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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] [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.
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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.
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Piyathilake U, Lin C, Bolan N, Bundschuh J, Rinklebe J, Herath I. Exploring the hidden environmental pollution of microplastics derived from bioplastics: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141773. [PMID: 38548076 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141773] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Bioplastics might be an ecofriendly alternative to traditional plastics. However, recent studies have emphasized that even bioplastics can end up becoming micro- and nano-plastics due to their degradation under ambient environmental conditions. Hence, there is an urgent need to assess the hidden environmental pollution caused by bioplastics. However, little is known about the evolutionary trends of bibliographic data, degradation pathways, formation, and toxicity of micro- and nano-scaled bioplastics originating from biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and starch-based plastics. Therefore, the prime objective of the current review was to investigate evolutionary trends and the latest advancements in the field of micro-bioplastic pollution. Additionally, it aims to confront the limitations of existing research on microplastic pollution derived from the degradation of bioplastic wastes, and to understand what is needed in future research. The literature survey revealed that research focusing on micro- and nano-bioplastics has begun since 2012. This review identifies novel insights into microbioplastics formation through diverse degradation pathways, including photo-oxidation, ozone-induced degradation, mechanochemical degradation, biodegradation, thermal, and catalytic degradation. Critical research gaps are identified, including defining optimal environmental conditions for complete degradation of diverse bioplastics, exploring micro- and nano-bioplastics formation in natural environments, investigating the global occurrence and distribution of these particles in diverse ecosystems, assessing toxic substances released during bioplastics degradation, and bridging the disparity between laboratory studies and real-world applications. By identifying new trends and knowledge gaps, this study lays the groundwork for future investigations and sustainable solutions in the realm of sustainable management of bioplastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udara Piyathilake
- Environmental Science Division, National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Kandy, 2000, Sri Lanka
| | - Chuxia Lin
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Jochen Bundschuh
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, The University of Southern Queensland, West Street, 4350, QLD, 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
| | - Indika Herath
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia.
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Junaid M, Liu S, Yue Q, Wei M, Wang J. Trophic transfer and interfacial impacts of micro(nano)plastics and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133243. [PMID: 38103288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133243] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Both micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) possessed excellent properties and diverse applications, albeit gained worldwide attention due to their anthropogenic, ubiquitous, degradation resistant nature and a wide variety of ecological and human health impacts. MNPs and PFAS discharged from discrete sources and extensively bioaccumulated in the food chain through trophic transfer and their long-distance transport potential assist in their dispersal to pristine but vulnerable ecosystems such as Antarctica. They inevitably interacted with each other in the environment through polarized N-H bond, hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interaction, and weak bond energies such as Van der Waals, electrostatic, and intramolecular forces. During co-exposure, they significantly impact the uptake and bioaccumulation of each other in exposed organisms, which may increase or decrease their bioavailable concentration. Hence, this review compiles the studies on the co-occurrence and adsorption of PFAS and MNPs in the environment, their trophic transfer, combined in vivo and in vitro impacts, and factors influencing the MNP-PFAS interface. A significant proportion of studies were conducted in China, Europe, and the US, while studies are rare from other parts of the world. Freshwater and marine food chains were more prominently investigated for trophic transfers compared to terrestrial food chains. The most notable in vivo effects were growth and reproductive impairment, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and apoptosis, DNA damage, genotoxicity and immunological responses, behavioral and gut microbiota modifications, and histopathological alterations. Cellular uptake of PFAS and MNPs can impact cell survival and proliferation, photosynthesis and membrane integrity, ROS generation and antioxidant responses, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) release in vitro. MNP characteristics, PFAS properties, tissue and species-dependent distribution, and environmental medium properties were the main factors influencing the PFAS and MNP nexus and associated impacts. Last but not least, gaps and future research directions were highlighted to better understand the interplay between these critical persistent chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Junaid
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Shulin Liu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Qiang Yue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Maochun Wei
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Intelligent Fishery, Xiamen Ocean Vocational College, Xiamen 361100, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China; Xiamen Key Laboratory of Intelligent Fishery, Xiamen Ocean Vocational College, Xiamen 361100, China.
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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.
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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.
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5
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Shang G, Zhai J, Xu G, Wang L, Wang X. Ecotoxicological effects of co-exposure biodegradable microplastics polylactic acid with cadmium are higher than conventional microplastics polystyrene with cadmium on the earthworm. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166953. [PMID: 37699480 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic fragments with particle sizes <5 mm, ubiquitously distributed in terrestrial environments. However, the negative effects of MPs, such as joint-pollution with heavy metals on soil fauna remain controversial. This study investigated survival rate, growth, reproduction, avoidance behavior, histology, biochemical assays, comet assay, qPCR, Cd content, and IBR index. We found that six types of traditional MPs (PC, PP, PVC, LDPE, PET and PS, and PLA (a biodegradable microplastics)) had no adverse effects on earthworm growth, survival and reproduction. Moreover, we found that earthworms exhibit an avoidance behavior towards PLA. Both PS and PLA can exacerbated Cd pollution, leading to loose circular muscle layer, DNA damage in coelomocytes, and impaired antioxidant system due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). mRNA level of HSP70 increased under joint-pollution of both PS and Cd or PLA and Cd compared to Cd treatment alone. MPs enhanced Cd accumulation in earthworms in Cd-contaminated soil. Notably, the Integrated Biomarkers Response index revealed that the toxicity of joint PLA and Cd was greater than the joint effect of PS and Cd, which might violate the original intention of biodegradable plastics having non-toxic influence on the soil fauna. Our findings provide new insights into the ecotoxicological effects of MPs, the joint ecotoxicological effects of MPs and Cd on earthworms, and the ecological risks of MPs to soil fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshen Shang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Junjie Zhai
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guangxia Xu
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China.
| | - Xing Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100193, China.
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6
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Huang F, Zhang Q, Wang L, Zhang C, Zhang Y. Are biodegradable mulch films a sustainable solution to microplastic mulch film pollution? A biogeochemical perspective. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132024. [PMID: 37572603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132024] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Mulch film residue contributes significantly to global plastic pollution, and consequently biodegradable mulch films (BDMs) are being adopted as a solution. BDMs decompose relatively quickly, but their complete biodegradation requires suitable conditions that are difficult to achieve in nature, causing biodegradable microplastics (bio-MPs) to be more likely to accumulate in soil than traditional microplastics (MPs). If BDMs are to be considered as a sustainable solution, long-term and in-depth studies to investigate the impact of bio-MPs on the biogeochemical processes are vital to agroecosystems operation and ecosystem services supply. Although bio-MP-derived carbon can potentially convert into biomass during decomposition, its contribution to soil carbon stocks is insignificant. Instead, given their biodegradability, bio-MPs can result in greater alterations of soil biodiversity and community composition. Their high carbon-nitrogen ratios may also significantly regulate various processes involved in the natural decomposition and transformation of soil organic matter, including the reduction of nutrient availability and increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Soil ecosystems are complex organic entities interconnected by disturbance-feedback mechanisms. Given the prevailing knowledge gaps regarding the impact of bio-MPs on soil biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem balance, this study emphasized the safety and sustainability assessment of bio-MPs and the prevailing comprehensive challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuxin Huang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Congyu Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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7
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Yang C, Zhao Y, Long B, Wang F, Li F, Xie D. Biodegradable mulch films improve yield of winter potatoes through effects on soil properties and nutrients. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115402. [PMID: 37634481 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115402] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable mulch films are recognized as a promising substitute of polyethylene (PE) films to alleviate the "white pollution". Biodegradable mulch films with optimum degradation rates increase crop yield even compared to PE films. However, the mechanisms underlying this yield-increasing effect remains elusive. In this study, three biodegradable film treatments (BFM1, BFM2 and BFM3) and one PE film treatment (PFM) were used to evaluate their effects on soil and winter potatoes, and a partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) was constructed to investigate their relationships. The degradation rates of films under different treatments were ranked as BFM3 > BFM2 >BFM1 > PFM, and presented distinctive effects on soil properties and nutrients, structure of soil bacterial community, and yield traits of winter potatoes. The PLS-PM showed that mulch treatments affected potato yield through effects on soil properties (soil water and temperature) and soil nutrients (TOC, DOC, TN and NO3--N). The disintegration of the biodegradable films decreased soil water content and temperature, and reduced the loss of soil nutrients in the topsoil at the later growth stage of winter potatoes compared to PE films. Additionally, the elevated content of soil TN and NO3--N under treatment BFM1 may play a key role in its yield-increasing effect on potatoes compared to treatments PFM and BFM2. Thus, biodegradable mulch films with proper degradation rates regulate soil TN and NO3--N through their effects on soil water and temperature, and subsequently improve the yield of winter potatoes compared to PE mulch films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Yang
- Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510316, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510316, China
| | - Bibo Long
- Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510316, China
| | - Feiyan Wang
- Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510316, China
| | - Fayong Li
- Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510316, China
| | - Dong Xie
- Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510316, China.
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Daghighi E, Shah T, Chia RW, Lee JY, Shang J, Rodríguez-Seijo A. The forgotten impacts of plastic contamination on terrestrial micro- and mesofauna: A call for research. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116227. [PMID: 37244494 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116227] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) contamination of the terrestrial environment is a growing concern worldwide and is thought to impact soil biota, particularly the micro and mesofauna community, by various processes that may contribute to global change in terrestrial systems. Soils act as a long-term sink for MP, accumulating these contaminants and increasing their adverse impacts on soil ecosystems. Consequently, the whole terrestrial ecosystem is impacted by microplastic pollution, which also threatens human health by their potential transfer to the soil food web. In general, the ingestion of MP in different concentrations by soil micro and mesofauna can adversely affect their development and reproduction, impacting terrestrial ecosystems. MP in soil moves horizontally and vertically because of the movement of soil organisms and the disturbance caused by plants. However, the effects of MP on terrestrial micro-and mesofauna are largely overlooked. Here, we give the most recent information on the forgotten impacts of MP contamination of soil on microfauna and mesofauna communities (protists, tardigrades, soil rotifers, nematodes, collembola and mites). More than 50 studies focused on the impact of MP on these organisms between 1990 and 2022 have been reviewed. In general, plastic pollution does not directly affect the survival of organisms, except under co-contaminated plastics that can increase adverse effects (e.g. tire-tread particles on springtails). Besides, they can have adverse effects at oxidative stress and reduced reproduction (protists, nematodes, potworms, springtails or mites). It was observed that micro and mesofauna could act as passive plastic transporters, as shown for springtails or mites. Finally, this review discusses how soil micro- and mesofauna play a key role in facilitating the (bio-)degradation and movement of MP and NP through soil systems and, therefore, the potential transfer to soil depths. More research should be focused on plastic mixtures, community level and long-term experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Daghighi
- BetterSoil e. V., Lise-Meitner-Straße 9, D-89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tufail Shah
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - R W Chia
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Earth Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research Institute for Earth Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jianying Shang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Andrés Rodríguez-Seijo
- Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencia Do Solo, Facultade de Ciencias de Ourense, Universidade de Vigo, As Lagoas S/n, Ourense, 32004, Spain; Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros Do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos S/n, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
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Fei J, Cui J, Wang B, Xie H, Wang C, Zhao Y, Sun H, Yin X. Co-transport of degradable microplastics with Cd(Ⅱ) in saturated porous media: Synergistic effects of strong adsorption affinity and high mobility. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 330:121804. [PMID: 37172771 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
With the utilization of degradable plastics in the agricultural film and packaging industries, degradable microplastics (MPs) with strong mobility distributed in the underground environment may serve as carriers for heavy metals. It is essential to explore the interaction of (aged) degradable MPs with Cd(Ⅱ). The adsorption and co-transport behavior of different types of (aged) MPs (polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) with Cd(Ⅱ) were investigated through batch adsorption experiments and column experiments under different conditions, respectively. The adsorption results showed that the adsorptive capacity of (aged) PLA with O-functional groups, polarity, and more negative charges was stronger than that of PVC and aged PVC, which was attributed to the binding of (aged) PLA to Cd(Ⅱ) through complexation and electrostatic attraction. The co-transport results indicated that the promotion of Cd(Ⅱ) transport by MPs followed the order of aged PLA > PLA > aged PVC > PVC. This facilitation was more pronounced under conditions of stronger transport of MPs and favorable attachment of Cd(Ⅱ) to MPs. Overall, the combination of strong adsorption affinity and high mobility helped (aged) PLA act as effective carriers for Cd(Ⅱ). The DLVO theory well explains the transport behavior of Cd(Ⅱ)-MPs. These findings provide new insights into the co-transport of degradable MPs and heavy metals in the subsurface environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Fei
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jiahao Cui
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Binying Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Haoyuan Xie
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | | | - Yifan Zhao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Huimin Sun
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xianqiang Yin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, 712100, China.
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