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Niu Y, Kang E, Li Y, Zhang X, Yan Z, Li M, Yan L, Zhang K, Wang X, Yang A, Yu X, Kang X, Cui X. Non-flooding conditions caused by water table drawdown alter microbial network complexity and decrease multifunctionality in alpine wetland soils. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 254:119152. [PMID: 38754612 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119152] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Several soil functions of alpine wetland depend on microbial communities, including carbon storage and nutrient cycling, and soil microbes are highly sensitive to hydrological conditions. Wetland degradation is often accompanied by a decline in water table. With the water table drawdown, the effects of microbial network complexity on various soil functions remain insufficiently understood. In this research, we quantified soil multifunctionality of flooded and non-flooded sites in the Lalu Wetland on the Tibetan Plateau. We employed high-throughput sequencing to investigate the microbial community responses to water table depth changes, as well as the relationships between microbial network properties and soil multifunctionality. Our findings revealed a substantial reduction in soil multifunctionality at both surface and subsurface soil layers (0-20 cm and 20-40 cm) in non-flooded sites compared to flooded sites. The α-diversity of bacteria in the surface soil of non-flooded sites was significantly lower than that in flooded sites. Microbial network properties (including the number of nodes, number of edges, average degree, density, and modularity of co-occurrence networks) exhibited significant correlations with soil multifunctionality. This study underscores the adverse impact of non-flooded conditions resulting from water table drawdown on soil multifunctionality in alpine wetland soils, driven by alterations in microbial community structure. Additionally, we identified soil pH and moisture content as pivotal abiotic factors influencing soil multifunctionality, with microbial network complexity emerging as a valuable predictor of multifunctionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuechuan Niu
- Wetland Research Center, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba, 624500, China
| | - Enze Kang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Yong Li
- Wetland Research Center, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba, 624500, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Wetland Research Center, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba, 624500, China
| | - Zhongqing Yan
- Wetland Research Center, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba, 624500, China
| | - Meng Li
- Wetland Research Center, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba, 624500, China
| | - Liang Yan
- Wetland Research Center, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba, 624500, China
| | - Kerou Zhang
- Wetland Research Center, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba, 624500, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Ao Yang
- Wetland Research Center, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba, 624500, China
| | - Xiaoshun Yu
- Wetland Research Center, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba, 624500, China
| | - Xiaoming Kang
- Wetland Research Center, Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China; Sichuan Zoige Wetland Ecosystem Research Station, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Aba, 624500, China.
| | - Xiaoyong Cui
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Song X, Li C, Qiu Z, Wang C, Zeng Q. Ecotoxicological effects of polyethylene microplastics and lead (Pb) on the biomass, activity, and community diversity of soil microbes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:119012. [PMID: 38704010 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119012] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics and heavy metals are ubiquitous and persistent contaminants that are widely distributed worldwide, yet little is known about the effects of their interaction on soil ecosystems. A soil incubation experiment was conducted to investigate the individual and combined effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) and lead (Pb) on soil enzymatic activities, microbial biomass, respiration rate, and community diversity. The results indicate that the presence of PE-MPs notably reduced soil pH and elevated soil Pb bioavailability, potentially exacerbated the combined toxicity on the biogeochemical cycles of soil nutrients, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, and the activities of soil urease, sucrase, and alkaline phosphatase. Soil CO2 emissions increased by 7.9% with PE-MPs alone, decreased by 46.3% with single Pb, and reduced by 69.4% with PE-MPs and Pb co-exposure, compared to uncontaminated soils. Specifically, the presence of PE-MPs and Pb, individually and in combination, facilitated the soil metabolic quotient, leading to reduced microbial metabolic efficiency. Moreover, the addition of Pb and PE-MPs modified the composition of the microbial community, leading to the enrichment of specific taxa. Tax4Fun analysis showed the effects of Pb, PE-MPs and their combination on the biogeochemical processes and ecological functions of microbes were mainly by altering amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport, and signal transduction. These findings offer valuable insights into the ecotoxicological effects of combined PE-MPs and Pb on soil microbial dynamics, reveals key assembly mechanisms and environmental drivers, and highlights the potential threat of MPs and heavy metals to the multifunctionality of soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiliang Song
- College of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, De'zhou, 253023, China
| | - Changjiang Li
- School of Environment Science & Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Zhennan Qiu
- College of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, De'zhou, 253023, China
| | - Chenghui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, De'zhou, 253023, China
| | - Qiangcheng Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, De'zhou, 253023, China.
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Iqbal S, Xu J, Saleem Arif M, Shakoor A, Worthy FR, Gui H, Khan S, Bu D, Nader S, Ranjitkar S. Could soil microplastic pollution exacerbate climate change? A meta-analysis of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming potential. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118945. [PMID: 38631466 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118945] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution and climate change are primarily investigated in isolation, despite their joint threat to the environment. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emitted during: the production of plastic and rubber, the use and degradation of plastic, and after contamination of environment. This is the first meta-analysis to assess underlying causal relationships and the influence of likely mediators. We included 60 peer-reviewed empirical studies; estimating GHGs emissions effect size and global warming potential (GWP), according to key microplastics properties and soil conditions. We investigated interrelationships with microbe functional gene expression. Overall, microplastics contamination was associated with increased GHGs emissions, with the strongest effect (60%) on CH4 emissions. Polylactic-acid caused 32% higher CO2 emissions, but only 1% of total GWP. Phenol-formaldehyde had the greatest (175%) GWP via 182% increased N2O emissions. Only polystyrene resulted in reduced GWP by 50%, due to N2O mitigation. Polyethylene caused the maximum (60%) CH4 emissions. Shapes of microplastics differed in GWP: fiber had the greatest GWP (66%) whereas beads reduced GWP by 53%. Films substantially increased emissions of all GHGs: 14% CO2, 10% N2O and 60% CH4. Larger-sized microplastics had higher GWP (125%) due to their 9% CO2 and 63% N2O emissions. GWP rose sharply if soil microplastics content exceeded 0.5%. Higher CO2 emissions, ranging from 4% to 20%, arose from soil which was either fine, saturated or had high-carbon content. Higher N2O emissions, ranging from 10% to 95%, arose from soils that had either medium texture, saturated water content or low-carbon content. Both CO2 and N2O emissions were 43%-56% higher from soils with neutral pH. We conclude that microplastics contamination can cause raised GHGs emissions, posing a risk of exacerbating climate-change. We show clear links between GHGs emissions, microplastics properties, soil characteristics and soil microbe functional gene expression. Further research is needed regarding underlying mechanisms and processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Iqbal
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China; Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Honghe, 654400, Yunnan, China.
| | - Jianchu Xu
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China; Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Honghe, 654400, Yunnan, China; East and Central Asia Regional Office, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Muhammad Saleem Arif
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Allama Iqbal Road, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Awais Shakoor
- Soils West, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6105, Australia; Teagasc, Environment, Soils and Land Use Department, Johnstown Castle, Co, Wexford, Y35 Y521, Ireland; Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Fiona R Worthy
- CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China
| | - Heng Gui
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, China; Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Science, Honghe, 654400, Yunnan, China
| | - Sehroon Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Science and Technology Bannu, Bannu Township, 28100, Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunhuwa, Pakistan
| | - Dengpan Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China; Joint Laboratory on Integrated Crop-Tree-Livestock Systems, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), And World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Sadia Nader
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Science and Technology Bannu, Bannu Township, 28100, Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunhuwa, Pakistan
| | - Sailesh Ranjitkar
- N. Gene Solution of Natural Innovation, Kathmandu, Nepal; School of Development Studies, Lumbini Buddhist University, Devdaha, Nepal; MICD, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Mid-West University, Lalitpur, Nepal
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Bashir MS, Saeed U, Khan JA, Saeed M, Mustafa G, Malik RN. Mitigating potential of polystyrene microplastics on bioavailability, uptake, and toxicity of copper in maize (Zea mays L.). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124299. [PMID: 38848958 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The coexistence of polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) and copper (Cu) has become a pressing issue for croplands. However, limited literature is available regarding the interaction of PSMPs with essential micronutrients in Cu-contaminated soils. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the immobilization potential of PSMPs for micronutrient bioavailability in soil and Cu toxicity in maize (Zea mays L.). A pot experiment was conducted with maize variety "Islamabad gold" exposed to varying Cu concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/Kg) and PSMPs (150-250 μm size, 0, 1, and 3% w/w) via soil spiking for 60 days. The concentrations of essential micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) in soil and plant tissues were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and peroxidase) were recorded. The concentration of Cu showed significant reduction in post-harvesting soil by 21, 24.8, 27.6, 29.2, and 30.2% from Cu0 to Cu400 mg/Kg respectively from pre-sowing soil. On the other hand, the addition of 1%PSMPs and 3%PSMPs declined Cu by 16, 21.6, 24.4, 25.9, 27.8, and 12.6, 16.5, 19.9, 23.2, 25% from Cu0 to Cu400 mg/Kg respectively. Maize showed significant improvement in growth under combined exposure of Cu and 3% PSMPs compared to individual exposure. The MDA level was decreased under the combined presence of Cu and PSMPs compared to individual Cu exposure. The percentage difference with 1%PSMPs was 98.1, 95.0, 92.0, 90.0, and 89.6%, while with 3%PSMPs was 93.2, 93.2, 87.7, 81.4, and 79.2% from Cu0 to Cu400 mg/kg respectively. Moreover, the impact of PSMPs was more prominent at a 3% dose compared to a 1% dose. The findings provided significant knowledge about the potential of PSMPs to mitigate Cu toxicity in maize. Future research should incorporate a variety of particle size distributions at natural conditions for variety-specific differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Saad Bashir
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Umair Saeed
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Jawad Aslam Khan
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saeed
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Ghazala Mustafa
- Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Riffat Naseem Malik
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan.
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5
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Li G, Tang Y, Lou J, Wang Y, Yin S, Li L, Iqbal B, Lozano YM, Zhao T, Du D. The promoting effects of soil microplastics on alien plant invasion depend on microplastic shape and concentration. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:172089. [PMID: 38554966 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172089] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Both alien plant invasions and soil microplastic pollution have become a concerning threat for terrestrial ecosystems, with consequences on the human well-being. However, our current knowledge of microplastic effects on the successful invasion of plants remains limited, despite numerous studies demonstrating the direct and indirect impacts of microplastics on plant performance. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a greenhouse experiment involving the mixtures of soil and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastic pellets and fragments at the concentrations of 0, 0.5 % and 2.0 %. Additionally, we included Solidago decurrens (native plant) and S. canadensis (alien invasive plant) as the target plants. Each pot contained an individual of either species, after six-month cultivation, plant biomass and antioxidant enzymes, as well as soil properties including soil moisture, pH, available nutrient, and microbial biomass were measured. Our results indicated that microplastic effects on soil properties and plant growth indices depended on the Solidago species, microplastic shapes and concentrations. For example, microplastics exerted positive effects on soil moisture of the soil with native species but negative effects with invasive species, which were impacted by microplastic shapes and concentrations, respectively. Microplastics significantly impacted catalase (P < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase (P < 0.01), aboveground biomass (P < 0.01), and belowground/aboveground biomass (P < 0.01) of the native species depending on microplastic shapes, but no significant effects on those of the invasive species. Furthermore, microplastics effects on soil properties, nutrient, nutrient ratio, and plant antioxidant enzyme activities contributed to plant biomass differently among these two species. These results suggested that the microplastics exerted a more pronounced impact on native Solidago plants than the invasive ones. This implies that the alien invasive species displays greater resistance to microplastic pollution, potentially promoting their invasion. Overall, our study contributes to a better understanding of the promoting effects of microplastic pollution on plant invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanlin Li
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Tang
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiabao Lou
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjiao Wang
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiyu Yin
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianghui Li
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Babar Iqbal
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Yudi M Lozano
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany.
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin 14195, Germany.
| | - Daolin Du
- Jingjiang College, Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Emergency Management, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Iqbal S, Xu J, Arif MS, Worthy FR, Jones DL, Khan S, Alharbi SA, Filimonenko E, Nadir S, Bu D, Shakoor A, Gui H, Schaefer DA, Kuzyakov Y. Do Added Microplastics, Native Soil Properties, and Prevailing Climatic Conditions Have Consequences for Carbon and Nitrogen Contents in Soil? A Global Data Synthesis of Pot and Greenhouse Studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:8464-8479. [PMID: 38701232 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics threaten soil ecosystems, strongly influencing carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents. Interactions between microplastic properties and climatic and edaphic factors are poorly understood. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the interactive effects of microplastic properties (type, shape, size, and content), native soil properties (texture, pH, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC)) and climatic factors (precipitation and temperature) on C and N contents in soil. We found that low-density polyethylene reduced total nitrogen (TN) content, whereas biodegradable polylactic acid led to a decrease in soil organic carbon (SOC). Microplastic fragments especially depleted TN, reducing aggregate stability, increasing N-mineralization and leaching, and consequently increasing the soil C/N ratio. Microplastic size affected outcomes; those <200 μm reduced both TN and SOC contents. Mineralization-induced nutrient losses were greatest at microplastic contents between 1 and 2.5% of soil weight. Sandy soils suffered the highest microplastic contamination-induced nutrient depletion. Alkaline soils showed the greatest SOC depletion, suggesting high SOC degradability. In low-DOC soils, microplastic contamination caused 2-fold greater TN depletion than in soils with high DOC. Sites with high precipitation and temperature had greatest decrease in TN and SOC contents. In conclusion, there are complex interactions determining microplastic impacts on soil health. Microplastic contamination always risks soil C and N depletion, but the severity depends on microplastic characteristics, native soil properties, and climatic conditions, with potential exacerbation by greenhouse emission-induced climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Iqbal
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Honghe 654400, Yunnan, China
| | - Jianchu Xu
- Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Honghe 654400, Yunnan, China
- CIFOR-ICRAF China Program, World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Muhammad Saleem Arif
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Allama Iqbal Road, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Fiona R Worthy
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Fungal Diversity and Green Development, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
| | - Davey L Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, U.K
- Soils West, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6105, Australia
| | - Sehroon Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Science and Technology Bannu, Main Campus Bannu-Township, Bannu 28100, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sulaiman Ali Alharbi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ekaterina Filimonenko
- Center for Isotope Biogeochemistry, University of Tyumen, Volodarskogo Str., 6, Tyumen 625003, Russia
| | - Sadia Nadir
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Science and Technology Bannu, Main Campus Bannu-Township, Bannu 28100, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Dengpan Bu
- Joint Laboratory on Integrated Crop-Tree-Livestock Systems, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), and World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), Beijing 100193, China
| | - Awais Shakoor
- Teagasc, Environment, Soils and Land Use Department, Johnstown Castle, Co., Wexford Y35 Y521, Ireland
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Heng Gui
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Honghe 654400, Yunnan, China
| | - Douglas Allen Schaefer
- Department of Economic Plants and Biotechnology, Yunnan Key Laboratory for Wild Plant Resources, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, China
- Honghe Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Honghe 654400, Yunnan, China
| | - Yakov Kuzyakov
- Department of Soil Science of Temperate Ecosystems, Department of Agricultural Soil Science, University of Goettingen, Goettingen 37077, Germany
- Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow 117198, Russia
- Institute of Environmental SciencesKazan Federal University, Kazan 420049, Russia
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Kazan Federal University, 420049 Kazan, Russia
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7
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He F, Sun J, Wan JSH, Nawaz M, Javed Q, Pan L, Khattak WA, Bo Y, Xiang Y, Ren G, Lin X, Du D. Microplastics and cadmium affect invasion success by altering complementarity and selection effects in native community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171135. [PMID: 38402976 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171135] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The diversity-invasibility hypothesis predicts that native plant communities with high biodiversity should be more resistant to invasion than low biodiversity communities. However, observational studies have found that there is often a positive relationship between native community diversity and invasibility. Pollutants were not tested for their potential to cause this positive relationship. Here, we established native communities with three levels of diversity (1, 2 and 4 species) and introduced an invasive plant [Symphyotrichum subulatum (Michx.) G. L. Nesom] to test the effects of different pollutant treatments (i.e., unpolluted control, microplastics (MPs) alone, cadmium (Cd) alone, and their combination) on the relationship between native community diversity and community invasibility. Our results indicate that different MPs and Cd treatments altered the invasibility of native communities, but this effect may depend on the type of pollutant. MPs single treatment reduced invasion success, and the degree of reduction increased with increasing native community diversity (Diversity 2: - 14.1 %; Diversity 4: - 63.1 %). Cd single treatment increased the aboveground biomass of invasive plants (+ 40.2 %) and invasion success. The presence of MPs inhibited the contribution of Cd to invasion success. Furthermore, we found that the complementarity and selection effects of the native community were negatively correlated with invasion success, and their relative contributions to invasion success also depended on the pollutant type. We found new evidence of how pollutants affect the relationship between native community diversity and habitat invasibility, which provides new perspectives for understanding and managing biological invasions in the context of environmental pollution. This may contribute to promoting the conservation of biodiversity, especially in ecologically sensitive and polluted areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng He
- School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jianfan Sun
- School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| | - Justin S H Wan
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Mohsin Nawaz
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Qaiser Javed
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Linxuan Pan
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Wajid Ali Khattak
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yanwen Bo
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yan Xiang
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Guangqian Ren
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xin Lin
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Daolin Du
- Jingjiang College, Institute of Enviroment and Ecology, School of Emergency Management, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
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8
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Oliveira de Miranda C, Lelis Leal de Souza JJ, Gonçalves Reynaud Schaefer CE, Huerta Lwanga E, Nadal Junqueira Villela F. Short-term impacts of polyethylene and polyacrylonitrile microplastics on soil physicochemical properties and microbial activity of a marine terrace environment in maritime Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123791. [PMID: 38490529 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123791] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Evidence of microplastic (MP) pollution in Antarctic terrestrial environments reinforces concerns about its potential impacts on soil, which plays a major role in ecological processes at ice-free areas. We investigated the effects of two common MP types on soil physicochemical properties and microbial responses of a marine terrace from Fildes Peninsula (King George Island, Antarctica). Soils were treated with polyethylene (PE) fragments and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers at environmentally relevant doses (from 0.001% to 1% w w-1), in addition to a control treatment (0% w w-1), for 22 days in a pot incubation experiment under natural field conditions. The short-term impacts of MPs on soil physical, chemical and microbial attributes seem interrelated and were affected by both MP dose and type. The highest PAN fiber dose (0.1%) increased macro and total porosity, but decreased soil bulk density compared to control, whereas PE fragments treatments did not affect soil porosity. Soil respiration increased with increasing doses of PAN fibers reflecting impacts on physical properties. Both types of MPs increased microbial activity (fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis), decreased the cation exchange capacity but, especially PE fragments, increased Na+ saturation. The highest dose of PAN fibers and PE fragments increased total nitrogen and total organic carbon, respectively, and both decreased the soil pH. We discussed potential causes for our findings in this initial assessment and addressed the need for further research considering the complexity of environmental factors to better understand the cumulative impacts of MP pollution in Antarctic soil environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caik Oliveira de Miranda
- Departamento de Solos, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - José João Lelis Leal de Souza
- Departamento de Solos, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Esperanza Huerta Lwanga
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Fernando Nadal Junqueira Villela
- Laboratório de Pedologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas, Departamento de Geografia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 338, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
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9
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Guo T, Wang F, Tahmasbian I, Wang Y, Zhou T, Pan X, Zhang Y, Li T, Zhang M. Core Soil Microorganisms and Abiotic Properties as Key Mechanisms of Complementary Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron and Nitrification Inhibitors in Decreasing Paclobutrazol Residues and Nitrous Oxide Emissions. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:7672-7683. [PMID: 38530782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Agrochemical residues and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions have caused considerable threats to agricultural soil ecology. Nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) and nitrification inhibitors might be complementary to each other to diminish soil agrochemical residues and N2O emissions and enhance soil bacterial community diversities. Compared to the control, the nZVI application declined soil paclobutrazol residues by 5.9% but also decreased the bacterial community co-occurrence network node. Combined nZVI and Dicyandiamide applications significantly decreased soil N2O emission rates and paclobutrazol residues but promoted Shannon diversity of the bacterial community. The increased soil pH, ammonium nitrogen, and Actinobacteriota could promote soil paclobutrazol dissipation. The nZVI generated double-edged sword effects of positively decreasing paclobutrazol residues and N2O emissions but negatively influencing soil multifunctionalities. The nZVI and Dicyandiamide could be complementary to each other in diminishing soil agrochemical residues and N2O emission rates but promoting soil bacterial community diversities simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Guo
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Fang Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Iman Tahmasbian
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland Government, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Tangrong Zhou
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xiangyi Pan
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yiliang Zhang
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Tianqi Li
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Manyun Zhang
- College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
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10
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Redondo-Hasselerharm PE, Rico A, Huerta Lwanga E, van Gestel CAM, Koelmans AA. Source-specific probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics in soils applying quality criteria and data alignment methods. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133732. [PMID: 38350316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
The risk characterization of microplastics (MP) in soil is challenging due to the non-alignment of existing exposure and effect data. Therefore, we applied data alignment methods to assess the risks of MP in soils subject to different sources of MP pollution. Our findings reveal variations in MP characteristics among sources, emphasizing the need for source-specific alignments. To assess the reliability of the data, we applied Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) screening tools. Risk assessment was carried out probabilistically, considering uncertainties in data alignments and effect thresholds. The Hazardous Concentrations for 5% (HC5) of the species were significantly higher compared to earlier studies and ranged between 4.0 × 107 and 2.3 × 108 particles (1-5000 µm)/kg of dry soil for different MP sources and ecologically relevant metrics. The highest risk was calculated for soils with MP entering via diffuse and unspecified local sources, i.e., "background pollution". However, the source with the highest proportion of high-risk values was sewage, followed by background pollution and mulching. Notably, locations exceeding the risk threshold obtained low scores in the QA/QC assessment. No risks were observed for soils with compost. To improve future risk assessments, we advise to primarily test environmentally relevant MP mixtures and adhere to strict quality criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula E Redondo-Hasselerharm
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, C/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Esperanza Huerta Lwanga
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081H Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Albert A Koelmans
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
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11
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Wang QY, Wang QR, Wang TY, Zhang SQ, Yu HW. Impacts of polypropylene microplastics on the distribution of cadmium, enzyme activities, and bacterial community in black soil at the aggregate level. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170541. [PMID: 38290684 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170541] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can co-occur widely with heavy metals in soil. This study intended to investigate the influences of the co-exposure of polyethylene MPs (0.5 %, w/w) and cadmium (Cd) in black soil on the Cd distribution, enzyme activities, and bacterial communities in both bulk soil and different sized soil aggregates (> 1, 0.50-1, 0.25-0.50, and < 0.25 mm aggregates) after a 90-day incubation. Our results showed that the existence of MPs increased the distributions of Cd in >1 mm and < 0.25 mm soil aggregates and decreased its distributions in 0.50-1 mm and 0.25-0.50 mm soil aggregates. About 12.15 %-17.65 % and 9.03 %-11.13 % of Cd were distributed in the exchangeable and oxidizable forms in bulk soil and various sized soil aggregates after the addition of MPs which were higher than those in the only Cd-treated soil (11.17 %-14.72 % and 8.66 %-10.43 %, respectively), while opposite tendency was found for Cd in the reducible form. Urease and β-glucosidase activities in the Cd-treated soils were 1.14-1.18 and 1.07-1.31 times higher than those in the Cd-MPs treated soils. MPs disturbed soil bacterial community at phylum level and increased the bacteria richness in bulk soil. The levels of predicted functional genes which are linked to the biodegradation and metabolism of exogenous substances and soil C and N cycles were altered by the co-exposure of Cd and MPs. The findings of this study could help deepen our knowledge about the responses of soil properties, especially microbial community, to the co-occurrence of MPs and heavy metals in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Ying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Wet 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.
| | - Qi-Rong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Wet 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
| | - Tian-Ye Wang
- Key Laboratory of Wet 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.
| | - Shao-Qing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Wet 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.
| | - Hong-Wen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Wet 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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12
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Wang W, Zhang Z, Gao J, Wu H. The impacts of microplastics on the cycling of carbon and nitrogen in terrestrial soil ecosystems: Progress and prospects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 915:169977. [PMID: 38215847 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169977] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
As contaminants of emerging concern, microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitously present in almost all environmental compartments of the earth, with terrestrial soil ecosystems as the major sink for these contaminants. The accumulation of MPs in the soil can trigger a wide range of effects on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties, which may in turn cause alterations in the biogeochemical processes of some key elements, such as carbon and nitrogen. Until recently, the effects of MPs on the cycling of carbon and nitrogen in terrestrial soil ecosystems have yet to be fully understood, which necessitates a review to summarize the current research progress and propose suggestions for future studies. The presence of MPs can affect the contents and forms of soil carbon and nitrogen nutrients (e.g., total and dissolved organic carbon, dissolved organic nitrogen, NH4+-N, and NO3--N) and the emissions of CH4, CO2, and N2O by altering soil microbial communities, functional gene expressions, and enzyme activities. Exposure to MPs can also affect plant growth and physiological processes, consequently influencing carbon fixation and nitrogen uptake. Specific effects of MPs on carbon and nitrogen cycling and the associated microbial parameters can vary considerably with MP properties (e.g., dose, polymer type, size, shape, and aging status) and soil types, while the mechanisms of interaction between MPs and soil microbes remain unclear. More comprehensive studies are needed to narrow the current knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Jilin Normal University, 1301 Haifeng Street, Siping 136000, China
| | - Jie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China; Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130012, China.
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13
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Aguirre-Sanchez A, Purca S, Cole M, Indacochea AG, Lindeque PK. Prevalence of microplastics in Peruvian mangrove sediments and edible mangrove species. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116075. [PMID: 38335630 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116075] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Mangrove ecosystems have been hypothesised as a potential sink of microplastic debris, which could pose a threat to mangrove biota and ecological function. In this field-study we establish the prevalence of microplastics in sediments and commercially-exploited Anadara tuberculosa (black ark) and Ucides occidentalis (mangrove crab) from five different zones in the mangrove ecosystem of Tumbes, Peru. Microplastic were evident in all samples, with an average of 726 ± 396 microplastics/kg for the sediment, although no differences between the different zones of the mangrove ecosystem were observed. Microplastic concentrations were 1.6± 1.1 items/g for the black ark and 1.9 ± 0.9 microplastics/g for the mangrove crab, with a difference in the microplastic abundance between species (p < 0.05), and between the gills and stomachs of the crab (p < 0.01). Human intake of microplastics from these species, for the population in Tumbes, is estimated at 431 items per capita per year. The outcomes of this work highlight that the mangrove ecosystem is widely contaminated with microplastics, presenting a concern for the marine food web and food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Aguirre-Sanchez
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Biológicas, Biología Marina, Laboratorio de Ecología Marina, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru.
| | - Sara Purca
- Área Funcional de Investigaciones Marino Costeras (AFIMC), Dirección General de Investigaciones en Acuicultura (DGIA), Instituto del Mar del Peru (IMARPE), Callao, Peru
| | - Matthew Cole
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Aldo G Indacochea
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Biológicas, Biología Marina, Laboratorio de Ecología Marina, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Penelope K Lindeque
- Marine Ecology & Biodiversity, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
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14
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Song J, Chen X, Li S, Tang H, Dong S, Wang M, Xu H. The environmental impact of mask-derived microplastics on soil ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169182. [PMID: 38092201 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169182] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant increased number of masks were used and improperly disposed of. For example, the global monthly consumption of approximately 129 billion masks. Masks, composed of fibrous materials, can readily release microplastics, which may threaten various soil ecosystem components such as plants, animals, microbes, and soil properties. However, the specific effects of mask-derived microplastics on these components remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the effects of mask-derived microplastics (grouped by different concentrations: 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 % w/w) on soil physicochemical properties, microbial communities, growth performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. ramosa Hort.) and earthworm (Eisenia fetida) under laboratory conditions for 80 days. Our findings suggest that mask-derived microplastics reduced soil bulk density while increasing the mean weight diameter of soil aggregates and modifying nutrient levels, including organic matter, potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. An increase in the abundance of denitrification bacteria (Rhodanobacteraceae) was also observed. Mask-derived microplastics were found to reduce lettuce germination, and a hormesis effect of low-concentration stimulation and high-concentration inhibition was observed on biomass, chlorophyll, and root activity. While the mortality of earthworms was not significantly affected by the mask-derived microplastics, but their growth was inhibited. Collectively, our results indicate that mask-derived microplastics can substantially impact soil properties, plant growth, and earthworm health, with potential implications for soil ecosystem functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjincang Song
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xianghan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shiyao Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hao Tang
- Ecological Protection and Development Research Institute of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Aba 623000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shunwen Dong
- Industrial Crop Research Institute of Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610066, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Maolin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Heng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, PR China.
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15
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Grifoni M, Pellegrino E, Arrighetti L, Bronco S, Pezzarossa B, Ercoli L. Interactive impacts of microplastics and arsenic on agricultural soil and plant traits. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169058. [PMID: 38070573 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The ability of microplastics (MPs) to interact with environmental pollutants is currently of great concern due to the increasing use of plastic. Agricultural soils are sinks for multipollutants and the safety of biodegradable MPs in field conditions is questioned. However, still few studies have investigated the interactive effects between MPs and metals on the soil-plant system with agricultural soil and testing crops for human consumption. In this work, we tested the effect on soil and plant parameters of two common MPs, non-degradable plastic low-density polyethylene and biodegradable polymer polylactic acid at two different sizes (<250 μm and 250-300 μm) in association with arsenic (As). Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was used as a model plant in a small-scale experiment lasting 60 days. Microplastics and As explained 12 % and 47 % of total variance, respectively, while their interaction explained 21 %, suggesting a higher toxic impact of As than MPs. Plant growth was promoted by MPs alone, especially when biodegradable MPs were added (+22 %). However, MPs did not affect nutrient concentrations in roots and leaves. The effect of MPs on enzyme activities was variable depending on the time of exposure (with larger effects immediately after exposure), the type and size of the MPs. On the contrary, the co-application of MP and As, although it did not change the amount of bioavailable As in soil in the short and medium term, it resulted in a significant decrease in lettuce biomass (-19 %) and root nutrient concentrations, especially when polylactic acid was applied. Generally, MPs in association with As determined the plant-soil toxicity. This work provides insights into the risk of copollution of MPs and As in agricultural soil and its phytotoxic effect for agricultural crops. However, the mechanisms of the joint effect of MP and As on plant toxicity need further investigation, especially under field conditions and in long-term experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Grifoni
- Crop Science Research Center (CSRC), Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Pellegrino
- Crop Science Research Center (CSRC), Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Leonardo Arrighetti
- Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR-IPCF, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Bronco
- Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR-IPCF, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Pezzarossa
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR-IRET, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Ercoli
- Crop Science Research Center (CSRC), Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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16
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Han Y, Teng Y, Wang X, Wen D, Gao P, Yan D, Yang N. Biodegradable PBAT microplastics adversely affect pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) growth and the rhizosphere ecology: Focusing on rhizosphere microbial community composition, element metabolic potential, and root exudates. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169048. [PMID: 38061654 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) have gained increased attention as a promising solution to plastics pollution problem. However, BPs often exhibited limited in situ biodegradation in the soil environment, so they may also release microplastics (MPs) into soils just like conventional non-degradable plastics. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the impacts of biodegradable MPs (BMPs) on soil ecosystem. Here, we explored the effects of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) MPs and conventional polyethylene (PE) MPs on soil-plant (pakchoi) system at three doses (0.02 %, 0.2 %, and 2 %, w/w). Results showed that PBAT MPs reduced plant growth in a dose-dependent pattern, while PE MPs exhibited no significant phytotoxicity. High-dose PBAT MPs negatively affected the rhizosphere soil nutrient availability, e.g., decreased available phosphorus and available potassium. Metagenomics analysis revealed that PBAT MPs caused more serious interference with the rhizosphere microbial community composition and function than PE MPs. In particular, compared with PE MPs, PBAT MPs induced greater changes in functional potential of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles, which may lead to alterations in soil biogeochemical processes and ecological functions. Moreover, untargeted metabolomics showed that PBAT MPs and PE MPs differentially affect plant root exudates. Mantel tests, correlation analysis, and partial least squares path model analysis showed that changes in plant growth and root exudates were significantly correlated with soil properties and rhizosphere microbiome driven by the MPs-rhizosphere interactions. This work improves our knowledge of how biodegradable and conventional non-degradable MPs affect plant growth and the rhizosphere ecology, highlighting that BMPs might pose greater threat to soil ecosystems than non-degradable MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Han
- Institute of Vegetables, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Ying Teng
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Institute of Vegetables, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Dan Wen
- Institute of Vegetables, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Peixin Gao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Dong Yan
- Institute of Vegetables, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Institute of Vegetables, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China.
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17
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Athulya PA, Waychal Y, Rodriguez-Seijo A, Devalla S, Doss CGP, Chandrasekaran N. Microplastic interactions in the agroecosystems: methodological advances and limitations in quantifying microplastics from agricultural soil. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:85. [PMID: 38367078 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01800-8] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The instantaneous growth of the world population is intensifying the pressure on the agricultural sector. On the other hand, the critical climate changes and increasing load of pollutants in the soil are imposing formidable challenges on agroecosystems, affecting productivity and quality of the crops. Microplastics are among the most prevalent pollutants that have already invaded all terrestrial and aquatic zones. The increasing microplastic concentration in soil critically impacts crop plants growth and yield. The current review elaborates on the behaviors of microplastics in soil and their impact on soil quality and plant growth. The study shows that microplastics alter the soil's biophysical properties, including water-holding capacity, bulk density, aeration, texture, and microbial composition. In addition, microplastics interact with multiple pollutants, such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals, making them more bioavailable to crop plants. The study also provides a detailed insight into the current techniques available for the isolation and identification of soil microplastics, providing solutions to some of the critical challenges faced and highlighting the research gaps. In our study, we have taken a holistic, comprehensive approach by analysing and comparing various interconnected aspects to provide a deeper understanding of all research perspectives on microplastics in agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yojana Waychal
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Andres Rodriguez-Seijo
- Departamento de Bioloxía Vexetal e Ciencias do Solo, Área de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Ciencias de Ourense, Universidade de Vigo, As Lagoas S/N, 32004, Ourense, Spain
- Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA), Universidade de Vigo-Campus Auga, 32004, Ourense, Spain
| | - Sandhya Devalla
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, Scotland, UK
| | - C George Priya Doss
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Natarajan Chandrasekaran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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18
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Tariq M, Iqbal B, Khan I, Khan AR, Jho EH, Salam A, Zhou H, Zhao X, Li G, Du D. Microplastic contamination in the agricultural soil-mitigation strategies, heavy metals contamination, and impact on human health: a review. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:65. [PMID: 38341396 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03162-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical global environmental issue due to its widespread distribution, persistence, and potential adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Although research on microplastic pollution in aquatic environments has gained significant attention. However, a limited literature has summarized the impacts of microplastic pollution the agricultural land and human health. Therefore, In the current review, we have discussed how microplastic(s) affect the microorganisms by ingesting the microplastic present in the soil, alternatively affecting the belowground biotic and abiotic components, which further elucidates the negative effects on the above-ground properties of the crops. In addition, the consumption of these crops in the food chain revealed a potential risk to human health throughout the food chain. Moreover, microplastic pollution has the potential to induce a negative impact on agricultural production and food security by altering the physiochemical properties of the soil, microbial population, nutrient cycling, and plant growth and development. Therefore, we discussed in detail the potential hazards caused by microplastic contamination in the soil and through the consumption of food and water by humans in daily intake. Furthermore, further study is urgently required to comprehend how microplastic pollution negatively affects terrestrial ecosystems, particularly agroecosystems which drastically reduces the productivity of the crops. Our review highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, policy interventions, and technological solutions to address the emerging threat of microplastic pollution in soil and plant systems and mitigation strategies to overcome its potential impacts on human health. Based on existing studies, we have pointed out the research gaps and proposed different directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tariq
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Centre of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Babar Iqbal
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Centre of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ismail Khan
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Centre of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Ali Raza Khan
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Centre of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Eun Hea Jho
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Chemistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Abdul Salam
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology of the Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Zhou
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Centre of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
- Zhenjiang New District Environmental Monitoring Station Co. Ltd, Zhenjiang, 212132, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Guanlin Li
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Centre of Green Technology and Contingency Management for Emerging Pollutants, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Centre of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Daolin Du
- Jingjiang College, Institute of Environment and Ecology, School of Emergency Management, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Lozano YM, Dueñas JF, Zordick C, Rillig MC. Microplastic fibres affect soil fungal communities depending on drought conditions with consequences for ecosystem functions. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16549. [PMID: 38196372 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics affect soil functions depending on drought conditions. However, how their combined effect influences soil fungi and their linkages with ecosystem functions is still unknown. To address this, we used rhizosphere soil from a previous experiment in which we employed microplastic fibres addition and drought in a factorial design, and evaluated their effects on soil fungal communities. Microplastics decreased soil fungal richness under well-watered conditions, likely linked to microplastics leaching toxic substances into the soil, and microplastic effects on root fineness. Under drought, by contrast, microplastics increased pathogen and total fungal richness, likely related to microplastic positive effects on soil properties, such as water holding capacity, porosity or aggregation. Soil fungal richness was the attribute most affected by microplastics and drought. Microplastics altered the relationships between soil fungi and ecosystem functions to the point that many of them flipped from positive to negative or disappeared. The combined effect of microplastics and drought on fungal richness mitigated their individual negative effect (antagonism), suggesting that changes in soil water conditions may alter the action mode of microplastics in soil. Microplastic leaching of harmful substances can be mitigated under drought, while the improvement of soil properties by microplastics may alleviate such drought conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Lozano
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, Plant Ecology, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
| | - J F Dueñas
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, Plant Ecology, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
| | - C Zordick
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, Plant Ecology, Berlin, Germany
| | - M C Rillig
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, Plant Ecology, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
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20
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Wright ACM, Boots B, Ings TC, Green DS. Impacts of pristine, aged and leachate of conventional and biodegradable plastics on plant growth and soil organic carbon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11766-11780. [PMID: 38224439 PMCID: PMC10869392 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31838-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Plastic is an essential component of agriculture globally, becoming a concerning form of pollution. Biodegradable alternatives are gaining attention as a potential replacement for commonly used, non-degradable plastics, but there is little known about the impacts of biodegradable plastics as they age and potential leachates are released. In this study, different types (conventional: polyethylene and polypropylene and biodegradable: polyhydroxybutyrate and polylactic acid) of micro- and meso-films were added to soil at 0.1% (w/w) prior to being planted with Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) to evaluate the plant and soil biophysical responses in a pot experiment. Root and shoot biomass and chlorophyll content were reduced when soil was exposed to plastics, whether conventional or biodegradable, pristine, aged or when just their leachate was present. The pH and organic matter content of soil exposed to these plastics and their leachates was significantly reduced compared to control samples; furthermore, there was an increase in CO2 respiration rate from soil. In general, meso (> 5 mm) and micro (< 5 mm) plastic films did not differ in the impact on plants or soil. This study provides evidence that conventional and biodegradable plastics have both physical and chemical impacts on essential soil characteristics and the growth of L. perenne, potentially leading to wider effects on soil carbon cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C M Wright
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK.
| | - Bas Boots
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Thomas C Ings
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Dannielle S Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
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21
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Abstract
Understanding the effects of plastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems is a priority in environmental research. A central aspect of this suite of pollutants is that it entails particles, in addition to chemical compounds, and this makes plastic quite different from the vast majority of chemical environmental pollutants. Particles can be habitats for microbial communities, and plastics can be a source of chemical compounds that are released into the surrounding environment. In the aquatic literature, the term 'plastisphere' has been coined to refer to the microbial community colonizing plastic debris; here, we use a definition that also includes the immediate soil environment of these particles to align the definition with other concepts in soil microbiology. First, we highlight major differences in the plastisphere between aquatic and soil ecosystems, then we review what is currently known about the soil plastisphere, including the members of the microbial community that are enriched, and the possible mechanisms underpinning this selection. Then, we focus on outlining future prospects for research on the soil plastisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias C Rillig
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Shin Woong Kim
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
| | - Yong-Guan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
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22
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Withana PA, Li J, Senadheera SS, Fan C, Wang Y, Ok YS. Machine learning prediction and interpretation of the impact of microplastics on soil properties. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122833. [PMID: 37931672 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The annual microplastic (MP) release into soils is 4-23 times higher than that into oceans, significantly impacting soil quality. However, the mechanisms underlying how MPs impact soil properties remain largely unknown. Soil-MP interactions are complex because of soil heterogeneity and varying MP properties. This lack of understanding was exacerbated by the diverse experimental conditions and soil types used in this study. Predicting changes in soil properties in the presence of MPs is challenging, laborious, and time-consuming. To address these issues, machine learning was applied to fit datasets from peer-reviewed publications to predict and interpret how MPs influence soil properties, including pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total P, NO3--N, NH4+-N, and acid phosphatase enzyme activity (acid P). Among the developed models, the gradient boost regression (GBR) model showed the highest R2 (0.86-0.99) compared to the decision tree and random forest models. The GBR model interpretation showed that MP properties contributed more than 50% to altering the acid P and NO3--N concentrations in soils, whereas they had a negligible impact on total P and 10-20% impact on soil pH, DOC, and NH4+-N. Specifically, the size of MPs was the dominant factor influencing acid P (89.3%), pH (71.6%), and DOC (44.5%) in soils. NO3--N was mainly affected by the MP type (52.0%). The NH4+-N was mainly affected by the MP dose (46.8%). The quantitative insights into the impact of MPs on soil properties of this study could aid in understanding the roles of MPs in soil systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piumi Amasha Withana
- Korea Biochar Research Center, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; International ESG Association (IESGA), Seoul, 06621, Republic of Korea
| | - Jie Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Sachini Supunsala Senadheera
- Korea Biochar Research Center, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; International ESG Association (IESGA), Seoul, 06621, Republic of Korea
| | - Chuanfang Fan
- Korea Biochar Research Center, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Yin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; International ESG Association (IESGA), Seoul, 06621, Republic of Korea; Institute of Green Manufacturing Technology, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Bodor A, Feigl G, Kolossa B, Mészáros E, Laczi K, Kovács E, Perei K, Rákhely G. Soils in distress: The impacts and ecological risks of (micro)plastic pollution in the terrestrial environment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115807. [PMID: 38091673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115807] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Plastics have revolutionised human industries, thanks to their versatility and durability. However, their extensive use, coupled with inadequate waste disposal, has resulted in plastic becoming ubiquitous in every environmental compartment, posing potential risks to the economy, human health and the environment. Additionally, under natural conditions, plastic waste breaks down into microplastics (MPs<5 mm). The increasing quantity of MPs exerts a significant burden on the soil environment, particularly in agroecosystems, presenting a new stressor for soil-dwelling organisms. In this review, we delve into the effects of MP pollution on soil ecosystems, with a specific attention to (a) MP transport to soils, (b) potential changes of MPs under environmental conditions, (c) and their interaction with the physical, chemical and biological components of the soil. We aim to shed light on the alterations in the distribution, activity, physiology and growth of soil flora, fauna and microorganisms in response to MPs, offering an ecotoxicological perspective for environmental risk assessment of plastics. The effects of MPs are strongly influenced by their intrinsic traits, including polymer type, shape, size and abundance. By exploring the multifaceted interactions between MPs and the soil environment, we provide critical insights into the consequences of plastic contamination. Despite the growing body of research, there remain substantial knowledge gaps regarding the long-term impact of MPs on the soil. Our work underscores the importance of continued research efforts and the adoption of standardised approaches to address plastic pollution and ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Bodor
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary; Institute of Biophysics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Feigl
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bálint Kolossa
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Enikő Mészáros
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Laczi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Etelka Kovács
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Katalin Perei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Rákhely
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary; Institute of Biophysics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
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24
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Liu Z, Wen J, Liu Z, Wei H, Zhang J. Polyethylene microplastics alter soil microbial community assembly and ecosystem multifunctionality. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108360. [PMID: 38128384 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108360] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Although pervasive microplastics (MPs) pollution in terrestrial ecosystems invites increasing global concern, impact of MPs on soil microbial community assembly and ecosystem multifunctionality received relatively little attention. Here, we manipulated a mesocosm experiment to investigate how polyethylene MPs (PE MPs; 0, 1%, and 5%, w/w) influence ecosystem functions including plant production, soil quality, microbial community diversity and assembly, enzyme activities in carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling, and multifunctionality in the maize-soil continuum. Results showed that PE MPs exerted negligible effect on plant biomass (dry weight). The treatment of 5% PE MPs caused declines in the availability of soil water, C and P, whereas enhanced soil pH and C storage. The activity of C-cycling enzymes (α/β-1, 4-glucosidase and β-D-cellobiohydrolase) was promoted by 1% PE MPs, while that of β-1, 4-glucosidase was inhibited by 5% PE MPs. The 5% PE MPs reduced the activity of N-cycling enzymes (protease and urease), whereas increased that of the P-cycling enzyme (alkaline phosphatase). The 5% PE MPs shifted soil microbial community composition, and increased the number of specialist species, microbial community stability and networks resistance. Moreover, PE MPs altered microbial community assembly, with 5% treatment decreasing dispersal limitation proportion (from 13.66% to 9.96%). Overall, ecosystem multifunctionality was improved by 1% concentration, while reduced by 5% concentration of PE MPs. The activity of α/β-1, 4-glucosidase, urease and protease, and ammonium-N content were the most important predictors of ecosystem multifunctionality. These results underscore that PE MPs can alter soil microbial community assembly and ecosystem multifunctionality, and thus development and implementation of practicable solutions to control soil MPs pollution become increasingly imperative in sustainable agricultural production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqiang Liu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jiahao Wen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhenxiu Liu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hui Wei
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Jiaen Zhang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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25
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Zhang S, Wang J, Yan P, Aurangzeib M. Middle concentration of microplastics decreasing soil moisture-temperature and the germination rate and early height of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort.) in Mollisols. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167184. [PMID: 37730030 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been widely found in soils, however, the mechanism of MPs influencing plant growth is still debated and possibly attributed to the soil environment changed by MPs. In this study, 0.0 %, 0.1 %, 0.5 %, 1.0 %, 2.0 %, and 5.0 % (w/w) content of low-density polyethylene MPs (LDPE-MPs) with the particle sizes of 75-2000 μm was used to test how MPs alter the germination and the early growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. ramosa Hort.) in Mollisols under both natural condition and regular incubation condition. Soil temperature (ST), soil moisture (SM) and the ratio of cracks area to surface soil area (CA) and cracks length to surface soil area (CL) were monitored. As well, the dynamics of water and nutrient infiltration reported by our previous publication were combined to analyze the relationship between soil properties and crop growth influenced by MP concentration. The main results showed that: (1) compared with CK (0.0 %), the germination and plant height of lettuce were lowest in treatments with the middle concentration of MPs (0.5 % and 1 %, w/w), but was highest in treatments of high concentration of MPs (5.0 %, w/w) during the whole 14 days of incubation; (2) increasing MP concentration weakened the influence of SM on ST in Mollisols; (3) the average of SM and ST were highest at 5 % of MP concentration, while was lowest at 0.5 % and 1 % of MP concentration from the 2nd to the 9th day; (3) compared with CK and other treatments, the CA and CL were lowest in 1.0 % MP concentration, but were highest in 0.1 % and 5.0 % of MP concentration. This study provides insight that middle, rather than high and low levels of MP concentration, significantly decrease the SM and ST and increase nitrogen leaching which further leads to negative impacts on emergent and early growth of crops in soils with heavy texture (Mollisols).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiuqi Wang
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Pengke Yan
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
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26
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Khan A, Jie Z, Wang J, Nepal J, Ullah N, Zhao ZY, Wang PY, Ahmad W, Khan A, Wang W, Li MY, Zhang W, Elsheikh MS, Xiong YC. Ecological risks of microplastics contamination with green solutions and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165688. [PMID: 37490947 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The rise of plasticulture as mulching material in farming systems has raised concerns about microplastics (MPs) in the agricultural landscape. MPs are emerging pollutants in croplands and water systems with significant ecological risks, particularly over the long term. In the soil systems, MPs polymer type, thinness, shape, and size induces numerous effects on soil aggregates, dissolved organic carbon (C), rapidly oxidized organic C, microbial biomass C, microbial biomass nitrogen (N), microbial immobilization, degradation of organic matter, N cycling, and production of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), thereby posing a significant risk of impairing soil physical and biochemical properties over time. Further, toxic chemicals released from polyethylene mulching (PMs) might indirectly harm plant growth by affecting soil wetting-drying cycles, releasing toxic substances that interact with soil matrix, and suppressing soil microbial activity. In the environment, accumulation of MPs poses a risk to human health by accelerating emissions of GHGs, e.g., methane and carbon dioxide, or directly releasing toxic substances such as phthalic acid esters (PAEs) into the soils. Also, larger sizes MPs can adhere to root surface and block stomata could significantly change the shape of root epidermal cells resulting in arrest plant growth and development by restricting water-nutrient uptake, and gene expression and altering the biodiversity of the soil pollutants. In this review, we systematically analyzed the potential risks of MPs to the soil-plant and human body, their occurrence, abundance, and migration in agroecosystems. Further, the impacts of MPs on soil microbial function, nutrient cycling, soil C, and GHGs are mechanistically reviewed, with emphasis on potential green solutions such as organic materials amendments along with future research directions for more eco-friendly and sustainable plastic management in agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zheng Jie
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization/Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ICR, CAAS), Anyang, Henan, 455000, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jaya Nepal
- Department of Soil, Water & Ecosystem Sciences, Indian River Research Center, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL, USA
| | - Najeeb Ullah
- Agriculture Research Station, office of VP For Research and Graduate Studies, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ze-Ying Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Peng-Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wiqar Ahmad
- Department of the Soil and Environmental Sciences, AMKC, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Meng-Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | | | - You-Cai Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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27
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Goyal T, Singh S, Das Gupta G, Verma SK. Microplastics in environment: a comprehension on sources, analytical detection, health concerns, and remediation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:114707-114721. [PMID: 37897575 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30526-4] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of ecosystems by microplastics (MPs) has been reported intensively worldwide in the recent decade. A trend of reports indicated their presence in the atmosphere; food items and soil ecosystems are rising continuously. Literature evidenced that MPs are abundant in seawater, beach sand, drinking water, agricultural soils, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent, and the atmosphere. The greater abundance of MPs in the environment has led to their invasion of seafood, human-consumed food items such as table salts, beverages, takeout food containers, and disposable cups, marine biological lives, and creating serious health hazards in humans. Moreover, the absence of guidelines and specifications for controlling MPs in the environment makes the situation alarming, and the human toxicity data of MPs is scarce. Thereby, the toxicity assessment of MPs in humans is of greater concern. This review compiles the updated information on the potential sources of MPs in different components of the environment (viz. soil, water, and air), their analysis methods, effects on human health, and remediation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanish Goyal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142 001, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhwinder Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142 001, Punjab, India
| | - Ghanshyam Das Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142 001, Punjab, India
| | - Sant Kumar Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142 001, Punjab, India.
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Li Y, Hou Y, Hou Q, Long M, Wang Z, Rillig MC, Liao Y, Yong T. Soil microbial community parameters affected by microplastics and other plastic residues. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1258606. [PMID: 37901816 PMCID: PMC10601715 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1258606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The impact of plastics on terrestrial ecosystems is receiving increasing attention. Although of great importance to soil biogeochemical processes, how plastics influence soil microbes have yet to be systematically studied. The primary objectives of this study are to evaluate whether plastics lead to divergent responses of soil microbial community parameters, and explore the potential driving factors. Methods We performed a meta-analysis of 710 paired observations from 48 published articles to quantify the impact of plastic on the diversity, biomass, and functionality of soil microbial communities. Results and discussion This study indicated that plastics accelerated soil organic carbon loss (effect size = -0.05, p = 0.004) and increased microbial functionality (effect size = 0.04, p = 0.003), but also reduced microbial biomass (effect size = -0.07, p < 0.001) and the stability of co-occurrence networks. Polyethylene significantly reduced microbial richness (effect size = -0.07, p < 0.001) while polypropylene significantly increased it (effect size = 0.17, p < 0.001). Degradable plastics always had an insignificant effect on the microbial community. The effect of the plastic amount on microbial functionality followed the "hormetic dose-response" model, the infection point was about 40 g/kg. Approximately 3564.78 μm was the size of the plastic at which the response of microbial functionality changed from positive to negative. Changes in soil pH, soil organic carbon, and total nitrogen were significantly positively correlated with soil microbial functionality, biomass, and richness (R2 = 0.04-0.73, p < 0.05). The changes in microbial diversity were decoupled from microbial community structure and functionality. We emphasize the negative impacts of plastics on soil microbial communities such as microbial abundance, essential to reducing the risk of ecological surprise in terrestrial ecosystems. Our comprehensive assessment of plastics on soil microbial community parameters deepens the understanding of environmental impacts and ecological risks from this emerging pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yüze Li
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Yuting Hou
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Quanming Hou
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Mei Long
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Ziting Wang
- College of Agronomy, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, Nanning, China
| | - Matthias C. Rillig
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Biology, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
| | - Yuncheng Liao
- College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Taiwen Yong
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Abstract
Plastic pollution and climate change are two major environmental focuses. Having the forming potential due to ambient plastic pollution, the environmental fate of microplastics shall be inevitably impacted by global warming. This manuscript discusses the destiny of environmental microplastics and characterizes their fate considering the framework of the planetary boundary. The major routes for microplastic discharge include the release of microplastic stored in the ice into the sea when the ice melts as a result of global temperature increase, flushing of the plastic/microplastic debris from the shorelines into the adjacent water bodies as a result of increased rainfall, redistribution of the microplastics away from the source of plastic debris as a result of increased wind, and accumulation of microplastics in the soil as a result of drought. A perspective on the impact of climate change and microplastic pollution on aquatic and soil organisms was discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Haque
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chihhao Fan
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Qu Q, Wang Z, Gan Q, Liu R, Xu H. Impact of drought on soil microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activity. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1221288. [PMID: 37692424 PMCID: PMC10491016 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1221288] [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] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction With the continuous changes in climate patterns due to global warming, drought has become an important limiting factor in the development of terrestrial ecosystems. However, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of drought on soil microbial activity at a global scale is lacking. Methods In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of drought on soil microbial biomass (carbon [MBC], nitrogen [MBN], and phosphorus [MBP]) and enzyme activity (β-1, 4-glucosidase [BG]; β-D-cellobiosidase [CBH]; β-1, 4-N-acetylglucosaminidase [NAG]; L-leucine aminopeptidase [LAP]; and acid phosphatase [AP]). Additionally, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the degree to which these effects are regulated by vegetation type, drought intensity, drought duration, and mean annual temperature (MAT). Result and discussion Our results showed that drought significantly decreased the MBC, MBN, and MBP and the activity levels of BG and AP by 22.7%, 21.2%, 21.6%, 26.8%, and 16.1%, respectively. In terms of vegetation type, drought mainly affected the MBC and MBN in croplands and grasslands. Furthermore, the response ratio of BG, CBH, NAG, and LAP were negatively correlated with drought intensity, whereas MBN and MBP and the activity levels of BG and CBH were negatively correlated with drought duration. Additionally, the response ratio of BG and NAG were negatively correlated with MAT. In conclusion, drought significantly reduced soil microbial biomass and enzyme activity on a global scale. Our results highlight the strong impact of drought on soil microbial biomass and carbon- and phosphorus-acquiring enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Qu
- Breeding Base for State Key Laboratory of Land Degradation and Ecological Restoration in Northwestern China, Key Laboratory of Restoration and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystems in Northwestern China of Ministry of Education, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Breeding Base for State Key Laboratory of Land Degradation and Ecological Restoration in Northwestern China, Key Laboratory of Restoration and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystems in Northwestern China of Ministry of Education, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Quan Gan
- College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rentao Liu
- Breeding Base for State Key Laboratory of Land Degradation and Ecological Restoration in Northwestern China, Key Laboratory of Restoration and Reconstruction of Degraded Ecosystems in Northwestern China of Ministry of Education, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Hongwei Xu
- College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Javed Q, Sun J, Rutherford S, Li J, Iqbal B, Xiang Y, Ren G, He F, Pan L, Bo Y, Khattak WA, Du D. Soil pollution and the invasion of congener Sphagneticola in crop lands. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 340:118013. [PMID: 37121005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The input of agro-pollutants, such as microplastics and nanopesticides, on farmlands is widespread and may facilitate biological invasions in agroecosystems. Here, the effects of agro-pollutants that promote invasion of congener species is studied by examining the growth performance of native Sphagneticola calendulacea and its invasive congener, S. trilobata, when grown in a native only, invasive only and mixed community. Sphagneticola calendulacea naturally occurs in croplands in southern China, while S. trilobata was introduced to this region and has since naturalized, encroaching onto farmland. In our study, each plant community was subjected to the following treatments: control, microplastics only, nanopesticides only, and both microplastics and nanopesticides. The effects of the treatments on soils of each plant community were also examined. We found that aboveground, belowground, and photosynthetic traits of S. calendulacea were significantly inhibited by the combined microplastics and nanopesticides treatment in the native and mixed communities. The relative advantage index of S. trilobata was 69.90% and 74.73% higher under the microplastics only and nanopesticides only treatments respectively compared to S. calendulacea. Soil microbial biomass, enzyme activity, gas emission rates, and chemicals in each community were reduced when treated with both microplastics and nanopesticides. Yet, soil microbial biomass of carbon and nitrogen, CO2 emission rates and nitrous oxide rates were significantly higher (56.08%, 58.33%, 36.84% and 49.95% respectively) in the invasive species community than in the native species community under microplastics and nanopesticides. Our results suggest that the addition of agro-pollutants to soils favors the more resistant S. trilobata and suppresses the less tolerant S. calendulacea. Soil properties from the native species community are also more impacted by agro-pollutants than substrates supporting the invasive species. Future studies should explore the effects of agro-pollutants by comparing other invasive and native species and considering human activities, industry, and the soil environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qaiser Javed
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Institute of Environment and Ecology, Academy of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jianfan Sun
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| | - Susan Rutherford
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Institute of Environment and Ecology, Academy of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Juan Li
- College of Agronomy, Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Babar Iqbal
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yan Xiang
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Guangqian Ren
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Feng He
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Linxuan Pan
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yanwen Bo
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Wajid Ali Khattak
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Daolin Du
- School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Institute of Environment and Ecology, Academy of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Equipment and Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Khan KY, Ali B, Ghani HU, Fu L, Shohag MJUI, Zhang S, Cui X, Xia Q, Tan J, Ali Z, Guo Y. Single and combined effect of tetracycline and polyethylene microplastics on two drought contrasting cultivars of Oryza sativa L. (Rice) under drought stress. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 101:104191. [PMID: 37343773 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Co-exposure of tetracycline (TC) and polyethylene microplastic (MP-PE) pollution might result in more intricate effects on rice growth and grain quality. In present study, two different rice cultivars of contrasting drought tolerance, Hanyou73 (H73, drought-resistant) and Quanyou280 (Q280, drought-sensitive) were grown on MP-PE and TC-contaminated soils under drought. It was found that drought stress had different influence on TC accumulation in the two rice cultivars. H73 accumulated more TC in leaves and grains without drought stress while Q280 accumulated more TC under drought stress. Furthermore, metabolomics results demonstrated that under drought stress, about 80% of metabolites in H73 and 95% in Q280 were down-regulated as compared to non-drought treatments. These findings provide insights into the effects of TC and MP-PE with and without drought stress on potential risks to rice growth and grain quality, which has implications on rice production and cultivar election under multiple-stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Yasmin Khan
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Process Control for Light Industry, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Barkat Ali
- The Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Food Sciences Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | | | - Lijiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Process Control for Light Industry, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mohammad Jahid Ul Islam Shohag
- Indian River Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, Florida 34945, USA
| | - Shuang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Cui
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering/Tianjin Key Lab of Biomass Waste Utilization, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qian Xia
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Process Control for Light Industry, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jinglu Tan
- Department of Biomedical, Biological & Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Zeshan Ali
- Ecotoxicology Research Program, Institute of Plant and Environmental Protection, National Agriculture Research Center, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Ya Guo
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Process Control for Light Industry, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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Zhang P, Yuan Y, Zhang J, Wen T, Wang H, Qu C, Tan W, Xi B, Hui K, Tang J. Specific response of soil properties to microplastics pollution: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 232:116427. [PMID: 37327841 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The soil environment is a critical component of the global ecosystem and is essential for nutrient cycling and energy flow. Various physical, chemical, and biological processes occur in the soil and are affected by environmental factors. Soil is vulnerable to pollutants, especially emerging pollutants, such as microplastics (MPs). MPs pollution has become a significant environmental problem, and its harm to human health and the environment cannot be underestimated. However, most studies on MPs pollution have focused on marine ecosystems, estuaries, lakes, rivers, and other aquatic environments, whereas few considered the effects and hazards of MPs pollution of the soil, especially the responses of different environmental factors to MPs. In addition, when many MPs pollutants produced by agricultural activities (mulching film, organic fertilizer) and atmospheric sedimentation enter the soil environment, it will cause changes in soil pH, organic matter composition, microbial community, enzyme activity, animals and plants and other environmental factors. However, due to the complex and changeable soil environment, the heterogeneity is very strong. The changes of environmental factors may react on the migration, transformation and degradation of MPs, and there are synergistic or antagonistic interactions among different factors. Therefore, it is very important to analyze the specific effects of MPs pollution on soil properties to clarify the environmental behavior and effects of MPs. This review focuses on the source, formation, and influencing factors of MPs pollution in soil and summarizes its effect and influence degree on various soil environmental factors. The results provide research suggestions and theoretical support for preventing or controlling MPs soil pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Shiyou University, Xi'an, 710065, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Taoyi Wen
- School of Civil Engineering, Chang'an University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Chengtun Qu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Shiyou University, Xi'an, 710065, China
| | - Wenbing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Beidou Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Kunlong Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Jun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Simulation and Control of Groundwater Pollution, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
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Zhang S, Pei L, Zhao Y, Shan J, Zheng X, Xu G, Sun Y, Wang F. Effects of microplastics and nitrogen deposition on soil multifunctionality, particularly C and N cycling. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 451:131152. [PMID: 36934700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Both nitrogen deposition (ND) and microplastics (MPs) pose global change challenges. The effects of MPs co-existing with ND on ecosystem functions are still largely unknown. Herein, we conducted a 10-month soil incubation experiment to explore the effects of polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) MPs on soil multifunctionality under different ND scenarios. We found that the interactions between ND and MPs affected soil multifucntionality. FAPROTAX function prediction indicated that both ND and MPs affected C and N cycling. ND increased some C-cycling processes, such as cellulolysis, ligninolysis, and plastic degradation. MPs also showed stimulating effects on these processes, particularly in the soil with ND. ND significantly decreased the abundance of functional genes NifH, amoA, and NirK, leading to inhibited N-fixation, nitrification, and denitrification. The addition of MPs also modified N-cycling processes: 0.1% PE enriched the bacterial groups for nitrate reduction, nitrate respiration, nitrite respiration, and nitrate ammonification, and 1% PLA MPs enriched N-fixation bacteria at all ND levels. We found that ND caused lower soil pH but higher soil N, decreased bacterial diversity and richness, and changed the composition and activity of functional bacteria, which explains why ND changed soil functions and regulated the impact of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwu Zhang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China
| | - Lei Pei
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China
| | - Yanxin Zhao
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China
| | - Jun Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xuebo Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biology and Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China
| | - Guangjian Xu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China
| | - Yuhuan Sun
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China
| | - Fayuan Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China.
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Behera S, Das S. Environmental impacts of microplastic and role of plastisphere microbes in the biodegradation and upcycling of microplastic. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 334:138928. [PMID: 37211165 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Increasing usage of plastic has led to the deposition of plastic in the environment which later become microplastic, a pollutant of global concern. These polymeric particles affect the ecosystem bestowing toxicity and impede the biogeochemical cycles. Besides, microplastic particles have been known for their role in aggravating the effect of various other environmental pollutants including organic pollutants and heavy metals. These microplastic surfaces are often colonized by the microbial communities also known as "plastisphere microbes" forming biofilms. These microbes include cyanobacteria like Nostoc, Scytonema, etc., and diatoms like Navicula, Cyclotella, etc. Which become the primary colonizer. In addition to the autotrophic microbes, Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria dominate the plastisphere microbial community. These biofilm-forming microbes can efficiently degrade the microplastic in the environment by secreting various catabolic enzymes such as lipase, esterase, hydroxylase, etc. Besides, these microbes have shown great potential for the bioconversion of microplastic to polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), an energy efficient and sustainable alternative to the petroleum based plastics. Thus, these microbes can be used for the creation of a circular economy using waste to wealth strategy. This review provides a deeper insight into the distribution, transportation, transformation, and biodegradation of microplastic in the ecosystem. The formation of plastisphere by the biofilm-forming microbes has been described in the article. In addition, the microbial metabolic pathways and genetic regulations involved in the biodegradation have been discussed in detail. The article suggests the microbial bioremediation and upcycling of microplastic along with various other strategies for effectively mitigate the microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivananda Behera
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, 769 008, Odisha, India
| | - Surajit Das
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Ecology (LEnME), Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, 769 008, Odisha, India.
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Khalid AR, Shah T, Asad M, Ali A, Samee E, Adnan F, Bhatti MF, Marhan S, Kammann CI, Haider G. Biochar alleviated the toxic effects of PVC microplastic in a soil-plant system by upregulating soil enzyme activities and microbial abundance. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121810. [PMID: 37201571 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have become an emerging pollutant threatening the sustainability of agroecosystems and global food security. Biochar, a pro-ecosystem/negative carbon emission technology can be exploited as a circular approach for the conservation of plastics contaminated agricultural soils. However, relatively few studies have focused on the effects of biochar on plant growth and soil biochemical properties in a microplastic contaminated soil. This study investigated the effects of a cotton stalk (Gossypium hirsutum L.) biochar on plant growth, soil microbes, and enzyme activity in PVC microplastic (PVC-MPs) contaminated soil. Biochar amendment increased shoot dry matter production in PVC-MPs contaminated soil. However, PVC-MPs alone significantly reduced the soil urease and dehydrogenase activity, soil organic and microbial biomass carbon, bacterial/fungal community percentage, and their abundance (16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes, respectively). Interestingly, biochar amendment with PVC-MPs significantly alleviated the hazardous effects. Principal component and redundancy analysis of the soil properties, bacterial 16S rRNA genes, and fungal ITS in the biochar-amended PVC-MPs treatments revealed that the observed traits formed an obvious cluster compared to non-biochar treatments. To sum up, this study indicated that PVC-MPs contamination was not benign, while biochar shielded the hazardous effects and sustained soil microbial functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attia Rubab Khalid
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Shah
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Production Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan; Plant Science Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Muhammad Asad
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Ali
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Eisha Samee
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fazal Adnan
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Faraz Bhatti
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sven Marhan
- Soil Biology Department, Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Claudia I Kammann
- Department of Applied Ecology, Hochschule Geisenheim University, Geisenheim, Germany
| | - Ghulam Haider
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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Wang J, Guo X, Brahney J, Xu Z, Hu Y, Sheng W, Chen Y, Li M, Guo W. Growth of grasses and forbs, nutrient concentration, and microbial activity in soil treated with microbeads. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 324:121326. [PMID: 36813096 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have emerged as an important threat to terrestrial ecosystems. To date, little research has been conducted on investigating the effects of microplastics on ecosystem functions and multifunctionality. In this study, we conducted the pot experiments containing five plant communities consisting of Phragmites australis, Cynanchum chinense, Setaria viridis, Glycine soja, Artemisia capillaris, Suaeda glauca, and Limonium sinense and added polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) microbeads to the soil (contained a mixture of 1.5 kg loam and 3 kg sand) at two concentrations of 0.15 g/kg (lower concentration, hereinafter referred to as PE-L and PS-L) and 0.5 g/kg (higher concentration, hereinafter referred to as PE-H and PS-H) to explore the effects of microplastics on total plant biomass, microbial activity, nutrient supply, and multifunctionality. The results showed that PS-L significantly decreased the total plant biomass (p = 0.034), primarily by inhibiting the growth of the roots. β-glucosaminidase decreased with PS-L, PS-H, and PE-L (p < 0.001) while the phosphatase was noticeably augmented (p < 0.001). The observation suggests that the microplastics diminished the nitrogen requirements and increased the phosphorus requirements of the microbes. The decrease in β-glucosaminidase diminished ammonium content (p < 0.001). Moreover, PS-L, PS-H, and PE-H reduced the soil total nitrogen content (p < 0.001), and only PS-H considerably reduced the soil total phosphorus content (p < 0.001), affecting the ratio of N/P markedly (p = 0.024). Of interest, the impacts of microplastics on total plant biomass, β-glucosaminidase, phosphatase, and ammonium content did not become larger at the higher concentration, and it is observable that microplastics conspicuously depressed the ecosystem multifunctionality, as microplastics depreciated single functions such as total plant biomass, β-glucosaminidase, and nutrient supply. In perspective, measures to counteract this new pollutant and eliminate its impact on ecosystem functions and multifunctionality are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Prewarning, Protection and Restoration of Bohai Sea, Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Guo
- College of Landscape Architecture and Forestry, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China.
| | - Janice Brahney
- Watershed Sciences and Ecology Center, Utah State University, 5210 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Zhenwei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Prewarning, Protection and Restoration of Bohai Sea, Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Prewarning, Protection and Restoration of Bohai Sea, Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyi Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Prewarning, Protection and Restoration of Bohai Sea, Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanni Chen
- College of Landscape Architecture and Forestry, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyan Li
- College of Landscape Architecture and Forestry, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihua Guo
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Prewarning, Protection and Restoration of Bohai Sea, Ministry of Natural Resources, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, People's Republic of China.
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Yu F, Fu M, Tang C, Mo C, Li S, Luo S, Qin P, Zhao Y, Li Y. Potential impact of polyethylene microplastics on the growth of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica F.): Endophyte and rhizosphere effects. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 330:138737. [PMID: 37084901 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination has received much attention, especially in agroecosystems. However, since edible crops with different genetic backgrounds may present different responses to microplastics, more research should be conducted and focused on more edible crops. In the current study, pot experiments were conducted to investigate the potential impact of polyethylene microplastic (PE) (particle sizes: 0.5 μm and 1.0 μm, addition levels: 0 (control), 0.5% and 1.0% (w/w)) addition on the physiological and biochemical variations of I. aquatica F.. The results indicated that PE addition caused an increase in the soil pH and NH4+-N and soil organic matter contents, which increased by 10.1%, 29.9% and 50.1% when PE addition at A10P0.5 level (10 g (PE) kg-1 soil, particle size: 0.5 μm). While, PE exposure resulted in a decrease in soil available phosphorus and total phosphorus contents, which decreased by 53.9% and 10.5% when PE addition at A10P0.5 level. In addition, PE addition altered the soil enzyme activities. Two-way ANOVA indicated that particle size had a greater impact on the variations in soil properties and enzyme activities than the addition level. PE addition had a strong impact on the rhizosphere microbial and root endophyte community diversity and structure of I. aquatica F.. Two-way ANOVA results indicated that the particle size and addition level significantly altered the α-diversity indices of both rhizosphere microbial and root endophyte (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 or P < 0.001). Moreover, PE was adsorbed by I. aquatica F., which was clearly observed in the transverse roots and significantly increased the H2O2, ·O2-, malondialdehyde and ascorbic acid contents in both the roots and aerial parts of I. aquatica F., leading to a decrease in I. aquatica F. biomass. Overall, the current study enriches the understanding of the effect of microplastics on edible crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, 541004, Guilin, China
| | - Mingyue Fu
- College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, 541004, Guilin, China
| | - Chijian Tang
- College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, 541004, Guilin, China
| | - Cuiju Mo
- College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, 541004, Guilin, China
| | - Songying Li
- College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, 541004, Guilin, China
| | - Shiyu Luo
- College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, 541004, Guilin, China
| | - Peiqing Qin
- College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, 541004, Guilin, China
| | - Yinjun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environment Change and Resources Use in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Education, Nanning Normal University, Nanning, China
| | - Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, China; College of Environment and Resources, Guangxi Normal University, 541004, Guilin, China.
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Yu F, Pei Y, Zhang X, Ma J. Weathering and degradation of polylactic acid masks in a simulated environment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and their effects on the growth of winter grazing ryegrass. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130889. [PMID: 36731322 PMCID: PMC9882953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to explosive growth in the production and consumption of disposable medical masks, which has caused new global environmental problems due to the improper disposal of these masks and lack of effective mask recycling methods. To reduce the environmental load caused by the inability of synthetic plastics to degrade, polylactic acid (PLA) masks, as a biodegradable environmentally friendly plastic, may become a solution. This study simulated the actual degradation process of new PLA masks in different environments by soaking them in various solutions for 4 weeks and explored the influence of the treated PLA fabric fibers on the growth of winter ryegrass. The results show that the weathering degradation of PLA fibers in water mainly occurs through the hydrolysis of ester bonds, and weathering leads to cheese-like and gully-like erosion on the surface of the PLA fiber fabric layer and finally to fiber fracture and the release of microplastics (MPs). The average number of MPs released within 4 weeks is 149.5 items/piece, the particle size is 20-500 µm (44%), and 63.57% of the MPs are transparent fibers. The outer, middle, and inner layers of weathered PLA masks tend to be hydrophilic and have lower mechanical strength. PLA fibers after different treatment methods affect the growth of winter ryegrass. PLA masks are undoubtedly a greener choice than ordinary commercial masks, but in order to confirm this, the entire degradation process, the final products, and the impact on the environment need to be further studied. In the future, masks may be developed to be made from more environmentally friendly biodegradable materials that can have good protecting effects and also solve the problem of end-of-life recycling. A SYNOPSIS: Simulation of the actual degradation process of PLA masks and exploration of the influence of mask degradation on the growth of winter ryegrass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, No 999, Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, PR China
| | - Yizhi Pei
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, No 999, Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, PR China
| | - Xiaochen Zhang
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, No 999, Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, PR China
| | - Jie Ma
- Research Center for Environmental Functional Materials, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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Tang KHD. Microplastics in agricultural soils in China: Sources, impacts and solutions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121235. [PMID: 36754198 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The detection of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils has raised alarms on their potential impacts on agricultural production, particularly in China where agriculture has great importance for domestic consumption and export. This review aims to present the abundance, sources and impacts of MPs in the agricultural soils of China. It has the novelty of synthesizing sustainable agronomic practices to reduce MPs pollution of agricultural soils based on the sources identified. According to the extant study, the abundance of MPs in the agricultural soils in China ranged from 4.94 items/kg in the lower reaches of Yangtze River to 40,800 items/kg in Yunnan Province. The MPs were predominantly ≤1 mm and were mainly composed of fragments, films and fibers. Polyethylene and polypropylene MPs were most reported. Plastic mulching films were the most significant source of MPs in agricultural soils, followed by abandoned greenhouses and the use of organic fertilizers containing fugitive MPs or whose sources were often MPs-polluted. MPs were found to alter soil physicochemical properties for instance, water flow, water-stable aggregates, soil aggregation, soil pH, bulk density and nutrient contents. MPs also affect soil biota through changing the richness and diversity of soil microbial community while retarding growth and disrupting physiological functions of soil macrofauna. The effects of MPs on crops vary and range from alteration of biomass, metabolism and nutrient demands to impacted photosynthesis. Sustainable solutions include the use of grass clippings - straw mix as organic mulches, the use of compost as soil amendment in conjunction with grass-straw mix and incorporation of weed-suppressing biomass into compost, the use of jute and biodegradable plastics for greenhouses, proper decommissioning of abandoned greenhouses as well as setting standards for allowable MPs contents in organic fertilizers and irrigation water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
- Department of Environmental Science, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
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Khalid N, Aqeel M, Noman A, Fatima Rizvi Z. Impact of plastic mulching as a major source of microplastics in agroecosystems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130455. [PMID: 36463747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of agroecosystems by microplastics (MPs) has raised great concerns recently. Plastic mulching has contributed a lot in the building of MP pollution in farmlands. This technique has been in use for decades worldwide because of its immense advantages, preferably in drier and colder regions. The physical extraction of plastic mulches at the end of the growing season is very laborious and ineffective, and thus small pieces of mulches are left in the field which later convert into MP particles after aging, weathering, or on exposure to solar radiation. MPs not only influence physical, chemical, or biological properties of soils but also reduce crop productivity which could be a threat to our food security. They also interact with and accumulate other environmental contaminants such as microbial pathogens, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants on their surfaces which increase their risk of toxicity in the environment. MPs also transfer from one trophic level to the other in the food chain and ultimately may impact human health. Because of the ineffectiveness of the recovery of plastic film fragments from fields, researchers are now mainly focusing on alternative solutions to conventional plastic mulch films such as the use of biodegradable mulches. In this review, we have discussed the issue of plastic mulch films in agroecosystems and tried to link already existing knowledge to the current limitations in research on this topic from cropland soils and future prospects have been identified and proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen Khalid
- Department of Botany, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Aqeel
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agroecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, PR China
| | - Ali Noman
- Department of Botany, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Zarrin Fatima Rizvi
- Department of Botany, Government College Women University, Sialkot, Pakistan
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Niu L, Zhao S, Chen Y, Li Y, Zou G, Tao Y, Zhang W, Wang L, Zhang H. Diversity and potential functional characteristics of phage communities colonizing microplastic biofilms. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:115103. [PMID: 36549484 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115103] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The multiple ecological influences and potential microbial degradation of microplastics are generally attributed to the microbial communities colonized on microplastics. Phages play an important role in the composition and function of their bacterial hosts, yet the occurrence and the potential functional characteristics of phages in the biofilms of microplastics have not been known. This study, for the first time, explored the diversity, composition, and potential function characteristics of phage communities living in the biofilms of PP, PE, and PET microplastics and stones, cultured in the same site, via the metagenome method. The results showed that a total of 240 non-redundant virus OTUs (vOTUs), distributed in at least four orders and seven families, were detected from biofilm metagenomes of microplastics. Compared to stones, some phages were selectively enriched by microplastic biofilms, with 13 vOTUs uniquely colonized on three microplastics, and these vOTUs mainly belong to the family Autographiviridae and Podoviridae. Except for the evenness of PP, the richness index, Chao 1 index, and abundance of phage communities of three microplastics were much higher than that of stone. At least 8 bacterial phyla and 72 genera were possibly infected by phages. Compared to the stones, both composition and abundance of the phages and hosts presented significant and strong correlations for three microplastics. Some of the bacterial hosts on microplastics were likely involved in the microplastic degradation, fermenters, nitrogen transformation processes, and so on. A total of 124 encoding auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) were detected from viral contigs. The abundance of AMGs in microplastics was much higher than that of stones, which may provide more direct or indirect support for the bacterial degradation of microplastics. This study provides a new perspective on the occurrence and potential functions of phages on microplastic biofilms, thus expanding our understanding of microbial communities on microplastic biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Niu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Shiqin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Yamei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China.
| | - Guanhua Zou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Ye Tao
- Shanghai BIOZERON Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201800, PR China
| | - Wenlong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Longfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Huanjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
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Rojas-Botero S, Teixeira LH, Kollmann J. Low precipitation due to climate change consistently reduces multifunctionality of urban grasslands in mesocosms. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0275044. [PMID: 36735650 PMCID: PMC9897532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Urban grasslands are crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem services in cities, while little is known about their multifunctionality under climate change. Thus, we investigated the effects of simulated climate change, i.e., increased [CO2] and temperature, and reduced precipitation, on individual functions and overall multifunctionality in mesocosm grasslands sown with forbs and grasses in four different proportions aiming at mimicking road verge grassland patches. Climate change scenarios RCP2.6 (control) and RCP8.5 (worst-case) were simulated in walk-in climate chambers of an ecotron facility, and watering was manipulated for normal vs. reduced precipitation. We measured eight indicator variables of ecosystem functions based on below- and aboveground characteristics. The young grassland communities responded to higher [CO2] and warmer conditions with increased vegetation cover, height, flower production, and soil respiration. Lower precipitation affected carbon cycling in the ecosystem by reducing biomass production and soil respiration. In turn, the water regulation capacity of the grasslands depended on precipitation interacting with climate change scenario, given the enhanced water efficiency resulting from increased [CO2] under RCP8.5. Multifunctionality was negatively affected by reduced precipitation, especially under RCP2.6. Trade-offs arose among single functions that performed best in either grass- or forb-dominated grasslands. Grasslands with an even ratio of plant functional types coped better with climate change and thus are good options for increasing the benefits of urban green infrastructure. Overall, the study provides experimental evidence of the effects of climate change on the functionality of urban ecosystems. Designing the composition of urban grasslands based on ecological theory may increase their resilience to global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rojas-Botero
- Chair of Restoration Ecology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Leonardo H. Teixeira
- Chair of Restoration Ecology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Johannes Kollmann
- Chair of Restoration Ecology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Ås, Norway
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Li H, Song F, Song X, Zhu K, Lin Q, Zhang J, Ning G. Single and composite damage mechanisms of soil polyethylene/polyvinyl chloride microplastics to the photosynthetic performance of soybean ( Glycine max [L.] merr.). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1100291. [PMID: 36743543 PMCID: PMC9889878 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1100291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adverse impacts of soil microplastics (MPs, diameter<5 mm) on vegetative growth and crop production have been widely reported, however, the single and composite damage mechanisms of polyethylene (PE) /polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics (MPs) induced photosynthesis inhibition are still rarely known. METHODS In this study, two widely distributed MPs, PE and PVC, were added to soils at a dose of 7% (dry soil) to examine the single and composite effects of PE-MPs and PVC-MPs on the photosynthetic performance of soybean. RESULTS Results showed PE-MPs, PVC-MPs and the combination of these two contaminants increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 21.8-97.9%, while decreased net photosynthesis rate (Pn) by 11.5-22.4% compared to those in non-stressed plants, PVC MPs caused the most severe oxidative stress, while MPs stress resulted in Pn reduction caused by non-stomatal restriction. The reason for this is the single and composite MPs stress resulted in a 6% to 23% reduction in soybean PSII activity RCs reaction centers, along with negative effects on soybean PSII energy uptake, capture, transport, and dissipation. The presence of K-band and L-band also represents an imbalance in the number of electrons on the donor and acceptor side of PSII and a decrease in PSII energy transfer. Similarly, PVC single stress caused greater effects on soybean chloroplast PSII than PE single stress and combined stresses. DISCUSSION PE and PVC microplastic stress led to oxidative stress in soybean, which affected the structure and function of photosynthetic PSII in soybean, ultimately leading to a decrease in net photosynthetic rate in soybean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Li
- Department of Soil Science, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Fupeng Song
- Department of Soil Science, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Xiliang Song
- Department of Soil Science, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Kongming Zhu
- Department of Soil Science, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Qun Lin
- Department of Soil Science, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
| | - Jinliang Zhang
- Dongying District, Agricultural and Rural Bureau, Dongying, China
| | - Guoqiang Ning
- Dongying District, Agricultural and Rural Bureau, Dongying, China
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Xu Z, Bai X, Li Y, Weng Y, Li F. New insights into the decrease in Cd 2+ bioavailability in sediments by microplastics: Role of geochemical properties. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:130103. [PMID: 36303335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are considered to influence the bioavailability of heavy metals through direct adsorption, but this neglects the distribution of heavy metal chemical speciation indirectly influenced by MPs by altering geochemical properties. The present study aims to explore the link between the fractionation distribution of cadmium (Cd2+) and changes in geochemical properties in sediments induced by polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET-MPs). The PET-MPs reduced the acid-soluble fraction of Cd2+ in sediments and increased its organically bound fraction. In addition, the concentration of bioavailable Cd2+ in the sediment decreased by 4.09-25.96 % with increasing PET-MPs doses and aging. Whereas the thermal aging of PET-MPs led to a decrease in the molar ratio of oxygen-containing functional groups and the BET surface area, which is not favorable for improving the adsorption capacity of PET-MPs. On the other hand, the correlation analysis demonstrated the key role of PET-MPs in increasing the content of sediment organic matter and its humification level, which indirectly led to a decrease in Cd2+ bioavailability. The microbial analysis demonstrated that PET-MPs increase the relative abundances of Chloroflexi, hexokinase, and 6-phosphofructose kinase in sediments, thereby increasing the humification level of sediment organic matter. The present study provides a new perspective for understanding the environmental risks of MPs-altered heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjia Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Xue Bai
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China.
| | - Yujian Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Yuzhu Weng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Fengjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
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Liu Y, Cui W, Li W, Xu S, Sun Y, Xu G, Wang F. Effects of microplastics on cadmium accumulation by rice and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in cadmium-contaminated soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:130102. [PMID: 36206709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Both microplastics (MPs) and cadmium (Cd) are common contaminants in soil-rice systems, but their combined effects remain unknown. Thereby, we explored the effects of three MPs, i.e., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyester (PES), on Cd accumulation in rice and the community diversity and structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soil spiked with or without Cd. Results showed that 2% PLA decreased shoot biomass (-28%), but PET had a weaker inhibitive effect. Overall, Cd alone did not significantly change shoot and root biomass and increased root biomass in combination with 0.2% PES. MPs generally increased soil Cd availability but decreased Cd accumulation in rice tissues. Both MPs and Cd improved the bioavailability and uptake of Fe and Mn in rice roots. MPs altered the diversity and community composition of AMF, depending on their type and dose and co-existing Cd. Overall, 2% PLA caused the most distinct changes in soil properties, plant growth and Cd accumulation, and AMF communities, but showed no synergistic interactions with Cd. In conclusion, MPs can mediate rice performance and Cd accumulation via altering soil properties, nutrient uptake, and root mycorrhizal communities, and biodegradable PLA MPs thought environment-friendly can exhibit higher phytotoxicity than conventional MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Liu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China
| | - Wenzhi Cui
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China
| | - Wenguang Li
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China
| | - Shuang Xu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China
| | - Yuhuan Sun
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China
| | - Guangjian Xu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China
| | - Fayuan Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266042, PR China.
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47
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Chu J, Zhou J, Wang Y, Jones DL, Ge J, Yang Y, Brown RW, Zang H, Zeng Z. Field application of biodegradable microplastics has no significant effect on plant and soil health in the short term. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120556. [PMID: 36328286 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics (biodegradable plastics) potentially offer an encouraging alternative to conventional (petroleum-based) plastics. In practice, bioplastics inevitably generate a large number of bio-microplastics (bio-MPs, diameter <5 mm) during the degradation progress. However, the impact of bio-MPs on plant and soil health within agroecosystems remains incomplete. Here, a field study was conducted to investigate the effect of two shapes (fiber and powder) of pure polylactic acid (PLA) bio-MPs on oat (Avena sativa L.) and soybean (Glycinemax (L.) Merr.) growth and soil health. Our results showed that PLA application at a representative soil loading rate of 0.2% (w/w) had no significant effect on soil enzyme activities, soil physicochemical properties (soil water content, pH, etc.), root characteristics, plant biomass, and crop yield. Thus, we conclude that soil quality, plant health, and ecosystem multifunctionality were not affected by PLA over one growing season (5 months) in the presence of either bio-MP shape (fiber and powder) for either crop species (oat and soybean). Overall, PLA based bio-MPs may not pose a significant threat to agroecosystem functions in the short term (days to months) in the field, thus may provide a viable environmentally benign solution to replace traditional non-biodegradable plastics in agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncong Chu
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Davey L Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK; SoilsWest, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6105, Australia
| | - Junyong Ge
- Zhangjiakou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhangjiakou, 075000, China
| | - Yadong Yang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Robert W Brown
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Huadong Zang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Zhaohai Zeng
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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48
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Chah CN, Banerjee A, Gadi VK, Sekharan S, Katiyar V. A systematic review on bioplastic-soil interaction: Exploring the effects of residual bioplastics on the soil geoenvironment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158311. [PMID: 36037904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Growing demand for plastic and increasing plastic waste pollution have led to significant environmental challenges and concerns in today's world. Bioplastics offer exciting new opportunities and possibilities where biodegradable and bio-based plastics are expected to be more eco-friendly and rely on renewable resources. With all its promises, evaluating its real impact and fate on the geoenvironment is paramount for promoting bioplastic use. This paper presents a systematic literature review to understand current bioplastic-soil research and the effects of its residues on the geoenvironment. 632 studies related to bioplastic research in soil since 1973 were identified and categorized into different relevant topics. Publication trend showed bioplastic-soil research grew exponentially after 2010 wherein field studies accounted to 33.1 % of the total studies and only about 9.7 % studied the effects of bioplastic residues on the geoenvironment. Majority of the lab studies were on development and subsequent stability of bioplastics in soil. Short-term studies (in months) dominated the longer-term studies and studies over 4 years were almost non-existent. Lab and field experiments often gave inconsistent results with seasonal, climatic and bio-geographical factors strongly influencing the field results and bioplastic stability in soil. Most existing studies reported significant effects for microbioplastic concentrations at or above 1 % w/w. Bioplastic residues were found to substantially affect soil C/N ratio, impact soil microbial diversity by favouring certain microbial taxa and alter soil physical structure by influencing soil aggregates formation. At higher concentrations, plant health and germination success were also negatively affected. Conclusively, the review found it important to focus more on long-term field experiments to better understand the degree and extent of bioplastic residue impact on soil physico-chemical properties, mechanical properties, soil biology, soil-bioplastic-plant response, nutrients and toxicity. There are also very few studies investigating contaminant transport and migration of micro or nano-bioplastics in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charakho N Chah
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India; Centre for Sustainable Polymers, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India
| | - Arnab Banerjee
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India; Centre for Sustainable Polymers, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India; Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India
| | - Vinay Kumar Gadi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India
| | - Sreedeep Sekharan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India; Centre for Sustainable Polymers, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India.
| | - Vimal Katiyar
- Centre for Sustainable Polymers, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, India; Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India
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49
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Temporiti MEE, Nicola L, Girometta CE, Roversi A, Daccò C, Tosi S. The Analysis of the Mycobiota in Plastic Polluted Soil Reveals a Reduction in Metabolic Ability. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121247. [PMID: 36547580 PMCID: PMC9785340 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a growing environmental issue that results in its accumulation and persistence in soil for many decades, with possible effects on soil quality and ecosystem services. Microorganisms, and especially fungi, are a keystone of soil biodiversity and soil metabolic capacity. The aim of this research was to study soil fungal biodiversity and soil microbial metabolic profiles in three different sites in northern Italy, where macro- and microplastic concentration in soil was measured. The metabolic analyses of soil microorganisms were performed by Biolog EcoPlates, while the ITS1 fragment of the 18S ribosomal cDNA was used as a target for the metabarcoding of fungal communities. The results showed an intense and significant decrease in soil microbial metabolic ability in the site with the highest concentration of microplastics. Moreover, the soil fungal community composition was significantly different in the most pristine site when compared with the other two sites. The metabarcoding of soil samples revealed a general dominance of Mortierellomycota followed by Ascomycota in all sampled soils. Moreover, a dominance of fungi involved in the degradation of plant residues was observed in all three sites. In conclusion, this study lays the foundation for further research into the effect of plastics on soil microbial communities and their activities.
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50
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Wang X, Xing Y, Lv M, Zhang T, Ya H, Jiang B. Recent advances on the effects of microplastics on elements cycling in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157884. [PMID: 35944635 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (<5 mm) are an emerging pollutant which have received increasing concern in recent years. Microplastics pose a serious hazard and potential risk to the environment due to their migration, transformation, adsorption and degradation properties. The effects of different types of microplastics on the elemental cycles (carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles) in ecosystems were comprehensively summarized. The impacts of microplastics on the element cycle occur mainly in the soil environment and to less extent in other environments. Microplastics affect carbon sources, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and carbon conversion processes, mainly by affecting plant and animal activities, changing gene abundance, enzyme activity, and microbial community composition. Microplastics can affect nitrogen sources, nitrogen fixation, ammonification, nitrification and denitrification processes by changing gene abundance, enzyme activity and microbial community composition. Microplastics can also influence phosphorus content and phosphorus conversion processes by stimulating enzyme activity and changing the composition of microbial communities. Future research needs to analyze the coupling of multiple microplastics and influencing factors on elemental cycling processes. This work provides a better view of the impacts of microplastics on element cycles and the interaction between microplastics and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Yi Xing
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Mingjie Lv
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Tian Zhang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Haobo Ya
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Zhejiang Development & Planning Institute, Hangzhou 310030, PR China
| | - Bo Jiang
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science & Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; National Engineering Laboratory for Site Remediation Technologies, Beijing 100015, PR China.
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