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Chang N, Chen L, Wang N, Cui Q, Qiu T, Zhao S, He H, Zeng Y, Dai W, Duan C, Fang L. Unveiling the impacts of microplastic pollution on soil health: A comprehensive review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175643. [PMID: 39173746 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175643] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Soil contamination by microplastics (MPs) has emerged as a significant global concern. Although traditionally associated with crop production, contemporary understanding of soil health has expanded to include a broader range of factors, including animal safety, microbial diversity, ecological functions, and human health protection. This paradigm shifts underscores the imperative need for a comprehensive assessment of the effects of MPs on soil health. Through an investigation of various soil health indicators, this review endeavors to fill existing knowledge gaps, drawing insights from recent studies conducted between 2021 and 2024, to elucidate how MPs may disrupt soil ecosystems and compromise their crucial functions. This review provides a thorough analysis of the processes leading to MP contamination in soil environments and highlights film residues as major contributors to agricultural soils. MPs entering the soil detrimentally affect crop productivity by hindering growth and other physiological processes. Moreover, MPs hinder the survival, growth, and reproductive rates of the soil fauna, posing potential health risks. Additionally, a systematic evaluation of the impact of MPs on soil microbes and nutrient cycling highlights the diverse repercussions of MP contamination. Moreover, within soil-plant systems, MPs interact with other pollutants, resulting in combined pollution. For example, MPs contain oxygen-containing functional groups on their surfaces that form high-affinity hydrogen bonds with other pollutants, leading to prolonged persistence in the soil environment thereby increasing the risk to soil health. In conclusion, we succinctly summarize the current research challenges related to the mediating effects of MPs on soil health and suggest promising directions for future studies. Addressing these challenges and adopting interdisciplinary approaches will advance our understanding of the intricate interplay between MPs and soil ecosystems, thereby providing evidence-based strategies for mitigating their adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Chang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Li Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Na Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qingliang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Tianyi Qiu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Nonmetallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shuling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Haoran He
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Wei Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Chengjiao Duan
- College of Resources and Environment, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Nonmetallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Phinikettou V, Papamichael I, Voukkali I, Economou F, Golia EE, Navarro-Pedreño J, Barceló D, Naddeo V, Inglezakis V, Zorpas AA. Micro plastics mapping in the agricultural sector of Cyprus. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 370:122414. [PMID: 39270340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
The impact of Microplastic Pollution (MPs) on human health, the environment, economy, and society has been previously investigated. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding specific areas that require urgent measures to address marine pollution. The accumulation of MPs in Mediterranean coastal environments is particularly noteworthy. This is attributed to the region's economic reliance on tourism and the decline of popular tourist destinations caused by the presence of coastal and marine waste. The objective of the present research was to conduct a strategic analysis and mapping of MPs from soil samples taken from rural areas of Cyprus. Within the framework of the present research, a general picture of the status of MP pollution in areas covering significant percentages in the domestic supply of fruits and vegetables was obtained. The survey indicated the presence of more than 70% of MPs in crops at a concentration of up to 1.5 %. As a result of this research, the need to highlight the importance of the rational use of plastics and proper management to mitigate pollution is a primary concern. The rational separation of materials for recycling, information, reuse of materials, processing, and an increase in the number of recycling bins in public places are considered urgent. Cooperation between the state, institutions and industry must be based on the protection of people and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Phinikettou
- Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Engineering Sustainability, Sustainable Environmental Engineering Master, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus, Giannou Kranidioti 89, Latsia, Nicosia, 2231, Cyprus.
| | - Iliana Papamichael
- Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Engineering Sustainability, Sustainable Environmental Engineering Master, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus, Giannou Kranidioti 89, Latsia, Nicosia, 2231, Cyprus.
| | - Irene Voukkali
- Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Engineering Sustainability, Sustainable Environmental Engineering Master, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus, Giannou Kranidioti 89, Latsia, Nicosia, 2231, Cyprus.
| | - Florentios Economou
- Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Engineering Sustainability, Sustainable Environmental Engineering Master, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus, Giannou Kranidioti 89, Latsia, Nicosia, 2231, Cyprus.
| | - Evangelia E Golia
- Soil Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University campus, 541 24, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Jose Navarro-Pedreño
- University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Department of Agrochemistry and Environment, Avd, de la Universidad s/n, 03202, Elche, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Damià Barceló
- Chemistry and Physics Department, University of Almeria, Ctra Sacramento s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain.
| | - Vincenzo Naddeo
- Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084, Fisciano, SA, Italy.
| | - Vassilis Inglezakis
- Department of Chemical & Process Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Antonis A Zorpas
- Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Engineering Sustainability, Sustainable Environmental Engineering Master, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Open University of Cyprus, Giannou Kranidioti 89, Latsia, Nicosia, 2231, Cyprus.
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3
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Nath S, Enerijiofi KE, Astapati AD, Guha A. Microplastics and nanoplastics in soil: Sources, impacts, and solutions for soil health and environmental sustainability. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2024. [PMID: 39246015 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
The present review discusses the growing concern of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in soil, together with their sources, concentration, distribution, and impact on soil microorganisms, human health, and ecosystems. MPs and NPs can enter the soil through various pathways, such as agricultural activities, sewage sludge application, and atmospheric deposition. Once in the soil, they can accumulate in the upper layers and affect soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. The presence of MPs and NPs in soil can also have ecological consequences, acting as carriers for pollutants and contaminants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Additionally, the leaching of chemicals and additives from MPs and NPs can pose public health risks through the food web and groundwater contamination. The detection and analyses of MPs and NPs in soil can be challenging, and methods involve spectroscopic and microscopy techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To mitigate the presence and effects of MPs and NPs in soil, it is essential to reduce plastic waste production, improve waste management practices, and adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Effective mitigation measures include implementing stricter regulations on plastic use, promoting biodegradable alternatives, and enhancing recycling infrastructure. Additionally, soil amendments, such as biochar and compost, can help immobilize MPs and NPs, reducing their mobility and bioavailability. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these emerging environmental issues and identify potential solutions to alleviate their impact on soil health, ecosystem functioning, and community health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumitra Nath
- Department of Biotechnology, Gurucharan College, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Kingsley Erhons Enerijiofi
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Anupam Guha
- Michael Madhusudan Dutta College, Sabroom, Tripura, India
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4
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Xie G, Hou Q, Li L, Xu Y, Liu S, She X. Co-exposure of microplastics and polychlorinated biphenyls strongly influenced the cycling processes of typical biogenic elements in anoxic soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133277. [PMID: 38141308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133277] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The co-exposure of microplastics (MPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil is inevitable, but their combined effect on cycles of typical biogenic elements (e.g. C, N, Fe, S) is still unclear. And the co-exposure of MPs and PCBs caused more severe effects than single exposure to pollution. Therefore, in this study, a 255-day anaerobic incubation experiment was conducted by adding polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs, including 30 ± 10 μm and 500 μm) and PCB138. The presence of PE MPs inhibited the PCB138 degradation. Also, PE MPs addition (1%, w/w) enhanced the methanogenesis, Fe(Ⅲ) reduction, and sulfate reduction while inhibited nitrate reduction and the biodegradation of PCB138. And PCB138 addition (10 mg·kg-1) promoted the methanogenesis and Fe(Ⅲ) reduction, but inhibited sulfate reduction and nitrate reduction. Strikingly, the presence of PE MPs significantly reduced the impact of PCB138 on the soil redox processes. The abundance changes of special microbial communities, including Anaeromyxobate, Geobacter, Bacillus, Desulfitobacterium, Thermodesulfovibrio, Metanobacterium, etc., were consistent with the changes in soil redox processes, revealing that the effect of PE MPs and/or PCB138 on the cycle of typical biogenic elements was mainly achieved by altering the functional microorganisms. This study improves the knowledge of studies on the impact of MPs and combined organic pollutants to soil redox processes, which is greatly important to the stabilization and balance of biogeochemical cycling in ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxue Xie
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Qian Hou
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Lianzhen Li
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yan Xu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Shaochong Liu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Xilin She
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
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5
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Berenstein G, Córdoba P, Díaz YB, González N, Ponce MB, Montserrat JM. Macro, meso, micro and nanoplastics in horticultural soils in Argentina: Abundance, size distribution and fragmentation mechanism. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167672. [PMID: 37832668 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Soil contamination with plastics is a major worldwide concern. However, data on plastic pollution in horticultural soils from Latin America is scarce. Furthermore, there is limited information on the fragmentation process that plastics undergo in environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated the abundance of macro, meso, micro and nano plastics in a previously studied horticultural soil (2015) from Buenos Aires, that has not been used for any productive activity since. Although the mass of macroplastics was conserved, the number of plastic fragments per square meter increased significantly, indicating a possible natural fragmentation process. Black polyethylene (PE) mulch film was the most abundant plastic found. For this material, when considering the mass of plastic fragments per square meter, the relative abundance was, in decreasing order: macroplastics (65.1-79.1 %) > mesoplastics (15.6-24.8 %) > microplastics (5.3-12.4 %) > nanoplastics (0.1 %). However, when considering the number of plastic items per square meter, the order was: microplastics (2383-3815) > mesoplastics (1019-1076) > nanoplastics (509-550) > macroplastics (25-46). The size distribution of plastic debris was analyzed using the natural logarithm of abundance versus the square root of the mean decile area, with good linear correlations (0.7749 < R2 < 0.9785). These results provide evidence for an ongoing dynamic fragmentation process (Mott model). We hypothesize that the breakdown of plastic into smaller pieces could be explained by a random fragmentation process based on soil volume changes between natural hydration/dehydration states. These data suggest that soil under natural conditions could act as an 'environmental plastic grinder'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle Berenstein
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J. M. Gutiérrez 1150, (B1613GSX), Los Polvorines, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Paulina Córdoba
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J. M. Gutiérrez 1150, (B1613GSX), Los Polvorines, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Yamila B Díaz
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J. M. Gutiérrez 1150, (B1613GSX), Los Polvorines, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás González
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J. M. Gutiérrez 1150, (B1613GSX), Los Polvorines, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Belén Ponce
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J. M. Gutiérrez 1150, (B1613GSX), Los Polvorines, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Javier M Montserrat
- Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), J. M. Gutiérrez 1150, (B1613GSX), Los Polvorines, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
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6
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Zhang Z, Zhang F, Yang X, Zhang J. The occurrence and distributions characteristics of microplastics in soils of different land use patterns in Karst Plateau, Southwest China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167651. [PMID: 37813260 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in soils have attracted attention worldwide. However, there are few studies on the abundance and morphological characteristics of MPs under different land use patterns in karst areas. In this work, the distribution characteristics of MPs in soils from five different land use patterns, including industrial mining warehouse (IW), cropland (CL), forest land (FL), grassland (GL), and garden land (GP) in karst mountainous areas of southwest China were investigated. The results suggested that soils in Karst Plateau of Guizhou province under different land use patterns have all been polluted by MPs. The average microplastic abundances of IW, CL, FL, GL, and GP were 3114, 2948, 2770, 2718, and 4200 item kg-1. In the GP and GL soils, foam was the dominant form of MPs (47.53 % and 45.92 %), with pellet MPs accounting for the smallest proportion, while in IW, CL, and FL soils showed the opposite result. The MPs in all soil samples were dominated by small particles (0-0.5 mm), and the main components were PE, PP, PVC, and PET. Meanwhile, the characteristics of MPs in CL soils varied depending on the planted crops. The average abundances of soil microplastics in farmlands planted with corn, pepper, cabbage, watermelon, and other crops were 2504, 2792, 2987, 2370, and 3655 item kg -1. We suggested that land use pattern and crop type may influence karst soil microplastic contamination. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for understanding and controlling the distribution, degradation, and migration of MP pollution in karst regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenming Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Key Laboratory of Karst Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China; Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Fudong Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xiuyuan Yang
- College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Jiachun Zhang
- Guizhou Botanical Garden, Guizhou Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550004, China.
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Qiu G, Wang Q, Wang Q, Wang T, Kang Z, Zeng Y, Yang X, Song N, Zhang S, Han X, Yu H. Effects of polyethylene microplastics on properties, enzyme activities, and the succession of microbial community in Mollisol: At the aggregate level. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116976. [PMID: 37625535 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Soil, as a heterogeneous body, is composed of different-sized aggregates. There is limited data available on the potential role of microplastics (MPs) in microbial properties at the soil aggregate level. In this study, changes in microbial construction and diversity in farmland bulk soil and aggregates induced by polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) were investigated at a dose of 0.5% (w/w) through 16s rDNA sequencing and enzyme activity measurements of different particle size aggregates in incubated soil. The presence of low-dose PE-MPs increased the proportion of >1 mm soil aggregates fraction, and decreased soil available nitrogen and available phosphorus in bulk soils. Furthermore, low-dose PE-MPs increased bacterial richness and diversity in 1-0.5 and < 0.25 mm fractions and decreased operational taxonomic unit, abundance-based coverage estimator, and Chao1 indices in bulk soil and >1 mm fractions. The levels of predicted functional genes taking part in the biodegradation and metabolism of exogenous substances also increased. At the phylum level, PE-MPs changed the proportion of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. The variations in soil aggregate properties were significantly correlated with the bacterial communities' composition and diversity. This study deepens our perception of the soil microenvironment, microbial community composition, and diversity in response to PE-MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guankai Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qirong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Quanying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Tianye Wang
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Zhichao Kang
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ying Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Xiutao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Ningning Song
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Shaoqing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Xuerong Han
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China.
| | - Hongwen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China.
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8
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Astner AF, Hayes DG, O'Neill H, Evans BR, Pingali SV, Urban VS, Schaeffer SM, Young TM. Assessment of cryogenic pretreatment for simulating environmental weathering in the formation of surrogate micro- and nanoplastics from agricultural mulch film. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161867. [PMID: 36716885 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) from mulch films and other plastic materials employed in vegetable and small fruit production pose a major threat to agricultural ecosystems. For conducting controlled studies on MPs' and NPs' (MNPs') ecotoxicity to soil organisms and plants and fate and transport in soil, surrogate MNPs are required that mimic MNPs that form in agricultural fields. We have developed a procedure to prepare MPs from plastic films or pellets using mechanical milling and sieving, and conversion of the resultant MPs into NPs through wet grinding, both steps of which mimic the degradation and fragmentation of plastics in nature. The major goal of this study was to determine if cryogenic exposure of two biodegradable mulch films effectively mimics the embrittlement caused by environmental weathering in terms of the dimensional, thermal, chemical, and biodegradability properties of the formed MNPs. We found differences in size, surface charge, thermal and chemical properties, and biodegradability in soil between MNPs prepared from cryogenically treated vs. environmentally weathered films, related to the photochemical reactions occurring in the environment that were not mimicked by cryogenic treatment, such as depolymerization and cross-link formation. We also investigated the size reduction process for NPs and found that the size distribution was bimodal, with populations centered at 50 nm and 150-300 nm, and as the size reduction process progressed, the former subpopulation's proportion increased. The biodegradability of MPs in soil was greater than for NPs, a counter-intuitive trend since greater surface area exposure for NPs would increase biodegradability. The result isassociated with differences in surface and chemical properties and to minor components that are readily leached out during the formation of NPs. In summary, the use of weathered plastics as feedstock would likely produce MNPs that are more realistic than cryogenically-treated unweathered films for use in experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Astner
- The University of Tennessee, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, 2506 E J. Chapman Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States of America
| | - D G Hayes
- The University of Tennessee, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, 2506 E J. Chapman Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States of America.
| | - H O'Neill
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States of America
| | - B R Evans
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States of America
| | - S V Pingali
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States of America
| | - V S Urban
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States of America
| | - S M Schaeffer
- The University of Tennessee, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, 2506 E J. Chapman Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States of America
| | - T M Young
- The University of Tennessee, School of Natural Resources, 2505 E.J. Chapman Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States of America
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9
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Silori R, Shrivastava V, Mazumder P, Mootapally C, Pandey A, Kumar M. Understanding the underestimated: Occurrence, distribution, and interactions of microplastics in the sediment and soil of China, India, and Japan. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:120978. [PMID: 36586556 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are non-biodegradable substances that can sustain our environment for up to a century. What is more worrying is the incapability of modern technologies to annihilate MPs from om environment. One ramification of MPs is their impact on every kind of life form on this planet, which has been discussed ahead; that is why these substances are surfacing in everyday discussions of scholars and researchers. This paper discusses the overview of the global occurrence, abundance, analysis, and remediation techniques of MPs in the environment. This paper primarily reviews the event and abundance of MPs in coastal sediments and agricultural soil of three major Asian countries, India, China, and Japan. A significant concentration of MPs has been recorded from these countries, which affirms its strong presence and subsequent environmental impacts. Concentrations such as 73,100 MPs/kg in Indian coastal sediments and 42,960 particles/kg in the agricultural soil of China is a solid testimony to prove their massive outbreak in our environment and require urgent attention towards this issue. Conclusions show that human activities, rivers, and plastic mulching on agricultural fields have majorly acted as carriers of MPs towards coastal and terrestrial soil and sediments. Later, based on recorded concentrations and gaps, future research studies are recommended in the concerned domain; a dearth of studies on MPs influencing Indian agricultural soil make a whole sector and its consumer vulnerable to the adverse effects of this emerging contaminant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Silori
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
| | - Vikalp Shrivastava
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
| | - Payal Mazumder
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
| | - Chandrashekar Mootapally
- School of Applied Sciences & Technology (SAST), Gujarat Technological University (GTU), Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Ashok Pandey
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India; Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, 226 001, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India; Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, Monterrey, 64849, Mexico.
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