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Watson H, Turner A. Contamination of consumer composts by metals, microplastics and other microscopic debris. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:58353-58362. [PMID: 39307864 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34952-w] [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: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024]
Abstract
Very little information exists on the particle and chemical contamination of consumer (horticultural) composts. In this study, anthropogenic microcellulosics (AMCs), microplastics (MPs) and other microscopic debris, along with anthropogenically impacted metals (Cu, Zn, Pb), have been determined in 12 composts (seven garden composts and five growbags) purchased at outlets in the UK. AMCs and MPs, determined microscopically, were present in all samples at up to about 1100 kg-1 dw. AMCs were more abundant and were dominated by fibres constructed of rayon and cotton, while petroleum-based MPs exhibited a greater diversity in shape and polymeric construction (including polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, resins, paints and rubbers). Other microdebris, present in much smaller concentrations in the composts, consisted of fragments of glass, metal and machined wood and spherical glass beads. Concentrations of the anthropogenically impacted metals, Cu, Pb and Zn, determined directly by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, were heterogeneously distributed and averaged 52.4, 192 and 51.6 mg kg-1 dw, respectively. Although concentrations of anthropogenic particles were not related to cost or type of compost, physico-chemical properties or metal concentrations, a significant relationship between Pb content and particle diversity (number of polymers and debris types) was established. This relationship might result from the general contamination of the environment by both Pb and anthropogenic particulates, or the association of the metal with various types of material (e.g. paints, polyvinyl chloride, glass). Despite the ubiquity and diversity of MPs and microdebris in consumer composts, an understanding of their impacts on plant growth, either directly or indirectly (e.g. by interacting with metals), is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Watson
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
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Premarathna KSD, Gayara Degamboda N, Fernando BHR, Sandanayake S, Pathirana C, Jayarathna L, Ranasinghe CS, Vithanage M. Plastics and plastic-bound toxic metals in municipal solid waste compost from Sri Lanka. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:306. [PMID: 39002030 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02081-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
This study examined plastics and toxic metals in municipal solid waste compost from various regions in Sri Lanka. Plastics were extracted using density separation, digested using wet peroxidation, and identified using Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflection mode. Compost and plastics were acid-digested to quantify total Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn concentrations and analyzed for the bioavailable fraction using 0.01 M CaCl2. Notably, plastics were highly abundant in most compost samples. The main plastic types detected were polyethylene, polypropylene, and cellophane. However, the average Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn levels were 0.727, 60.78, 3.670, 25.44, 18.95, and 130.7 mg/kg, respectively, which are well below the recommended levels. Zn was the most bioavailable (2.476 mg/kg), and Cd was the least bioavailable (0.053 mg/kg) metal associated with compost. The Contamination factor data show that there is considerable enhancement of Cd and Cu, however, Cr, Cu, Co, and Pb are at low contamination levels. Mean geo accumulation index values were 1.39, 1.07, - 1.06, - 0.84, - 0.32, and 0.08 for Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn. Therefore, the contamination level of compost samples with Cd and Cu ranges from uncontaminated to contaminated levels, whereas Co, Cr, Pb, and Zn are at uncontaminated levels. Despite no direct metal-plastic correlation, plastics in compost could harm plants, animals, and humans due to ingestion. Hence, reducing plastic and metal contamination in compost is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S D Premarathna
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - N Gayara Degamboda
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - B H R Fernando
- Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Bandirippuwa Estate, Lunuwila, Sri Lanka
| | - Sandun Sandanayake
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Chaamila Pathirana
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Lakmal Jayarathna
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka
| | - C S Ranasinghe
- Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Bandirippuwa Estate, Lunuwila, Sri Lanka
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
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Brťková H, Růžičková J, Slamová K, Raclavská H, Kucbel M, Šafář M, Gikas P, Juchelková D, Švédová B, Flodrová Š. Plastic particles in urban compost and their grain size distribution. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124025. [PMID: 38670428 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124025] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Gathering information on plastic particles in composts and the processes they undergo is important in terms of potentially limiting their further entry into the environment, for example, in improving the fertilising properties of soils. Microplastics (MPs) were determined in composts produced from urban greenery. They are present in decreasing order: polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene. The determination of polymers and additives used to improve their properties was performed by pyrolysis and gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (Py-GC/MS). Additives and microplastics are most concentrated in composts in the 0.315-0.63 and 0.63-1.25 mm grain size class, together with the carbon contained in the compost dry matter. Additives form 0.11-0.13% of MPs in dry matter of compost. The average concentration of microplastics in the particle size class from 0.63 to 1.25 mm is 2434 ± 224 mg/kg; in the total sample of composts, it is 1368 ± 286 mg/kg of P-MPs. For composts with particle size <2.5 mm, a relationship between the C/N ratio and the plastic particle concentration was statistically significant. It documents a similar behaviour of lignocellulose and plastic particles during the degradation processes. A relationship between the concentration of polymer markers and additives in the compost dry matter and their concentrations in the leachate has been demonstrated. The leachability from compost is higher for additives than for chemical compounds originating from the decomposition of the main components of MPs. The suitability of the use of the compost for agricultural purposes was monitored by the germination index (GI) for watercress. The lowest value of the GI was determined in the particle size class from 0.63 to 1.25 mm. The leachability of polymer markers and additives alone cannot explain the low GI value in this grain size class. The GI value is also influenced by the leachability of chemical compounds characterised by the value of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and water-leachable nitrogen (Nw). A statistically significant dependence between DOC/Nw and the germination index value was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Brťková
- Centre CEET/ENET, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Růžičková
- Centre CEET/ENET, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Karolina Slamová
- Institute of Foreign Languages, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Raclavská
- Centre CEET/ENET, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Kucbel
- Centre CEET/ENET, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Michal Šafář
- Centre CEET/ENET, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Petros Gikas
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Kounoupidiana, Akrotiri, 731 00 Chania, Greece
| | - Dagmar Juchelková
- Department of Electronics, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Švédová
- Centre CEET/ENET, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
| | - Šárka Flodrová
- Department of Power Engineering, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, Ostrava-Poruba, Moravian-Silesian Region, 708 00, Czech Republic
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Zhou Y, Awasthi MK, Syed A, Bahkali AH. Engineered biochar combined clay for microplastic biodegradation during pig manure composting. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124372. [PMID: 38880326 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
This study pursued to regulate bacterial community succession pattern and expedited biodegradation of microplastics (MP) during pig manure (PM) composting employing walnut shell biochar (WSB) and montmorillonite (M). The WSB with concentration of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10% and 12% along with 10% M participated into PM for 42 days compost to search the optimal solution. The results confirmed the most prosperous bacterial phylum consisted of Firmicutes (3.02%-91.80%), Proteobacteria (2.08%-48.54%), Chloroflexi (0-44.62%) and Bacteroidetes (0.85%-40.93%). The addition of biochar has dramatically arranged bacterial community at different stages of composting. Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) revealed that carbon element in MPs decreased since the chemical bond fracture, under the intervention of high-temperature composting and WSB, the carbon content of MPs was maximum reduced by 20.25%. Fourier transform infrared spectrum indicated that CC, C-O, C-H and -COOH abundance of MPs in 10% and 12% dose biochar addition sharply reduced, interestingly, explicating WSB and composting made MP biodegradable. This experiment possesses affirmatory practical meaning for elimination of potential hazards by composting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, China
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, China.
| | - Asad Syed
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali H Bahkali
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Jia Z, Wei W, Wang Y, Chang Y, Lei R, Che Y. Occurrence characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics in agricultural soils in the loess hilly gully area of Yan' an, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169627. [PMID: 38157894 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Large amounts of microplastics accumulated in the soil of agricultural fields with the rapid development of mulch agriculture. The enrichment of microplastics endangered the growth of crops and food security, and it also posed ecological risks. In this study, we investigated microplastics in a typical agriculture area of Yan' an City, in the loess hilly gully area of China. The characteristics of microplastics including their abundances, sizes, and types were measured through laser direct infrared spectrometer. The potential sources of microplastics were analyzed and the risk of soil microplastic pollution was evaluated. It was elaborated that the average abundances of microplastics in soil, water, and fertilizer were 4505 ± 435 n·kg-1, 91 ± 27 n·L-1, and 39,629 ± 10,114 n·kg-1, respectively. Microplastics with particle sizes < 100 μm accounted for >90 %. The smaller the particle size, the higher the content of microplastics. The top three polymers were polyethylene (PE, 37.4 %), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 15.0 %), and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA, 8.9 %), respectively. Agricultural mulch, plastic film, domestic waste, surface water irrigation, and organic compost were probably the potential sources of soil microplastics. The ecological risk evaluation showed that overall sampling sites had a minor ecological risk of microplastic pollution based on their abundance, while the polymer type showed a relatively high ecological risk for the investigated agricultural soils. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) contribute considerably to the ecological risk, and their inputs to the farmland environment should be strictly limited. There was no significant carcinogenic risk to humans. This study would provide the basic reference for the current situation and risk assessment of farmland soil microplastics pollution in the loess hilly gully area of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Jia
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Wei Wei
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Yanhua Wang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
| | - Yingjie Chang
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Rui Lei
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Yanhong Che
- Xi'an Guolian Quality Testing Technology Co., LTD, Xi'an 710116, China
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Li X, Liu X, Zhang J, Chen F, Khalid M, Ye J, Romantschuk M, Hui N. Hydrolase and plastic-degrading microbiota explain degradation of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics during high-temperature composting. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 393:130108. [PMID: 38040305 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130108] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
This research aims to explore the degradation properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by PET hydrolase (WCCG) in high-temperature composting and its impact on microbial communities. PET degradation, composting parameters and microbial communities were assessed in 220 L sludge composters with PET and WCCG using high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that WCCG addition led to a deceleration of the humification process and a reduction in the relative abundance of thermophilic genera. Potential PET degrading microbiota, e.g. Acinetobacter, Bacillus, were enriched in the plastisphere in the composters where PET reduced by 26 % without WCCG addition. The external introduction of the WCCG enzyme to compost predominantly instigates a chemical reaction with PET, concurently curtailing the proliferation of plastic-degrading bacteria, leading to a 35 % degradation of PET. Both the WCCG enzyme and the microbiota associated with plastic-degradation showed the potential for reducing PET, offering a novel method for mitigating pollution caused by environmental microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Li
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Xinxin Liu
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Junren Zhang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Fu Chen
- School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Muhammad Khalid
- College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, China
| | - Jieqi Ye
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Martin Romantschuk
- Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Niemenkatu 73, Lahti 15140, Finland.
| | - Nan Hui
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Niemenkatu 73, Lahti 15140, Finland; Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, 800 Dongchuan Rd., 200240, Shanghai; Shanghai Urban Forest Ecosystem Research Station, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 800 Dongchuan Rd., 200240, Shanghai, China.
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Steiner T, Leitner LC, Zhang Y, Möller JN, Löder MGJ, Greiner A, Laforsch C, Freitag R. Detection and specific chemical identification of submillimeter plastic fragments in complex matrices such as compost. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2282. [PMID: 38280916 PMCID: PMC10821947 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51185-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Research on the plastic contamination of organic fertilizer (compost) has largely concentrated on particles and fragments > 1 mm. Small, submillimeter microplastic particles may be more hazardous to the environment. However, research on their presence in composts has been impeded by the difficulty to univocally identify small plastic particles in such complex matrices. Here a method is proposed for the analysis of particles between 0.01 and 1.0 mm according to number, size, and polymer type in compost. As a first demonstration of its potential, the method is used to determine large and small microplastic in composts from eight municipal compost producing plants: three simple biowaste composters, four plants processing greenery and cuttings and one two-stage biowaste digester-composter. While polyethylene, PE, tends to dominate among fragments > 1 mm, the microplastic fraction contained more polypropylene, PP. Whereas the contamination with PE/PP microplastic was similar over the investigated composts, only composts prepared from biowaste contained microplastic with a signature of biodegradable plastic, namely poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate), PBAT. Moreover, in these composts PBAT microplastic tended to form the largest fraction. When the bulk of residual PBAT in the composts was analyzed by chloroform extraction, an inverse correlation between the number of particles > 0.01 mm and the total extracted amount was seen, arguing for breakdown into smaller particles, but not necessarily a mass reduction. PBAT oligomers and monomers as possible substrates for subsequent biodegradation were not found. Remaining microplastic will enter the environment with the composts, where its subsequent degradability depends on the local conditions and is to date largely uninvestigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Steiner
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | | | - Yuanhu Zhang
- Macromolecular Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Julia N Möller
- Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Martin G J Löder
- Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Andreas Greiner
- Macromolecular Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | | | - Ruth Freitag
- Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany.
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Surendran D, Varghese GK, Zafiu C. Characterization and source apportionment of microplastics in Indian composts. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:5. [PMID: 38044370 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12177-7] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP), small plastic particles under 5 mm, are pollutants known to carry heavy metals in ecosystems. Composts are a significant source of soil microplastics. This study examined MSW composts from Kochi and Kozhikode in India for microplastic concentrations and heavy metals' accumulation thereon. Microplastics were isolated using zinc chloride density separation, with Fenton's reagent used for organic matter oxidation. Resin types were identified using FTIR analysis that showed the presence of PE, PP, PS, nylon, PET, and allyl alcohol copolymer. In Kozhikode's compost, the average concentration of microplastics was 840 ± 30 items/kg, while Kochi had 1600 ± 111 items/kg, mainly polyethylene films. PE was the most prevalent resin, comprising 58.3% in Kozhikode and 73.37% in Kochi. Heavy metal analysis of MP showed significant concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, and manganese adsorbed on the surface of microplastics. The concentrations of heavy metals in the MP before Fenton oxidation ranged from 1.02 to 2.02 times the corresponding concentrations in compost for Kozhikode and 1.23 to 2.85 times for Kochi. Source apportionment studies revealed that 64% of microplastics in Kozhikode and 77% in Kochi originated from single-use plastics. Ecological risk indices, PLI and PHI, showed that composts from both locations fall under hazard level V. The study revealed that compost from unsegregated MSW can act as a significant source of microplastics and heavy metals in the soil environment, with single-use plastics contributing major share of the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Zafiu
- Institute of Waste Management and Circularity, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Zhao H, Zhou Y, Lu Z, Ren X, Barcelo D, Zhang Z, Wang Q. Microplastic pollution in organic farming development cannot be ignored in China: Perspective of commercial organic fertilizer. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132478. [PMID: 37688868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Commercial organic fertilizer, an essential fertilizer for developing organic farming in China, has been identified as a potentially important source of microplastics (MPs) on farmland. However, little is known about the occurrence of MPs in commercial organic fertilizers and their potential ecological risks nationwide. Here, stereoscopy and laser-infrared imaging spectrometry were used to comprehensively investigate the abundance, size, type and morphology of MPs in commercial organic fertilizers collected from mainland China, assess the ecological risks, and predict MP contamination. Commercial organic fertilizers contained many MPs (8.88 ×103 to 2.88 ×105 items/kg), especially rich in small-size MPs (<100 µm), accounting for 76.53%. The highest MP pollution load value was observed in fertilizers collected from East China. Chlorinated polyethylene, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene were the dominant MPs with the shape of film and fragment, concentrated in small sizes (<100 µm). The risk index (H-index) of the MPs was used to quantify the ecological risk of the MPs in the different samples, and most of the fertilizers were at level Ⅲ with high risk. Predictably, 2.32 × 1013 - 2.81 × 1016 MPs will accumulate in orchard soils after five years of fertilization, especially in South, Southwest and East China. This study provides primary scientific data on MP pollution in commercial fertilizer and the health development of organic farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Yanting Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Zonghui Lu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Xiuna Ren
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Damia Barcelo
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China
| | - Quan Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, PR China.
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10
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Guo S, Zhang J, Liu J, Guo N, Zhang L, Wang S, Wang X, Zhao M, Zhang B, Chen Y. Organic fertilizer and irrigation water are the primary sources of microplastics in the facility soil, Beijing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165005. [PMID: 37353032 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
The large-scale utilization of plastic products in agricultural facility production has resulted in considerable accumulation of microplastics in the soil. However, there is a lack of systematic research on the accumulation and distribution of microplastics in facility agriculture. This study examined the presence of microplastics in the 15 representatives of Beijing facility agriculture soil in five districts with different planting years, and assessed the potential pollution risks. The abundance of microplastics in soil layers at a depth of 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm was 896.5 ± 80.0 (range, 160-2120), 630.6 ± 47.0 (180-1340), and 445.3 ± 47.0 (80-1480) items/kg, respectively. Overall, the microplastics were primarily fiber-shaped (72.2 %), white (75.9 %), 1-2 mm in size (37.9 %), and composed of polypropylene and polyethene. The risk assessment indices of the microplastics in the 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm soil layers were 272.1, 289.5, and 291.6, respectively, representing a risk level of 4 in each case. Using the conditional fragmentation model, we found that the microplastics in facility soil featured low stability and small sizes, and their primary sources were organic fertilizer and irrigation water. The number of mulching years, irrigation method, and the amount of organic fertilizer applied, influenced the accumulation of microplastics in the facility soil. This study provides scientific evidence supporting the pollution levels and need for risk control related to microplastics in facility soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Guo
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Jiawei Liu
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ning Guo
- Beijing Cultivated Land Construction and Protection Center, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Beijing Cultivated Land Construction and Protection Center, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shengtao Wang
- Beijing Cultivated Land Construction and Protection Center, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xuexia Wang
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Meng Zhao
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Baogui Zhang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Yanhua Chen
- Institute of Plant Nutrition, Resources and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
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Ling Q, Yang B, Jiao J, Ma X, Zhao W, Zhang X. Response of microplastic occurrence and migration to heavy rainstorm in agricultural catchment on the Loess plateau. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132416. [PMID: 37657328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have received widespread attention as an emerging pollutant in recent years, but limited studies have explored their response to extreme weather. This study surveyed and analyzed the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in a typical agricultural catchment located on the Loess Plateau, focusing on their response to heavy rainstorms. Microplastics were detected in all soil samples with an abundance of 70-4020 items/kg, and particles less than 0.5 mm accounted for 81.61 % of the total microplastics. The main colors of microplastic were white, yellow, and transparent, accounting for 38.50 %, 32.90 %, and 21.05 % respectively, and the main shapes were film and fragment, accounting for 47.65 % and 30.81 %. Low density polyethylene was the main component of microplastics identified using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The extensive use of plastic mulch film is a major contributor to microplastic pollution in this catchment. The differences and connections observed in microplastics imply mutual migration and deposition within the catchment. A check dam at the outlet effectively intercepts microplastics during the rainstorm, reducing the microplastic by at least 6.1 × 1010 items downstream. This study provides a reference for the effects of rainstorms on the sources and pathways of MP pollution in regions prone to severe soil erosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Bo Yang
- The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sci and Ministry of Education, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Reso Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Juying Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; The Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sci and Ministry of Education, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Reso Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Xiaowu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Wenting Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xinhan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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