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Chen JY, Qin LJ, Long T, Wu RT, Niu SH, Liu S, Deng WK, Liao XD, Xing SC. Effortless rule: Effects of oversized microplastic management on lettuce growth and the dynamics of antibiotic resistance genes from fertilization to harvest. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 492:138046. [PMID: 40157188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138046] [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: 01/04/2025] [Revised: 03/16/2025] [Accepted: 03/21/2025] [Indexed: 04/01/2025]
Abstract
The complexity of soil microplastic pollution has driven deeper exploration of waste management strategies to evaluate environmental impact. This study introduced oversized microplastics (OMPs, 1-5 mm) during membrane composting to produce organic fertilizers, and conducted a 2 × 2 pot experiment: exogenous OMPs were added when normal fertilizer (no OMPs intervention) was applied, while artificial removal of OMPs was implemented when contaminated fertilizer (with OMPs) was used. The study assessed the effects of these management strategies on lettuce growth, soil environments, and potential biological safety risks related to the spread and expression of high-risk antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in humans. Results showed that both exogenous OMPs addition and removal negatively affected plant height and harvest index, with shifts in the rhizosphere microbial community identified as a key factor rather than soil nutrients. Exogenous OMPs altered rhizosphere and endophytic microbial communities, and plant growth-promoting bacteria were transferred to the surface of OMPs from rhizosphere soil. In contrast, bacteria such as Truepera, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces in compost-derived OMPs supported lettuce growth, and their removal negated these effects. Some endophytic bacteria may promote growth but pose public health risks when transmitted through the food chain. OMPs in composting or planting significantly enhanced the expression of target ARGs in lettuce, particularly blaTEM. However, simulated digestion results indicated that OMPs reduced the expression of six key ARGs, including blaTEM, among the ten critical target ARGs identified in this context. Notably, the removal management strategies raised five of them posing potential risks from lettuce consumption. This study highlights that both introducing and removing OMPs may pose ecological and food safety risks, emphasizing the need for optimized organic waste management strategies to mitigate potential health hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yuan Chen
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Lin-Jie Qin
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Tiao Long
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Rui-Ting Wu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Shi-Hua Niu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Shuo Liu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Wei-Kang Deng
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Xin-Di Liao
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Si-Cheng Xing
- Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.
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2
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Zhou X, Xiao C, Zhang B, Yang X. Depth-dependent response of soil microbial community and greenhouse gas efflux to polylactic acid microplastics and tidal cycles in a mangrove ecosystem. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2025; 489:137664. [PMID: 39987736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137664] [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: 11/06/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2025] [Accepted: 02/17/2025] [Indexed: 02/25/2025]
Abstract
The impacts of microplastics (MPs) on greenhouse gas emissions from mangrove soil remain poorly understood. Previous studies mostly focused on the topsoil in stable inundation state, ignoring the effects of natural tidal cycle and deep soil under different soil oxygen conditions. In this study, we analyzed soil microbial communities and greenhouse gas emissions from mangrove soils across various depths and tidal conditions (by adding seawater to create different inundation durations) in response to polylactic acid (PLA) MP exposure. Results indicated that PLA MPs addition enhances CO2 and CH4 release from the continuously anaerobic subsoil (100-120 cm). With increasing submersion duration, PLA MPs facilitate the emission of CH4 from the topsoil (0-5 cm). An elevated C:N ratio may promote microbial nitrogen mining and organic carbon mineralization, indicating the threat of PLA MPs to soil carbon and nitrogen pools. PLA MPs addition significantly altered the bacterial community structure and reduced bacterial diversity in the subsoil. Increases in the abundance and functioning of communities associated with methanogenesis and sulfate reduction contributed to the release of CO2 and CH4. The duration of inundation had no significant impact on the microbial community structure in the topsoil. These findings demonstrate the accelerating effect of PLA MPs on organic carbon mineralization and carbon release, which was critically regulated by the soil depth and tidal inundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Coupled Human and Natural Systems in Land-ocean Interaction Zone, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, China; State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Cunde Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Coupled Human and Natural Systems in Land-ocean Interaction Zone, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, China; State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Bingwei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Coupled Human and Natural Systems in Land-ocean Interaction Zone, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, China; Zhuhai Branch of State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Observation and Research Station for Coupled Human and Natural Systems in Land-ocean Interaction Zone, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, China; State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
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3
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Xu Z, Deng X, Lin Z, Wang L, Lin L, Wu X, Wang Y, Li H, Shen J, Sun W. Microplastics in agricultural soil: Unveiling their role in shaping soil properties and driving greenhouse gas emissions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2025; 958:177875. [PMID: 39644637 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177875] [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: 09/20/2024] [Revised: 11/27/2024] [Accepted: 11/30/2024] [Indexed: 12/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination is pervasive in agricultural soils, significantly influencing carbon and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles and altering greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes. This review examines the sources, status, mechanisms, and ecological consequences of MPs pollution in agricultural soils, with a focus on how MPs modified soil physicochemical properties and microbial gene expression, ultimately impacting GHG emissions. MPs were found to reduce soil water retention, decreasing soil respiration and increasing emissions of CO2, CH₄, and N2O. They also enhanced soil aggregate stability and influenced soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, contributing further to GHG emissions. MPs-induced increases in soil pH were associated with suppressed CH₄ and N2O emissions, whereas the abundance of genes encoding enzymes for cellulose and lignin decomposition (e.g., abfA and mnp) stimulated enzyme activity, intensifying N2O release. Additionally, a reduced soil C/N ratio promoted denitrification processes. Changes in microbial communities, including increases in Actinomycetes and Proteobacteria, were observed, with a rise in genes associated with carbon cycling (abfA, manB, xylA) and nitrification-denitrification (nifH, amoA, nirS, nirK), further exacerbating CO2 and N2O emissions. This review provides valuable insights into the complex roles of MPs in GHG dynamics in agricultural soils, offering perspectives for improving environmental management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Xu
- Key Laboratory for Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Regions, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Xingying Deng
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Zheng Lin
- Key Laboratory for Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Regions, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lihong Lin
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Xinyue Wu
- College of Resources and Environment, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Huankai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Jianlin Shen
- Key Laboratory for Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Regions, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China.
| | - Weimin Sun
- Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China
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Wang J, Song M, Lu M, Wang C, Zhu C, Dou X. Insights into effects of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on organic carbon decomposition in different soil aggregates. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124751. [PMID: 39151783 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The impacts of microplastics on soil ecological functions such as carbon recycling and soil structure maintenance have been extensively focused. However, the mechanisms underlying the impacts of microplastics on soil carbon transformation and soil microbial community at soil aggregate scale have not been clarified yet. In this work, the effects and action mechanisms of traditional microplastic polypropylene (PP) and degradable microplastic polylactic acid (PLA) on carbon transformation in three sizes of soil aggregates were investigated. The results showed that both PP and PLA promoted CO2 emission, and the effect depended on the type and content of microplastics, and the size of soil aggregates. Changes in soil carbon stocks were mainly driven by changes in organic carbon associated with macroaggregates. For macroaggregates, PP microplastics decreased soil organic carbon (SOC) as well as dissolved organic carbon (DOC). These changes were reversed in microaggregates and silt and clay. Interestingly, PLA increased the SOC, DOC and CO2 emissions in bulk soil and all three aggregates with a dose-effect response. These changes were associated with soil microbes, functional genes and enzymes associated with the degradation of labile and recalcitrant carbon fractions. Furthermore, PP and PLA reduced bacterial community diversities and shifted bacterial community structures in both the three aggregates and in bulk soil. Alterations of functional genes induced by microplastics were the key driving factors of their impacts on carbon transformation in soil aggregates. This research opened up a new insight into the mechanisms underlying the impacts of microplastics on soil carbon transformation, and helped us make rational assessments of the risks and the disturbances of microplastics on soil carbon cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Minghua Song
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, A11, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Mengnan Lu
- Beijing Langxinming Environmental Technology Co. Ltd., 16 W 4th Ring Middle Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Chenying Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaomin Dou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
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5
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Liu Z, Wang W, Geng Y, Zhang Y, Gao X, Xu J, Liu X. Integrating automated machine learning and metabolic reprogramming for the identification of microplastic in soil: A case study on soybean. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135555. [PMID: 39186842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
The accumulation of polyethylene microplastic (PE-MPs) in soil can significantly impact plant quality and yield, as well as affect human health and food chain cycles. Therefore, developing rapid and effective detection methods is crucial. In this study, traditional machine learning (ML) and H2O automated machine learning (H2O AutoML) were utilized to offer a powerful framework for detecting PE-MPs (0.1 %, 1 %, and 2 % by dry soil weight) and the co-contamination of PE-MPs and fomesafen (a common herbicide) in soil. The development of the framework was based on the results of the metabolic reprogramming of soybean plants. Our study stated that traditional ML exhibits lower accuracy due to the challenges associated with optimizing complex parameters. H2O AutoML can accurately distinguish between clean soil and contaminated soil. Notably, H2O AutoML can detect PE-MPs as low as 0.1 % (with 100 % accuracy) and co-contamination of PE-MPs and fomesafen (with 90 % accuracy) in soil. The VIP and SHAP analyses of the H2O AutoML showed that PE-MPs and the co-contamination of PE-MPs and fomesafen significantly interfered with the antioxidant system and energy regulation of soybean. We hope this study can provide a reliable scientific basis for sustainable development of the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Liu
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Weijun Wang
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yibo Geng
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xuan Gao
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Junfeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Xiaolu Liu
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China.
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6
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Sepehrnia N, Gubry-Rangin C, Tanino Y, Hallett PD. Microplastics alter soil structural stability as quantified by high-energy moisture characteristics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134940. [PMID: 38901260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MiPs) can potentially influence soil structural stability, with impacts likely dependent on their chemistry, concentration, size, and degradation in soil. This study used high-energy moisture characteristics (HEMC; water retention at matric suctions from 0 to 50 hPa) to quantify the effects of these MiP properties on soil structure stabiltiy. The HEMCs of soil samples contaminated with polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) were measured and modelled. Greater MiP concentrations (2 % and 7 % w w-1) increased the volume of drainable pores (VDP). At smaller MiP concentrations (0.5 % and 1 % w w-1), larger MiP fibres (3 and 5 mm) exhibited higher VDP values compared to a smaller size (1.6 mm) across a range of concentrations. Both PE and PP MiPs increased the modal matric suction (hmodal). The impacts on VDP and hmodal were more pronounced for fast than slow wetting, likely due to MiPs fibres entangling around soil aggregates, and MiPs pores filling after aggregate slaking, respectively. Soil structural index (SI) and stability ratio (SR) values increased following MiP incorporation. Our findings revealed the detrimental impacts of MiPs on soil aggregates and pores, demonstrating that MiPs significantly influence HEMC parameters due to combined impacts on structure stability and pore distribution. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Microplastics have emerged as a major anthropogenic hazardous material in the soil environment, with secondary impacts on soil structure and aggregate stability. Our study indicates that MiPs alter water retention, pore distribution, and soil hydraulic properties, affecting soil's ability to retain and supply water. The introduction of MiPs leads to the destruction of soil aggregates and pores, compromising soil health and productivity. By characterising structural stability and pore structure dynamics using HEMC, this study highlights the sensitivity of MiP impacts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessment and strategies to preserve soil ecosystem functioning in the face of increasing MiP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yukie Tanino
- School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Paul D Hallett
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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7
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Chen JY, Niu SH, Li HY, Liao XD, Xing SC. Multiomics analysis of the effects of manure-borne doxycycline combined with oversized fiber microplastics on pak choi growth and the risk of antibiotic resistance gene transmission. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 475:134931. [PMID: 38889467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
In this study, oversized microplastics (OMPs) were intentionally introduced into soil containing manure-borne doxycycline (DOX). This strategic approach was used to systematically examine the effects of combined OMP and DOX pollution on the growth of pak choi, analyze alterations in soil environmental metabolites, and explore the potential migration of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The results revealed a more pronounced impact of DOX than of OMPs. Slender-fiber OMPs (SF OMPs) had a more substantial influence on the growth of pak choi than did coarse-fiber OMPs (CF OMPs). Conversely, CF OMPs had a more significant effect on the migration of ARGs within the system. When DOX was combined with OMPs, the negative effects of DOX on pak choi growth were mitigated through the synthesis of indole through the adjustment of carbon metabolism and amino acid metabolism in pak choi roots. In this process, Pseudohongiellaceae and Xanthomonadaceae were key bacteria. During the migration of ARGs, the potential host bacterium Limnobacter should be considered. Additionally, the majority of potential host bacteria in the pak choi endophytic environment were associated with tetG. This study provides insights into the intricate interplay among DOX, OMPs, ARGs, plant growth, soil metabolism, and the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yuan Chen
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Shi-Hua Niu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Hai-Yang Li
- Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xin-Di Liao
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Si-Cheng Xing
- Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.
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8
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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] [MESH Headings] [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 4.8-9.6 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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9
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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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10
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Wang K, Min W, Flury M, Gunina A, Lv J, Li Q, Jiang R. Impact of long-term conventional and biodegradable film mulching on microplastic abundance, soil structure and organic carbon in a cotton field. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124367. [PMID: 38876376 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable film mulching has attracted considerable attention as an alternative to conventional plastic film mulching. However, biodegradable films generate transitory microplastics during the film degradation. How much of this transitory microplastics is being formed and their impact on soil health during long-term use of biodegradable plastic film are not known. Here, we quantified the amounts of microplastics (0.1 to 5 mm in size) in the topsoil (0-20 cm) of two cotton fields with different mulching cultivations: (1) continuous use of conventional (polyethylene, PE) film for 23 years (Plot 1), and (2) 15 years use of conventional film followed by 8 years of biodegradable (polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate, PBAT) film (Plot 2). We further assessed the impacts of the microplastics on selected soil health parameters, with a focus on soil carbon contents and fluxes. The total amount of microplastics was larger in Plot 2 (8507 particles kg-1) than in Plot 1 (6767 particles kg-1). The microplastics (0.1-1 mm) were identified as derived from PBAT and PE in Plot 2; while in Plot 1, the microplastics were identified as PE. Microplastics > 1mm were exclusively identified as PE in both plots. Soil organic carbon was higher (27 vs. 30 g C kg-1 soil) but dissolved organic carbon (120 vs. 74 mg C kg-1 soil) and microbial biomass carbon were lower (413 vs. 246 mg C kg-1 soil) in Plot 2 compared to the Plot 1. Based on 13C natural abundance, we found that in Plot 2, carbon flow was dominated from micro- (<0.25 mm) to macroaggregates (0.25-2 and >2 mm), whereas in Plot 1, carbon flow occurred between large and small macroaggregates, and from micro- to macroaggregates. Thus, long-term application of biodegradable film changed the abundance of microplastics, and organic carbon accumulation compared to conventional polyethylene film mulching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Research Center for Cultural Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, China-Portugal Joint Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science supported by the Belt and Road Initiative, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Wei Min
- College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832061, China
| | - Markus Flury
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman 99164 and Puyallup, WA 98371, United States
| | - Anna Gunina
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, University of Kassel, 37213, Witzenhausen, Germany; Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jun Lv
- Shihezi Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Shihezi 832061, China
| | - Qiang Li
- College of Engineering, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; College of Horticulture & Forestry Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Research Center for Cultural Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, China-Portugal Joint Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science supported by the Belt and Road Initiative, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
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11
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Wang Q, Zhang D, Jiao F, Zhang H, Guo Z. Impacts of farming activities on carbon deposition based on fine soil subtype classification. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1381549. [PMID: 38882574 PMCID: PMC11176552 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1381549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Soil has the highest carbon sink storage in terrestrial ecosystems but human farming activities affect soil carbon deposition. In this study, land cultivated for 70 years was selected. The premise of the experiment was that the soil could be finely categorized by subtype classification. We consider that farming activities affect the soil bacterial community and soil organic carbon (SOC) deposition differently in the three subtypes of albic black soils. Methods Ninety soil samples were collected and the soil bacterial community structure was analysed by high-throughput sequencing. Relative changes in SOC were explored and SOC content was analysed in association with bacterial concentrations. Results The results showed that the effects of farming activities on SOC deposition and soil bacterial communities differed among the soil subtypes. Carbohydrate organic carbon (COC) concentrations were significantly higher in the gleying subtype than in the typical and meadow subtypes. RB41, Candidatus-Omnitrophus and Ahniella were positively correlated with total organic carbon (TOC) in gleying shallow albic black soil. Corn soybean rotation have a positive effect on the deposition of soil carbon sinks in terrestrial ecosystems. Discussion The results of the present study provide a reference for rational land use to maintain sustainable development and also for the carbon cycle of the earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuju Wang
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Plant Nutrition, Heilongjiang Institute of Black Soil Protection and Utilization, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Feng Jiao
- Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Haibin Zhang
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Plant Nutrition, Heilongjiang Institute of Black Soil Protection and Utilization, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Zhenhua Guo
- Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Harbin, China
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12
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Chang J, Liang J, Zhang Y, Zhang R, Fang W, Zhang H, Lam SS, Zhang P, Zhang G. Insights into the influence of polystyrene microplastics on the bio-degradation behavior of tetrabromobisphenol A in soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134152. [PMID: 38552398 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134152] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Soil contamination by emerging pollutants tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and microplastics has become a global environmental issue in recent years. However, little is known about the effect of microplastics on degradation of TBBPA in soil, especially aged microplastics. In this study, the effect of aged polystyrene (PS) microplastics on the degradation of TBBPA in soil and the mechanisms were investigated. The results suggested that the aged microplastics exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on the degradation of TBBPA in soil than the pristine microplastics, and the degradation efficiency of TBBPA decreased by 21.57% at the aged microplastic content of 1%. This might be related to the higher TBBPA adsorption capacity of aged microplastics compared to pristine microplastics. Aged microplastics strongly altered TBBPA-contaminated soil properties, reduced oxidoreductase activity and affected microbial community composition. The decrease in soil oxidoreductase activity and relative abundance of functional microorganisms (e.g., Bacillus, Pseudarthrobacter and Sphingomonas) caused by aged microplastics interfered with metabolic pathways of TBBPA. This study indicated the importance the risk assessment and soil remediation for TBBPA-contaminated soil with aged microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianning Chang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control & Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jinsong Liang
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Yajie Zhang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control & Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ru Zhang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control & Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wei Fang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control & Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Center for Global Health Research (CGHR), Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Panyue Zhang
- Beijing Key Lab for Source Control Technology of Water Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Engineering Research Center for Water Pollution Source Control & Eco-remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Guangming Zhang
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China.
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13
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Fang Z, Sallach JB, Hodson ME. Size- and concentration-dependent effects of microplastics on soil aggregate formation and properties. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133395. [PMID: 38218032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Plastics fragment and threaten soil ecosystems. Degradation of soil structure is one of the risks. Despite this, data on impacts of different sized microplastics (MPs) on soil aggregates is lacking. This study systematically investigated the effects of pristine polyethylene powders of different sizes (< 35, < 125, < 500 µm) and concentrations (0, 0.1, 1.0, 10 wt%) on aggregate formation and their properties for two contrasting soils (woodland soil, WS; agricultural soil, AS). 75 day wet-dry cycles produced newly-formed aggregates in all treatments. MP size and concentration impacted the incorporation of MPs in aggregates and this varied with aggregate size; the size distribution of aggregates also varied with MP size and concentration. Aggregates produced in soil containing 10 wt% < 35 µm MPs had significantly lower MWDs (mean weight diameters) than controls. The wettability of aggregates (> 4 mm) reduced with increasing MP exposure concentration and decreasing MP exposure size. MP incorporation decreased the water stability of aggregates (1-2 mm) in WS but increased it in AS. The particle density of aggregates (> 4 mm) significantly decreased with increasing MP concentration, whereas MP size had no effect. As MPs breakdown, fragment and become smaller over time, their potential risk to the aggregated structure of soil increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Fang
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5NG, United Kingdom.
| | - J B Sallach
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5NG, United Kingdom
| | - M E Hodson
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5NG, United Kingdom
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14
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Ma K, Fu Y, Liu Y. The effects of microplastics on crop variation depend on polymer types and their interactions with soil nutrient availability and weed competition. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2024; 26:223-231. [PMID: 38198234 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution of agricultural soil is a global environmental concern because of its potential risk to food security and human health. Although many studies have tested the direct effects of microplastics on growth of Eruca sativa Mill., little is known about whether these effects are regulated by fertilization and weed competition in field management practices. Here, we performed a greenhouse experiment growing E. sativa as target species in a three-factorial design with two levels of fertilization (low versus. high), two levels of weed competition treatments (weed competition versus no weed competition) and five levels of microplastic treatments (no microplastics, Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate [PBAT], Polybutylene succinate [PBS], Polycaprolactone [PCL] or Polypropylene [PP]). Compared to the soil without microplastics, PBS and PCL reduced aboveground biomass and leaf number of the E. sativa. PBS also resulted in increased root allocation and thicker roots in E. sativa. In addition, fertilization significantly mitigated the negative effects of PBS and PCL on aboveground biomass of E. sativa, but weed competition significantly promoted these effects. Although fertilization alleviated the negative effect of PBS on aboveground biomass, such alleviation became weaker under weed competition than when E. sativa grew alone. The results indicate that the effects of specific polymer types on E. sativa growth could be regulated by fertilization, weed management, and even their interactions. Therefore, reasonable on-farm management practices may help in mitigating the negative effects of microplastics pollution on E. sativa growth in agricultural fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ma
- 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, China
| | - Y Fu
- 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
| | - Y Liu
- 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
- Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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15
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Liu S, Zeng JL, Cheng ZW, He JL, Pang YL, Liao XD, Xing SC. Evaluation of compost quality and the environmental effects of semipermeable membrane composting with poultry manure using sawdust or mushroom residue as the bulking agent. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 353:120162. [PMID: 38310794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120162] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Herein, the effects of different bulking agents (sawdust and mushroom residue), on compost quality and the environmental benefits of semipermeable film composting with poultry manure were investigated. The results show that composting with sawdust as the bulking agent resulted in greater efficiency and more cost benefits than composting with mushroom residue, and the cost of sawdust for treating an equal volume of manure was only 1/6 of that of mushroom residue. Additionally, lignin degradation and potential carbon emission reduction in the sawdust group were better than those in the mushroom residue group, and the lignin degradation efficiency of the bottom sample in the sawdust group was 48.57 %. Coupling between lignin degradation and potential carbon emission reduction was also closer in sawdust piles than in mushroom residue piles, and sawdust is more environmentally friendly. The abundance of key functional genes was higher at the bottom of each pile relative to the top and middle. Limnochordaceae, Lactobacillus and Enterococcus were the core microorganisms involved in coupling between lignin degradation and potential carbon emission reduction, and the coupled relationship was influenced by electric conductivity, ammonia nitrogen and total nitrogen in the compost piles. This study provides important data for supporting bulking agent selection in semipermeable film composting and for improving the composting process. The results have high value for compost production and process application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Liu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing-Li Zeng
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Zeng-Wen Cheng
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun-Liang He
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Li Pang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin-Di Liao
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Si-Cheng Xing
- Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China.
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16
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Owusu SM, Adomako MO, Qiao H. Organic amendment in climate change mitigation: Challenges in an era of micro- and nanoplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168035. [PMID: 37907110 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
As a global strategy for mitigating climate change, organic amendments play critical roles in restoring stocks in carbon (C) depleted soils, preserving existing stocks to prevent further soil organic carbon (SOC) loss, and enhancing C sequestration. However, recent emerging evidence of a significant proportion of micro- and nanoplastics (M/NPs) occurrence in most organic substrates (e.g., compost manure, farmyard manure, and sewage sludge) compromises its role in climate change mitigation. Given the predicted surge of soil M/NPs proliferation in the coming years, we argued whether organic amendment remains a reliable climate change mitigation strategy. Toxicity effects of M/NPs influx within the soil matrix disrupt plants and their associated key microbial taxa responsible for crucial biogeochemical processes and restructuring of SOC, leading to increasing emissions of potent greenhouse gases (GHGs, e.g., CO2, CH4, and N2O) that feedback to aggravate the rapidly changing climate. Here, we summarize evidence based on literature that the discovery of M/NPs in organic substrates compromises its role in the climate change mitigation strategy. We briefly discuss the overview of synthetic fertilizers and their impact on SOC and atmospheric emissions. We discuss the role of organic amends in climate change mitigation and the emergence of M/NPs in it. We discuss M/NPs-induced damages to SOC and subsequent emissions of GHGs. We briefly highlight management approaches to clean organic substrates of M/NPs to improve their use in agrosystems and provide recommendations for future research studies. We found that organic amendment plays pivotal role in modulating the biotic and abiotic drivers responsible for climate mitigation. However, M/NPs in organic amendments weaken the regulatory mechanisms of organic amendments in plant-soil systems. We conclude that organic amendments of soils are critical for restoring SOC and mitigating the rapidly changing climate; yet, the discovery of M/NPs in organic substrates put their usage in a dilemma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Mensah Owusu
- Schoo of Business, Jinggangshan University, Qingyuan District, Ji'an City 343009, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Michael Opoku Adomako
- Institute of Wetland Ecology & Clone Ecology/Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hu Qiao
- Schoo of Business, Jinggangshan University, Qingyuan District, Ji'an City 343009, Jiangxi, China
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17
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Wang J, Liu W, Wang X, Zeb A, Wang Q, Mo F, Shi R, Liu J, Yu M, Li J, Zheng Z, Lian Y. Assessing stress responses in potherb mustard (Brassica juncea var. multiceps) exposed to a synergy of microplastics and cadmium: Insights from physiology, oxidative damage, and metabolomics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167920. [PMID: 37863229 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Both microplastics (MPs) and cadmium (Cd) are common contaminants in farmland systems, is crucial for assessing their risks for human health and environment, and little research has focused on stress responses mechanisms of crops exposed to the combined pollution. The present study investigated the impact of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) microplastics (MPs), in combination with Cd, on the physiological and metabolomic changes as well as rhizosphere soil of potherb mustard. Elevated levels of PEMPs and PPMPs were found to impede nutrient uptake in plants while promoting premature flowering, and the concomitant effect is lower crop yields. The substantial improvement in Cd bioavailability facilitated by MPs in rhizosphere soil, especially in high concentrations of MPs, then elevated bioavailability of Cd contributed to promoted Cd accumulation in plants, with distinct effects depending on the type and concentration of MPs. The presence of MPs Combined exposure to high concentrations of MPs and Cd resulted in alterations in plant physiology and metabolomics, including decreased biomass and photosynthetic parameters, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species primarily H2O2, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and modifications in metabolite profiles. Overall, our study assessed the potential impact on food security (the availability of cadmium to plant) and crops stress responses regarding the contamination of MPs and Cd, providing new insights for future risk assessment in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianling Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Xue Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Aurang Zeb
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Fan Mo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ruiying Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jinzheng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Miao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zeqi Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuhang Lian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
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18
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Bai R, Fan R, Xie C, Liu Q, Liu Q, Yan C, Cui J, He W. Microplastics are overestimated due to poor quality control of reagents. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132068. [PMID: 37494798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widely distributed in the environment and pose potential ecological risks, increasing to be one of the most important environmental pollutants. However, when assessing the characteristics of microplastic contamination in environmental samples, inadequate quality control measures for the working solutions may introduce additional microplastic contamination and lead to an overestimation of microplastic abundance in the samples. In this study, we evaluated the microplastic contamination characteristics in commonly used flotation and digestion reagents to assess errors caused by microplastics in the reagents. The results showed that the abundance of microplastics in the reagents ranged from 0.8 to 43.4 items/g, with the abundance of microplastics in flotation reagents being lower than that in digestion reagents. The shapes of the detected microplastics included particles, fibers, and fragments, and their size and outline were generally small, with most being below 100 µm. The most common types of polymers detected were polyethylene and polypropylene. In order to improve the universality and readability of the results, the detected microplastic abundances were converted into the actual application concentration of the working fluid. It was found that the potential contamination of microplastics in untreated flotation solutions ranged from 1.5 to 30.8 items/mL, while in digestion solutions ranged from 0.1 to 2.3 items/mL. Our study emphasizes the need for quality control measures, such as suction filtration, when evaluating microplastics in environmental samples or conducting chemical and biological tests related to microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runhao Bai
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ruiqi Fan
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Changhong Xie
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Changrong Yan
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jixiao Cui
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Wenqing He
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, Xinjiang, China.
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19
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Chen JY, Liu S, Deng WK, Niu SH, Liao XD, Xiang L, Xing SC. The effect of manure-borne doxycycline combined with different types of oversized microplastic contamination layers on carbon and nitrogen metabolism in sandy loam. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 456:131612. [PMID: 37245359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The different forms and properties of microplastics (MPs) have different effects on the elemental cycles in soil ecosystems, and this is further complicated when the soil contains antibiotics; meanwhile, oversized microplastic (OMP) in soil is always ignored in studies of environmental behavior. In the context of antibiotic action, the effects of OMP on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling have rarely been explored. In this study, we created four types of oversized microplastic (thick fibers, thin fibers, large debris, and small debris) composite doxycycline (DOX) contamination layers (5-10 cm) in sandy loam, hoping to reveal the effects on soil C and N cycling and potential microbial mechanisms when exposed to the combination of manure-borne DOX and different types of OMP from the perspective of metagenomics in the longitudinal soil layer (0-30 cm). The results showed that all different forms of OMP, when combined with DOX, reduced the soil C content in each layer, but only reduced the soil N content in the upper layer of the OMP contamination layer. The microbial structure of the surface soil (0-10 cm) was more noteworthy than that of the deeper soil (10-30 cm). The genera Chryseolinea and Ohtaekwangia were key microbes involved in C and N cycling in the surface layer and regulated carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms (K00134), carbon fixation pathways in prokaryotes (K00031), methane metabolism (K11212 and K14941), assimilatory nitrate reduction (K00367), and denitrification (K00376 and K04561). The present study is the first to reveal the potential microbial mechanism of C and N cycling under OMP combined with DOX in different layers, mainly the OMP contamination layer and its upper layer, and the OMP shape plays an important role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yuan Chen
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuo Liu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei-Kang Deng
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Shi-Hua Niu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin-Di Liao
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Xiang
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Si-Cheng Xing
- Integrative Microbiology Research Centre, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock Breeding, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China.
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