, the effect of aged polystyrene (PS) microplastics on the degradation of TBBPA in soil and the mechanisms were investigated. The results suggested that the aged microplastics exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on the degradation of TBBPA in soil than the pristine microplastics, and the degradation efficiency of TBBPA decreased by 21.57% at the aged microplastic content of 1%. This might be related to the higher TBBPA adsorption capacity of aged microplastics compared to pristine microplastics. Aged microplastics strongly altered TBBPA-contaminated soil properties, reduced oxidoreductase activity and affected microbial community composition. The decrease in soil oxidoreductase activity and relative abundance of functional microorganisms (e.g., Bacillus, Pseudarthrobacter and Sphingomonas) caused by aged microplastics interfered with metabolic pathways of TBBPA. This study indicated the importance the risk assessment and soil remediation for TBBPA-contaminated soil with aged microplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianning Chang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control & Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jinsong Liang
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Yajie Zhang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control & Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ru Zhang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control & Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wei Fang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control & Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Center for Global Health Research (CGHR), Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Panyue Zhang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control & Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Guangming Zhang
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Iqbal S, Xu J, Arif MS, Worthy FR, Jones DL, Khan S, Alharbi SA, Filimonenko E, Nadir S, Bu D, Shakoor A, Gui H, Schaefer DA, Kuzyakov Y. Do Added Microplastics, Native Soil Properties, and Prevailing Climatic Conditions Have Consequences for Carbon and Nitrogen Contents in Soil? A Global Data Synthesis of Pot and Greenhouse Studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8464-8479. [PMID: 38701232 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics threaten soil ecosystems, strongly influencing carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents. Interactions between microplastic properties and climatic and edaphic factors are poorly understood. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the interactive effects of microplastic properties (type, shape, size, and content), native soil properties (texture, pH, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC)) and climatic factors (precipitation and temperature) on C and N contents in soil. We found that low-density polyethylene reduced total nitrogen (TN) content, whereas biodegradable polylactic acid led to a decrease in soil organic carbon (SOC). Microplastic fragments especially depleted TN, reducing aggregate stability, increasing N-mineralization and leaching, and consequently increasing the soil C/N ratio. Microplastic size affected outcomes; those <200 μm reduced both TN and SOC contents. Mineralization-induced nutrient losses were greatest at microplastic contents between 1 and 2.5% of soil weight. Sandy soils suffered the highest microplastic contamination-induced nutrient depletion. Alkaline soils showed the greatest SOC depletion, suggesting high SOC degradability. In low-DOC soils, microplastic contamination caused 2-fold greater TN depletion than in soils with high DOC. Sites with high precipitation and temperature had greatest decrease in TN and SOC contents. In conclusion, there are complex interactions determining microplastic impacts on soil health. Microplastic contamination always risks soil C and N depletion, but the severity depends on microplastic characteristics, native soil properties, and climatic conditions, with potential exacerbation by greenhouse emission-induced climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Iqbal
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Honghe 654400, Yunnan, China
| | - Jianchu Xu
- Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Honghe 654400, Yunnan, China
- CIFOR-ICRAF China Program, World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Muhammad Saleem Arif
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Allama Iqbal Road, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Fiona R Worthy
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Davey L Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, U.K
- Soils West, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6105, Australia
| | - Sehroon Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Science and Technology Bannu, Main Campus Bannu-Township, Bannu 28100, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sulaiman Ali Alharbi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ekaterina Filimonenko
- Center for Isotope Biogeochemistry, University of Tyumen, Volodarskogo Str., 6, Tyumen 625003, Russia
| | - Sadia Nadir
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Science and Technology Bannu, Main Campus Bannu-Township, Bannu 28100, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Dengpan Bu
- Joint Laboratory on Integrated Crop-Tree-Livestock Systems, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), and World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), Beijing 100193, China
| | - Awais Shakoor
- Teagasc, Environment, Soils and Land Use Department, Johnstown Castle, Co., Wexford Y35 Y521, Ireland
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Heng Gui
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Honghe 654400, Yunnan, China
| | - Douglas Allen Schaefer
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Honghe 654400, Yunnan, China
| | - Yakov Kuzyakov
- Department of Soil Science of Temperate Ecosystems, Department of Agricultural Soil Science, University of Goettingen, Goettingen 37077, Germany
- Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow 117198, Russia
- Institute of Environmental SciencesKazan Federal University, Kazan 420049, Russia
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Kazan Federal University, 420049 Kazan, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Aralappanavar VK, Mukhopadhyay R, Yu Y, Liu J, Bhatnagar A, Praveena SM, Li Y, Paller M, Adyel TM, Rinklebe J, Bolan NS, Sarkar B. Effects of microplastics on soil microorganisms and microbial functions in nutrients and carbon cycling - A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171435. [PMID: 38438042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171435] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
The harmful effects of microplastics (MPs) pollution in the soil ecosystem have drawn global attention in recent years. This paper critically reviews the effects of MPs on soil microbial diversity and functions in relation to nutrients and carbon cycling. Reports suggested that both plastisphere (MP-microbe consortium) and MP-contaminated soils had distinct and lower microbial diversity than that of non-contaminated soils. Alteration in soil physicochemical properties and microbial interactions within the plastisphere facilitated the enrichment of plastic-degrading microorganisms, including those involved in carbon (C) and nutrient cycling. MPs conferred a significant increase in the relative abundance of soil nitrogen (N)-fixing and phosphorus (P)-solubilizing bacteria, while decreased the abundance of soil nitrifiers and ammonia oxidisers. Depending on soil types, MPs increased bioavailable N and P contents and nitrous oxide emission in some instances. Furthermore, MPs regulated soil microbial functional activities owing to the combined toxicity of organic and inorganic contaminants derived from MPs and contaminants frequently encountered in the soil environment. However, a thorough understanding of the interactions among soil microorganisms, MPs and other contaminants still needs to develop. Since currently available reports are mostly based on short-term laboratory experiments, field investigations are needed to assess the long-term impact of MPs (at environmentally relevant concentration) on soil microorganisms and their functions under different soil types and agro-climatic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Raj Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Chemistry, Mellon College of Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh 15213, United States
| | - Yongxiang Yu
- Research Center for Environmental Ecology and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering Process of Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Ecology and Biological Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Jingnan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Amit Bhatnagar
- Department of Separation Science, LUT School of Engineering Science, LUT University, Sammonkatu 12, FI-50130 Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Sarva Mangala Praveena
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Mike Paller
- Aquatic Biology Consultants, Inc., 35 Bungalow Ct., Aiken, SC 29803, USA
| | - Tanveer M Adyel
- STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Nanthi S Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6001, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6001, Australia
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Palansooriya KN, Zhou Y, An Z, Cai Y, Chang SX. Microplastics affect the ecological stoichiometry of plant, soil and microbes in a greenhouse vegetable system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171602. [PMID: 38461987 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171602] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global issue due to its potential threat to ecosystem and human health. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) MP is the most common type of plastics polluting agricultural soils, negatively affecting soil-microbial-plant systems. However, the effects of LDPE MPs on the carbon (C): nitrogen (N): phosphorus (P) of soil-microbial-plant systems have not been well elucidated. Thus, we conducted a pot experiment with varying LDPE MP concentrations (w/w) (control without MPs; 0.2 % MPs (PE1); 5 % MPs (PE2); and 10 % MPs (PE3)) to study their effects on soil-microbial-plant C-N-P stoichiometry. Soil C:N ratio increased 2.3 and 3.4 times in PE2 and PE3, respectively. Soil C:P ratio increased 2.2 and 3.6 times in PE2 and PE3, respectively. Soil microbial C:N ratios decreased by 46.2 % in PE1, while C:P ratios decreased by 59.2, 38.6, and 67.9 % in PE1, PE2, and PE3, respectively. Soil microbial N:P ratio decreased in PE1 (17.2) and PE3 (59.1 %). MPs increased shoot C content and C:N ratios, particularly at the 5 % MP addition rate. MP addition altered dissolved organic C, N, and P concentrations, depending on the MP addition rate. Microbial community responses to MP exposure were complex, leading to variable effects on different microbial groups at different MP addition rates. Structural equation modeling showed that MP addition had a direct positive effect (β = 0.96) on soil C-N-P stoichiometry and a direct negative effect (β = -1.34) on microbial C-N-P stoichiometry. These findings demonstrate the complex interactions between MPs, soil microorganisms, and nutrient dynamics, highlighting the need for further research to better understand the ecological implications of MP pollution in terrestrial ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kumuduni Niroshika Palansooriya
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, College of Environment and Resources, College of Carbon Neutrality, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Ying Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, College of Environment and Resources, College of Carbon Neutrality, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Zhengfeng An
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Yanjiang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, College of Environment and Resources, College of Carbon Neutrality, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
| | - Scott X Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, College of Environment and Resources, College of Carbon Neutrality, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Li Y, Yan Q, Wang J, Shao M, Li Z, Jia H. Biodegradable plastics fragments induce positive effects on the decomposition of soil organic matter. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133820. [PMID: 38382339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133820] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The escalating accumulation of plastic waste in ecosystems poses a significant health concern to soil environment, yet the environmental effects of plastics remains largely unexplored. Biodegradable plastics could offer a viable alternative to conventional persistent plastics, but our understanding of their potential benefits or detrimental effects on the decomposition of plant debris by soil biomass is limited. In this study, we conducted a year-long field experiment to examine the environmental response and impact on plant debris decomposition in the presence of varying quantities of persistent versus biodegradable plastics. Our findings indicate that the decomposition rate decreased by 2.8-4.9% for persistent plastics, while it increased by 1.3-4.2% for biodegradable plastics. Persistent plastics primarily induced adverse effects, including a reduction in soil nutrients, microbial diversity, bioturbation, enzyme activity, easily decomposable carbon, and microbial biomass carbon in plant debris. In contrast, biodegradable plastics resulted in beneficial effects such as an increase in enzyme activity, microbial biomass carbon, and easily decomposable carbon. We also observed that the decomposition rate of plant residues and nutrient release are closely associated with changes in the organic carbon chemical structure induced by different plastic film fragments. A significant shift in alkoxy carbon content facilitated the release of nutrients and soluble carbon, while modifications in carboxyl and aromatic carbon content hindered their release. Overall, our study reveals over one year that biodegradable plastics primarily induce positive effects on the decomposition of soil organic matter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanpei Li
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Qing Yan
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Yellow River Delta Modern Agriculture, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ming'an Shao
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Yellow River Delta Modern Agriculture, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ziyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Hanzhong Jia
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang Y, van Putten RJ, Tietema A, Parsons JR, Gruter GJM. Polyester biodegradability: importance and potential for optimisation. GREEN CHEMISTRY : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL AND GREEN CHEMISTRY RESOURCE : GC 2024; 26:3698-3716. [PMID: 38571729 PMCID: PMC10986773 DOI: 10.1039/d3gc04489k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
To reduce global CO2 emissions in line with EU targets, it is essential that we replace fossil-derived plastics with renewable alternatives. This provides an opportunity to develop novel plastics with improved design features, such as better reusability, recyclability, and environmental biodegradability. Although recycling and reuse of plastics is favoured, this relies heavily on the infrastructure of waste management, which is not consistently advanced on a worldwide scale. Furthermore, today's bulk polyolefin plastics are inherently unsuitable for closed-loop recycling, but the introduction of plastics with enhanced biodegradability could help to combat issues with plastic accumulation, especially for packaging applications. It is also important to recognise that plastics enter the environment through littering, even where the best waste-collection infrastructure is in place. This causes endless environmental accumulation when the plastics are non-(bio)degradable. Biodegradability depends heavily on circumstances; some biodegradable polymers degrade rapidly under tropical conditions in soil, but they may not also degrade at the bottom of the sea. Biodegradable polyesters are theoretically recyclable, and even if mechanical recycling is difficult, they can be broken down to their monomers by hydrolysis for subsequent purification and re-polymerisation. Additionally, both the physical properties and the biodegradability of polyesters are tuneable by varying their building blocks. The relationship between the (chemical) structures/compositions (aromatic, branched, linear, polar/apolar monomers; monomer chain length) and biodegradation/hydrolysis of polyesters is discussed here in the context of the design of biodegradable polyesters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | | | - Albert Tietema
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - John R Parsons
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan M Gruter
- van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Avantium Support BV Zekeringstraat 29 1014 BV Amsterdam The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ranauda MA, Zuzolo D, Maisto M, Tartaglia M, Scarano P, Prigioniero A, Sciarrillo R, Guarino C. Microplastics affect soil-plant system: Implications for rhizosphere biology and fitness of sage (Salvia officinalis L.). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 346:123656. [PMID: 38408506 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123656] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
A mesocosm experiment was set-up to investigate the effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) fragments deriving from plastic film on soil ecology, rhizosphere and plant (Salvia officinalis L.) fitness. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 16S metagenomic analysis was adopted to evaluate taxonomic and functional shifts of both soil and rhizosphere under the influence of microplastics (MPs). Photosynthetic parameters and enzymes involved in oxidative stress were assessed to unveil the plant physiological state. MP fragments were analysed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and metagenomics to investigate the plastisphere. Microbial biomarkers of MPs pollution were identified in soil and rhizosphere, reinforcing the concept of molecular biomonitoring. Overall, Bacillus, Nocardioides and Streptomyces genera are bacterial biomarkers of MPs pollution in soil whereas Aspergillus, Fusarium and Trichoderma genera, and Nectriaceae family are fungal biomarkers of MPs polluted soil. The data show that the presence of MPs promotes the abundance of taxa involved in the soil N cycle, but simultaneously reduces the endophytic interaction capability and enhances pathogen related functions at the rhizosphere level. A significant decrease in chlorophyll levels and increase of oxidative stress enzymes was observed in plants grown in MPs-polluted soil. The SEM observations of MPs fragments revealed a complex colonisation, where bacteria (Bacillus in MPSo and Microvirga in MPRz) and fungi (Aspergillus in MPSo and Trichoderma in MPRz) represent the main colonisers. The results demonstrate that the presence of MPs causes changes in the soil and rhizosphere microbial community and functions leading to negative effects on plant fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Ranauda
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via de Sanctis snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Daniela Zuzolo
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via de Sanctis snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy.
| | - Maria Maisto
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via de Sanctis snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Maria Tartaglia
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via de Sanctis snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Scarano
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via de Sanctis snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Antonello Prigioniero
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via de Sanctis snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Rosaria Sciarrillo
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via de Sanctis snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| | - Carmine Guarino
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, via de Sanctis snc, 82100, Benevento, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Liu C, Li L, Zhi Y, Chen J, Zuo Q, He Q. Molecular insight into the vertical migration and degradation of dissolved organic matter in riparian soil profiles. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 245:118013. [PMID: 38141915 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.118013] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Due to the molecular complexity of dissolving organic matter (DOM), the vertical molecular distribution of riparian soil DOM (especially dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP)) in different land use types and their relationship with the bacterial community is still unclear. This study analyzed the spectral characteristics of riparian soil DOM from 0 to 100 cm in wild grassland, agricultural land, and bare land. The molecular distribution of DOM was revealed through Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) and the specific relationship between DOM and bacterial community composition (BCC) was evaluated. The results showed that the DOM in the upper soil layer (0-40 cm) was mainly composed of recalcitrant macromolecular organics, while that in the lower layer (40-100 cm) was labile small molecular organics. In agricultural land, the total storage of DOM was lower than that in wild grassland, but with a higher abundance of recalcitrant organic carbon (lignin, etc.). At the same time, the bacterial community in agricultural land is shifting towards copiotrophs. In addition, the abundance of labile C degrading genes increases with nitrate as the main electron acceptor. However, sulfates are mainly used as electron acceptors in wild grasslands. Both DOP and DON were dominated by lignin and displayed higher chemical diversity in the upper soil. The bioavailability of DOP in three types of soil is higher than that of DON. DOM-BCC network analysis shows that the recalcitrant DON and DOP molecules in soil are positively correlated with phylum Actinobacteriota in agricultural land. These results emphasize that the DOM molecular characteristics were closely related to the function of the soil bacterial community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, PR China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, PR China.
| | - Yue Zhi
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, PR China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, PR China
| | - Qingyang Zuo
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, PR China
| | - Qiang He
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wang W, Zhang Z, Gao J, Wu H. The impacts of microplastics on the cycling of carbon and nitrogen in terrestrial soil ecosystems: Progress and prospects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:169977. [PMID: 38215847 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169977] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
As contaminants of emerging concern, microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitously present in almost all environmental compartments of the earth, with terrestrial soil ecosystems as the major sink for these contaminants. The accumulation of MPs in the soil can trigger a wide range of effects on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties, which may in turn cause alterations in the biogeochemical processes of some key elements, such as carbon and nitrogen. Until recently, the effects of MPs on the cycling of carbon and nitrogen in terrestrial soil ecosystems have yet to be fully understood, which necessitates a review to summarize the current research progress and propose suggestions for future studies. The presence of MPs can affect the contents and forms of soil carbon and nitrogen nutrients (e.g., total and dissolved organic carbon, dissolved organic nitrogen, NH4+-N, and NO3--N) and the emissions of CH4, CO2, and N2O by altering soil microbial communities, functional gene expressions, and enzyme activities. Exposure to MPs can also affect plant growth and physiological processes, consequently influencing carbon fixation and nitrogen uptake. Specific effects of MPs on carbon and nitrogen cycling and the associated microbial parameters can vary considerably with MP properties (e.g., dose, polymer type, size, shape, and aging status) and soil types, while the mechanisms of interaction between MPs and soil microbes remain unclear. More comprehensive studies are needed to narrow the current knowledge gaps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Jilin Normal University, 1301 Haifeng Street, Siping 136000, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dong Y, Gao M, Cai Q, Qiu W, Xiao L, Chen Z, Peng H, Liu Q, Song Z. The impact of microplastics on sulfur REDOX processes in different soil types: A mechanism study. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133432. [PMID: 38219596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133432] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics can potentially affect the physical and chemical properties of soil, as well as soil microbial communities. This could, in turn, influence soil sulfur REDOX processes and the ability of soil to supply sulfur effectively. However, the specific mechanisms driving these effects remain unclear. To explore this, soil microcosm experiments were conducted to assess the impacts of polystyrene (PS) and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) microplastics on sulfur reduction-oxidation (REDOX) processes in black, meadow, and paddy soils. The findings revealed that PS and PPS most significantly decreased SO42- in black soil by 9.4%, elevated SO42- in meadow soil by 20.8%, and increased S2- in paddy soil by 20.5%. PS and PPS microplastics impacted the oxidation process of sulfur in soil by influencing the activity of sulfur dioxygenase, which was mediated by α-proteobacteria and γ-proteobacteria, and the oxidation process was negatively influenced by soil organic matter. PS and PPS microplastics impacted the reduction process of sulfur in soil by influencing the activity of adenosine-5'-phosphosulfate reductase, sulfite reductase, which was mediated by Desulfuromonadales and Desulfarculales, and the reduction process was positively influenced by soil organic matter. In addition to their impacts on microorganisms, it was found that PP and PPS microplastics directly influenced the structure of soil enzymes, leading to alterations in soil enzyme activity. This study sheds light on the mechanisms by which microplastics impact soil sulfur REDOX processes, providing valuable insights into how microplastics influence soil health and functioning, which is essential for optimizing crop growth and maximizing yield in future agricultural practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youming Dong
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Minling Gao
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Qiqi Cai
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Weiwen Qiu
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 3230, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
| | - Ling Xiao
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Zimin Chen
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Hongchang Peng
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Qinghai Liu
- Institute of Agricultural Product Quality Standard and Testing Research, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Lhasa, Tibet 850032, China
| | - Zhengguo Song
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Dong Y, Gao M, Qiu W, Xiao L, Cheng Z, Peng H, Song Z. Investigating the impact of microplastics on sulfur mineralization in different soil types: A mechanism study. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:132942. [PMID: 37992502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132942] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics can affect the physicochemical properties of soil and soil microorganisms, potentially resulting in changes in the soil sulfur mineralization and its capacity to supply available sulfur. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. We performed soil microcosm experiments, in which the effects of polystyrene (PS) and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) microplastics on sulfur mineralization were examined in black, meadow, and paddy soils under flooded and dry conditions. Under dry condition, the presence of PS and PPS microplastics impeded sulfur (S) mineralization in black and paddy soils, but promoted sulfur mineralization in meadow soil. The size of microplastics was identified as the primary factor influencing sulfur mineralization in black soil, while in meadow soil, it was influenced by the microplastics type. In the case of paddy soil, the concentration of microplastics was the key factor affecting sulfur mineralization. During the flooding period, PS and PPS microplastics in black and paddy soils curtailed sulfur mineralization, however expedited sulfur mineralization in meadow soil, with PS enhancing soil sulfur mineralization more pronouncedly than PPS in black soil. The type and concentration of microplastics were identified as the main factors affecting sulfur mineralization in black soil, while in paddy soil, it was influenced by the size of microplastics. The principal regulating factors of soil sulfur mineralization were the sulphatase and arylsulfatase enzymes produced by Actinobacteria, Xanthomonadales, and Rhizobiales microorganisms, while organic matter and Olsen-P also had an influential role. Additionally, microplastics directly affected the structure of soil enzymes, thereby altering soil enzyme activities. This study provided insights into the mechanism by which microplastics affect soil sulfur mineralization, offering significant implications for assessing the influence of microplastics on soil sulfur availability and making informed decisions about sulfur application in future agricultural practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youming Dong
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Minling Gao
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Weiwen Qiu
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Ling Xiao
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Zimin Cheng
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Hongchang Peng
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Zhengguo Song
- Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Withana PA, Li J, Senadheera SS, Fan C, Wang Y, Ok YS. Machine learning prediction and interpretation of the impact of microplastics on soil properties. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122833. [PMID: 37931672 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The annual microplastic (MP) release into soils is 4-23 times higher than that into oceans, significantly impacting soil quality. However, the mechanisms underlying how MPs impact soil properties remain largely unknown. Soil-MP interactions are complex because of soil heterogeneity and varying MP properties. This lack of understanding was exacerbated by the diverse experimental conditions and soil types used in this study. Predicting changes in soil properties in the presence of MPs is challenging, laborious, and time-consuming. To address these issues, machine learning was applied to fit datasets from peer-reviewed publications to predict and interpret how MPs influence soil properties, including pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total P, NO3--N, NH4+-N, and acid phosphatase enzyme activity (acid P). Among the developed models, the gradient boost regression (GBR) model showed the highest R2 (0.86-0.99) compared to the decision tree and random forest models. The GBR model interpretation showed that MP properties contributed more than 50% to altering the acid P and NO3--N concentrations in soils, whereas they had a negligible impact on total P and 10-20% impact on soil pH, DOC, and NH4+-N. Specifically, the size of MPs was the dominant factor influencing acid P (89.3%), pH (71.6%), and DOC (44.5%) in soils. NO3--N was mainly affected by the MP type (52.0%). The NH4+-N was mainly affected by the MP dose (46.8%). The quantitative insights into the impact of MPs on soil properties of this study could aid in understanding the roles of MPs in soil systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piumi Amasha Withana
- Korea Biochar Research Center, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; International ESG Association (IESGA), Seoul, 06621, Republic of Korea
| | - Jie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Sachini Supunsala Senadheera
- Korea Biochar Research Center, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; International ESG Association (IESGA), Seoul, 06621, Republic of Korea
| | - Chuanfang Fan
- Korea Biochar Research Center, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Yin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; International ESG Association (IESGA), Seoul, 06621, Republic of Korea; Institute of Green Manufacturing Technology, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wang W, Xie Y, Li H, Dong H, Li B, Guo Y, Wang Y, Guo X, Yin T, Liu X, Zhou W. Responses of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth and soil properties to conventional non-biodegradable and new biodegradable microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122897. [PMID: 37949158 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122897] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Residual plastic films in soils are posing a potential threat to agricultural ecosystem. However, little is known about the impacts of microplastics (MPs) derived from biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastic films on plant-soil systems. Here, we carried out a pot experiment using soil-cultivated lettuce treated by two types of MPs, degradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT-MPs) and non-biodegradable polyethylene (PE-MPs). MPs resulted in different degrees of reduction in shoot biomass, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic parameters, and leaf contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), accelerated accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, and increased malondialdehyde content in lettuce leaves. Moreover, MPs obviously decreased contents of total N, nitrate, ammonium, and available K in soils, and increased available P, thus altering soil nutrient availability. MPs also significantly decreased proportions of macroaggregates, and decreased soil electrical conductivity and microbial activity. PBAT-MPs had significantly greater impacts on oxidative damage, photosynthetic rate, soil aggregation, microbial activity, and soil ammonium than those of PE-MPs. Our results suggested that MPs caused oxidative damages, nutrient uptake inhibition, soil properties alteration, ultimately leading to growth reduction, and PBAT-MPs exhibited stronger impacts. Therefore, it is urgent to further study the ecological effects of MPs, especially biodegradable MPs, on soil-plant systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weixuan Wang
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Yingmei Xie
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Han Li
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Hongmin Dong
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Bin Li
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Yunjie Guo
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Yutong Wang
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Xinrui Guo
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Tao Yin
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Xiaowei Liu
- Western Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, 831100, China
| | - Weiwei Zhou
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Owusu SM, Adomako MO, Qiao H. Organic amendment in climate change mitigation: Challenges in an era of micro- and nanoplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168035. [PMID: 37907110 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
As a global strategy for mitigating climate change, organic amendments play critical roles in restoring stocks in carbon (C) depleted soils, preserving existing stocks to prevent further soil organic carbon (SOC) loss, and enhancing C sequestration. However, recent emerging evidence of a significant proportion of micro- and nanoplastics (M/NPs) occurrence in most organic substrates (e.g., compost manure, farmyard manure, and sewage sludge) compromises its role in climate change mitigation. Given the predicted surge of soil M/NPs proliferation in the coming years, we argued whether organic amendment remains a reliable climate change mitigation strategy. Toxicity effects of M/NPs influx within the soil matrix disrupt plants and their associated key microbial taxa responsible for crucial biogeochemical processes and restructuring of SOC, leading to increasing emissions of potent greenhouse gases (GHGs, e.g., CO2, CH4, and N2O) that feedback to aggravate the rapidly changing climate. Here, we summarize evidence based on literature that the discovery of M/NPs in organic substrates compromises its role in the climate change mitigation strategy. We briefly discuss the overview of synthetic fertilizers and their impact on SOC and atmospheric emissions. We discuss the role of organic amends in climate change mitigation and the emergence of M/NPs in it. We discuss M/NPs-induced damages to SOC and subsequent emissions of GHGs. We briefly highlight management approaches to clean organic substrates of M/NPs to improve their use in agrosystems and provide recommendations for future research studies. We found that organic amendment plays pivotal role in modulating the biotic and abiotic drivers responsible for climate mitigation. However, M/NPs in organic amendments weaken the regulatory mechanisms of organic amendments in plant-soil systems. We conclude that organic amendments of soils are critical for restoring SOC and mitigating the rapidly changing climate; yet, the discovery of M/NPs in organic substrates put their usage in a dilemma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Mensah Owusu
- Schoo of Business, Jinggangshan University, Qingyuan District, Ji'an City 343009, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Michael Opoku Adomako
- Institute of Wetland Ecology & Clone Ecology/Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hu Qiao
- Schoo of Business, Jinggangshan University, Qingyuan District, Ji'an City 343009, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhou J, Xu H, Xiang Y, Wu J. Effects of microplastics pollution on plant and soil phosphorus: A meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132705. [PMID: 37813034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of microplastics leads to environmental pollution, which threatens ecosystem functions (i.e., nutrient cycling). Some studies have focused on the impacts of microplastics on phosphorus from plants and soils. However, inconsistent responses of plant and soil phosphorus to microplastics have been observed. This work synthesized the results of 781 paired observations from 73 publications to explore the overall effects of microplastics on plant and soil phosphorus and whether the impacts depended on microplastics properties and experimental variables. We found the overall negative effects of microplastics on plant phosphorus and soil available phosphorus. Additionally, microplastics significantly inhibited neutral phosphatase activity but increased soil phosphorus leaching. Furthermore, the impacts of microplastics on plant and soil phosphorus varied depending on microplastics types, sizes, concentrations, and experimental durations. Soil total phosphorus and available phosphorus exhibited stronger negative responses to biodegradable than conventional microplastics. Acid phosphatase was more sensitive to biodegradable than conventional microplastics. In addition, soil total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly correlated with microplastic concentrations and exposure time. Overall, our findings suggest that microplastics potentially threaten soil fertility and plant productivity. This work provides an important reference for predicting ecosystem functions in the context of microplastics pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhou
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plant Reproductive Adaptation and Evolutionary Ecology and Institute of Biodiversity, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, PR China; Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Southwest Cross-Board Ecosecurity, Ministry of Education, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Haibian Xu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plant Reproductive Adaptation and Evolutionary Ecology and Institute of Biodiversity, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, PR China; Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Southwest Cross-Board Ecosecurity, Ministry of Education, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Yangzhou Xiang
- School of Geography and Resources, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, PR China.
| | - Jianping Wu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plant Reproductive Adaptation and Evolutionary Ecology and Institute of Biodiversity, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan, PR China; Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Health in Universities of Yunnan Province, Key Laboratory of Southwest Cross-Board Ecosecurity, Ministry of Education, Kunming 650500, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Liu Z, Wen J, Liu Z, Wei H, Zhang J. Polyethylene microplastics alter soil microbial community assembly and ecosystem multifunctionality. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108360. [PMID: 38128384 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108360] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Although pervasive microplastics (MPs) pollution in terrestrial ecosystems invites increasing global concern, impact of MPs on soil microbial community assembly and ecosystem multifunctionality received relatively little attention. Here, we manipulated a mesocosm experiment to investigate how polyethylene MPs (PE MPs; 0, 1%, and 5%, w/w) influence ecosystem functions including plant production, soil quality, microbial community diversity and assembly, enzyme activities in carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling, and multifunctionality in the maize-soil continuum. Results showed that PE MPs exerted negligible effect on plant biomass (dry weight). The treatment of 5% PE MPs caused declines in the availability of soil water, C and P, whereas enhanced soil pH and C storage. The activity of C-cycling enzymes (α/β-1, 4-glucosidase and β-D-cellobiohydrolase) was promoted by 1% PE MPs, while that of β-1, 4-glucosidase was inhibited by 5% PE MPs. The 5% PE MPs reduced the activity of N-cycling enzymes (protease and urease), whereas increased that of the P-cycling enzyme (alkaline phosphatase). The 5% PE MPs shifted soil microbial community composition, and increased the number of specialist species, microbial community stability and networks resistance. Moreover, PE MPs altered microbial community assembly, with 5% treatment decreasing dispersal limitation proportion (from 13.66% to 9.96%). Overall, ecosystem multifunctionality was improved by 1% concentration, while reduced by 5% concentration of PE MPs. The activity of α/β-1, 4-glucosidase, urease and protease, and ammonium-N content were the most important predictors of ecosystem multifunctionality. These results underscore that PE MPs can alter soil microbial community assembly and ecosystem multifunctionality, and thus development and implementation of practicable solutions to control soil MPs pollution become increasingly imperative in sustainable agricultural production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziqiang Liu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jiahao Wen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhenxiu Liu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hui Wei
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Jiaen Zhang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Letwin NV, Gillespie AW, Ijzerman MM, Kudla YM, Csajaghy JD, Prosser RS. Characterizing the Microplastic Content of Biosolids in Southern Ontario, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 38116985 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The application of biosolids to agricultural land has been identified as a major pathway of microplastic (MP) pollution to the environment. Very little research, however, has been done on the MP content of biosolids within Canada. Fifteen biosolid samples from different treatment processes (liquid, dewatered, pelletized, and alkali-stabilized) were collected from 11 sources across southern Ontario to quantify and characterize the MP load within them. All samples exhibited MP concentrations ranging from 188 200 (±24 161) to 512 000 (±28 571) MPs/kg dry weight and from 4122 (±231) to 453 746 (±38 194) MPs/kg wet weight. Field amendment of these biosolids can introduce up to 3.73 × 106 to 4.12 × 108 MP/ha of agricultural soil. There was no significant difference in the MP concentrations of liquid, dewatered, and pelletized samples; but a reduction in MP content was observed in alkali-stabilized biosolids. Fragments composed 57.6% of the MPs identified, while 36.7% were fibers. In addition, MPs showed an exponential increase in abundance with decreasing size. Characterization of MPs confirmed that polyester was the most abundant, while polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyacrylamide, and polyurethane were present across the majority of biosolid samples. The results of the present study provide an estimate of the potential extent of MP contamination to agricultural fields through the amendment of biosolids. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-14. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas V Letwin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam W Gillespie
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Moira M Ijzerman
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yaryna M Kudla
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joel D Csajaghy
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan S Prosser
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Feng S, Wang H, Wang Y, Cheng Q. A review of the occurrence and degradation of biodegradable microplastics in soil environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166855. [PMID: 37683869 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The use of plastics for manufacturing of products and packaging has become ubiquitous. This is because plastics are cheap, pliable, and durable. However, these characteristics of plastics have also led to their disposal in landfill, where they persist. To overcome the environmental challenge posed by conventional plastics (CPs), biodegradable plastics (BDPs) are increasingly being used. However, BDPs form residual microplastics (MPs) at a rate that far exceeds that of CPs, and MPs have negative impacts on the soil environment. This review aimed to evaluate whether the move away from CPs to BDPs is having an overall positive impact on the environment considering the formation of MPs. Topics focused on in this review include the degradation of BDPs in the soil environment and the impacts of MPs originating from BDPs on soil physical and chemical properties, microbial communities, animals, and plants. The information collated in this review can provide scientific guidance for sustainable development of the BDPs industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Feng
- Key Lab of Eco-Restoration of Regional Contaminated Environment, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China
| | - Haodong Wang
- Key Lab of Eco-Restoration of Regional Contaminated Environment, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Lab of Eco-Restoration of Regional Contaminated Environment, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China
| | - Quanguo Cheng
- Key Lab of Eco-Restoration of Regional Contaminated Environment, Ministry of Education, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Liu X, Fang L, Yan X, Gardea-Torresdey JL, Gao Y, Zhou X, Yan B. Surface functional groups and biofilm formation on microplastics: Environmental implications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166585. [PMID: 37643702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination is becoming a significant environmental issue, as the widespread omnipresence of MPs can cause many adverse consequences for both ecological systems and humans. Contrary to what is commonly thought, the toxicity-inducing MPs are not the original pristine plastics; rather, they are completely transformed through various surface functional groups and aggressive biofilm formation on MPs via aging or weathering processes. Therefore, understanding the impacts of MPs' surface functional groups and biofilm formation on biogeochemical processes, such as environmental fate, transport, and toxicity, is crucial. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the distinctive impact that surface functional groups and biofilm formation of MPs have on their significant biogeochemical behavior in various environmental media, as well as their toxicity and biological effects. We place emphasis on the role of surface functional groups and biofilm formation as a means of influencing the biogeochemical processes of MPs. This includes their effects on pollutant fate and element cycling, which in turn impacts the aggregation, transport, and toxicity of MPs. Ultimately, future research studies and tactics are needed to improve our understanding of the biogeochemical processes that are influenced by the surface functional groups and biofilm formation of MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xigui Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liping Fang
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-Environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Xiliang Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jorge L Gardea-Torresdey
- University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Sahasa RGK, Dhevagi P, Poornima R, Ramya A, Karthikeyan S, Priyatharshini S. Dose-dependent toxicity of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on physiological and biochemical response of blackgram and its associated rhizospheric soil properties. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:119168-119186. [PMID: 37919496 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30550-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystem is emerging as a global threat due to rapid production of plastic waste and its mismanagement. It affects all living organisms including plants. Hence, the current study aims at understanding the effect of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) at different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00% w/w) on the plant growth and yield attributes. With blackgram as a test crop, results revealed that a maximum reduction in physiological traits like photosynthetic rate; chlorophyll a, b; and total chlorophyll by 5, 14, 10, and 13% at flowering stage; and an increase in biochemical traits like ascorbic acid, malondialdehyde, proline, superoxide dismutase, and catalase by 11, 29.7, 16, 22, and 30% during vegetative stage was observed with 1% PE-MP application. Moreover, a reduction in growth and yield attributes was also observed with increasing concentration of microplastics. Additionally, application of 1% PE-MPs decreased the soil bulk density, available phosphorus, and potassium, whereas the EC, organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, NO3-N, and NH4-N significantly increased. Moreover, the presence of PE-MPs in soil also had a significant influence on the soil enzyme activities. Metagenomic analysis (16 s) reveals that at genus level, Bacillus (19%) was predominant in control, while in 1% PE-MPs, Rubrobacter (28%) genus was dominant. Microvirga was found exclusively in T5, while the relative abundance of Gemmatimonas declined from T1 to T5. This study thus confirms that microplastics exert a dose-dependent effect on soil and plant characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Periyasamy Dhevagi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, 641 003.
| | - Ramesh Poornima
- Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India, 642 103
| | - Ambikapathi Ramya
- Research Centre for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, 11529
| | - Subburamu Karthikeyan
- Centre for Post Harvest Technology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, 641 003
| | - Sengottaiyan Priyatharshini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, 641 003
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Li G, Tang Y, Khan KY, Son Y, Jung J, Qiu X, Zhao X, Iqbal B, Stoffella PJ, Kim GJ, Du D. The toxicological effect on pak choi of co-exposure to degradable and non-degradable microplastics with oxytetracycline in the soil. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 268:115707. [PMID: 37988994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and antibiotics are emerging as ubiquitous contaminants in farmland soil, harming crop quality and yield, and thus threatening global food security and human health. However, few studies have examined the individual and joint effects of degradable and/or non-degradable microplastics and antibiotics on crop plants. This study examined the individual and joint effects of polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics and the antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) on pak choi by measuring its growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, and metabolite levels. Microplastics and/or oxytetracycline adversely affected root weight, photosynthesis, and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase) activities. The levels of leaf metabolites were significantly altered, causing physiological changes. Biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites and amino acids was altered, and plant hormones pathways were disrupted. Separately and together, OTC, PE, and PLA exerted phytotoxic and antagonistic effects on pak choi. Separately and together with OTC, degradable microplastics altered the soil properties, thus causing more severe impacts on plant performance than non-degradable microplastics. This study elucidates the effects on crop plants of toxicity caused by co-exposure to degradable or non-degradable microplastic and antibiotics contamination and suggests mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanlin Li
- School of Emergency Management, Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, People's Republic of China; Department of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi Tang
- School of Emergency Management, Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Kiran Yasmin Khan
- School of Emergency Management, Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yowhan Son
- Department of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Jung
- Department of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Xuchun Qiu
- School of Emergency Management, Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Babar Iqbal
- School of Emergency Management, Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Peter Joseph Stoffella
- Indian River Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, United States
| | - Gwang-Jung Kim
- Department of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Daolin Du
- School of Emergency Management, Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Khan A, Jie Z, Wang J, Nepal J, Ullah N, Zhao ZY, Wang PY, Ahmad W, Khan A, Wang W, Li MY, Zhang W, Elsheikh MS, Xiong YC. Ecological risks of microplastics contamination with green solutions and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165688. [PMID: 37490947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The rise of plasticulture as mulching material in farming systems has raised concerns about microplastics (MPs) in the agricultural landscape. MPs are emerging pollutants in croplands and water systems with significant ecological risks, particularly over the long term. In the soil systems, MPs polymer type, thinness, shape, and size induces numerous effects on soil aggregates, dissolved organic carbon (C), rapidly oxidized organic C, microbial biomass C, microbial biomass nitrogen (N), microbial immobilization, degradation of organic matter, N cycling, and production of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), thereby posing a significant risk of impairing soil physical and biochemical properties over time. Further, toxic chemicals released from polyethylene mulching (PMs) might indirectly harm plant growth by affecting soil wetting-drying cycles, releasing toxic substances that interact with soil matrix, and suppressing soil microbial activity. In the environment, accumulation of MPs poses a risk to human health by accelerating emissions of GHGs, e.g., methane and carbon dioxide, or directly releasing toxic substances such as phthalic acid esters (PAEs) into the soils. Also, larger sizes MPs can adhere to root surface and block stomata could significantly change the shape of root epidermal cells resulting in arrest plant growth and development by restricting water-nutrient uptake, and gene expression and altering the biodiversity of the soil pollutants. In this review, we systematically analyzed the potential risks of MPs to the soil-plant and human body, their occurrence, abundance, and migration in agroecosystems. Further, the impacts of MPs on soil microbial function, nutrient cycling, soil C, and GHGs are mechanistically reviewed, with emphasis on potential green solutions such as organic materials amendments along with future research directions for more eco-friendly and sustainable plastic management in agroecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zheng Jie
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization/Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICR, CAAS), Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jaya Nepal
- Department of Soil, Water & Ecosystem Sciences, Indian River Research Center, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| | - Najeeb Ullah
- Agriculture Research Station, office of VP For Research and Graduate Studies, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ze-Ying Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Peng-Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wiqar Ahmad
- Department of the Soil and Environmental Sciences, AMKC, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Meng-Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | | | - You-Cai Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kurniawan TA, Haider A, Mohyuddin A, Fatima R, Salman M, Shaheen A, Ahmad HM, Al-Hazmi HE, Othman MHD, Aziz F, Anouzla A, Ali I. Tackling microplastics pollution in global environment through integration of applied technology, policy instruments, and legislation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 346:118971. [PMID: 37729832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a serious environmental problem that affects both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Small particles with size of less than 5 mm, known as microplastics (MPs), persist in the environment and pose serious threats to various species from micro-organisms to humans. However, terrestrial environment has received less attention than the aquatic environment, despite being a major source of MPs that eventually reaches water body. To reflect its novelty, this work aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of MPs pollution in the global environment and various solutions to address MP pollution by integrating applied technology, policy instruments, and legislation. This review critically evaluates and compares the existing technologies for MPs detection, removal, and degradation, and a variety of policy instruments and legislation that can support the prevention and management of MPs pollution scientifically. Furthermore, this review identifies the gaps and challenges in addressing the complex and diverse nature of MPs and calls for joint actions and collaboration from stakeholders to contain MPs. As water pollution by MPs is complex, managing it effectively requires their responses through the utilization of technology, policy instruments, and legislation. It is evident from a literature survey of 228 published articles (1961-2023) that existing water technologies are promising to remove MPs pollution. Membrane bioreactors and ultrafiltration achieved 90% of MPs removal, while magnetic separation was effective at extracting 88% of target MPs from wastewater. In biological process, one kg of wax worms could consume about 80 g of plastic/day. This means that 100 kg of wax worms can eat about 8 kg of plastic daily, or about 2.9 tons of plastic annually. Overall, the integration of technology, policy instrument, and legislation is crucial to deal with the MPs issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahtisham Haider
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Mohyuddin
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan.
| | - Rida Fatima
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Salman
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
| | - Anila Shaheen
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan; Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Hussein E Al-Hazmi
- Department of Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Faissal Aziz
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity & Climate Changes, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP 2390, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Abdelkader Anouzla
- Department of Process Engineering and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Hassan II of Casablanca, Mohammedia, Morocco
| | - Imran Ali
- Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University), Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Chen C, Yin G, Li Q, Gu Y, Sun D, An S, Liang X, Li X, Zheng Y, Hou L, Liu M. Effects of microplastics on denitrification and associated N 2O emission in estuarine and coastal sediments: insights from interactions between sulfate reducers and denitrifiers. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 245:120590. [PMID: 37703755 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Global estuarine and coastal zones are facing severe microplastics (MPs) pollution. Sulfate reducers (SRB) and denitrifiers (DNB) are two key functional microorganisms in these zones, exhibiting intricate interactions. However, whether and how MPs modulate the interactions between SRB and DNB, with implications for denitrification and associated N2O emissions, remains poorly understood. Here, we simultaneously investigated the spatial response patterns of SRB-DNB interactions and denitrification and associated N2O emissions to different MPs exposure along an estuarine gradient in the Yangtze Estuary. Spatial responses of denitrification to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyadipate/butylene terephthalate (PBAT) MPs exposure were heterogeneous, while those of N2O emissions were not. Gradient-boosted regression tree and multiple regression model analyses showed that sulfide, followed by nitrate (NO3-), controlled the response patterns of denitrification to MPs exposure. Further mechanistic investigation revealed that exposure to MPs resulted in a competitive and toxic (sulfide accumulation) inhibition of SRB on DNB, ultimately inhibiting denitrification at upstream zones with high sulfide but low NO3- levels. Conversely, MPs exposure induced a competitive inhibition of DNB on SRB, generally promoting denitrification at downstream zones with low sulfide but high NO3- levels. These findings advance the current understanding of the impacts of MPs on nitrogen cycle in estuarine and coastal zones, and provide a novel insight for future studies exploring the response of biogeochemical cycles to MPs in various ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Key Laboratory of Spatial-temporal Big Data Analysis and Application of Natural Resources in Megacities, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Guoyu Yin
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Key Laboratory of Spatial-temporal Big Data Analysis and Application of Natural Resources in Megacities, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Qiuxuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Key Laboratory of Spatial-temporal Big Data Analysis and Application of Natural Resources in Megacities, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Youran Gu
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Key Laboratory of Spatial-temporal Big Data Analysis and Application of Natural Resources in Megacities, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Dongyao Sun
- School of Geography Science and Geomatics Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Soonmo An
- Department of Oceanography, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Xia Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xiaofei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yanling Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Key Laboratory of Spatial-temporal Big Data Analysis and Application of Natural Resources in Megacities, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Lijun Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Min Liu
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China; Key Laboratory of Spatial-temporal Big Data Analysis and Application of Natural Resources in Megacities, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Xiang Y, Peñuelas J, Sardans J, Liu Y, Yao B, Li Y. Effects of microplastics exposure on soil inorganic nitrogen: A comprehensive synthesis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132514. [PMID: 37708652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, a growing environmental concern, impact soil inorganic nitrogen (N) transformation, specifically affecting water-extractable nitrate N (NO3--N) and ammonium N (NH4+-N). However, inconsistencies among relevant findings necessitate a systematic analysis. Accordingly, the present meta-analysis addresses these discrepancies by evaluating the effects of microplastics on soil inorganic N and identifying key influencing factors. Our meta-analysis of 216 paired observations from 47 studies demonstrates microplastics exposure causes an overall significant reduction of 7.89% in soil NO3--N concentration, but has no significant impact on NH4+-N concentration. Subgroup analysis further revealed effects of microplastics on soil inorganic N were modulated by microplastics characteristics, experimental conditions (exposure time, experimental temperature, plant effects), and soil properties (soil texture, initial soil pH, initial soil organic carbon, soil total N concentration). We found that microplastics exposure above 27 ℃ enhances soil NO3--N concentration, a finding linked to specific soil properties and conditions, underscoring the impacts of global warming. Importantly, the microplastics polymer type was the most influential predictor of effects on soil NO3--N concentration, while soil NH4+-N concentration was primarily affected by soil texture and microplastics type. These findings illuminate the complex effects of microplastics on soil inorganic N, informing soil management amid increasing microplastics pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangzhou Xiang
- School of Geography and Resources, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, China
| | - Josep Peñuelas
- CSIC Global Ecology Unit, CREAF-CSIC-UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain; CREAF - Ecological and Forestry Applications Research Centre, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Sardans
- CSIC Global Ecology Unit, CREAF-CSIC-UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia, Spain; CREAF - Ecological and Forestry Applications Research Centre, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Biological Sciences, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, China
| | - Bin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Ecology Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China.
| | - Yuan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems of Lanzhou University, National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems in Gansu Qingyang, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou 730020, China.
| |
Collapse
|