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Martínez A, Perez-Sanchez E, Caballero A, Ramírez R, Quevedo E, Salvador-García D. PBAT is biodegradable but what about the toxicity of its biodegradation products? J Mol Model 2024; 30:273. [PMID: 39023540 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-06066-0] [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: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a biodegradable plastic. It was introduced to the plastics market in 1998 and since then has been widely used around the world. The main idea of this research is to perform quantum chemical calculations to study the potential toxicity of PBAT and its degradation products. We analyzed the electron transfer capacity to determine its potential toxicity. We found that biodegradable products formed with benzene rings are as good electron acceptors as PBAT and OOH•. Our results indicate that the biodegradation products are potentially as toxic as PBAT. This might explain why biodegradation products alter the photosynthetic system of plants and inhibit their growth. From this and other previous investigations, we can think that biodegradable plastics could represent a potential environmental risk. METHODS All DFT computations were performed using the Gaussian16 at M062x/6-311 + g(2d,p) level of theory without symmetry constraints. Electro-donating (ω-) and electro-accepting (ω +) powers were used as response functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martínez
- Departamento de Materiales de Baja Dimensionalidad, Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S. N. Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, CDMX, Mexico City, México.
| | - Emiliano Perez-Sanchez
- Departamento de Materiales de Baja Dimensionalidad, Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S. N. Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, CDMX, Mexico City, México
| | - Alexis Caballero
- Departamento de Materiales de Baja Dimensionalidad, Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S. N. Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, CDMX, Mexico City, México
| | - Rodrigo Ramírez
- Departamento de Materiales de Baja Dimensionalidad, Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S. N. Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, CDMX, Mexico City, México
| | - Esperanza Quevedo
- Departamento de Materiales de Baja Dimensionalidad, Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S. N. Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, CDMX, Mexico City, México
| | - Diana Salvador-García
- Departamento de Materiales de Baja Dimensionalidad, Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S. N. Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, CDMX, Mexico City, México
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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] [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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Li Y, Hou F, Sun L, Lan J, Han Z, Li T, Wang Y, Zhao Z. Ecological effect of microplastics on soil microbe-driven carbon circulation and greenhouse gas emission: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 364:121429. [PMID: 38870791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) pool, the largest part of terrestrial ecosystem, controls global terrestrial carbon balance and consequently presented carbon cycle-climate feedback in climate projections. Microplastics, (MPs, <5 mm) as common pollutants in soil ecosystems, have an obvious impact on soil-borne carbon circulation by affecting soil microbial processes, which play a central role in regulating SOC conversion. In this review, we initially presented the sources, properties and ecological risks of MPs in soil ecosystem, and then the differentiated effects of MPs on the component of SOC, including dissolved organic carbon, soil microbial biomass carbon and easily oxidized organic carbon varying with the types and concentrations of MPs, the soil types, etc. As research turns into a broader perspective, greenhouse gas emissions dominated by the mineralization of SOC coming into view since it can be significantly affected by MPs and is closely associated with soil microbial respiration. The pathways of MPs impacting soil microbes-driven carbon conversion include changing microbial community structure and composition, the functional enzyme's activity and the abundance and expression of functional genes. However, numerous uncertainties still exist regarding the microbial mechanisms in the deeper biochemical process. More comprehensive studies are necessary to explore the affected footprint and provide guidance for finding the evaluation criterion of MPs affecting climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Fangwei Hou
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Lulu Sun
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jing Lan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zhanghua Han
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optics and Photonic Devices, Center of Light Manipulation and Applications, School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zongshan Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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4
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Wu C, Ma Y, Shan Y, Song X, Wang D, Ren X, Hu H, Cui J, Ma Y. Exploring the potential of biochar for the remediation of microbial communities and element cycling in microplastic-contaminated soil. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142698. [PMID: 38925523 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The detrimental effects of microplastics (MPs) on soil microbial and elemental raise significant environmental concerns. The potential of remediation with biochar to mitigate these negative impacts remains an open question. The remediation effects of biochar derived from corn and cotton straw on MPs concerning soil microorganisms and element cycling were investigated. Specifically, biochar induced substantial remediations in microbial community structure following MP exposure, restoring and fortifying the symbiotic network while exerting dominance over microbial community changes. A combined treatment of biochar and MPs exhibited a noteworthy increase in the abundance of NH4+, NO3-, and available phosphorous by 0.46-2.1 times, reversing the declining trend of dissolved organic carbon, showing a remarkable increase by 0.36 times. This combined treatment also led to a reduction in the abundance of the nitrogen fixation gene nifH by 0.46 times, while significantly increasing the expression of nitrification genes (amoA and amoB) and denitrification genes (nirS and nirK) by 22.5 times and 1.7 times, respectively. Additionally, the carbon cycle cbbLG gene showed a 2.3-fold increase, and the phosphorus cycle gene phoD increased by 0.1-fold. The mixed treatment enriched element-cycling microorganisms by 4.8 to 9.6 times. In summary, the addition of biochar repaired the negative effects of MPs in terms of microbial community dynamics, element content, gene expression, and functional microbiota. These findings underscore the crucial role of biochar in alleviating the adverse effects of MPs on microbial communities and elemental cycling, providing valuable insights into sustainable environmental remediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changcai Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yajie Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Yongpan Shan
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Xianpeng Song
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Dan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Xiangliang Ren
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Hongyan Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Jinjie Cui
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yan Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan, 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, China.
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Munhoz DR, Meng K, Wang L, Lwanga EH, Geissen V, Harkes P. Exploring the potential of earthworm gut bacteria for plastic degradation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172175. [PMID: 38575018 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172175] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The use of plastic mulch films in agriculture leads to the inevitable accumulation of plastic debris in soils. Here, we explored the potential of earthworm gut-inhabiting bacterial strains (Mycobacterium vanbaalenii (MV), Rhodococcus jostii (RJ), Streptomyces fulvissimus (SF), Bacillus simplex (BS), and Sporosarcina globispora (SG) to degrade plastic films (⌀ = 15 mm) made from commonly used polymers: low-density polyethylene film (LDPE-f), polylactic acid (PLA-f), polybutylene adipate terephthalate film (PBAT-f), and a commercial biodegradable mulch film, Bionov-B® (composed of Mater-Bi, a feedstock with PBAT, PLA and other chemical compounds). A 180-day experiment was conducted at room temperature (x̄ =19.4 °C) for different strain-plastic combinations under a low carbon media (0.1× tryptic soy broth). Results showed that the tested strain-plastic combinations did not facilitate the degradation of LDPE-f (treated with RJ and SF), PBAT-f (treated with BS and SG), and Bionov-B (treated with BS, MV, and SG). However, incubating PLA-f with SF triggered a reduction in the molecular weights and an increase in crystallinity. Therefore, we used PLA-f as model plastic to study the influence of temperature ("room temperature" & "30 °C"), carbon source ("carbon-free" & "low carbon supply"), and strain interactions ("single strains" & "strain mixtures") on PLA degradation. SF and SF + RJ treatments significantly fostered PLA degradation under 30 °C in a low-carbon media. PLA-f did not show any degradation in carbon-free media treatments. The competition between different strains in the same system likely hindered the performance of PLA-degrading strains. A positive correlation between the final pH of culture media and PLA-f weight loss was observed, which might reflect the pH-dependent hydrolysis mechanism of PLA. Our results situate SF and its co-culture with RJ strains as possible accelerators of PLA degradation in temperatures below PLA glass transition temperature (Tg). Further studies are needed to test the bioremediation feasibility in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davi R Munhoz
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Ke Meng
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Lang Wang
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Esperanza Huerta Lwanga
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands; Agroecología, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Campeche, Av Polígono s/n, Cd. Industrial, Lerma, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Paula Harkes
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Guo B, Zhu L, He X, Zhou X, Dong B, Liu J. Modified Composite Biodegradable Mulch for Crop Growth and Sustainable Agriculture. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1295. [PMID: 38732763 PMCID: PMC11085127 DOI: 10.3390/polym16091295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Using biodegradable films as a substitute for conventional polyolefin films has emerged as a crucial technology to combat agricultural white pollution. To address the shortcomings in the tensile strength, water vapor barrier properties, and degradation period of PBAT-based biodegradable films, this investigation aimed to create a composite film that could improve the diverse properties of PBAT films. To achieve this, a PBAT/PLA-PPC-PTLA ternary blend system was introduced in the study. The system effectively fused PBAT with PLA and PPC, as evidenced by electron microscopy tests showing no apparent defects on the surface and cross-section of the blended film. The developed ternary blend system resulted in a 58.62% improvement in tensile strength, a 70.33% enhancement in water vapor barrier properties, and a 30-day extension of the functional period compared to pure PBAT biodegradable films. Field experiments on corn crops demonstrated that the modified biodegradable film is more suitable for agricultural production, as it improved thermal insulation and moisture retention, leading to a 5.45% increase in corn yield, approaching the yield of traditional polyolefin films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Guo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Film Pollution Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (B.G.); (B.D.)
- College of Resources and Environment, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Liyan Zhu
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinhua 321017, China; (L.Z.); (X.H.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaochan He
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinhua 321017, China; (L.Z.); (X.H.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaojun Zhou
- Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinhua 321017, China; (L.Z.); (X.H.); (X.Z.)
| | - Boru Dong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Film Pollution Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (B.G.); (B.D.)
| | - Jialei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Film Pollution Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (B.G.); (B.D.)
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Irshad MK, Kang MW, Aqeel M, Javed W, Noman A, Khalid N, Lee SS. Unveiling the detrimental effects of polylactic acid microplastics on rice seedlings and soil health. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141771. [PMID: 38522668 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141771] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The environmental impact of biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics (PLA-MPs) has become a global concern, with documented effects on soil health, nutrient cycling, water retention, and crop growth. This study aimed to assess the repercussions of varying concentrations of PLA-MPs on rice, encompassing aspects such as growth, physiology, and biochemistry. Additionally, the investigation delved into the influence of PLA-MPs on soil bacterial composition and soil enzyme activities. The results illustrated that the highest levels of PLA-MPs (2.5%) impaired the photosynthesis activity of rice plants and hampered plant growth. Plants exposed to the highest concentration of PLA-MPs (2.5%) displayed a significant reduction of 51.3% and 47.7% in their root and shoot dry weights, as well as a reduction of 53% and 49% in chlorophyll a and b contents, respectively. The activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in rice leaves increased by 3.1, 2.8, 3.5, and 5.2 folds, respectively, with the highest level of PLA-MPs (2.5%). Soil enzyme activities, such as CAT, urease, and dehydrogenase (DHA) increased by 19.2%, 10.4%, and 22.5%, respectively, in response to the highest level of PLA-MPs (2.5%) application. In addition, PLA-MPs (2.5%) resulted in a remarkable increase in the relative abundance of soil Proteobacteria, Nitrospirae, and Firmicutes by 60%, 31%, and 98.2%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential adverse effects of PLA-MPs on crops and soils. This study provides valuable insights into soil-rice interactions, environmental risks, and biodegradable plastic regulation, underscoring the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Kashif Irshad
- Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Min Woo Kang
- Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Muhammad Aqeel
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, PR China
| | - Wasim Javed
- Water Management Research Centre (WMRC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ali Noman
- Department of Botany, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Noreen Khalid
- Department of Botany, Government College Women University Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Sang Soo Lee
- Department of Environmental and Energy Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26493, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Schwab S, Nelson TF, Mecking S. Chemically Recyclable and Biodegradable Vulcanized Rubber. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2024; 12:6281-6288. [PMID: 38665800 PMCID: PMC11041115 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c08435] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The cross-linked nature of vulcanized rubbers as used in tire and many other applications prohibits an effective closed-loop mechanical or chemical recycling. Moreover, vulcanization significantly retards the material's biodegradation. Here, we report a recyclable and biodegradable rubber that is generated by the vulcanization of amorphous, unsaturated polyesters. The elastic material can be broken down via solvolysis into the underlying monomers. After removal of the vulcanized repeat units, the saturated monomers, constituting the major share of the material, can be recovered in overall recycling rates exceeding 90%. Respirometric biodegradation experiments by 13CO2 tracking under environmental conditions via the polyesters' diol monomer indicated depolymerization and partial mineralization of the vulcanized polyester rubbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon
T. Schwab
- Chair of Chemical Materials Science,
Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Taylor F. Nelson
- Chair of Chemical Materials Science,
Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Stefan Mecking
- Chair of Chemical Materials Science,
Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464 Konstanz, Germany
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9
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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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10
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Wang Y, van Putten RJ, Tietema A, Parsons JR, Gruter GJM. Polyester biodegradability: importance and potential for optimisation. GREEN CHEMISTRY : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL AND GREEN CHEMISTRY RESOURCE : GC 2024; 26:3698-3716. [PMID: 38571729 PMCID: PMC10986773 DOI: 10.1039/d3gc04489k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
To reduce global CO2 emissions in line with EU targets, it is essential that we replace fossil-derived plastics with renewable alternatives. This provides an opportunity to develop novel plastics with improved design features, such as better reusability, recyclability, and environmental biodegradability. Although recycling and reuse of plastics is favoured, this relies heavily on the infrastructure of waste management, which is not consistently advanced on a worldwide scale. Furthermore, today's bulk polyolefin plastics are inherently unsuitable for closed-loop recycling, but the introduction of plastics with enhanced biodegradability could help to combat issues with plastic accumulation, especially for packaging applications. It is also important to recognise that plastics enter the environment through littering, even where the best waste-collection infrastructure is in place. This causes endless environmental accumulation when the plastics are non-(bio)degradable. Biodegradability depends heavily on circumstances; some biodegradable polymers degrade rapidly under tropical conditions in soil, but they may not also degrade at the bottom of the sea. Biodegradable polyesters are theoretically recyclable, and even if mechanical recycling is difficult, they can be broken down to their monomers by hydrolysis for subsequent purification and re-polymerisation. Additionally, both the physical properties and the biodegradability of polyesters are tuneable by varying their building blocks. The relationship between the (chemical) structures/compositions (aromatic, branched, linear, polar/apolar monomers; monomer chain length) and biodegradation/hydrolysis of polyesters is discussed here in the context of the design of biodegradable polyesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | | | - Albert Tietema
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - John R Parsons
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan M Gruter
- van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam Science Park 904 1098 XH Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Avantium Support BV Zekeringstraat 29 1014 BV Amsterdam The Netherlands
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11
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Zhao P, Yang S, Zheng Y, Zhang L, Li Y, Li J, Wang W, Wang Z. Polylactic acid microplastics have stronger positive effects on the qualitative traits of rice (Oryza sativa L.) than polyethylene microplastics: Evidence from a simulated field experiment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170334. [PMID: 38301794 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170334] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Soil pollution by microplastics (MPs) from different types of agricultural films has received substantial attention due to its potential effects on crop quality. To date, the effects of different types of MPs on rice grain quality and their underlying molecular mechanisms have not been clarified. In this study, we examined the effects of polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) and biodegradable polylactic acid MPs (PLA-MPs) on rice grain quality at the environmental level (0.5 %) and evaluated the molecular mechanism through transcriptome analysis. PE- and PLA-MPs increased the number of rice grains per plant by 19.83 % and 24.66 %, respectively, and decreased the rice empty-shell rate by 55.89 % and 26.53 %, respectively. However, PLA-MPs increased the 1000-seed weight by 11.37 %, whereas PE-MPs had no obvious impact in this respect. Furthermore, MP exposure, especially that of PE-MPs, affected the content of mineral elements, fatty acids, and amino acids of rice grains by disturbing the expression of genes related to these functions and metabolism. Our findings provide insights into the response of rice grains to the stress caused by different MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Siyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Yaoying Zheng
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Science, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Liqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Yongli Li
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Jiapeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Nuclear Agricultural Science, Key Laboratory of Nuclear Agricultural Sciences of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.
| | - Zhanqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, PR China.
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12
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Wu C, Song X, Wang D, Ma Y, Shan Y, Ren X, Hu H, Cui J, Ma Y. Combined effects of mulch film-derived microplastics and pesticides on soil microbial communities and element cycling. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133656. [PMID: 38306832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133656] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Pesticides and microplastics (MPs) derived from mulch film in agricultural soil can independently impact soil ecology, yet the consequences of their combined exposure remain unclear. Therefore, the effects of simultaneous exposure to commonly used pesticides (imidacloprid and flumioxazin) and aged mulch film-derived MPs on soil microorganisms and element cycles in cotton fields were investigated. The combined exposure influenced soil microorganisms, alongside processes related to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles, exhibiting effects that were either neutralized or enhanced compared to individual exposures. The impact of pesticides in combined exposure was notably more significant and played a dominant role than that of MPs. Specifically, combined exposure intensified changes in soil bacterial community and symbiotic networks. The combined exposure neutralized NH4+, NO3-, DOC, and A-P contents, shifting from 0.33 % and 40.23 % increase in MPs and pesticides individually to a 40.24 % increase. Moreover, combined exposure resulted in the neutralization or amplification of the nitrogen-fixing gene nifH, nitrifying genes (amoA and amoB), and denitrifying genes (nirS and nirK), the carbon cycle gene cbbLG and the phosphorus cycle gene phoD from 0.48 and 2.57-fold increase to a 2.99-fold increase. The combined exposure also led to the neutralization or enhancement of carbon and nitrogen cycle functional microorganisms, shifting from a 1.53-fold inhibition and 10.52-fold increase to a 6.39-fold increase. These findings provide additional insights into the potential risks associated with combined pesticide exposure and MPs, particularly concerning soil microbial communities and elemental cycling processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changcai Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xianpeng Song
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Dan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Yajie Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Yongpan Shan
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China
| | - Xiangliang Ren
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Hongyan Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Jinjie Cui
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yan Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, Henan 455000, China; Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China; Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, China.
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13
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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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14
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Palucha N, Fojt J, Holátko J, Hammerschmiedt T, Kintl A, Brtnický M, Řezáčová V, De Winterb K, Uitterhaegen E, Kučerík J. Does poly-3-hydroxybutyrate biodegradation affect the quality of soil organic matter? CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141300. [PMID: 38286312 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The search for eco-friendly substitutes for traditional plastics has led to the production of biodegradable bioplastics. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of bioplastic biodegradation on soil health. Despite these concerns, the potential negative consequences of bioplastics during various stages of biodegradation remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of micro-bioplastics made of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) on the properties of three different soils. In our ten-month experiment, we investigated the impact of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) on Chernozem, Cambisol, and Phaeozem soils. Our study focused on changes in soil organic matter (SOM), microbial activity, and the level of soil carbon and nitrogen. The observed changes indicated an excessive level of biodegradation of SOM after the soils were enriched with micro-particles of P3HB, with concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 3%. The thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of residual P3HB (particularly in the 3% treatment) and underscored the heightened biodegradation of SOM, especially in the more stable SOM fractions. This was notably evident in Phaeozem soils, where even the stable SOM pool was affected. Elemental analysis revealed changes in soil organic carbon content following P3HB degradation, although nitrogen levels remained constant. Enzymatic activity was found to vary with soil type and responded differently across P3HB concentration levels. Our findings confirmed that P3HB acts as a bioavailable carbon source. Its biodegradation stimulates the production of enzymes, which in turn affects various soil elements, indicating complex interactions within the soil ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natálie Palucha
- Brno University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Purkyňova 118, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic; Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW, Rodenhuizekaai 1, Desteldonk, Gent, 9042, Belgium
| | - Jakub Fojt
- Textile Testing Institute, Cejl 480/12, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Holátko
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic; Agrovyzkum Rapotin, Ltd, Výzkumniků 267, 788 13, Rapotin, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Hammerschmiedt
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic
| | - Antonin Kintl
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic; Agricultural Research, Ltd, Zahradní 400/1, 664 41, Troubsko, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Brtnický
- Brno University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Purkyňova 118, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic; Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Řezáčová
- Brno University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Purkyňova 118, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
| | - Karel De Winterb
- Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW, Rodenhuizekaai 1, Desteldonk, Gent, 9042, Belgium
| | - Evelien Uitterhaegen
- Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW, Rodenhuizekaai 1, Desteldonk, Gent, 9042, Belgium
| | - Jiří Kučerík
- Brno University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Purkyňova 118, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic.
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15
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Han Y, Teng Y, Wang X, Wen D, Gao P, Yan D, Yang N. Biodegradable PBAT microplastics adversely affect pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) growth and the rhizosphere ecology: Focusing on rhizosphere microbial community composition, element metabolic potential, and root exudates. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169048. [PMID: 38061654 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169048] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) have gained increased attention as a promising solution to plastics pollution problem. However, BPs often exhibited limited in situ biodegradation in the soil environment, so they may also release microplastics (MPs) into soils just like conventional non-degradable plastics. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the impacts of biodegradable MPs (BMPs) on soil ecosystem. Here, we explored the effects of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) MPs and conventional polyethylene (PE) MPs on soil-plant (pakchoi) system at three doses (0.02 %, 0.2 %, and 2 %, w/w). Results showed that PBAT MPs reduced plant growth in a dose-dependent pattern, while PE MPs exhibited no significant phytotoxicity. High-dose PBAT MPs negatively affected the rhizosphere soil nutrient availability, e.g., decreased available phosphorus and available potassium. Metagenomics analysis revealed that PBAT MPs caused more serious interference with the rhizosphere microbial community composition and function than PE MPs. In particular, compared with PE MPs, PBAT MPs induced greater changes in functional potential of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles, which may lead to alterations in soil biogeochemical processes and ecological functions. Moreover, untargeted metabolomics showed that PBAT MPs and PE MPs differentially affect plant root exudates. Mantel tests, correlation analysis, and partial least squares path model analysis showed that changes in plant growth and root exudates were significantly correlated with soil properties and rhizosphere microbiome driven by the MPs-rhizosphere interactions. This work improves our knowledge of how biodegradable and conventional non-degradable MPs affect plant growth and the rhizosphere ecology, highlighting that BMPs might pose greater threat to soil ecosystems than non-degradable MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Han
- Institute of Vegetables, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Ying Teng
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Institute of Vegetables, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Dan Wen
- Institute of Vegetables, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Peixin Gao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Dong Yan
- Institute of Vegetables, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Institute of Vegetables, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China.
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16
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Wright ACM, Boots B, Ings TC, Green DS. Impacts of pristine, aged and leachate of conventional and biodegradable plastics on plant growth and soil organic carbon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11766-11780. [PMID: 38224439 PMCID: PMC10869392 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31838-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Plastic is an essential component of agriculture globally, becoming a concerning form of pollution. Biodegradable alternatives are gaining attention as a potential replacement for commonly used, non-degradable plastics, but there is little known about the impacts of biodegradable plastics as they age and potential leachates are released. In this study, different types (conventional: polyethylene and polypropylene and biodegradable: polyhydroxybutyrate and polylactic acid) of micro- and meso-films were added to soil at 0.1% (w/w) prior to being planted with Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) to evaluate the plant and soil biophysical responses in a pot experiment. Root and shoot biomass and chlorophyll content were reduced when soil was exposed to plastics, whether conventional or biodegradable, pristine, aged or when just their leachate was present. The pH and organic matter content of soil exposed to these plastics and their leachates was significantly reduced compared to control samples; furthermore, there was an increase in CO2 respiration rate from soil. In general, meso (> 5 mm) and micro (< 5 mm) plastic films did not differ in the impact on plants or soil. This study provides evidence that conventional and biodegradable plastics have both physical and chemical impacts on essential soil characteristics and the growth of L. perenne, potentially leading to wider effects on soil carbon cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C M Wright
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK.
| | - Bas Boots
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Thomas C Ings
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Dannielle S Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
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17
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Lv Z, Meng X, Liang Q, Jiang T, Sun S, Tan Y, Feng J. A biodegradable oxidized starch/carboxymethyl chitosan film coated with pesticide-loaded ZIF-8 for tomato fusarium wilt control. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129249. [PMID: 38199556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Film mulching is one of the most important methods to control soil-borne diseases. However, the traditional mulch may cause microplastic pollution and soil ecological damage. Herein, a biodegradable film was developed using oxidized starch and carboxymethyl chitosan and incorporated ZIF-8 carrying fludioxonil to sustainably control soil-borne disease. The microstructure, mechanical properties, optical properties, and water barrier properties of the composite films (Flu@ZIF-8-OS/CMCS) were investigated. The results show that Flu@ZIF-8-OS/CMCS had a smooth and uniform surface and excellent light transmittance. The excellent mechanical properties of the films were verified by tensile strength, elongation at break and Young's modulus. Higher contact angle and lower water vapor permeability indicate water retention capacity of the soil was improved through using Flu@ZIF-8-OS/CMCS. Furthermore, the release properties, biological activity, degradability and safety to soil organisms of Flu@ZIF-8-OS/CMCS was determined. The addition of ZIF-8 significantly improved the film's ability to retard the release of Flu, while the Flu@ZIF-8-OS/CMCS has good soil degradability. In vitro antifungal assays and pot experiments demonstrated excellent inhibitory activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici. Flu@ZIF-8-OS/CMCS caused only 13.33 % mortality of earthworms within 7 d. This research provides a new approach to reducing microplastic pollution and effectively managing soil-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Lv
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaohan Meng
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qianwei Liang
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Tianzhen Jiang
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Shaoyang Sun
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yifei Tan
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jianguo Feng
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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18
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Li K, Xu L, Bai X, Zhang G, Zhang M, Huang Y. Differential fungal assemblages and functions between the plastisphere of biodegradable and conventional microplastics in farmland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167478. [PMID: 37804989 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167478] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of plastisphere and soil can lead to variation in microbiome, potentially impacting soil functions. Current studies of the plastisphere have mainly focused on bacterial communities, and fungal communities are poorly understood. Biodegradable and conventional microplastics may recruit specific microbial taxa due to their different biodegradability. Herein, we collected polyethylene (PE) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactide (PBAT/PLA) microplastics in farmland (Hebei, China) and characterized the fungal community in PE and PBAT/PLA plastisphere. Results from high-throughput sequencing showed significantly lower alpha diversity and distinct composition of fungal community in PBAT/PLA plastisphere compared to PE plastisphere. Additionally, the PBAT/PLA plastisphere demonstrated a significant enrichment of fungal taxa with potential plastic-degrading capability such as Nectriaceae, Pleosporaceae and Didymellaceae. The stochasticity of drift (28.7-43.5 %) and dispersal limitation (38.6-39.4 %) were dominant in the assembly of PE and PBAT/PLA plastisphere fungal community. Higher stable and more complex network in PBAT/PLA plastispheres were observed as compared to PE plastisphere. Besides, the total relative abundance of plant and animal pathogens were higher in PBAT/PLA plastisphere than that in PE plastisphere, suggesting that biodegradable microplastics may pose a higher threat to soil health. This study contributes to our understanding of the characteristics of plastisphere fungal communities in soil environments and the associated risks to terrestrial ecosystems resulting from microplastic accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Libo Xu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xinyi Bai
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Guangbao Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Mengjun Zhang
- Marine Institute for Bioresources and Environment, Peking University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
| | - Yi Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Marine Institute for Bioresources and Environment, Peking University Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China.
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19
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Saberi Riseh R. Advancing agriculture through bioresource technology: The role of cellulose-based biodegradable mulches. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 255:128006. [PMID: 37977475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture plays a pivotal role in meeting the world's ever-growing food demands. However, traditional agricultural practices often have negative consequences for the environment, such as soil erosion and chemical runoff. Recently, there has been a pressing need for advance agricultural practices. Cellulose-based mulches offer a solution by optimizing agricultural productivity while minimizing harm. These mulches are made from renewable bioresources derived from cellulose-rich materials. Compared to plastic mulches, cellulose-based alternatives show potential in improving nutrient retention, soil health, weed suppression, water conservation, and erosion mitigation. The article investigates the characteristics and application methods of cellulose-based mulches, highlighting their biodegradability, water retention, crop protection, and weed suppression capabilities. It also evaluates their economic feasibility, emphasizing their potential to transform sustainable farming practices. Overall, cellulose-based mulches have the potential to revolutionize agriculture, addressing environmental concerns while optimizing productivity. They represent a significant step toward a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roohallah Saberi Riseh
- Departement of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan 7718897111, Iran.
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20
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Hink L, Holzinger A, Sandfeld T, Weig AR, Schramm A, Feldhaar H, Horn MA. Microplastic ingestion affects hydrogen production and microbiomes in the gut of the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:2776-2791. [PMID: 37041018 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) is an environmental burden and enters food webs via ingestion by macrofauna, including isopods (Porcellio scaber) in terrestrial ecosystems. Isopods represent ubiquitously abundant, ecologically important detritivores. However, MP-polymer specific effects on the host and its gut microbiota are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that biodegradable (polylactic acid [PLA]) and non-biodegradable (polyethylene terephthalate [PET]; polystyrene [PS]) MPs have contrasting effects on P. scaber mediated by changes of the gut microbiota. The isopod fitness after an 8-week MP-exposure was generally unaffected, although the isopods showed avoidance behaviour to PS-food. MP-polymer specific effects on gut microbes were detected, including a stimulation of microbial activity by PLA compared with MP-free controls. PLA stimulated hydrogen emission from isopod guts, while PET and PS were inhibitory. We roughly estimated 107 kg year-1 hydrogen emitted from the isopods globally and identified their guts as anoxic, significant mobile sources of reductant for soil microbes despite the absence of classical obligate anaerobes, likely due to Enterobacteriaceae-related fermentation activities that were stimulated by lactate generated during PLA-degradation. The findings suggest negative effects of PET and PS on gut fermentation, modulation of important isopod hydrogen emissions by MP pollution and the potential of MP to affect terrestrial food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Hink
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anja Holzinger
- Animal Population Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Tobias Sandfeld
- Department of Biology, Section for Microbiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alfons R Weig
- Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Andreas Schramm
- Department of Biology, Section for Microbiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Heike Feldhaar
- Animal Population Ecology, Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Marcus A Horn
- Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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21
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Yang X, Zhang Z, Zhang J. Study of soil microplastic pollution and influencing factors based on environmental fragility theory. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165435. [PMID: 37442481 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Soil microplastics (MPs) pollution is a global concern, but the distribution of MPs and the factors affecting the distribution of MPs in different ecologically fragile karst areas remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the spatial distribution, characteristics, and composition of MPs in different ecologically fragile karst areas of Guizhou Province and explored the relationship between ecosystem fragility and MPs. Structural equation models combined with robust random forest (RF) models were used to clarify the effects of karst soil properties on MPs and quantify their relative contributions. The abundance of soil MPs in ecologically fragile karst areas was 2949 item kg-1, and the risk of MPs contamination was highest in medium-fragile areas. The robust RF models precisely predicted the abundance of soil MPs in different fragile areas, and the mean root mean square error and R2 were 0.21 and 0.93, respectively. The contribution of karst soil properties to the abundance of MPs was estimated. Some soil chemical properties had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on MPs pollution in ecologically fragile karst areas. The results of our study suggest that the fragile ecological environment may exacerbate MPs pollution. Our study also contributes to establish a scientific theoretical foundation for the utilization of plastics and the prevention and control of microplastics pollution in karst ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyuan Yang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhenming Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China; Key Laboratory of Kast Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Jiachun Zhang
- Guizhou Botanical Garden, Guizhou Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550004, Guizhou, China.
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22
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Ramanayaka S, Vithanage M, Zhang H, Semple KT. Role of soil organic matter on the retention and mobility of common plastic additives, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, bisphenol A and benzophenone, in soil. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116725. [PMID: 37487922 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to assess the role of soil organic matter on retaining plastic additives, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Bisphenol A (BPA) and Benzophenone (BP), to postulate the retention mechanisms and mobility in soil. Batch experiments were conducted for red yellow podzolic soil (OM) and soil subjected to high temperature oxidation at 600 °C for 2 h to remove total organic matter (OMR). Pristine soil, which contains organic matter abbreviated as OM (soil with organic matter) whereas total organic matter removed soil is abbreviated as OMR (organic matter removed soil). The pH edge and kinetic experiments were conducted with 20 g/L soil suspension spiked with 10 mg/L of each additive, whereas 1-20 mg/L concentration range was used in isotherm experiments and analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography. DEHP demonstrated the highest retention, 331 and 615.16 mg/kg in OM and OMR soils respectively, at pH 6.6. However, BPA and BP showed highest retentions of 132 and 128 mg/kg, respectively around pH 4.3 in pristine soil. DEHP interaction with soil OM indicated weak physical bonding whereas chemisorption to OMR soil. In the case of BPA, physisorption governed its interaction with both soil organic matter and mineral fraction. Nevertheless, BP demonstrated chemical interactions with OM and minerals. Desorption of DEHP was close to 100% however, BPA and BP were <15%. Overall, DEHP and BPA could be easily released into soil water and possibly be available for plant uptake while, BP is immobilized in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammani Ramanayaka
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Hao Zhang
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Kirk T Semple
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
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23
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Xu C, Cheong JY, Mo X, Jérôme V, Freitag R, Agarwal S, Gharibi R, Greiner A. Thoroughly Hydrophilized Electrospun Poly(L-Lactide)/ Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Sponges for Tissue Engineering Application. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300143. [PMID: 37357761 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable electrospun sponges are of interest for various applications including tissue engineering, drug release, dental therapy, plant protection, and plant fertilization. Biodegradable electrospun poly(l-lactide)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PLLA/PCL) blend fiber-based sponge with hierarchical pore structure is inherently hydrophobic, which is disadvantageous for application in tissue engineering, fertilization, and drug delivery. Contact angles and model studies for staining with a hydrophilic dye for untreated, plasma-treated, and surfactant-treated PLLA/PCL sponges are reported. Thorough hydrophilization of PLLA/PCL sponges is found only with surfactant-treated sponges. The MTT assay on the leachates from the sponges does not indicate any cell incompatibility. Furthermore, the cell proliferation and penetration of the hydrophilized sponges are verified by in vitro cell culture studies using MG63 and human fibroblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhang Xu
- Macromolecular Chemistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Jun Young Cheong
- Bavarian Center for Battery Technology (BayBatt) and Department of Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Xiumei Mo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Valérie Jérôme
- Chair for Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ruth Freitag
- Chair for Process Biotechnology, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Seema Agarwal
- Macromolecular Chemistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Reza Gharibi
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Polymer, Faculty of Chemistry, Kharazmi University, Tehran, 15719-14911, Iran
| | - Andreas Greiner
- Macromolecular Chemistry and Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
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24
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Xie Z, Men C, Yuan X, Miao S, Sun Q, Hu J, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Zuo J. Naturally aged polylactic acid microplastics stunted pakchoi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) growth with cadmium in soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132318. [PMID: 37672995 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) and cadmium (Cd) are posing threats to agro-systems especially to plants and current studies mostly used virgin BMPs to explore their ecological effects. However, effects of naturally aged BMPs and their combined effects with Cd on pakchoi are yet to be unraveled. Therefore, this study incubated naturally aged polylactic acid (PLA) MPs through soil aging process and investigated the single and combined effects of Cd and PLA MPs (virgin and aged) on pakchoi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) morphology, antioxidant systems and soil microbial activities. Our results found that after being deposited in soil for six months, aged PLA (PLAa) MPs formed with a fractured surface, demonstrating more detrimental effects on pakchoi than virgin ones. PLA/PLAa MPs and Cd stunted pakchoi growth, caused oxidative stress and altered the biophysical environment in soil, separately. Moreover, co-existence of PLA/PLAa MPs and Cd caused greater damages to pakchoi than applied alone. The co-presence of PLAa MPs and Cd inhibited pakchoi biomass accumulation rate by 92.2 % compared with the no-addition group. The results unraveled here emphasized BMPs, especially aged BMPs, could trigger negative effects on agro-systems with heavy metals. These findings will give reference to future holistic assessments of BMPs' ecological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwen Xie
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Chengdu Xingrong Environment Co., Ltd, Chengdu 610041, China; Chengdu Drainage Co., Ltd, Chengdu 610011, China
| | - Cong Men
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrialpollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Sun Miao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Quanyi Sun
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiamin Hu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jiane Zuo
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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25
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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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26
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Huang F, Zhang Q, Wang L, Zhang C, Zhang Y. Are biodegradable mulch films a sustainable solution to microplastic mulch film pollution? A biogeochemical perspective. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132024. [PMID: 37572603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Mulch film residue contributes significantly to global plastic pollution, and consequently biodegradable mulch films (BDMs) are being adopted as a solution. BDMs decompose relatively quickly, but their complete biodegradation requires suitable conditions that are difficult to achieve in nature, causing biodegradable microplastics (bio-MPs) to be more likely to accumulate in soil than traditional microplastics (MPs). If BDMs are to be considered as a sustainable solution, long-term and in-depth studies to investigate the impact of bio-MPs on the biogeochemical processes are vital to agroecosystems operation and ecosystem services supply. Although bio-MP-derived carbon can potentially convert into biomass during decomposition, its contribution to soil carbon stocks is insignificant. Instead, given their biodegradability, bio-MPs can result in greater alterations of soil biodiversity and community composition. Their high carbon-nitrogen ratios may also significantly regulate various processes involved in the natural decomposition and transformation of soil organic matter, including the reduction of nutrient availability and increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Soil ecosystems are complex organic entities interconnected by disturbance-feedback mechanisms. Given the prevailing knowledge gaps regarding the impact of bio-MPs on soil biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem balance, this study emphasized the safety and sustainability assessment of bio-MPs and the prevailing comprehensive challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuxin Huang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Congyu Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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27
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Shi J, Wang Z, Peng Y, Fan Z, Zhang Z, Wang X, Zhu K, Shang J, Wang J. Effects of Microplastics on Soil Carbon Mineralization: The Crucial Role of Oxygen Dynamics and Electron Transfer. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13588-13600. [PMID: 37647508 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Although our understanding of the effects of microplastics on the dynamics of soil organic matter (SOM) has considerably advanced in recent years, the fundamental mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we examine the effects of polyethylene and poly(lactic acid) microplastics on SOM processes via mineralization incubation. Accordingly, we evaluated the changes in carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) production. An O2 planar optical sensor was used to detect the temporal behavior of dissolved O2 during incubation to determine the microscale oxygen heterogeneity caused by microplastics. Additionally, the changes in soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) were evaluated using a combination of spectroscopic approaches and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry. Microplastics increased cumulative CO2 emissions by 160-613%, whereas CH4 emissions dropped by 45-503%, which may be attributed to the oxygenated porous habitats surrounding microplastics. Conventional and biodegradable microplastics changed the quantities of soil dissolved organic carbon. In the microplastic treatments, DOM with more polar groups was detected, suggesting a higher level of electron transport. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the carbon concentration, electron-donating ability, and CO2 emission. These findings suggest that microplastics may facilitate the mineralization of SOM by modifying O2 microenvironments, DOM concentration, and DOM electron transport capability. Accordingly, this study provides new insights into the impact of microplastics on soil carbon dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Shi
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumei Peng
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongmin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianying Shang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
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28
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Lyu B, Lu X, Gao D, Wu H, Ma J. Construction and evaluation of environment-friendly POSS multi-crosslinked mulch film based on bone gelatin. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 247:125829. [PMID: 37453634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The non-degradable traditional polyethylene (PE) mulch film has caused great harm to both the ecological environment as well as human health. Therefore, the biodegradable bone gelatin (B-Gel) was innovatively selected to build the mulch film. To further enhance the toughness of the B-Gel mulch films, a POSS star-shaped polymer/bone gelatin (P(POSS-AGE-HEA)/B-Gel) composite was prepared by introducing POSS star-shaped polymer into B-Gel via in situ polymerization using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) and hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) as raw material, and then was cast to obtain the P(POSS-AGE-HEA)/B-Gel mulch film. The epoxy group of POSS star-shaped polymer with the -COOH and -NH2 of B-Gel forms a covalent bond, and the hydroxyl group with the active groups of B-Gel forms hydrogen bonds. Meanwhile, the multiple side chains of POSS star-shaped polymer are intertwined with B-Gel. These covalent and hydrogen bonds as sacrificial bonds for effective energy dissipation giving the bone gelatin-based film excellent mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 7.56 ± 0.64 MPa and elongation at break of 197.49 ± 17.63 %. Additionally, it also demonstrated sound water vapor barrier, surface hydrophobicity, light transmittance and the effect of facilitating the growth and germination ratio (93.75 %) of wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Lyu
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Green Chemicals and Functional Materials, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
| | - Xiangrui Lu
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Green Chemicals and Functional Materials, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Dangge Gao
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Green Chemicals and Functional Materials, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
| | - Haoyuan Wu
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Green Chemicals and Functional Materials, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Jianzhong Ma
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China; Xi'an Key Laboratory of Green Chemicals and Functional Materials, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
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29
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Shi J, Wang Z, Peng Y, Zhang Z, Fan Z, Wang J, Wang X. Microbes drive metabolism, community diversity, and interactions in response to microplastic-induced nutrient imbalance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162885. [PMID: 36934915 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The impact of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on soil nutrients (carbon and nitrogen) has been widely examined, and the alteration of nutrient conditions further influences microbial biosynthesis processes. Nonetheless, the influence of microplastic-induced nutrient imbalances on soil microorganisms (from metabolism to community interactions) is still not well understood. We hypothesized that conventional and biodegradable microplastic could alter soil nutrients and microbial processes. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted soil microcosms with polyethylene (PE, new and aged) and polylactic acid (PLA, new and aged) microplastics to evaluate their effects on the soil enzymatic stoichiometry, co-occurrence interactions, and success patterns of soil bacterial communities. New and aged PLA induced soil N immobilization, which decreased soil mineral N by 91-141 %. The biodegradation of PLA led to a higher bioavailable C and wider bioavailable C:N ratio, which further filtered out specific microbial species. Both new and aged PLA had a higher abundance of copiotrophic members (Proteobacteria, 35-51 % in PLA, 26-34 % in CK/PE treatments) and rrn copy number. The addition of PLA resulted in a lower alpha diversity and reduced network complexity. Conversely, because of the chemically stable hydrocarbon structure of PE polymers, the new and aged PE microplastics had a minor effect on soil mineral N, bacterial community composition, and network complexity, but led to microbial C limitation. Collectively, all microplastics increased soil C-, N-, and P -acquiring enzyme activities and reduced the number of keystone species and the robustness of the co-occurrence network. The PLA treatment enhanced nitrogen fixation and ureolysis, whereas the PE treatment increased the degradation of recalcitrant carbon. Overall, the alteration of soil nutrient conditions by microplastics affected the microbial metabolism and community interactions, although the effects of PE and PLA microplastics were distinct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Shi
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yumei Peng
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ziyun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhongmin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (North China), College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Ahmed ASS, Billah MM, Ali MM, Bhuiyan MKA, Guo L, Mohinuzzaman M, Hossain MB, Rahman MS, Islam MS, Yan M, Cai W. Microplastics in aquatic environments: A comprehensive review of toxicity, removal, and remediation strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162414. [PMID: 36868275 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162414] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments has been a global concern because they are toxic and persistent and may serve as a vector for many legacies and emerging pollutants. MPs are discharged to aquatic environments from different sources, especially from wastewater plants (WWPs), causing severe impacts on aquatic organisms. This study mainly aims to review the Toxicity of MPs along with plastic additives in aquatic organisms at various trophic compartments and available remediation methods/strategies for MPs in aquatic environments. Occurrences of oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and alterations in enzyme activity, growth, and feeding performance were identical in fish due to MPs toxicity. On the other hand, growth inhibition and ROS formation were observed in most of the microalgae species. In zooplankton, potential impacts were acceleration of premature molting, growth retardation, mortality increase, feeding behaviour, lipid accumulation, and decreased reproduction activity. MPs togather with additive contaminants could also exert some toxicological impacts on polychaete, including neurotoxicity, destabilization of the cytoskeleton, reduced feeding rate, growth, survivability and burrowing ability, weight loss, and high rate of mRNA transcription. Among different chemical and biological treatments for MPs, high removal rates have been reported for coagulation and filtration (>86.5 %), electrocoagulation (>90 %), advanced oxidation process (AOPs) (30 % to 95 %), primary sedimentation/Grit chamber (16.5 % to 58.84 %), adsorption removal technique (>95 %), magnetic filtration (78 % to 93 %), oil film extraction (>95 %), and density separation (95 % to 100 %). However, desirable extraction methods are required for large-scale research in MPs removal from aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Shafiuddin Ahmed
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Md Masum Billah
- Inter-Departmental Research Centre for Environmental Science-CIRSA, University of Bologna, Ravenna Campus, Italy
| | - Mir Mohammad Ali
- Department of Aquaculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Khurshid Alam Bhuiyan
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Laodong Guo
- School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Mohammad Mohinuzzaman
- Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Bangladesh
| | - M Belal Hossain
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Sonapur, Bangladesh; School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - M Safiur Rahman
- Water Quality Research Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Center, Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Meng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wenlong Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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31
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Lu J, Qiu Y, Muhmood A, Zhang L, Wang P, Ren L. Appraising co-composting efficiency of biodegradable plastic bags and food wastes: Assessment microplastics morphology, greenhouse gas emissions, and changes in microbial community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162356. [PMID: 36822427 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastic bags (BPBs) to collect food waste and microplastics (MPs) produced from their biodegradation have received considerable scientific attention recently. Therefore, the current study was carried out to assess the co-composting efficiency of biodegradable plastic bags (polylactic acid (PLA) + polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT) + ST20 and PLA + PBAT+MD25) and food waste. The variations in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, microbial community and compost fertility were likewise assessed. Compared with the control, PLA + PBAT+ST20 and PLA + PBAT+MD25 both accelerated organic matter degradation and increased temperature. Moreover, PLA + PBAT+ST20 aggravated CH4 and CO2 emissions by 12.10 % and 11.01 %, respectively. PLA + PBAT+MD25 decreased CH4 and CO2 emissions by 5.50 % and 9.12 %, respectively. Meanwhile, compared with PLA + PBAT+ST20, the combined effect of plasticizer and inorganic additive in PLA + PBAT+MD25, reduced the NO3--N contents, seed germination index (GI) and compost maturity. Furthermore, adding BPBs changed the richness and diversity of the bacterial community (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes). Likewise, redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the co-compost system of BPBs and food waste accelerated significantly bacterial community succession from Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes at the initial stage to Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria at the mature stage, increased co-compost temperature to over 64 °C and extended thermophilic composting phase, and promoted the degradation of MPs. Additionally, according to structural equation model quantification results, the inorganic additive of PLA + PBAT+MD25 had more serious toxicity to microorganisms and had significantly adverse effects on GI through CO2-C (λ = -0.415, p < 0.05) and NO3--N (λ = -0.558, p < 0.001), thus reduced compost fertility and quality. The results also indicated that the BPBs with ST20 as an additive could be more suitable for industrial composting than the BPBs with MD25 as an additive. This study provided a vital basis for understanding the potential environmental and human health risks of the MPs' generated by the degradation of BPBs in compost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Lu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yizhan Qiu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Atif Muhmood
- Institute of Soil Chemistry & Environmental sciences, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Luxi Zhang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Pan Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Lianhai Ren
- School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
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Ma J, Cao Y, Fan L, Xie Y, Zhou X, Ren Q, Yang X, Gao X, Feng Y. Degradation characteristics of polybutylene adipate terephthalic acid (PBAT) and its effect on soil physicochemical properties: A comparative study with several polyethylene (PE) mulch films. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 456:131661. [PMID: 37224714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The degradation process of different types of mulch in agriculture and its effect on soil ecosystem should be considered comprehensively. To this end, the changes in performance, structure, morphology, and composition of PBAT film during the degradation process were examined through a multiscale approach in comparison with several PE films and their effects on the soil physicochemical properties were investigated. At the macroscopic scale, the load and elongation of all films decreased with increasing ages and depths. At the microscopic scale, the stretching vibration peak intensity (SVPI) for PBAT and PE films decreased by 48.8 ∼ 60.2% and 9.3 ∼ 38.6%, respectively. The crystallinity index (CI) increased by 67.3 ∼ 209.6% and 15.6 ∼ 21.8%, respectively. At the molecules scale, terephthalic acid (TPA) was detected in localized soil with PBAT mulch after 180 d. In short, the degradation characteristics of PE films were depended on their thickness and density. The PBAT film exhibited the highest degree of degradation. Simultaneously, the soil physicochemical properties such as soil aggregates, microbial biomass and pH were affected by the changes of film structure and components during the degradation process. This work has practical implications for the sustainable development of agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Yidong Cao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Linwang Fan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Yanli Xie
- Analysis and Test Center, Haianan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Xueqing Zhou
- Analysis and Test Center, Haianan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Qipeng Ren
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, Hainan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Institute of Analysis and Testing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology (Beijing Center for Physical and Chemical Analysis), Beijing 100089, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Institute of Analysis and Testing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology (Beijing Center for Physical and Chemical Analysis), Beijing 100089, China
| | - Yuhong Feng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China.
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Liu Y, Zhang W, Chen M, Zhao X, Liu H, Ge M, Li N, Ning Z, Gao W, Fan C, Li Q. Molecular insights into effects of PBAT microplastics on latosol microbial diversity and DOM chemodiversity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 450:131076. [PMID: 36848842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The impact of biodegradable microplastics on the microbial community and dissolved organic matter (DOM) in latosol has not been well reported. In this study, an incubation experiment at 25 ºC for 120 days using latosol amended with low (5%) and high (10%) concentrations of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) microplastics was carried out to explore the impacts of PBAT microplastics on soil microbial communities and DOM chemodiversity, and the intrinsic interactions between their shifts. The main bacterial and fungal phyla in soil, namely Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, Chytridiomycota, and Rozellomycota showed a nonlinear relationship with PBAT concentration and played a pivotal role in shaping DOM chemodiversity. A higher decreased levels of lignin-like compounds and increased levels of protein-like and condensed aromatic compounds in the 5% treatment were observed than that in the 10% treatment. Furthermore, a higher increase relative abundance of CHO compounds in the 5% treatment than in the 10% treatment was ascribed to its higher oxidation degree. Co-occurrence network analysis suggested that bacteria formed more complex relationships with DOM molecules than fungi did, indicating their critical roles in DOM transformation. Our study has important implications for understanding the potential influence of biodegradable microplastics on carbon biogeochemical roles in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, China; National Long-term Experimental Station for Agriculture Green Development, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, China
| | - Miao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, China; National Long-term Experimental Station for Agriculture Green Development, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China.
| | - Xiongwei Zhao
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Huiran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, China; National Long-term Experimental Station for Agriculture Green Development, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China
| | - Meihong Ge
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, China; National Long-term Experimental Station for Agriculture Green Development, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China
| | - Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, China; National Long-term Experimental Station for Agriculture Green Development, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China
| | - Ziyu Ning
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, China; National Long-term Experimental Station for Agriculture Green Development, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China
| | - Wenlong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, China; National Long-term Experimental Station for Agriculture Green Development, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China
| | - Changhua Fan
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, China; National Long-term Experimental Station for Agriculture Green Development, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China
| | - Qinfen Li
- Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Tropical Region of China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou 571101, China; Hainan Danzhou Tropical Agro-ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, Danzhou 571737, China; Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Eco-Circular Agriculture, Haikou 571101, China; National Long-term Experimental Station for Agriculture Green Development, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China; National Agricultural Experimental Station for Agricultural Environment, Danzhou 571737, Hainan, China
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Zhao Z, Wu H, Jin T, Liu H, Men J, Cai G, Cernava T, Duan G, Jin D. Biodegradable mulch films significantly affected rhizosphere microbial communities and increased peanut yield. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 871:162034. [PMID: 36754316 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162034] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable mulch films are widely used to replace conventional plastic films in agricultural fields. However, their ecological effects on different microbial communities that naturally inhabit agricultural fields are scarcely explored. Herein, differences in bacterial communities recovered from biofilms, bulk soil, and rhizosphere soil were comparatively assessed for polyethylene film (PE) and biodegradable mulch film (BDM) application in peanut planted fields. The results showed that the plastic film type significantly influenced the bacterial community in different ecological niches of agricultural fields (P < 0.001). Specifically, BDMs significantly increased the diversity and abundance of bacteria in the rhizosphere soil. The bacterial communities in each ecological niche were distinguishable from each other; bacterial communities in the rhizosphere soil showed the most pronounced response among different treatments. Acidobacteria and Pseudomonas were significantly enriched in the rhizosphere soil when BDMs were used. BDMs also increased the rhizosphere soil bacterial network complexity and stability. The enrichment of beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere soil under BDMs may also have implications for the observed increase in peanut yield. Deepening analyses indicated that Pseudoxanthomonas and Glutamicibacter are biomarkers in biofilms of PE and BDMs respectively. Our study provides new insights into the consequences of the application of different types of plastic films on microbial communities in different ecological niches of agricultural fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirui Zhao
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Sustained Utilization and Development of Water Recourse, School of Water Resources and Environment, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang 050031, China
| | - Haimiao Wu
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Sustained Utilization and Development of Water Recourse, School of Water Resources and Environment, Hebei GEO University, Shijiazhuang 050031, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Tuo Jin
- College of Resources and Environment, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China; Rural Energy and Environment Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100125, China
| | - Huiying Liu
- Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110161, China
| | - Jianan Men
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guangxing Cai
- Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110161, China
| | - Tomislav Cernava
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Guilan Duan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Decai Jin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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35
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Pagliarini E, Totaro G, Saccani A, Gaggìa F, Lancellotti I, Di Gioia D, Sisti L. Valorization of coffee wastes as plant growth promoter in mulching film production: A contribution to a circular economy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 871:162093. [PMID: 36758689 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162093] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Food waste valorization, considered as energy and/or chemicals source, via biorefinery or biotechnology, gained great attention in recent years, because of the fast depletion of primary resources, increased waste generation and landfilling worldwide. Coffee by-products for example (i.e. coffee pulp, coffee husks, silver skin, spent coffee, etc.) have been investigated in different forms either as a source of antioxidant and valuable chemicals and as a filler in composites. A new valorization route for coffee silver skin (CSS), up to now just sent to damping, is here investigated: particulate bio-composites based on poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), an aliphatic biodegradable polyester commercially available, have been formulated with up to a 30 wt% of CSS, in order to prepare mulching films for agriculture. The bacterial analysis of the filler indeed, has underlined the presence of potential Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria species, mainly ascribed to the Bacillus genus, which can survive both the roasting and the compounding processes. The obtained composites have been characterized mechanically and thermally and their hydrophilic nature has been investigated by measuring their contact angle. Eventually, the bacteria release from the composite films has been examined by means of in-vitro tests. The plant growth promoting capability of the films was preliminarily evaluated in pot experiments using lettuce as a model crop. The composite films were able to release the endogenous bacteria in the soil and to stimulate plant and root growth of the assayed crop. The possibility to produce functionalized biodegradable mulching films by recycling agricultural wastes can thus be forecast, highlighting potential multiple advantages in terms of soil preservation/fertilization, decrease of polymeric materials in mulching products, exploitation of a waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Pagliarini
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Fanin 40, Bologna, Italy
| | - Grazia Totaro
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Andrea Saccani
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Gaggìa
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Fanin 40, Bologna, Italy
| | - Isabella Lancellotti
- Department of Engineering "E. Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Vivarelli 10, Modena, Italy
| | - Diana Di Gioia
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Fanin 40, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Sisti
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, Bologna, Italy
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36
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Zhang X, Li Y, Lei J, Li Z, Tan Q, Xie L, Xiao Y, Liu T, Chen X, Wen Y, Xiang W, Kuzyakov Y, Yan W. Time-dependent effects of microplastics on soil bacteriome. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 447:130762. [PMID: 36638676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic threats to biodiversity, health and ecological safety are adding to concern worldwide, but the real impacts on the functioning of organisms and ecosystems are obscure owing to their inert characteristics. Here we investigated the long-lasting ecological effects of six prevalent microplastic types: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on soil bacteria at a 2 % (w/w) level. Due to the inertia and lack of available nitrogen of these microplastics, their effects on bacteriome tended to converge after one year and were strongly different from their short-term effects. The soil volumes around microplastics were very specific, in which the microplastic-adapted bacteria (e.g., some genera in Actinobacteria) were enriched but the phyla Bacteroidetes and Gemmatimonadetes declined, resulting in higher microbial nitrogen requirements and reduced organic carbon mineralization. The reshaped bacteriome was specialized in the genetic potential of xenobiotic and lipid metabolism as well as related oxidation, esterification, and hydrolysis processes, but excessive oxidative damage resulted in severe weakness in community genetic information processing. According to model predictions, microplastic effects are indirectly derived from nutrients and oxidative stress, and the effects on bacterial functions are stronger than on structure, posing a heavy risk to soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyuan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha 410004, China; College of Landscape Architecture, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yong Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha 410004, China; Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, Changsha 410004, China.
| | - Junjie Lei
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Ziqian Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Qianlong Tan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Lingli Xie
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yunmu Xiao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Ting Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Xiaoyong Chen
- College of Arts and Sciences, Governors State University, University Park, IL 60484, USA
| | - Yafeng Wen
- College of Landscape Architecture, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Wenhua Xiang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha 410004, China; Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yakov Kuzyakov
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Department of Agricultural Soil Science, University of Goettingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Dept. of Soil Science of Temperate Ecosystems, University of Goettingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Wende Yan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Changsha 410004, China; Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, Changsha 410004, China.
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Meng K, Lwanga EH, van der Zee M, Munhoz DR, Geissen V. Fragmentation and depolymerization of microplastics in the earthworm gut: A potential for microplastic bioremediation? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 447:130765. [PMID: 36640504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130765] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of microplastics poses potential risks to soil health. Here, we did a preliminary exploration on the potential of Lumbricus terrestris (Oligochaeta) to reduce low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polylactic acid (PLA), and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) microplastic (20-648 µm) contamination in soils. The ingestion of microplastics-contaminated soil (1% of microplastics, dw/dw) in a mesocosm system and the ingestion of pure microplastics in the Petri Dish by earthworms were studied. Results show that earthworms survived in the microplastics-contaminated soil (0% mortality in 35 days) but barely when exposed solely to microplastics (30-80% mortality in 4 days). Size-dependent ingestion of microplastics was not observed. The fragmentation of LDPE microplastics in the gizzard facilitated by soil was confirmed by the significantly increased ratio of small-sized (20-113 µm) microplastics from the bulk soil to the gut (from 8.4% to 18.8%). PLA and PBAT microplastics were fragmented by gizzard without the facilitation of soil, the ratios of small-sized (20-113 µm) PLA and PBAT microplastics in the gut were 55.5% and 108.2% higher than in respective pristine distributions. Substantial depolymerization of PLA (weight-average molar mass reduced by 17.7% with shift in molecular weight distribution) and suspected depolymerization of PBAT were observed in the worm gut, while no change in the molar mass was observed for PLA and PBAT microplastics buried in the soil for 49 days. Our results suggest that ingested microplastics could undergo fragmentation and depolymerization (for certain polymers) in the earthworm gut. Further research is needed to reveal the mechanisms of polymer depolymerization in the earthworm gut and to evaluate the feasibility of microplastic bioremediation with earthworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Meng
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Esperanza Huerta Lwanga
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands; Agroecología, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Campeche, Av Polígono s/n, Cd. Industrial, Lerma, Campeche, Mexico
| | - Maarten van der Zee
- Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708WG Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Davi Renato Munhoz
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
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38
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Meng K, Teng Y, Ren W, Wang B, Geissen V. Degradation of commercial biodegradable plastics and temporal dynamics of associated bacterial communities in soils: A microcosm study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 865:161207. [PMID: 36581270 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BDPs) have been introduced to replace conventional fossil-based non-biodegradable plastics in agricultural production to reduce the accumulation of plastic debris in soils. However, the degradation performance of commercially available BDP products in real soils and the response of soil microbial communities to biodegradation remain unclear. Here, we explored the degradation characteristics of a commercial BDP product (made from starch, polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)) in different soils in a microcosm system over a period of 360 days. Temporal dynamics of associated bacterial communities in different soil niches (control soil, plastic surface soil and bulk soil (soil without close contact with plastics)) were profiled. Weight loss reached 42.0±1.2% to 48.0±2.2% in different soils after 360 days. The degradation of BDP followed the same pattern in different soils characterized by two distinct stages. In the first stage (day 0-30), BDPs experienced major weight loss (35.8-41.9%) which coincided with a drastic increase in the soil dissolve organic carbon (1.53-2.25 times the control soil) and the forming of distinct bacterial communities in the plastic surface soil. Thermalgravimetric analysis (TGA) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the fast depletion of starch in this stage. In addition, observations with naked eyes and scanning electron microscope confirmed intensive microbial colonization on BDP surfaces. In the second stage (day 30-360), the degradation of remaining PLA and PBAT continued at a relatively slow rate. Meanwhile bacterial communities in the plastic surface soil started to gradually recover from the disturbance caused by fast biodegradation in the first stage in a soil-dependent manner. Our findings indicate that the degradation performance of BDPs was limited by the degradation rate of relatively recalcitrant components and the temporal dynamics of associated soil bacterial communities synchronized with the degradation of BDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Meng
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ying Teng
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Wenjie Ren
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Beibei Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
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39
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Peñas MI, Criado-Gonzalez M, de Ilarduya AM, Flores A, Raquez JM, Mincheva R, Müller AJ, Hernández R. TUNABLE ENZYMATIC BIODEGRADATION OF POLY(BUTYLENE SUCCINATE): BIOBASED COATINGS AND SELF-DEGRADABLE FILMS. Polym Degrad Stab 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2023.110341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
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40
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Jia X, Zhao K, Zhao J, Lin C, Zhang H, Chen L, Chen J, Fang Y. Degradation of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) films by Thermobifida fusca FXJ-1 isolated from compost. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 441:129958. [PMID: 36122523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) films were wildly used due to its biodegradable properties. However, there are few reports of strains that can high efficiently degrade PBAT. Thermobifida fusca FXJ-1, a thermophilic actinomycete, was screened and identified from compost. FXJ-1 can efficiently degrade PBAT at 55 °C in MSM medium. The degradation rates of the pure PBAT film (PF), PBAT film used for mulching on agricultural fields (PAF), and PBAT-PLA-ST film (PPSF) were 82.87 ± 1.01%, 87.83 ± 2.00% and 52.53 ± 0.54%, respectively, after nine days of incubation in MSM medium. Cracking areas were monitored uniformly distributed on the surfaces of three kinds of PBAT-based films after treatment with FXJ-1 using scanning electron microscopy. The LC-MS results showed that PBAT might be degraded into adipic acid, terephthalic acid, butylene adipate, butylene terephthalate and butylene adipate-co-terephthalate, and these products are involved in the cleavage of ester bonds. We also found that amylase produced by FXJ-1 played an important role in the degradation of PPSF. FXJ-1 also showed an efficient PBAT-based films degradation ability in simulating compost environment, which implied its potential application in PBAT and starch-based film degradation by industrial composting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbo Jia
- Institute of Soil and Fertilizer, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chenqiang Lin
- Institute of Soil and Fertilizer, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Soil and Fertilizer, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer, Fuzhou, China
| | - Longjun Chen
- Institute of Soil and Fertilizer, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jichen Chen
- Institute of Soil and Fertilizer, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Yu Fang
- Institute of Soil and Fertilizer, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Fujian Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizer, Fuzhou, China.
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41
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Chah CN, Banerjee A, Gadi VK, Sekharan S, Katiyar V. A systematic review on bioplastic-soil interaction: Exploring the effects of residual bioplastics on the soil geoenvironment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158311. [PMID: 36037904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Growing demand for plastic and increasing plastic waste pollution have led to significant environmental challenges and concerns in today's world. Bioplastics offer exciting new opportunities and possibilities where biodegradable and bio-based plastics are expected to be more eco-friendly and rely on renewable resources. With all its promises, evaluating its real impact and fate on the geoenvironment is paramount for promoting bioplastic use. This paper presents a systematic literature review to understand current bioplastic-soil research and the effects of its residues on the geoenvironment. 632 studies related to bioplastic research in soil since 1973 were identified and categorized into different relevant topics. Publication trend showed bioplastic-soil research grew exponentially after 2010 wherein field studies accounted to 33.1 % of the total studies and only about 9.7 % studied the effects of bioplastic residues on the geoenvironment. Majority of the lab studies were on development and subsequent stability of bioplastics in soil. Short-term studies (in months) dominated the longer-term studies and studies over 4 years were almost non-existent. Lab and field experiments often gave inconsistent results with seasonal, climatic and bio-geographical factors strongly influencing the field results and bioplastic stability in soil. Most existing studies reported significant effects for microbioplastic concentrations at or above 1 % w/w. Bioplastic residues were found to substantially affect soil C/N ratio, impact soil microbial diversity by favouring certain microbial taxa and alter soil physical structure by influencing soil aggregates formation. At higher concentrations, plant health and germination success were also negatively affected. Conclusively, the review found it important to focus more on long-term field experiments to better understand the degree and extent of bioplastic residue impact on soil physico-chemical properties, mechanical properties, soil biology, soil-bioplastic-plant response, nutrients and toxicity. There are also very few studies investigating contaminant transport and migration of micro or nano-bioplastics in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charakho N Chah
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India; Centre for Sustainable Polymers, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India
| | - Arnab Banerjee
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India; Centre for Sustainable Polymers, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India; Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India
| | - Vinay Kumar Gadi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India
| | - Sreedeep Sekharan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India; Centre for Sustainable Polymers, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India.
| | - Vimal Katiyar
- Centre for Sustainable Polymers, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India; Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India
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Mansoor Z, Tchuenbou-Magaia F, Kowalczuk M, Adamus G, Manning G, Parati M, Radecka I, Khan H. Polymers Use as Mulch Films in Agriculture-A Review of History, Problems and Current Trends. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14235062. [PMID: 36501456 PMCID: PMC9740682 DOI: 10.3390/polym14235062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of mulch films for preserving soil moisture and preventing weed growth has been a part of agricultural practice for decades. Different materials have been used as mulch films, but polyethylene plastic has been considered most effective due to its excellent mechanical strength, low cost and ability to act as a barrier for sunlight and water. However, its use carries a risk of plastic pollution and health hazards, hence new laws have been passed to replace it completely with other materials over the next few years. Research to find out about new biodegradable polymers for this purpose has gained impetus in the past few years, driven by regulations and the United Nations Organization's Sustainable Development Goals. The primary requisite for these polymers is biodegradability under natural climatic conditions without the production of any toxic residual compounds. Therefore, biodegradable polymers developed from fossil fuels, microorganisms, animals and plants are viable options for using as mulching material. However, the solution is not as simple since each polymer has different mechanical properties and a compromise has to be made in terms of strength, cost and biodegradability of the polymer for its use as mulch film. This review discusses the history of mulching materials, the gradual evolution in the choice of materials, the process of biodegradation of mulch films, the regulations passed regarding material to be used, types of polymers that can be explored as potential mulch films and the future prospects in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinnia Mansoor
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
- Department of Biotechnology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Fideline Tchuenbou-Magaia
- Division of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Marek Kowalczuk
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Curie-Sklodowskiej 34, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Grazyna Adamus
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Curie-Sklodowskiej 34, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Georgina Manning
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Mattia Parati
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Iza Radecka
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (H.K.)
| | - Habib Khan
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (H.K.)
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43
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Han X, Liu J, Tian S, Tao F, Xu P. Microbial cell factories for bio-based biodegradable plastics production. iScience 2022; 25:105462. [DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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44
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Sun Y, Yang W, Shi H, Tanveer SK, Hai J. Past, present, and future perspectives of biodegradable films for soil: A 30-year systematic review. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1006388. [PMID: 36324902 PMCID: PMC9621393 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1006388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database, the academic works published in the past 30 years on biodegradable films for soil were analyzed. In order to ensure the rigor of this experiment, this paper is based on the mathematical double matrix model VOS Viewer software and CiteSpace software. This work shows that publications of biodegradable films for soil are increasing year by year; polymer science is the hottest subject in the field of biodegradable films for soil; China and the United States are the countries with the most significant number of publications in this field, has an important position; Washington State University is the most published institution. This study further identifies and reveals the essential characteristics, research strength, knowledge structure, main research fields, and research hotspots in the late stage of the field of biodegradable films for soil and introduces the Activity Index (AI) and the Attractive Index (AAI), thereby assessing trends and performance in different countries. The paper also further illustrates the importance of biodegradable films by presenting field trials using biodegradable films on different plants. The research in the field of biodegradable films for soil is divided into four categories: “The research field of degradation,” “The effect of biodegradable film on soil,” “Performance and mechanism of the biodegradable film,” and “Effects of biodegradable film on crop growth and development.”. The study can be seen as a microcosm of the development of biodegradable films for soils, which will help researchers quickly identify their general patterns. Readers can better understand the changes and development trends in this field in the past 30 years and provide references for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitao Sun
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Wenlong Yang
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Hongxia Shi
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | | | - Jiangbo Hai
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- *Correspondence: Jiangbo Hai,
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45
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Bher A, Mayekar PC, Auras RA, Schvezov CE. Biodegradation of Biodegradable Polymers in Mesophilic Aerobic Environments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12165. [PMID: 36293023 PMCID: PMC9603655 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding alternatives to diminish plastic pollution has become one of the main challenges of modern life. A few alternatives have gained potential for a shift toward a more circular and sustainable relationship with plastics. Biodegradable polymers derived from bio- and fossil-based sources have emerged as one feasible alternative to overcome inconveniences associated with the use and disposal of non-biodegradable polymers. The biodegradation process depends on the environment's factors, microorganisms and associated enzymes, and the polymer properties, resulting in a plethora of parameters that create a complex process whereby biodegradation times and rates can vary immensely. This review aims to provide a background and a comprehensive, systematic, and critical overview of this complex process with a special focus on the mesophilic range. Activity toward depolymerization by extracellular enzymes, biofilm effect on the dynamic of the degradation process, CO2 evolution evaluating the extent of biodegradation, and metabolic pathways are discussed. Remarks and perspectives for potential future research are provided with a focus on the current knowledge gaps if the goal is to minimize the persistence of plastics across environments. Innovative approaches such as the addition of specific compounds to trigger depolymerization under particular conditions, biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and the addition of natural and/or modified enzymes are state-of-the-art methods that need faster development. Furthermore, methods must be connected to standards and techniques that fully track the biodegradation process. More transdisciplinary research within areas of polymer chemistry/processing and microbiology/biochemistry is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anibal Bher
- School of Packaging, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Instituto de Materiales de Misiones, CONICET-UNaM, Posadas 3300, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Pooja C. Mayekar
- School of Packaging, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Rafael A. Auras
- School of Packaging, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Carlos E. Schvezov
- Instituto de Materiales de Misiones, CONICET-UNaM, Posadas 3300, Misiones, Argentina
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46
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Polidar M, Metzsch-Zilligen E, Pfaendner R. Controlled and Accelerated Hydrolysis of Polylactide (PLA) through Pentaerythritol Phosphites with Acid Scavengers. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14194237. [PMID: 36236186 PMCID: PMC9573666 DOI: 10.3390/polym14194237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study provides insight into the accelerated hydrolysis of polyester PLA through the addition of phosphites based on pentaerythritol. To control hydrolysis and ensure processing stability, different types of phosphites and combinations of phosphites with acid scavengers were studied. Therefore, commercially available PLA was compounded with selected additives on a twin-screw extruder, and hydrolysis experiments were performed at 23 °C, 35 °C and 58 °C in deionized water. Hydrolysis of PLA was evaluated by the melt volume rate (MVR) and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). For example, after 4 days of water storage at 58 °C, the number average molecular weight of the PLA comparison sample was reduced by 31.3%, whereas PLA compounded with 0.8% phosphite P1 had a 57.7% lower molecular weight. The results are in good agreement with the expected and tested stability against hydrolysis of the investigated phosphite structures. 31P-NMR spectroscopy was utilized to elucidate the hydrolysis of phosphites in the presence of lactic acid. With the addition of phosphites based on pentaerythritol, the hydrolysis rate can be enhanced, and faster biodegradation behavior of biodegradable polyesters is expected. Accelerated biodegradation is beneficial for reducing the residence time of polymers in composting facilities or during home composting and as litter or microplastic residues.
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47
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Yu X, Wang M, Zhang Y, Liu X, Zhang X, Liu J, Wang D, Jin W, Lyu Y. Preparation of a novel biodegradable film by co-fermentation of straw and shrimp shell with Aureobasidium pullulans and Photobacterium sp. LYM-1. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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48
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Biodegradation of poly(butylene succinate) in soil laboratory incubations assessed by stable carbon isotope labelling. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5691. [PMID: 36171185 PMCID: PMC9519748 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33064-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Using biodegradable instead of conventional plastics in agricultural applications promises to help overcome plastic pollution of agricultural soils. However, analytical limitations impede our understanding of plastic biodegradation in soils. Utilizing stable carbon isotope (13C-)labelled poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), a synthetic polyester, we herein present an analytical approach to continuously quantify PBS mineralization to 13CO2 during soil incubations and, thereafter, to determine non-mineralized PBS-derived 13C remaining in the soil. We demonstrate extensive PBS mineralization (65 % of added 13C) and a closed mass balance on PBS−13C over 425 days of incubation. Extraction of residual PBS from soils combined with kinetic modeling of the biodegradation data and results from monomer (i.e., butanediol and succinate) mineralization experiments suggest that PBS hydrolytic breakdown controlled the overall PBS biodegradation rate. Beyond PBS biodegradation in soil, the presented methodology is broadly applicable to investigate biodegradation of other biodegradable polymers in various receiving environments. This study applies stable carbon isotope labelling to study polymer biodegradation in soils. This labelling enables accurate and precise tracking of polymer carbon during biodegradation and, thereby, provides a holistic picture of this process.
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49
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Shi J, Wang J, Lv J, Wang Z, Peng Y, Shang J, Wang X. Microplastic additions alter soil organic matter stability and bacterial community under varying temperature in two contrasting soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156471. [PMID: 35660606 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics can accumulate in soils and strongly affect the biogeochemical cycle. Biodegradable plastic films show potential as sustainable alternatives that could reduce microplastic soil contamination and accumulation. However, the effects of traditional and biodegradable microplastics on soil organic matter (SOM) stability are not sufficiently understood, particularly under varying temperatures. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics on SOM stability and bacterial community in two contrasting soils (Black soil vs. Loess soil) under varying temperature conditions (15 °C vs. 25 °C). Results showed that microplastics addition significantly enhanced cumulative CO2 emissions and DOC contents, particularly 1 % PLA treatment accelerated CO2 emissions by 19 % - 74 %, DOC content by 3 % - 23 % at 25 °C. A higher temperature sensitivity (Q10) at the PLA treatment indicated that PLA is more susceptible to elevated temperature compared to PE. The presence of both PE and PLA microplastics significantly changed the DOC spectral characteristics, i.e., high temperature increased the value of the specific UV absorbance (SUVA) in soil without microplastics, while decreased it in soil with microplastics. In comparison to soil without microplastics, soil exposed to 1 % microplastics had lower MBC concentrations and greater metabolic quotient. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the presence of PLA microplastic significantly alters soil bacterial community. PE and CK had similar Bray-Curtis distances between two temperatures, while PLA increased the dissimilarity between CK compared to PE. Compared to the two soils, loess soil is more sensitive to microplastics addition. Microplastics have a non-ignorable effect on soil organic matter stability, the interaction between microplastics and soil environment should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Shi
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Junfei Lv
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zi Wang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yumei Peng
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianying Shang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- College of Land Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Šašinková D, Serbruyns L, Julinová M, FayyazBakhsh A, De Wilde B, Koutný M. Evaluation of the biodegradation of polymeric materials in the freshwater environment—An attempt to prolong and accelerate the biodegradation experiment. Polym Degrad Stab 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2022.110085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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