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Li F, Gong Y, Yang X, Jiang Y, Cen Y, Zhang Z. Distribution characteristics and integrated ecological risks evaluation modelling of microplastics and heavy metals in geological high background soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173602. [PMID: 38848909 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The microplastics (MPs), a novel pollutant, and heavy metals (HMs) significantly affect soil ecology. The study investigated HMs and MPs in Qianxi's high geological background soil, established a model for risk evaluation with MPs types and shapes, and proposed a two-dimensional comprehensive index model for MPs-HMs combined pollution and risk evaluation criterion. The results revealed a high soil Cd concentration, with a mean value of 0.38 mg·kg-1. Additionally, soils from soybean-wheat intercropping-potato-corn rotation (SWI-PCR) exhibited significantly higher concentrations of Hg, As, and Pb compared with those from soybean-wheat intercropping-corn rotation (SWI-CR). Moreover, the soil exhibited a high abundance of MPs (8667.66 ± 3864.26 items·kg-1), mainly characterized by PS and fiber. The mean of adjusted ecological risk index (ARI) for MPs in soil was 525.27, indicating a grade 3 risk. The two-dimensional combined index (TPI) was used to assess the ecological risk of MPs-HMs combined pollution, exhibiting an exceedance rate of 56 % with a mean of 445.07. The risk level of the combined pollution was graded as 6, indicating high risk. The microplastic risk evaluation model and the comprehensive evaluation method of combined pollution established in this study provide a reference for the future risk evaluation of multi-pollutant combined pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fupeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Kast Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yufeng Gong
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiuyuan Yang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Yongcheng Jiang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Yunlei Cen
- Key Laboratory of Kast Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhenming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Kast Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; School of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China; College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
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2
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Yu Y, Lin S, Sarkar B, Wang J, Liu X, Wang D, Ge T, Li Y, Zhu B, Yao H. Mineralization and microbial utilization of poly(lactic acid) microplastic in soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135080. [PMID: 38996676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135080] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
The current carbon dioxide (CO2) evolution-based standard method for determining biodegradable microplastics (MPs) degradation neglects its priming effect on soil organic matter decomposition, which misestimates their biodegradability. Here, a 13C natural abundance method was used to estimate the mineralization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) MP in various agricultural soils, and to trace its utilization in different microbial groups. In alkaline soils, the PLA-derived CO2 emissions increased with increasing soil carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios, and the mineralization of PLA MP concentrations ranged from 3-33 %, whereas the CO2 evolution method probably over- or under-estimated the mineralization of PLA in alkaline soils with different soil C/N ratios. Low PLA mineralization (1-5 %) were found in the acidic soil, and the standard method largely overestimated the mineralization of PLA MP by 1.3- to 3.3-fold. Moreover, the hydrolysate of PLA MP was preferentially assimilated by Gram-negative bacteria, but Gram-positive bacterial decomposition mainly contributed to the release of PLA-derived CO2 at low MP concentrations (≤ 1 %). Overall, the 13C natural abundance method appears to be suitable for tracking the mineralization and microbial utilization of biodegradable PLA in soils, and the PLA-derived C is mainly assimilated and decomposed by bacterial groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, 206 Guanggu 1st road, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Shiying Lin
- 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, 206 Guanggu 1st road, Wuhan 430205, China
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Juan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Danni Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Tida Ge
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yaying Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Biao Zhu
- Institute of Ecology, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Huaiying Yao
- 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, 206 Guanggu 1st road, Wuhan 430205, China; Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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3
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Ali MA, Lyu X, Ersan MS, Xiao F. Critical evaluation of hyperspectral imaging technology for detection and quantification of microplastics in soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135041. [PMID: 38941829 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we critically evaluated the performance of an emerging technology, hyperspectral imaging (HSI), for detecting microplastics (MPs) in soil. We examined the technology's robustness against varying environmental conditions in five groups of experiments. Our findings show that near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) effectively detects microplastics (MPs) in soil, though detection efficacy is influenced by factors such as MP concentration, color, and soil moisture. We found a generally linear relationship between the levels of MPs in various soils and their spectral responses in the NIR HSI imaging spectrum. However, effectiveness is reduced for certain MPs, like polyethylene, in kaolinite clay. Furthermore, we showed that soil moisture considerably influenced the detection of MPs, leading to nonlinearities in quantification and adding complexities to spectral analysis. The varied responses of MPs of different sizes and colors to NIR HSI present further challenges in detection and quantification. The research suggests pre-grouping of MPs based on size before analysis and proposes further investigation into the interaction between soil moisture and MP detectability to enhance HSI's application in MP monitoring and quantification. To our knowledge, this study is the first to comprehensively evaluate this technology for detecting and quantifying microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansurat A Ali
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8115, United States
| | - Xueyan Lyu
- School of Hydrology and Water Resources, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Mahmut S Ersan
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8115, United States
| | - Feng Xiao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Missouri Water Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States.
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Zhang C, Liu X, Zhang L, Chen Q, Xu Q. Assessing the aging and environmental implications of polyethylene mulch films in agricultural land. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:1310-1321. [PMID: 38818727 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00102h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene mulch films (MFs) are widely employed in agricultural land to enhance crop yield and quality, but the MF residue causes significant environmental concerns. To promote the sustainable application of MFs, it is essential to assess their fate throughout their service life and understand the underlying degradation mechanisms. In this study, surface-exposed and soil-buried MFs were separately collected from agricultural land in Inner Mongolia, China. The variations in aging performance and corresponding property alterations of MF were thoroughly examined. The results indicated that sunlight exposure considerably hastens MF degradation, whereas buried MFs experience a more moderate aging process due to the inhibitory effects of the dark and anaerobic environment on oxidation. Surface cracking was observed in MF-Light samples as a result of photodegradation, while chemical and moisture interactions with soil caused partial perforation in MF-Soil samples. Relative to the pristine MF, the oxidation, unsaturation, and hydroxylation levels of MF-Light increased to 0.88, 0.35, and 0.73, respectively, with corresponding values for MF-Soil at 0.44, 0.13, and 0.24. The generated oxygen-containing functional groups lead to a decrease in contact angles of MF-Light and MF-Soil, enhancing their hydrophilicity. The aging process of MFs led to a decline in mechanical properties, posing challenges for recycling. Moreover, nearly all phthalate esters (PAEs) were released from MFs, regardless of sunlight exposure or soil burial. The use of MFs also impacted the abundance of soil microbial communities. Specifically, the selected polyethylene MF enriched Actinobacteriota by 75%, while reducing Chloroflexi and Firmicutes by 27% and 45%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Eco-efficient Recycled Materials, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, University Town, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China.
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Eco-efficient Recycled Materials, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, University Town, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Bureau of Agriculture and Livestock, Wongniute, Inner Mongolia, 024500, P. R. China
| | - Qindong Chen
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Eco-efficient Recycled Materials, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, University Town, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China.
| | - Qiyong Xu
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Eco-efficient Recycled Materials, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, University Town, Xili, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China.
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5
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Zhang L, Wang F, Wang W, Su Y, Zhan M, Lu J, Xie B. Using machine learning to reveal drivers of soil microplastics and assess their stock: A national-scale study. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135466. [PMID: 39128149 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The issue of microplastic (MP) contamination in soil is a significant concern. However, due to limited large-scale studies and stock assessments, our understanding of the drivers of their distribution and fate remains incomplete. To address this, we conducted a comprehensive study in China, collected MP data from 621 sites, and utilized machine learning techniques for analysis. Our findings revealed 9 key factors influencing the distribution of soil MPs, highlighting their nonlinear influence processes. Among these factors, atmospheric deposition emerged as the most dominant driver, while wind and precipitation could lead to the transformation of soil from a sink to a source of MPs. MP concentrations in Chinese soils vary from 1.4 to 4333.1 particles/kg, with human activities significantly affecting their distribution, resulting in higher concentrations in the east and lower concentrations in the west. The estimated MP stock in Chinese soils is 1.92 × 1018 particles, equivalent to a mass of 2.11-8.64 million tonnes. This stock alone surpasses that found in global oceans, making global soil the largest reservoir of MPs. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the environmental behavior of MPs and provides valuable data and theoretical support for the prevention, control, and management of this contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjie Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Wenyue Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yinglong Su
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Min Zhan
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; Department of Food and Agriculture Technology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bing Xie
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation on Organic Solid Waste, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Key Lab for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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6
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She Y, Qi X, Li Z. Insights into soil autotrophic ammonium oxidization under microplastics stress: Crossroads of nitrification, comammox, anammox and Feammox. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135443. [PMID: 39128156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in agroecosystems and profoundly impact soil microbiome and nutrient cycling. However, the effects of MPs on soil autotrophic ammonium oxidization processes, including nitrification, complete ammonium oxidation (comammox), anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), and anaerobic ammonium oxidation coupled to iron reduction (Feammox), remain unclear. These processes are the rate-limiting steps of nitrogen cycling in agroecosystems. Here, our work unveiled that exposures of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) MPs significantly modulated ammonium oxidization pathways with distinct type- and dose-dependent effects. Nitrification remained the main contributor (56.4-70.7 %) to soil ammonium removal, followed by comammox (11.7-25.6 %), anammox (5.0-20.2 %) and Feammox (3.3-11.6 %). Compared with conventional nonbiodegradable MPs (i.e., PE and PP), biodegradable MPs (i.e., PLA and PBAT) exhibited more pronounced impacts on soil nutrient conditions and functional microbes, which collectively induced alterations in soil ammonium oxidation. Interestingly, low-dose PLA and PBAT remarkably enhanced the roles of anammox and Feammox in soil ammonium removal, contributing to the mitigation of soil acidification in agroecosystems. This study highlights the diverse responses of ammonium oxidization pathways to MPs, further deepening our understanding of how MPs affect biogeochemical cycling and enriching strategies for agricultural managements amid increasing MPs pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuecheng She
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xin Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhengkui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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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] [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.
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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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Anjana, Rawat S, Goswami S. Development of a Biodegradable Ternary Blend of Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Polyhydroxybutyrate Functionalized with Triacetin for Agricultural Mulch Applications. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:30169-30182. [PMID: 39035927 PMCID: PMC11256312 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c10027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The development of biodegradable mulch for agricultural applications represents a sustainable approach to reducing plastic pollution. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is one of the nontoxic and biodegradable polymers that can be used as mulching film. However, a major drawback of PVA is its moisture sensitivity, which limits its applications. In this study, a biocomposite based on PVA and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), plasticized with triacetin, was developed by solvent casting method. The biocomposite film exhibited good mechanical properties, better integrity, reduced transmittance, and light-blocking properties, which can prevent weed growth. Additionally, an improvement in surface characteristics was observed, as demonstrated by the shift in contact angle from 44 to 99° and a reduction in the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) from 4.82 to 2.31 g/h m2. For agronomic application, the developed films were experimentally applied as mulch for maize plants in pots. The results were positive, showing that the mulches effectively supported the growth of the maize plants. Further, signs of initial degradation were observed after 5 days, and the film reached a degradation level of 50-55% after 30 days under natural conditions. Thus, this work has provided new insights for expanding the application range of PVA films in biobased mulching materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana
- Division
of Chemical Engineering, Center of Innovative
and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), Knowledge City, Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
- Department
of Biotechnology, Regional Center for Biotechnology
(RCB), Faridabad, Haryana 121001, India
| | - Shristhi Rawat
- Department
of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT), Jodhpur 342011, India
| | - Saswata Goswami
- Division
of Chemical Engineering, Center of Innovative
and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), Knowledge City, Sector-81, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
- Department
of Biotechnology, Regional Center for Biotechnology
(RCB), Faridabad, Haryana 121001, India
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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.
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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.
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10
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Li N, Wang X, Li X, Yi S, Guo Y, Wu N, Lin H, Zhong B, Wu WM, He Y. Anthropogenic and biological activities elevate microplastics pollution in headwater ecosystem of Yangtze tributaries in Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134395. [PMID: 38663293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134395] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is widely spread in oceans, freshwater, and terrestrial environments but MPs in mountainous headwater ecosystem are rarely reported. This study focuses on the headwater of Yangtze tributaries of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region. Five streams at elevations of 900 to 3300 m were selected to investigate the distribution of MPs in water and sediments across altitudes. MPs were found in all water and sediment samples from top stream zone nearly in absence of anthropogenic activity, low anthropogenic zone, and high anthropogenic zone, increased from 12-54, 81-185 to 334-847 items/L, and 2-35, 26-84 to 124-428 items/kg, respectively. This elevation-dependent MP distribution indicated that as elevation decreased, anthropogenic activities intensified and increased MPs input and their abundance, size, and diversity. Notably, hydraulic projects, such as damming, were identified as potential barriers to the migration of MPs downstream. Microbiome analyses revealed the presence of bacterial genes associated with plastic biodegradation in all sediment samples. The study indicates that Shangri-la mountainous streams have been polluted with MPs for years with potential risk of generation of nano-sized particles via natural fragmentation and biodegradation, and thus raises concern on MPs pollution in headwaters streams in mountainous regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naying Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; School of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
| | - Xianxiang Li
- School of Geography and Tourism, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 400047, China
| | - Shaoliang Yi
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box, Kathmandu 3226, Nepal
| | - Yun Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ning Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, GPO Box, Kathmandu 3226, Nepal
| | - Honghui Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Bo Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Research Center, Center for Sustainable Development & Global Competitiveness, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305-4020, United States.
| | - Yixin He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bio-resources Utilization, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
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11
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La Y, Zhang L, Zhao N, Ye H, Zeng Q, Zhao L, Wang Z, Lin D, Wang R. The microplastics distribution characteristics and their impact on soil physicochemical properties and bacterial communities in food legumes farmland in northern China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134282. [PMID: 38657509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134282] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pose a threat to farmland soil quality and crop safety. MPs exist widely in food legumes farmland soil due to the extensive use of agricultural film and organic fertilizer, but their distribution characteristics and their impact on soil environment have not been reported. The abundance and characteristics of MPs, soil physical and chemical properties, and bacterial community composition were investigated in 76 soil samples from five provinces in northern China. The results showed that the abundance of MPs ranged from 1600 to 36,200 items/kg. MPs in soil were mostly fibrous, less than 0.2 mm, and white. Rayon, polyester and polyethylene were the main types of MPs. The influences of MPs on soil physicochemical properties and bacterial communities mainly depended on the type of MPs. Notably, polyethylene significantly decreased the proportion of silt particles, and increased the nitrate nitrogen content as well as the abundance of MPs-degrading bacteria Paenibacillus (p < 0.05). Moreover, bacteria were more sensitive to polyesters in soil with low concentration of organic matter. This study indicated that MPs in food legumes farmland soil presented a higher-level. And, they partially altered soil physicochemical properties, and soil bacteria especially in soil with low organic matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuepeng La
- Innovation Team of Remediation for Heavy Metal Contaminated Farmlands, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Innovation Team of Remediation for Heavy Metal Contaminated Farmlands, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- 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
| | - Huike Ye
- Innovation Team of Remediation for Heavy Metal Contaminated Farmlands, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- 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
| | - Lijie Zhao
- Innovation Team of Remediation for Heavy Metal Contaminated Farmlands, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Zhengjun Wang
- Innovation Team of Remediation for Heavy Metal Contaminated Farmlands, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Dasong Lin
- Innovation Team of Remediation for Heavy Metal Contaminated Farmlands, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Ruigang Wang
- 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.
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12
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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.
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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
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13
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Hou J, Wang L, Wang J, Chen L, Han B, Li Y, Yu L, Liu W. A comprehensive evaluation of influencing factors of neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs) in farmland soils across China: First focus on film mulching. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134284. [PMID: 38615648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Neonicotinoid insecticide (NEO) residues in agricultural soils have concerning and adverse effects on agroecosystems. Previous studies on the effects of farmland type on NEOs are limited to comparing greenhouses with open fields. On the other hand, both NEOs and microplastics (MPs) are commonly found in agricultural fields, but their co-occurrence characteristics under realistic fields have not been reported. This study grouped farmlands into three types according to the covering degree of the film, collected 391 soil samples in mainland China, and found significant differences in NEO residues in the soils of the three different farmlands, with greenhouse having the highest NEO residue, followed by farmland with film mulching and farmland without film mulching (both open fields). Furthermore, this study found that MPs were significantly and positively correlated with NEOs. As far as we know this is the first report to disclose the association of film mulching and MPs with NEOs under realistic fields. Moreover, multiple linear regression and random forest models were used to comprehensively evaluate the factors influencing NEOs (including climatic, soil, and agricultural indicators). The results indicated that the random forest model was more reliable, with MPs, farmland type, and total nitrogen having higher relative contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hou
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - LiXi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - JinZe Wang
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - LiYuan Chen
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| | - BingJun Han
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - YuJun Li
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - WenXin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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14
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Bao X, Gu Y, Chen L, Wang Z, Pan H, Huang S, Meng Z, Chen X. Microplastics derived from plastic mulch films and their carrier function effect on the environmental risk of pesticides. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171472. [PMID: 38458459 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171472] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Plastic film mulching can maintain soil water and heat conditions, promote plant growth and thus generate considerable economic benefits in agriculture. However, as they age, these plastics degrade and form microplastics (MPs). Additionally, pesticides are widely utilized to control organisms that harm plants, and they can ultimately enter and remain in the environment after use. Pesticides can also be sorbed by MPs, and the sorption kinetics and isotherms explain the three stages of pesticide sorption: rapid sorption, slow sorption and sorption equilibrium. In this process, hydrophobic and partition interactions, electrostatic interactions and valence bond interactions are the main sorption mechanisms. Additionally, small MPs, biodegradable MPs and aged conventional MPs often exhibit stronger pesticide sorption capacity. As environmental conditions change, especially in simulated biological media, pesticides can desorb from MPs. The utilization of pesticides by environmental microorganisms is the main factor controlling the degradation rate of pesticides in the presence of MPs. Pesticide sorption by MPs and size effects of MPs on pesticides are related to the internal exposure level of biological pesticides and changes in pesticide toxicity in the presence of MPs. Most studies have suggested that MPs exacerbate the toxicological effects of pesticides on sentinel species. Hence, the environmental risks of pesticides are altered by MPs and the carrier function of MPs. Based on this, research on the affinity between MPs and various pesticides should be systematically conducted. During agricultural production, pesticides should be cautiously selected and used plastic film to ensure human health and ecological security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Bao
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Yuntong Gu
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Long Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Zijian Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Hui Pan
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Shiran Huang
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - Zhiyuan Meng
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China.
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15
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Parolini M, De Felice B, Gazzotti S, Sugni M, Ortenzi MA. Comparison of the potential toxicity induced by microplastics made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA) on the earthworm Eiseniafoetida. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123868. [PMID: 38556148 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123868] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
A growing number of studies have demonstrated that microplastic (MP) contamination is widespread in terrestrial ecosystems. A wide array of MPs made of conventional, fossil-based polymers differing in size and shape has been detected in soils worldwide. Recently, also MPs made of bioplastics have been found in soils, but there is a dearth of information concerning their toxicity on soil organisms. This study aimed at exploring the potential toxicity induced by the exposure for 28 days to irregular shaped and differently sized MPs made of a fossil-based (polyethylene terephthalate - PET) and a bioplastic (polylactic acid - PLA) polymer on the earthworm Eisenia foetida. Two amounts (1 g and 10 g/kg of soil, corresponding to 0.1% and 1% of soil weight) of both MP types were administered to the earthworms. A multi-level approach was used to investigate the MP-induced effects at sub-individual and individual level. Changes in the activity of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, as well as in lipid peroxidation levels, were investigated at specific time-points (i.e., 7, 14, 21 and 28 days) as sub-individual responses. Histological analyses were performed to assess effects at tissue level, while the change in digging activity was considered as a proxy of behavioral effects. Earthworms ingested MPs made of both the polymers. MPs made of PET did not induce any adverse effect at none of the biological levels. In contrast, MPs made of PLA caused the modulation of earthworms' oxidative status as showed by a bell-shaped activity of superoxide dismutase coupled with an increase in glutathione peroxidase activity. However, neither oxidative and tissue damage, nor behavioral alteration occurred. These findings suggest that the exposure to bio-based MPs can cause higher toxicity compared to fossil-based MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Parolini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Beatrice De Felice
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Gazzotti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, via Golgi 19, I-20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Sugni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, via Golgi 19, I-20133, Milan, Italy
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16
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Liu Y, Gu G, Lu J, Zhu L, Chen Q, Kim H, Wang J, Ji P, Cai L. Decreased transport of nano- and micro-plastics in the presence of low-molecular-weight organic acids in saturated quartz sand. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171195. [PMID: 38408673 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) and nano- and micro-plastics (NPs and MPs) are both widely distributed in terrestrial systems. To better understand the influence of LMWOAs on the transport of NPs and MPs, the effects of 0.5 mM citric- (CA), malic- (MA), and tartaric- (TA) acid on the transport of nano- (0.51 μm, PS NPs) and micro- (1.1 μm, PS MPs) polystyrene particles (2 mg L-1) in saturated quartz sand were investigated. All three LMWOAs decreased the transport of PS NPs and MPs, regardless of ionic composition or strength (0.1-10 mM NaCl and 0.1-1 mM CaCl2). Further investigation revealed that the interfacial interactions between PS-quartz sand surfaces and PS-PS were altered by LMWOAs. LMWOAs adsorbed to quartz sand surfaces could serve as new deposition sites, as evidenced by the decreased transport of PS NPs and MPs in quartz sand that was subjected to pre-equilibration with selected MA, the low inhibition of PS transport with low concentrations of LMWOAs (0.1 mM), and also the adsorption of LMWOAs onto quartz sand surfaces by batch experiments. Meanwhile, the adsorption of LMWOAs on PS, hydrodynamic measurement and visual TEM observation together clarified the slight aggregation of PS NPs and MPs in suspensions, inducing the subsequent decrease in transport. Among them, the adsorption of LMWOAs onto quartz sand surfaces was found to be the main factor dominating the decreased transport of both PS NPs and MPs in saturated quartz sand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, PR China
| | - Genyao Gu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, PR China
| | - Jizhe Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, PR China
| | - Luxiang Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, PR China
| | - Quanyuan Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, PR China
| | - Hyunjung Kim
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiajun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organic Compound Pollution Control Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, 333 Nanchen Road, Shanghai 200444, PR China
| | - Peng Ji
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, PR China
| | - Li Cai
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, PR China.
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17
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Hao Y, Min J, Ju S, Zeng X, Xu J, Li J, Wang H, Shaheen SM, Bolan N, Rinklebe J, Shi W. Possible hazards from biodegradation of soil plastic mulch: Increases in microplastics and CO 2 emissions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133680. [PMID: 38325094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133680] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable mulches are widely recognized as ecologically friendly substances. However, their degradation percentage upon entering soils may vary based on mulch type and soil microbial activities, raising concerns about potential increases in microplastics (MPs). The effects of using different types of mulch on soil carbon pools and its potential to accelerate their depletion have not yet well understood. Therefore, we conducted an 18-month experiment to investigate mulch biodegradation and its effects on CO2 emissions. The experiment included burying soil with biodegradable mulch made of polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and control treatments with traditional mulch (PE) and no mulch (CK). The results indicated that PE did not degrade, and the degradation percentage of PLA and PBAT were 46.2% and 88.1%, and the MPs produced by the degradation were 6.7 × 104 and 37.2 × 104 items/m2, respectively. Biodegradable mulch, particularly PLA, can enhance soil microbial diversity and foster more intricate bacterial communities compared to PE. The CO2 emissions were 0.58, 0.74, 0.99, and 0.86 g C/kg in CK, PE, PLA, , PBAT, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between microbial abundance and diversity with CO2 emissions, while a negative correlation was observed with soil total organic carbon. Biodegradable mulch enhanced the transformation of soil organic C into CO2 by stimulating microbial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Changshu National Agro-Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ju Min
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Changshu National Agro-Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Shengrong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Changshu National Agro-Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoping Zeng
- Jiangsu Provincial Agricultural Technology Extension Station, Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Jiyuan Xu
- National Agro-Tech Extension and Service Centre, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Jianbing Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Horticultural Crop Genetic Improvement, Institute of Vegetable Crops, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Hailong Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Sabry M Shaheen
- 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; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; University of Kafrelsheikh, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, 33 516 Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, 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
| | - Weiming Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Changshu National Agro-Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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18
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Gao J, Wang L, Wu WM, Luo J, Hou D. Microplastic generation from field-collected plastic gauze: Unveiling the aging processes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133615. [PMID: 38325096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Accumulation of plastic debris in the environment is a matter of global concern. As plastic ages, it generates microplastic (MP) particles with high mobility. Understanding how MPs are generated is crucial to controlling this emerging contaminant. In this study, we utilized high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic gauze, collected from urban settings, as a representative example of plastic waste. The plastic gauze was subjected to various aging conditions, including freeze-thaw cycling, mechanical abrasion, and UV irradiation. Following aging, the plastic gauze was rinsed with water, and the number of generated MPs were quantified. It was found that aged plastic gauze generated up to 334 million MP particles per m2 (> 10 µm) during rinsing, a number two orders of magnitude higher than unaged plastic. Fragmentation occurred in two dimensions for bulk MPs of all morphotypes. However, specific aging approaches (i.e., mechanical abrasion and UV irradiation) generated spheres and fibers via pseudo-3D fragmentation. Additionally, changes in molecular weight, size distribution, and surface oxidation characteristics unveiled a complex pattern (i.e., irregular changes with exposure time). This complexity underscores the intricate nature of plastic debris aging processes in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gao
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-4020, USA
| | - Jian Luo
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0355, USA
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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19
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Ye Q, Wu Y, Liu W, Ma X, He D, Wang Y, Li J, Wu W. Identification and quantification of nanoplastics in different crops using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 354:141689. [PMID: 38492677 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141689] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Quantitative studies of nanoplastics (NPs) abundance on agricultural crops are crucial for understanding the environmental impact and potential health risks of NPs. However, the actual extent of NP contamination in different crops remains unclear, and therefore insufficient quantitative data are available for adequate exposure assessments. Herein, a method with nitric acid digestion, multiple organic extraction combined with pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) quantification was used to determine the chemical composition and mass concentration of NPs in different crops (cowpea, flowering cabbage, rutabagas, and chieh-qua). Recoveries of 74.2-109.3% were obtained for different NPs in standard products (N = 6, RSD <9.6%). The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 0.02-0.5 μg and 0.06-1.5 μg, respectively. The detection method for NPs exhibited good external calibration curves and linearity with 0.99. The results showed that poly (vinylchloride) (PVC), poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polyadiohexylenediamine (PA66) NPs could be detected in crop samples, although the accumulation levels associated with the various crops varied significantly. PVC (N.D.-954.3 mg kg-1, dry weight (DW)) and PE (101.3-462.9 mg kg-1, DW) NPs were the dominant components in the samples of all four crop species, while high levels of PET (414.3-1430.1 mg kg-1, DW) NPs were detected in cowpea samples. Furthermore, there were notable differences in the accumulation levels of various edible crop parts, such as stems (60.2%) > leaves (39.8%) in flowering cabbage samples and peas (58.8%) > pods (41.2%) in cowpea samples. This study revealed the actual extent of NP contamination in different types of crops and provided crucial reference data for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanyun Ye
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yingxin Wu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
| | - Wangrong Liu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Xiaorui Ma
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Dechun He
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yuntao Wang
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Junfei Li
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Wencheng Wu
- South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510655, China; Guangdong Engineering & Technology Research Center for System Control of Livestock and Poultry Breeding Pollution, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
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20
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Jansen MAK, Andrady AL, Bornman JF, Aucamp PJ, Bais AF, Banaszak AT, Barnes PW, Bernhard GH, Bruckman LS, Busquets R, Häder DP, Hanson ML, Heikkilä AM, Hylander S, Lucas RM, Mackenzie R, Madronich S, Neale PJ, Neale RE, Olsen CM, Ossola R, Pandey KK, Petropavlovskikh I, Revell LE, Robinson SA, Robson TM, Rose KC, Solomon KR, Andersen MPS, Sulzberger B, Wallington TJ, Wang QW, Wängberg SÅ, White CC, Young AR, Zepp RG, Zhu L. Plastics in the environment in the context of UV radiation, climate change and the Montreal Protocol: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2023. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:629-650. [PMID: 38512633 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00552-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This Assessment Update by the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) considers the interactive effects of solar UV radiation, global warming, and other weathering factors on plastics. The Assessment illustrates the significance of solar UV radiation in decreasing the durability of plastic materials, degradation of plastic debris, formation of micro- and nanoplastic particles and accompanying leaching of potential toxic compounds. Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in all ecosystems, the atmosphere, and in humans. While the potential biological risks are not yet well-established, the widespread and increasing occurrence of plastic pollution is reason for continuing research and monitoring. Plastic debris persists after its intended life in soils, water bodies and the atmosphere as well as in living organisms. To counteract accumulation of plastics in the environment, the lifetime of novel plastics or plastic alternatives should better match the functional life of products, with eventual breakdown releasing harmless substances to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A K Jansen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Anthony L Andrady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Janet F Bornman
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
| | | | - Alkiviadis F Bais
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastazia T Banaszak
- Unidad Académica Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - Paul W Barnes
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environment Program, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Laura S Bruckman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rosa Busquets
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kingston University London, Kingston Upon Thames, UK
| | | | - Mark L Hanson
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Samuel Hylander
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Robyn M Lucas
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Roy Mackenzie
- Centro Universitario Cabo de Hornos, Universidad de Magallanes, Puerto Williams, Chile
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems BASE, Santiago, Chile
- Cape Horn International Center CHIC, Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - Sasha Madronich
- UV-B Monitoring and Research Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Patrick J Neale
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA
| | - Rachel E Neale
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine M Olsen
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rachele Ossola
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Irina Petropavlovskikh
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Ozone and Water Vapor Division, NOAA ESRL Global Monitoring Laboratory, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Laura E Revell
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sharon A Robinson
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - T Matthew Robson
- UK National School of Forestry, University of Cumbria, Ambleside Campus, Ambleside, UK
- Organismal & Evolutionary Ecology, Viikki Plant Science Centre, Faculty of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kevin C Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Keith R Solomon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Mads P Sulbæk Andersen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Barbara Sulzberger
- Retired From Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dubendorf, Switzerland
| | - Timothy J Wallington
- Center for Sustainable Systems, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qing-Wei Wang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Sten-Åke Wängberg
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Richard G Zepp
- ORD/CEMM, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Liping Zhu
- State Key Lab for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
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21
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Bai R, Liu H, Cui J, Wu Y, Guo X, Liu Q, Liu Q, Gao H, Yan C, He W. The characteristics and influencing factors of farmland soil microplastic in Hetao Irrigation District, China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133472. [PMID: 38219587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution, a major global concern, has garnered increasing attention in agricultural ecosystem research. China's Hetao Irrigation District, vital for grain production in the Yellow River Basin, lacks sufficient research on microplastic pollution of agricultural soils. This study, based on a detailed background investigation and testing of 47 samples, is the first to elucidate the characteristics and potential influencing factors of microplastics in the Hetao Irrigation District. The abundance of microplastics in the farmland soil ranged from 1810 to 86331 items/kg, with 90% measuring below 180 µm and mainly in film and fragment forms. Predominant polymers were polyethylene (PE, 43.0%) and polyamide (PA, 27.8%). Key pollution influencers were identified as agricultural inputs, with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) being the most extensively used plastic type. The carbonyl index and hydroxyl indices of the detected LDPE microplastics ranged from 0.041 to 0.96 and 0.092 to 1.20, respectively. The study highlights the significance of mulching management and agronomic practices in shaping microplastic characteristics. Potential pollution sources include agricultural inputs, irrigation equipment, domestic waste, and tire wear. Proposed effective strategies include responsible plastic use, robust waste management, and irrigation system upgrades, establishing a foundation for future ecological risk assessments and effective management approaches in the Hetao Irrigation District. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The harmful substances studied in this paper are microplastics, which are widely distributed in the environment and have potential ecological risks. This study is the first to investigate the characteristics of microplastics in farmland soil within the Hetao Irrigation Area, a region that is of critical importance to agricultural production in the Yellow River Basin of China. The study provides comprehensive insights into the factors influencing the characteristics of microplastics and speculates on their sources. These findings offer a novel perspective on the assessment of microplastic contamination in the area and provide valuable recommendations for prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runhao Bai
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hongjin Liu
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Agriculture Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Huhhot 010011, China
| | - Jixiao Cui
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China.
| | - Yan Wu
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Agriculture Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Huhhot 010011, China
| | - Xiaoyu Guo
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Agriculture Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Huhhot 010011, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Haihe Gao
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Changrong Yan
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Wenqing He
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China.
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22
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Chen Z, Dou S, Zhao C, Xiao L, Lu Z, Qiu Y. Machine learning-assisted assessment of key meteorological and crop factors affecting historical mulch pollution in China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133281. [PMID: 38134688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133281] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Degraded mulch pollution is of a great concern for agricultural soils. Although numerous studies have examined this issue from an environmental perspective, there is a lack of research focusing on crop-specific factors such as crop type. This study aimed to explore the correlation between meteorological and crop factors and mulch contamination. The first step was to estimate the amounts of mulch-derived microplastics (MPs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs) during the rapid expansion period (1993-2012) of mulch usage in China. Subsequently, the Elastic Net (EN) and Random Forest (RF) models were employed to process a dataset that included meteorological, crop, and estimation data. At the national level, the RF model suggested that coldness in fall was crucial for MPs generation, while vegetables acted as a key factor for PAEs release. On a regional scale, the EN results showed that crops like vegetables, cotton, and peanuts remained significantly involved in PAEs contamination. As for MPs generation, coldness prevailed over all regions. Aridity became more critical for southern regions compared to northern regions due to solar radiation. Lastly, each region possessed specific crop types that could potentially influence its MPs contamination levels and provide guidance for developing sustainable ways to manage mulch contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Chen
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, China
| | - Shuguang Dou
- Department of Computer Science, College of Electronic and Information Engineering, Tongji University, China
| | - Cairong Zhao
- Department of Computer Science, College of Electronic and Information Engineering, Tongji University, China
| | - Liwen Xiao
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Zhibo Lu
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, China
| | - Yuping Qiu
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, China.
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23
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Fan R, Li B, Liu Q, Liu Q, Cui J, Bai R, Wang Y, Elias R, Li C, He W. Comparative evaluation of soil accumulation of light stabilizers from biodegradable mulching films versus conventional polyethylene ones. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133302. [PMID: 38141305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133302] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Light stabilizers are commonly used as additives in mulching films and have environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and ecotoxicity. However, their occurrence and distribution in mulching films and accumulation in mulched soils are seldom reported. This study firstly presents a comprehensive screening of 19 light stabilizers in 65 mulching films and 30 farmland soils collected in China, of which five and eight light stabilizers were 100% detected, respectively. The light stabilizer concentration in biodegradable mulching films was significantly higher than that in polyethylene ones, with median concentrations of 1.75 × 106 μg/kg and 4.86 × 103 μg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the light stabilizer concentration in mulching films and in soils. This indicates that mulching films play a critical role in the accumulation of light stabilizers in farmland soils, and biodegradable mulching films significantly increase benzotriazole light stabilizers in soils. Although the light stabilizer concentration in farmland soil is relatively low, the sustainable quantities of mulching film input and the long-term accumulation will still pose a threat to the ecological environment and organism health. Consequently, our work reveals the occurrence and environmental risk of light stabilizers in mulching films and farmland soils and brings attention to light stabilizers in the soil environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Fan
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Bingru Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Qiuyun Liu
- The BioComposites Centre, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Jixiao Cui
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, Xinjiang, China
| | - Runhao Bai
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Robert Elias
- The BioComposites Centre, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Cheng Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
| | - Wenqing He
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, Xinjiang, China.
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24
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Sahai H, Hernando MD, Martínez Bueno MJ, Aguilera Del Real AM, Fernández-Alba AR. Evaluation of the sorption/desorption processes of pesticides in biodegradable mulch films used in agriculture. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141183. [PMID: 38211793 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141183] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics from mulch films can be a source of chemical contamination to agricultural soils. In this context, biodegradable films have been widely positioned as a greener choice. However, their sorption/desorption capabilities, in contrast to the conventional plastic types remain understudied. It is for this reason that objective evaluation of their interactions with residual agricultural contaminants becomes important. Our findings reveal that polyethylene (PE) mulch films retained lower amounts of pesticide residues and demonstrated a higher desorption/release [median desorption = 71.86 μg/L or about 50%], while polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) mulch films retained higher amounts of pesticide residues onto their surface and demonstrated a much lower desorption [median desorption = 24.27 μg/L or about 17%] after a spraying event. A higher ambient temperature had no significant effect on final desorption amounts in both PE [median = 65.27 μg/L at 20 °C and 74.23 μg/L at 40 °C] and PBAT [median = 24.26 μg/L at 20 °C and 24.78 μg/L at 40 °C] mulch films. However, it did favour a faster desorption pace in PE films. Desorption in PBAT and PE plastic types was correlated with the log Kow value [Spearman's correlation: 0.857 and 0.837 respectively, p < 0.05]. However, only a moderate correlation with pKa was observed in PBAT [Spearman's correlation: 0.478, p < 0.05], while none for PE plastic type. Sorption of pesticides onto biodegradable PBAT microplastics were best explained by Elovich [R2: 0.937-0.959] and pseudo-second order kinetics [R2: 0.942-0.987], suggesting the presence of chemisorption. Furthermore, Weber Morris plots suggested the presence of a multi-step process and Boyd plots indicated that film diffusion or chemical bond formation was the rate-limiting step governing this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshit Sahai
- Experimental Station of Arid Zones, The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC-EEZA), Ctra. de Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain; Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), European Union Reference Laboratory for Pesticide Residues in Fruit & Vegetables. Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Almería, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain; Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - María Dolores Hernando
- Experimental Station of Arid Zones, The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC-EEZA), Ctra. de Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - María Jesús Martínez Bueno
- Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), European Union Reference Laboratory for Pesticide Residues in Fruit & Vegetables. Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Almería, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Ana M Aguilera Del Real
- Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), European Union Reference Laboratory for Pesticide Residues in Fruit & Vegetables. Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Almería, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain.
| | - Amadeo R Fernández-Alba
- Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), European Union Reference Laboratory for Pesticide Residues in Fruit & Vegetables. Department of Chemistry and Physics, University of Almería, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain
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25
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Li Y, Zhen D, Liu F, Zhang X, Gao Z, Wang J. Adsorption of azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin onto degradable and non-degradable microplastics: Performance and mechanism. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169453. [PMID: 38135077 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169453] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) exist after agricultural operations and thus present potential hazards to the environment and human health. However, the ecological risks posed by MPs carrying pesticides remain unclear. In this study, the adsorption and desorption behaviors of two pesticides, azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin, on degradable and non-degradable MPs of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polyethylene (PE) were compared before and after UV aging. Additionally, the bioaccessibility of MPs carrying pesticides within a condition simulating gastrointestinal fluids was evaluated. The results showed that, after UV aging, the adsorption capacity of PBAT for pesticides decreased, while that of PE increased. Moreover, PBAT possessed higher adsorption ability towards both the pesticides due to its higher specific surface area, pore volume, contact angle, and lower crystallinity, as well as stronger van der Waals forces, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonding indicated by theoretical calculation. Bioaccessibility experiments showed that azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin had a higher risk of desorption from PBAT than PE, which is mainly dependent on the LogKow of pesticides according to the random forest analysis. In brief, the study highlights the potential risks of degradable MPs carrying pesticides to human health and the ecosystem, especially when compared to their non-degradable counterparts, manifesting that the ecological risk posed by degradable MPs should not be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyan Li
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dawei Zhen
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fengmao Liu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Xianzhao Zhang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhiqiang Gao
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Applied Statistics, College of Economics and Management, East China Jiaotong University, Nanchang 330013, China
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26
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Tariq M, Iqbal B, Khan I, Khan AR, Jho EH, Salam A, Zhou H, Zhao X, Li G, Du D. Microplastic contamination in the agricultural soil-mitigation strategies, heavy metals contamination, and impact on human health: a review. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:65. [PMID: 38341396 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03162-6] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical global environmental issue due to its widespread distribution, persistence, and potential adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Although research on microplastic pollution in aquatic environments has gained significant attention. However, a limited literature has summarized the impacts of microplastic pollution the agricultural land and human health. Therefore, In the current review, we have discussed how microplastic(s) affect the microorganisms by ingesting the microplastic present in the soil, alternatively affecting the belowground biotic and abiotic components, which further elucidates the negative effects on the above-ground properties of the crops. In addition, the consumption of these crops in the food chain revealed a potential risk to human health throughout the food chain. Moreover, microplastic pollution has the potential to induce a negative impact on agricultural production and food security by altering the physiochemical properties of the soil, microbial population, nutrient cycling, and plant growth and development. Therefore, we discussed in detail the potential hazards caused by microplastic contamination in the soil and through the consumption of food and water by humans in daily intake. Furthermore, further study is urgently required to comprehend how microplastic pollution negatively affects terrestrial ecosystems, particularly agroecosystems which drastically reduces the productivity of the crops. Our review highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, policy interventions, and technological solutions to address the emerging threat of microplastic pollution in soil and plant systems and mitigation strategies to overcome its potential impacts on human health. Based on existing studies, we have pointed out the research gaps and proposed different directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tariq
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Centre of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Babar Iqbal
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Centre of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ismail Khan
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Centre of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Ali Raza Khan
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Centre of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Eun Hea Jho
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Abdul Salam
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Zhou
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Centre of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
- Zhenjiang New District Environmental Monitoring Station Co. Ltd, Zhenjiang, 212132, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Guanlin Li
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Centre of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Daolin Du
- Jingjiang College, Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Emergency Management, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Huang W, Jiang G, Xie L, Chen X, Zhang R, Fan X. Effect of oxygen-containing functional groups on the micromechanical behavior of biodegradable plastics and their formation of microplastics during aging. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132911. [PMID: 37939564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132911] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) are more prone to generate harmful microplastics (MPs) in a short time, which have always been ignored. Oxygenated functional group formation is considered to be a key indicator for assessing microplastic formation, while it is difficult to characterize at a very early stage. The micromechanical properties of the aging plastic during the formation of the MPs are highly influenced by the evolution of oxygen-containing functional groups, however, their relationship has rarely been revealed. Herein, we compared changes in the physicochemical properties of BPs and non-degradable plastic bags during aging in artificial seawater, soil, and air. The results showed that the oxidation of plastics in the air was the most significant, with the most prominent oxidation in BPs. The accumulation of carbonyl groups leads to a significant increase in the micromechanical properties and surface brittleness of the plastic, further exacerbating the formation of MPs. It was also verified by the FTIR, 2D-COS, AFM, and Raman spectroscopy analyses. Furthermore, the increased adhesion and roughness caused by oxygen-containing functional groups suggest that the environmental risks of BPs cannot be ignored. Our findings suggest that the testing of micromechanical properties can predicate the formation of the MPs at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guoqiang Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lidan Xie
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xueqin Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Runzhe Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaoyun Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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Bai R, Li Z, Liu Q, Liu Q, Cui J, He W. The reciprocity principle in mulch film deterioration and microplastic generation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:8-15. [PMID: 38050906 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00402c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Plastic film mulching stands as a globally employed agricultural technology pivotal to agricultural progress. Nevertheless, the environmental degradation of plastic mulch films underscores their role as a major source of secondary plastic pollutants, particularly microplastics. While a growing body of research has drawn attention to the rising issue of microplastic pollution and its environmental implications stemming from the use of plastic mulch films, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding the kinetics and rate-limiting mechanisms governing the generation of microplastics during processes driven by plastic photodegradation. Moreover, a comprehensive quantification of the connection between mulch deterioration and the behavior of microplastic release and accumulation has yet to be fully realized. In this study, a kinetic equation was formulated to characterize the degradation of plastic mulch films and the subsequent release and accumulation of microplastics under light exposure. The results demonstrate that with increasing irradiation time, the change in the release rate exhibits a bell-shaped Gaussian probability distribution, while the cumulative alteration of microplastics follows a Gaussian distribution. Remarkably, once the exposure time reaches μ + 3σ, the accumulation plateaus at 99.7%. This research establishes a theoretical framework for the prospective assessment of plastic mulch lifespan and its environmental repercussions. Moreover, the findings provide valuable insights for optimizing plastic mulch design and devising strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runhao Bai
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Zhen Li
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Qin Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Qi Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Jixiao Cui
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China
- Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Wenqing He
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, PR China
- Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
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Liang J, Chen X, Duan X, Gu X, Zhao X, Zha S, Chen X. Natural aging and adsorption/desorption behaviors of polyethylene mulch films: Roles of film types and exposure patterns. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133588. [PMID: 38290328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) mulch films are an important source of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils, which may further affect the bioavailability of coexisting pollutants. In this study, white (WM), black (BM), and silver-black (SM) PE mulch films were aged on the soil surface and under soil burial to simulate the two exposure patterns of abandoned mulch films in the field. Results indicated that the soil-surface exposure induced more pronounced aging characteristics, and WM seemed the most susceptible. Serious surface deterioration by aging led to a drastic decrease in the tensile properties of the films, suggesting the tendency to fragment. Oxygen-containing functional groups were generated on the film surfaces, with oxygen/carbon ratios increasing by up to 29 times, which contributed to the prominent increase in Pb adsorption on the film-derived MPs. Additionally, the film surface became more hydrophobic when exposed to the soil surface but more hydrophilic in the soil-burial exposure, which was in agreement with the change in triclosan adsorption, i.e., promotion and suppression, respectively. Aging generally decreased the desorption potential of the adsorbed pollutants in simulated gastrointestinal solutions due to increased interactions. By comparison, exposure patterns were revealed to be the critical factor for these changes, regardless of film types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingcheng Liang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China
| | - Xian Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China.
| | - Xiaotong Duan
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China
| | - Xueyuan Gu
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhao
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Simin Zha
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China
| | - Xingming Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China
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Shelver WL, McGarvey AM, Billey LO, Banerjee A. Fate and disposition of [ 14C]-polystyrene microplastic after oral administration to laying hens. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168512. [PMID: 37977393 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168512] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MP) are emerging environmental contaminants of great concern because of their ubiquitous distribution in air, soil, water, and food. Reports have described MP in the excreta of food animals, but their absorption, distribution, and elimination in terrestrial animals used for human consumption is essentially unexplored. To determine the absorption and distribution of [14C]-polystyrene (PS) MP, laying hens (n = 15) were bolus dosed with 10 μCi/hen (11.1 ± 0.8 mg/kg) and the extent of radioactivity in blood and tissues was determined in birds harvested on withdrawal days (WD) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 (3 hens per WD). Radiocarbon was also determined in egg fractions and excreta collected throughout the study. Blood, eggs, and tissues contained a total of <1 % of the administered dose, demonstrating that polystyrene microparticles were poorly absorbed. Recovery of radioactivity in excreta within the first withdrawal day was nearly quantitative (96.8 ± 14.5 %, n = 15), suggesting exposure of poultry to dietary PS-MP would not likely represent subsequent food safety risks and that most PS-MP present in poultry diets would return to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin L Shelver
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center, 1616 Albrecht Boulevard, Fargo, ND 58102, United States of America.
| | - Amy M McGarvey
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center, 1616 Albrecht Boulevard, Fargo, ND 58102, United States of America
| | - Lloyd O Billey
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center, 1616 Albrecht Boulevard, Fargo, ND 58102, United States of America
| | - Amrita Banerjee
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center, 1616 Albrecht Boulevard, Fargo, ND 58102, United States of America
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31
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Zhuo M, Chen Z, Liu X, Wei W, Shen Y, Ni BJ. A broad horizon for sustainable catalytic oxidation of microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 340:122835. [PMID: 37931676 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122835] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted tremendous attention due to their widespread appearance in the environment and biota, and their adverse effects on organisms. Since plastics are substantially produced to meet human needs, primary and secondary MPs are extensively trapped in wastewater treatment plants, freshwater, drinking water, ocean, air, and soil. The serious MPs pollution calls for efficient treatment strategies Herein, we discuss three catalytic processes (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis) for the sustainable management of MPs, and the relevant catalytic mechanisms are clarified. For photocatalysis, three categories (organic, inorganic, hybrid) of photocatalysts are listed, with degradation efficiency of 23%-100%. Next, relative impact factors on photocatalysis, such as characteristics of MPs and photocatalysts, are discussed. Then, some promising electrocatalysts for the degradation/conversion of (micro)plastics and standard electrolyzer designs are briefly introduced. This electrocatalytic method has achieved over 77% of Faradaic efficiency. Next, potential organisms with abundant biocatalysts for degrading different types of MPs are reviewed. Advances in three bioremediation techniques including biositimulation, bioaugmentation, and biosurfactant are outlined. Lastly, perspectives are put forward to promote scientific development in solving environmental issues on MPs pollution in broad fields. This paper provides insights into the development of next-generation techniques for MPs pollution management in a sustainable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoshui Zhuo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Zhijie Chen
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Wei Wei
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Yansong Shen
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia; School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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Berenstein G, Córdoba P, Díaz YB, González N, Ponce MB, Montserrat JM. Macro, meso, micro and nanoplastics in horticultural soils in Argentina: Abundance, size distribution and fragmentation mechanism. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167672. [PMID: 37832668 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Soil contamination with plastics is a major worldwide concern. However, data on plastic pollution in horticultural soils from Latin America is scarce. Furthermore, there is limited information on the fragmentation process that plastics undergo in environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated the abundance of macro, meso, micro and nano plastics in a previously studied horticultural soil (2015) from Buenos Aires, that has not been used for any productive activity since. Although the mass of macroplastics was conserved, the number of plastic fragments per square meter increased significantly, indicating a possible natural fragmentation process. Black polyethylene (PE) mulch film was the most abundant plastic found. For this material, when considering the mass of plastic fragments per square meter, the relative abundance was, in decreasing order: macroplastics (65.1-79.1 %) > mesoplastics (15.6-24.8 %) > microplastics (5.3-12.4 %) > nanoplastics (0.1 %). However, when considering the number of plastic items per square meter, the order was: microplastics (2383-3815) > mesoplastics (1019-1076) > nanoplastics (509-550) > macroplastics (25-46). The size distribution of plastic debris was analyzed using the natural logarithm of abundance versus the square root of the mean decile area, with good linear correlations (0.7749 < R2 < 0.9785). These results provide evidence for an ongoing dynamic fragmentation process (Mott model). We hypothesize that the breakdown of plastic into smaller pieces could be explained by a random fragmentation process based on soil volume changes between natural hydration/dehydration states. These data suggest that soil under natural conditions could act as an 'environmental plastic grinder'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle Berenstein
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J. M. Gutiérrez 1150, (B1613GSX), Los Polvorines, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Paulina Córdoba
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J. M. Gutiérrez 1150, (B1613GSX), Los Polvorines, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Yamila B Díaz
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J. M. Gutiérrez 1150, (B1613GSX), Los Polvorines, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás González
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J. M. Gutiérrez 1150, (B1613GSX), Los Polvorines, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Belén Ponce
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J. M. Gutiérrez 1150, (B1613GSX), Los Polvorines, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Javier M Montserrat
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J. M. Gutiérrez 1150, (B1613GSX), Los Polvorines, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
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33
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Wang T, Liu L, Zhao Q, Meng Z, Li W. The aging of polyethylene mulch films in the presence of cadmium. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 266:115569. [PMID: 37832487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115569] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
To determine the fates of the persistent pollutants cadmium (Cd) and micro-plastics in agricultural soils, an in-depth understanding of the interactions between Cd and mulching film is required. In the present work, pot experiments are conducted under natural conditions to study the influence of various Cd concentrations on the aging process of polyethylene mulching film in soil collected from Changzhi, Shanxi Province. The results indicate that during 150 days, the aging degree of the mulch film increases gradually as the increased Cd concentration in the soil. Further, the results of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrate that the average vinyl index (VI) of the aging mulch film increases from 1.29 to 1.82, while the oxygen-to-carbon (O/C) ratio of the mulch film decreases significantly from 0.344 to 0.045, as the Cd concentration is increased from 0 to 10 mg kg-1. When the aging time exceeds 90 days, the oxygen-containing functional groups (C-O and CO) generated consumed by the adsorbed Cd. In addition, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements indicate that Cd both enhances the formation of hydroxyl radical (·OH) on the surface of the mulch film and prevents the combination of ·OH and electrons, thereby accelerating the aging of the mulch. Hence, the present study indicates that the presence of Cd will hasten the decomposition of mulch, which will inevitably result in the faster release of micro-plastics from the mulch into the soil environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wang
- Department of Life Science, Changzhi University, Changzhi, Shanxi 046011, PR China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Life Science, Changzhi University, Changzhi, Shanxi 046011, PR China; Shanxi Agricultural University, Eco-Environment Industrial Technology Research Institute, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China.
| | - Qingsong Zhao
- Department of Life Science, Changzhi University, Changzhi, Shanxi 046011, PR China
| | - Zhaofu Meng
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shannxi 712100, PR China; Key Lab of Nutrition and Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shannxi 712100, PR China
| | - Wenbin Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, China West Normal University, Nanchong, Sichuan 637009, PR China
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Zhu J, Dong G, Feng F, Ye J, Liao CH, Wu CH, Chen SC. Microplastics in the soil environment: Focusing on the sources, its transformation and change in morphology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165291. [PMID: 37406689 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic pieces less than 5 mm in size. Previous studies have focused on the sources, transports, and fates of MPs in marine or sediment environments. However, limited attention has been given to the role of land as the primary source of MPs, and how plastic polymers are transformed into MPs through biological or abiotic effects during the transport process remains unclear. Here, we focus on the exploration of the main sources of MPs in the soil, highlighting that MP generation is not solely a byproduct of plastic production but can also result from the impact of biological and abiotic factors during the process of MPs transport. This review presents a new perspective on understanding the degradation of MPs in soil, considering soil as a distinct fluid and suggesting that the main transformation and change mediated by abiotic factors occur on the soil surface, while the main biodegradation occurs in the soil interior. This viewpoint is suggested because the role of some abiotic factors becomes less obvious in the soil interior, and MPs, whose surface is expected to colonize microorganisms, are gradually considered a carbon source independent of photosynthesis and net primary production. This review emphasizes the need to understand basic MPs information in soil for a rational evaluation of its environmental toxicity. Such understanding enables better control of MPs pollution in affected areas and prevents contamination in unaffected regions. Finally, knowledge gaps and future research directions necessary for advancements in this field are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Zhu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Guowen Dong
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu Feng
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Ye
- College of Environment and chemical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ching-Hua Liao
- School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Chih-Hung Wu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Chung Chen
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
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An Q, Zhou T, Wen C, Yan C. The effects of microplastics on heavy metals bioavailability in soils: a meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132369. [PMID: 37634382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The combined pollution of heavy metals and microplastics is common in natural soil environments. Here, we collected 790 data sets from 39 studies to investigate the effects of microplastics on heavy metal bioavailability. The results showed that microplastics could increase the bioavailability of Cu, Pb, Cd, Fe, and Mn. The heavy metal bioavailability was positively correlated with microplastic size, soil sand concentration, and exposure time, but negatively correlated with soil pH and organic matter. The bioavailability of heavy metals can be promoted by microplastics of all shapes. Hydrolysable microplastics, which contain N, might have less influence. Furthermore, the size of microplastics and soil organic matter were positively correlated with the acid-soluble and reducible fractions of heavy metals, while the microplastic concentration, soil pH, and exposure time were positively correlated with the oxidizable fractions of heavy metals. The interaction detector results indicated that there was an interaction between microplastic characteristics, especially polymer types, and soil physicochemical indexes on the bioavailability of heavy metals. These findings suggested that long-term combined pollution of microplastics and heavy metals might increase heavy metal bioavailability in soils, thereby extending their migratory and hazardous range and bringing further risks to the environment and public health safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuying An
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ce Wen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Changzhou Yan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Fujian Key Laboratory of Watershed Ecology, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
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Lee J, Jeong S. Approach to an answer to "How dangerous microplastics are to the human body": A systematic review of the quantification of MPs and simultaneously exposed chemicals. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132404. [PMID: 37672992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132404] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to facilitate future research on microplastics (MPs) in the environment using systematic and analytical protocols, ultimately contributing to assessment of the risk to human health due to continuous daily exposure to MPs. Despite extensive studies on MP abundance in environment, identification, and treatment, their negative effects on human health remain unknown due to the lack of proof from clinical studies and limited technology on the MP identification. To assess the risk of MPs to human health, the first step is to estimate MP intake via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact under standardized exposure conditions in daily life. Furthermore, rather than focusing on the sole MPs, migrating chemicals from plastic products should be quantified and their health risk be assessed concurrently with MP release. The critical factors influencing MP release and simultaneously exposed chemicals (SECs) must be investigated using a standardized identification method. This review summarises release sources, factors, and possible routes of MPs from the environment to the human body, and the quantification methods used in risk assessment. We also discussed the issues encountered in MP release and SEC migration. Consequently, this review provides directions for future MP studies that can answer questions about MP toxicity to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Lee
- Institute for Environment and Energy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, South Korea
| | - Sanghyun Jeong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, South Korea.
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37
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Xue Y, Zhao F, Sun Z, Bai W, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Yang N, Feng C, Feng L. Long-term mulching of biodegradable plastic film decreased fungal necromass C with potential consequences for soil C storage. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 337:139280. [PMID: 37385482 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of biodegradable plastic film mulching as a replacement for polyethylene plastic film has gained recognition due to its reduced environmental pollution. However, its impact on soil environment is not yet fully understood. Here, we compared the effects of different plastic film mulching on the accumulation of microbial necromass carbon (C) and its contribution to soil total C in 2020 and 2021. Results showed that biodegradable plastic film mulching decreased the accumulation of fungal necromass C compared to no plastic film mulching and polyethylene film mulching. However, the bacterial necromass C and soil total C were not affected by the plastic film mulching. Biodegradable plastic film mulching decreased the soil dissolved organic carbon content after maize harvest. Random forest models suggested that soil dissolved organic C, soil pH and the ratio of soil dissolved organic C to microbial biomass C were important factors in regulating the accumulation of fungal necromass C. The abundance of the fungal genus Mortierella was also found to have a significant positive contribution to the accumulation of fungal necromass C. These findings suggest that biodegradable plastic film mulching may decrease the accumulation of fungal necromass C by changing substrate availability, soil pH, and fungal community composition, with potential implications for soil C storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghao Xue
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China; Rural Energy and Environment Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100125, China
| | - Fengyan Zhao
- Tillage and Cultivation Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, 110161, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Fuxin, 123102, China
| | - Zhanxiang Sun
- Tillage and Cultivation Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, 110161, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Fuxin, 123102, China.
| | - Wei Bai
- Tillage and Cultivation Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, 110161, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Fuxin, 123102, China
| | - Yongyong Zhang
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Tillage and Cultivation Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, 110161, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Fuxin, 123102, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Tillage and Cultivation Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, 110161, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Fuxin, 123102, China
| | - Chen Feng
- Tillage and Cultivation Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, 110161, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Fuxin, 123102, China
| | - Liangshan Feng
- Tillage and Cultivation Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, 110161, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Fuxin, 123102, China.
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38
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Bayo J, López-Castellanos J, Olmos S, Rojo D. A holistic approach on the impact of microplastic discharge from WWTPs to the neighboring environment in Southeast Spain. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 244:120516. [PMID: 37651865 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the release of microplastics (MPs) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to the neighboring environment, including marine and coastal sediments, and fish. Here, we comprehensively investigated MP abundance in 34 samples of marine sediment, corresponding to 5,530.5 g of sediment (d.w.) collected at -8.0 m, -12.5 m, and -24.0 m, 69 samples of coastal sediment, accounting for 13,617.4 g (d.w.) from 17 different beaches from Mar Menor, and stomach and intestine of 17 fish samples of Sparus aurata, in the vicinity of Cartagena, a port city in Southeast Spain. The results showed that MPs were detected in all marine sediment samples, with an average abundance of 19.4 ± 2.4 items/kg (d.w.), in coastal sediments, with an average abundance of 52.5 ± 5.3 items/kg (d.w.), and fish samples, with an average of 8.2 ± 1.4 items per individual. The contribution of MPs from WWTPs to marine sediments is expected to be slow, as effluents were mostly dominated by fiber and film shapes, and by polymers less dense than seawater. There were no significant variations in the MP abundance of marine sediments after the atmospheric phenomenon named DANA, although a significant smaller MP size was reported, indicating a high mobility for tiny sizes. The same results were revealed for coastal sediment, although variations after DANA were statistically significant. Coastal sediment samples closer to WWTPs and agricultural fields with plastic mulching displayed higher MP concentrations, and an increase in the removal rate of MPs from WWTP effluents was negatively correlated with a decrease in MPs from fish collected. This study highlights the importance of sewage treatment plants in transporting MPs to the aquatic and terrestrial surrounding environment, which warrants further research on human health risks associated to MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Bayo
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 44 E-30203, Cartagena, Spain.
| | - Joaquín López-Castellanos
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 44 E-30203, Cartagena, Spain
| | - Sonia Olmos
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 44 E-30203, Cartagena, Spain
| | - Dolores Rojo
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 44 E-30203, Cartagena, Spain
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Viel T, Cocca M, Manfra L, Caramiello D, Libralato G, Zupo V, Costantini M. Effects of biodegradable-based microplastics in Paracentrotus lividus Lmk embryos: Morphological and gene expression analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122129. [PMID: 37429489 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122129] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a remarkable environmental issue. In fact, plastic is widespread in the lifetime and serious environmental problems are caused by the improper management of plastic end of life, being plastic litter detected in any environment. Efforts are put to implement the development of sustainable and circular materials. In this scenario, biodegradable polymers, BPs, are promising materials if correctly applied and managed at the end of life to minimize environmental problems. However, a lack of data on BPs fate and toxicity on marine organisms, limits their applicability. In this research, the impact of microplastics obtained from BPs, BMPs, were analyzed on Paracentrotus lividus. Microplastics were produced from five biodegradable polyesters at laboratory scale by milling the pristine polymers, under cryogenic conditions. Morphological analysis of P. lividus embryos exposed to polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) and polylactic acid (PLA) showed their delay and malformations, which at molecular level are due to variation in expression levels of eighty-seven genes involved in various cellular processes, such as skeletogenesis, differentiation and development, stress, and detoxification response. Exposure to poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) microplastics showed no detectable effects on P. lividus embryos. These findings contribute with important data on the effect of BPs on the physiology of marine invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Viel
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton, n.55, 80133, Napoli, Italy; Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegri, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegri, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Loredana Manfra
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton, n.55, 80133, Napoli, Italy; Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Caramiello
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Villa Comunale, 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton, n.55, 80133, Napoli, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Valerio Zupo
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Ischia Marine Centre, Via F. Buonocore, 42, 80077, Ischia, Italy
| | - Maria Costantini
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Ammiraglio Ferdinando Acton, n.55, 80133, Napoli, Italy
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Astner AF, Gillmore AB, Yu Y, Flury M, DeBruyn JM, Schaeffer SM, Hayes DG. Formation, behavior, properties and impact of micro- and nanoplastics on agricultural soil ecosystems (A Review). NANOIMPACT 2023; 31:100474. [PMID: 37419450 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2023.100474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Micro and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs, respectively) in agricultural soil ecosystems represent a pervasive global environmental concern, posing risks to soil biota, hence soil health and food security. This review provides a comprehensive and current summary of the literature on sources and properties of MNPs in agricultural ecosystems, methodology for the isolation and characterization of MNPs recovered from soil, MNP surrogate materials that mimic the size and properties of soil-borne MNPs, and transport of MNPs through the soil matrix. Furthermore, this review elucidates the impacts and risks of agricultural MNPs on crops and soil microorganisms and fauna. A significant source of MPs in soil is plasticulture, involving the use of mulch films and other plastic-based implements to provide several agronomic benefits for specialty crop production, while other sources of MPs include irrigation water and fertilizer. Long-term studies are needed to address current knowledge gaps of formation, soil surface and subsurface transport, and environmental impacts of MNPs, including for MNPs derived from biodegradable mulch films, which, although ultimately undergoing complete mineralization, will reside in soil for several months. Because of the complexity and variability of agricultural soil ecosystems and the difficulty in recovering MNPs from soil, a deeper understanding is needed for the fundamental relationships between MPs, NPs, soil biota and microbiota, including ecotoxicological effects of MNPs on earthworms, soil-dwelling invertebrates, and beneficial soil microorganisms, and soil geochemical attributes. In addition, the geometry, size distribution, fundamental and chemical properties, and concentration of MNPs contained in soils are required to develop surrogate MNP reference materials that can be used across laboratories for conducting fundamental laboratory studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton F Astner
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America
| | - Alexis B Gillmore
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America
| | - Yingxue Yu
- Department of Crops and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, and Puyallup, WA 98371, United States of America
| | - Markus Flury
- Department of Crops and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, and Puyallup, WA 98371, United States of America
| | - Jennifer M DeBruyn
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America
| | - Sean M Schaeffer
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America
| | - Douglas G Hayes
- Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-4531, United States of America.
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Graf M, Greenfield LM, Reay MK, Bargiela R, Williams GB, Onyije C, Lloyd CEM, Bull ID, Evershed RP, Golyshin PN, Chadwick DR, Jones DL. Increasing concentration of pure micro- and macro-LDPE and PP plastic negatively affect crop biomass, nutrient cycling, and microbial biomass. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131932. [PMID: 37390687 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 50 years, the intense use of agricultural plastic in the form of mulch films has led to an accumulation of plastic in soil, creating a legacy of plastic in agricultural fields. Plastic often contains additives, however it is still largely unknown how these compounds affect soil properties, potentially influencing or masking effects of the plastic itself. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pure plastics of varying sizes and concentrations, to improve our understanding of plastic-only interactions within soil-plant mesocosms. Maize (Zea mays L.) was grown over eight weeks following the addition of micro and macro low-density polyethylene and polypropylene at increasing concentrations (equivalent to 1, 10, 25, and 50 years mulch film use) and the effects of plastic on key soil and plant properties were measured. We found the effect of both macro and microplastic on soil and plant health is negligible in the short-term (1 to <10 years). However, ≥ 10 years of plastic application for both plastic types and sizes resulted in a clear negative effect on plant growth and microbial biomass. This study provides vital insight into the effect of both macro and microplastics on soil and plant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Graf
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK.
| | - Lucy M Greenfield
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Michaela K Reay
- Organic Geochemistry Unit, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Rafael Bargiela
- Centre of Environmental Biotechnology, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Gwion B Williams
- Centre of Environmental Biotechnology, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Charles Onyije
- Organic Geochemistry Unit, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Charlotte E M Lloyd
- Organic Geochemistry Unit, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Ian D Bull
- Organic Geochemistry Unit, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Richard P Evershed
- Organic Geochemistry Unit, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Peter N Golyshin
- Centre of Environmental Biotechnology, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - David R Chadwick
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Davey L Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK; Centre of Environmental Biotechnology, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK; SoilsWest, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
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Ding F, Li S, Lu J, Penn CJ, Wang QW, Lin G, Sardans J, Penuelas J, Wang J, Rillig MC. Consequences of 33 Years of Plastic Film Mulching and Nitrogen Fertilization on Maize Growth and Soil Quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37311089 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic film mulching and urea nitrogen fertilization are widely used in agricultural ecosystems, but both their long-term use may leave a negative legacy on crop growth, due to deleterious effects of plastic and microplastic accumulation and acidification in soil, respectively. Here, we stopped covering soil with a plastic film in an experimental site that was previously covered for 33 years and compared soil properties and subsequent maize growth and yield between plots that were previously and never covered with the plastic film. Soil moisture was about 5-16% higher at the previously mulched plot than at the never-mulched plot, but NO3- content was lower for the former when with fertilization. Maize growth and yield were generally similar between previously and never-mulched plots. Maize had an earlier dough stage (6-10 days) in previously mulched compared to never-mulched plots. Although plastic film mulching did add substantial amounts of film residues and microplastic accumulation into soils, it did not leave a net negative legacy (given the positive effects of the mulching practice in the first place) for soil quality and subsequent maize growth and yield, at least as an initial effect in our experiment. Long-term urea fertilization resulted in a pH decrease of about 1 unit, which bring a temporary maize P deficiency occurring in early stages of growth. Our data add long-term information on this important form of plastic pollution in agricultural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Ding
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110086, China
| | - Shuangyi Li
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110086, China
| | - Jie Lu
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110086, China
| | - Chad J Penn
- National Soil Erosion Research, United States Department of Agriculture, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Qing-Wei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Management, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Guigang Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Management, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jordi Sardans
- CSIC, Global Ecology Unit, CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Catalonia 08193, Spain
- CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia 08193, Spain
| | - Josep Penuelas
- CSIC, Global Ecology Unit, CREAF-CSIC-UAB, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Catalonia 08193, Spain
- CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia 08193, Spain
| | - Jingkuan Wang
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110086, China
| | - Matthias C Rillig
- Institutd of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin D-14195, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Berlin D-14195, Germany
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Zhou S, Ai J, Qiao J, Sun H, Jiang Y, Yin X. Effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on transport of non-degradable agricultural film microplastics. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 236:119939. [PMID: 37054611 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Mulch film microplastics (MPs) could act as a vector for agricultural chemicals due to their long-term presence in farmland environments. As a result, this study focuses on the adsorption mechanism of three neonicotinoids on two typical agricultural film MPs, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), as well as the effects of neonicotinoids on the MPs transport in quartz sand saturated porous media. The findings revealed that the adsorption of neonicotinoids on PE and PP was a combination of physical and chemical processes, including hydrophobic, electrostatic and hydrogen bonding. Acidity and appropriate ionic strength (IS) were favorable conditions for neonicotinoid adsorption of on MPs. The results of column experiments showed that the presence of neonicotinoids, particularly at low concentrations (0.5 mmol L-1), could promote the transport of PE and PP in the column by improving the electrostatic interaction and hydrophilic repulsion of particles. The neonicotinoids would be adsorbed on MPs through hydrophobic action preferentially, whereas excessive neonicotinoids could cover the hydrophilic functional groups on the surface of MPs. Neonicotinoids reduced the response of PE and PP transport behavior to pH changes. 0.005 mol L-1 NaCl ameliorated the migration of MPs by increasing their stability. Because of its highest hydration ability and the bridging effect of Mg2+, Na+ had the most prominent transport promoting effect on PE and PP in MPs-neonicotinoid. This study shows that the increased environmental risk caused by the coexistence of microplastic particles and agricultural chemicals is unneglectable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Juehao Ai
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Jiachang Qiao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Huimin Sun
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Yanji Jiang
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, PR China
| | - Xianqiang Yin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
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Wu Z, Zheng Y, Sui X, Zhang Z, Wang E, Liu Y, Yu T, Yang J, Wu Y. Comparative analysis of the effects of conventional and biodegradable plastic mulching films on soil-peanut ecology and soil pollution. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 334:139044. [PMID: 37244549 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In agricultural production, biodegradable plastic mulching film (Bio-PMF) has the potential to replace conventional plastic mulching film (CPMF) due to its degradability, but their impacts on soil-crop ecology are controversial. In this study, from 2019 to 2021, effects of CPMF and Bio-PMF on the soil-crop ecology and soil pollution were evaluated on a peanut farm. Compared to the Bio-PMF, an overall improvement in the soil-peanut ecology under the CPMF was observed, including an increase of 10.77 ± 4.8% in peanut yield, an amelioration of four soil physicochemical properties (total P and available P in the flowering stage, total P and temperature in the mature stage), an increase of rhizobacterial relative abundances in class level (Bacteroidia, Blastocatellia, Thermoleophilia and Vicinamibacteria in the flowering stage, Nitrospira and Bacilli in the mature stage) and genus level (RB41 and Bacillus in the flowering stage, Bacillus and Dongia in the mature stage), and an enhancement of soil nitrogen metabolism abilities (ureolysis, nitrification and aerobic ammonia in the flowering stage, nitrate reduction and nitrite ammonification in the mature stage). These preserved soil nutrients and temperature, reshaped rhizobacterial communities, and enhanced soil nitrogen metabolism abilities in the mature stage were obviously correlated with peanut yield under CPMF. However, such remarkable relations were not existed under Bio-PMF. In addition, compared with Bio-PMF, CPMF significantly increased the contents of dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and microplastics (MPs) in soil by 79.93, 44.55, 138.72 and 14.1%, respectively. Thus, CPMF improved soil-peanut ecology and caused serious soil pollution, while Bio-PMF introduced little pollutants into the soil and had little impact on soil-peanut ecology. Based on these, the degradation ability of CPMF or the ecological improvement capacity of Bio-PMF should be improved to obtain the environmentally and soil-crop ecology friendly plastic film in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengfeng Wu
- Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Yongmei Zheng
- Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Xinhua Sui
- Key Lab of Soil Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture/College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Zhimeng Zhang
- Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Entao Wang
- Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biologicas, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, 11340, Mexico, D. F., Mexico
| | - Yuanhui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, China National Rice Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310006, PR China
| | - Tianyi Yu
- Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Jishun Yang
- Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao, 266100, PR China
| | - Yue Wu
- Shandong Peanut Research Institute, Qingdao, 266100, PR China.
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Vinay, Surana D, Ghosh P, Kumar M, Varjani S, Kumar V, Mannina G. Contemporary Drift in Emerging Micro(nano)plastics Removal and Upcycling Technologies from Municipal Wastewater Sludge: Strategic Innovations and Prospects. CURRENT POLLUTION REPORTS 2023; 9:174-197. [PMID: 37292232 PMCID: PMC10201030 DOI: 10.1007/s40726-023-00261-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Annually, huge amounts of microplastics (MPs) are added to farmlands through sewage sludge (SS)/biosolid applications as a fertilizer. Most research emphasizes the enormity of the problem and demonstrates the fate, impacts, and toxicity of MPs during SS treatment processes and land applications. None has addressed the management strategies. To address the gaps, the current review evaluates the performance analysis of conventional and advanced sludge treatment methods in eliminating MPs from sludge. Recent Findings The review uncovers that the occurrence and characteristics of MPs in SS are highly governed by factors such as population density, speed and level of urbanization, citizens' daily habits, and treatment units in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Furthermore, conventional sludge treatment processes are ineffective in eliminating MPs from SS and are accountable for the increased small-sized MPs or micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) along with altered surface morphology facilitating more co-contaminant adsorption. Simultaneously, MPs can influence the operation of these treatment processes depending on their size, type, shape, and concentration. The review reveals that research to develop advanced technology to remove MPs efficiently from SS is still at a nascent stage. Summary This review provides a comprehensive analysis of MPs in the SS, by corroborating state-of-the-knowledge, on different aspects, including the global occurrence of MPs in WWTP sludge, impacts of different conventional sludge treatment processes on MPs and vice versa, and efficiency of advanced sludge treatment and upcycling technologies to eliminate MPs, which will facilitate the development of mitigation measures from the systematic and holistic level. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Deepti Surana
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Pooja Ghosh
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Engineering Department, Palermo University, Viale Delle Scienze, Ed.8, Palermo, 90128 Italy
| | - Sunita Varjani
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007 India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (EnRAM) Lab, Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Giorgio Mannina
- Engineering Department, Palermo University, Viale Delle Scienze, Ed.8, Palermo, 90128 Italy
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Sahai H, García Valverde M, Murcia Morales M, Hernando MD, M Aguilera Del Real A, Fernández-Alba AR. Exploring sorption of pesticides and PAHs in microplastics derived from plastic mulch films used in modern agriculture. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 333:138959. [PMID: 37209851 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The sorption and vector effect of microplastics on the transfer of pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as its impact on agriculture remain largely unexplored. This comparative study is first to investigate the sorption behavior of different pesticides and PAHs at environmentally realistic concentrations by model microplastics and microplastics derived from polyethylene mulch films. Sorption was found to be up to 90% higher in the case of microplastics derived from mulch films as opposed to pure polyethylene microspheres. For microplastics from mulch films, the sorption percentages for pesticides in media containing CaCl2 were reported to be: pyridate (75.68% and 52.44%), fenazaquin (48.54% and 32.02%), pyridaben (45.04% and 56.70%), bifenthrin (74.27% and 25.88%), etofenprox (82.16% and 54.16%) and pyridalyl (97.00% and 29.74%) at 5 μg/L and 200 μg/L pesticide concentration levels respectively. For PAHs, the sorption amounts were: naphthalene (22.03% and 48.00%), fluorene (38.99% and 39.00%), anthracene (64.62% and 68.02%) and pyrene (75.65% and 86.38%) at 5 μg/L and 200 μg/L PAH concentration levels respectively. Sorption was influenced by the octanol-water partition coefficient (log Kow) and ionic strength. Kinetics of the process in the case of sorption of pesticides were best explained by pseudo-first order kinetic model (R2 between 0.90 and 0.98) while the best fitting isotherm model was Dubinin-Radushkevich (R2 between 0.92 and 0.99). Results suggest the presence of surface level physi-sorption through a micropore volume filling mechanism and the role of hydrophobic and electrostatic forces. Pesticide desorption data in polyethylene mulch films indicate that pesticides with high log Kow were almost completely retained in mulch films, while those with lower log Kow were desorbed rapidly into the surrounding media. Our study highlights the role of microplastics from plastic mulch films as vectors for pesticide and PAH transport at environmentally realistic concentrations and the factors that influence it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshit Sahai
- Experimental Station of Arid Zones, The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC-EEZA), Ctra. de Sacramento S/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain; Department of Chemistry and Physics. University of Almería. Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3). Ctra Sacramento S/n La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain; Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mar García Valverde
- Department of Chemistry and Physics. University of Almería. Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3). Ctra Sacramento S/n La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - María Murcia Morales
- Department of Chemistry and Physics. University of Almería. Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3). Ctra Sacramento S/n La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - María Dolores Hernando
- Experimental Station of Arid Zones, The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC-EEZA), Ctra. de Sacramento S/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Ana M Aguilera Del Real
- Department of Chemistry and Physics. University of Almería. Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3). Ctra Sacramento S/n La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain.
| | - A R Fernández-Alba
- Department of Chemistry and Physics. University of Almería. Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3). Ctra Sacramento S/n La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain
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Song W, Du Y, Li D, Xiao Z, Li B, Wei J, Huang X, Zheng C, Wang J, Wang J, Zhu L. Polyethylene mulch film-derived microplastics enhance the bioaccumulation of atrazine in two earthworm species (Eisenia fetida and Metaphire guillelmi) via carrier effects. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131603. [PMID: 37182465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) may significantly affect the bioavailability of coexisting pollutants in soil by adsorption-desorption behavior. However, the mechanisms underlying these interaction remain unclear. Herein, the influence of unused polythylene mulch film-derived MPs (MFMPs) and farmland residual polyethylene mulch film-derived MPs (MFMPs-aged) on the adsorption-desorption behavior and bioavailability of atrazine (ATZ) in soil were investigated. The adsorption kinetics and the adsorption isotherms of ATZ on soil, MFMPs, and MFMPs-aged fitted well by the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir model, respectively. ATZ were easier to desorb from soil, MFMPs, and MFMPs-aged in the simulated earthworm digestive fluid than that in the CaCl2 solution. The adsorption and desorption capacities of MFMPs and MFMPs-aged for ATZ were higher than those of soil, especially for MFMPs-aged. The existence of MPs in soil strengthened the adsorption and desorption capacities of ATZ, and the strengthened effects were promoted by the addition amount and aging process of MPs. Moreover, the occurrence of MPs significantly increased the bioaccumulation of ATZ in earthworms, especially for MFMPs-aged. This study deepens the knowledge of the interaction mechanisms of mulch film-derived MPs and pesticide pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Song
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian 271018, China
| | - Yankun Du
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian 271018, China
| | - Dengtan Li
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian 271018, China
| | - Zongyuan Xiao
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian 271018, China
| | - Bing Li
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian 271018, China.
| | - Jinling Wei
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian 271018, China
| | - Xinjie Huang
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian 271018, China
| | - Chuanwei Zheng
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian 271018, China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian 271018, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian 271018, China
| | - Lusheng Zhu
- College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, 61 Daizong Road, Taian 271018, China.
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48
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Wang L, Bank MS, Rinklebe J, Hou D. Plastic-Rock Complexes as Hotspots for Microplastic Generation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7009-7017. [PMID: 37010423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c00662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Discarded plastics and microplastics (MPs) in the environment are considered emerging contaminants and indicators of the Anthropocene epoch. This study reports the discovery of a new type of plastic material in the environment─plastic-rock complexes─formed when plastic debris irreversibly sorbs onto the parent rock after historical flooding events. These complexes consist of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polypropylene (PP) films stuck onto quartz-dominated mineral matrices. These plastic-rock complexes serve as hotspots for MP generation, as evidenced by laboratory wet-dry cycling tests. Over 1.03 × 108 and 1.28 × 108 items·m-2 MPs were generated in a zero-order mode from the LDPE- and PP-rock complexes, respectively, following 10 wet-dry cycles. The speed of MP generation was 4-5 orders of magnitude higher than that in landfills, 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than that in seawater, and >1 order of magnitude higher than that in marine sediment as compared with previously reported data. Results from this investigation provide strong direct evidence of anthropogenic waste entering geological cycles and inducing potential ecological risks that may be exacerbated by climate change conditions such as flooding events. Future research should evaluate this phenomenon regarding ecosystem fluxes, fate, and transport and impacts of plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuwei Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Michael S Bank
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen NO-5817, Norway
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Pauluskirchstraße 7, Wuppertal 42285, Germany
| | - Deyi Hou
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Sciscione F, Hailes HC, Miodownik M. The performance and environmental impact of pro-oxidant additive containing plastics in the open unmanaged environment-a review of the evidence. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230089. [PMID: 37181792 PMCID: PMC10170345 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Pro-oxidant additive containing (PAC) plastics is a term that describes a growing number of plastics which are designed to degrade in the unmanaged natural environment (open-air, soil, aquatic) through oxidation and other processes. It is a category that includes 'oxo-degradable' plastics, 'oxo-biodegradable' plastics and those containing 'biotransformation' additives. There is evidence that a new standard PAS 9017 : 2020 is relevant to predicting the timescale for abiotic degradation of PAC plastic in hot dry climates under ideal conditions (data reviewed for South of France and Florida). There are no reliable data to date to show that the PAS 9017 : 2020 predicts the timescale for abiotic degradation of PAC plastics in cool or wet climatic regions such as the UK or under less ideal conditions (soil burial, surface soiling etc.). Most PAC plastics studied in the literature showed biodegradability values in the range 5-60% and would not pass the criteria for biodegradability set in the new PAS 9017 : 2020. Possible formation of microplastics and cross-linking have been highlighted both by field studies and laboratory studies. Systematic eco-toxicity studies are needed to assess the possible effect of PAC additives and microplastics on the environment and biological organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Sciscione
- UCL Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, UK
| | - Helen C. Hailes
- UCL Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, UK
| | - Mark Miodownik
- UCL Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, University College London, London, UK
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University College London, London, UK
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50
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Qiu Y, Zhou S, Qin W, Zhang C, Lv C, Zou M. Effects of land use on the distribution of soil microplastics in the Lihe River watershed, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 324:138292. [PMID: 36870618 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Soil contamination by microplastics (MPs) has gained widespread attention, whose fate may be influenced by land use types. The effects of land use types and the intensity of human activities on the distribution and sources of soil MPs at the watershed scale are unclear. In this study, 62 surface soil sites in representing five land use types (urban, tea garden, dryland, paddy field and woodland) and 8 freshwater sediment sites were investigated in the Lihe River watershed. MPs were detected in all samples, and the average abundance of soil and sediments was 401.85 ± 214.02 and 222.13 ± 54.66 items/kg, respectively. The soil MPs abundance followed the sequence: urban > paddy field > dryland > tea garden > woodland. Soil MP distribution and MP communities were significant different (p < 0.05) among land use types. The similarity of MP community highly correlated with geographic distance, and woodlands and freshwater sediments may be a potential fate for MPs in the Lihe River watershed. Soil clay, pH, and bulk density significantly correlated with MP abundance and fragment shape (p < 0.05). The positive correlation between population density, Total- Point of Interest (POI) and MP diversity indicates the importance of intensity of human activities in exacerbating soil MP pollution (p < 0.001). Plastic waste sources accounted for 65.12%, 58.60%, 48.15% and 25.35% of MPs in urban, tea garden, dryland and paddy field soils, respectively. Differences in the intensity of agricultural activities and cropping patterns were associated with different percentages of mulching film sources in the three types of agricultural soils. This study provides new ideas for the quantitative analysis of soil MP sources in different land use types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Qiu
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China.
| | - Wendong Qin
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Chuchu Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chengxiang Lv
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Mengmeng Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
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