Links among Microbial Communities, Soil Properties and Functions: Are Fungi the Sole Players in Decomposition of Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastic?

Abstract

The incomplete degradation of bio-based and biodegradable plastics (BBPs) in soils causes multiple threats to soil quality, human health, and food security. Plastic residuals can interact with soil microbial communities. We aimed to link the structure and enzyme-mediated functional traits of a microbial community composition that were present during poly (butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate (PBSA) decomposition in soil with (PSN) and without (PS) the addition of nitrogen fertilizer ((NH4)2SO4). We identified bacterial (Achromobacter, Luteimonas, Rhodanobacter, and Lysobacter) and fungal (Fusarium, Chaetomium, Clonostachys, Fusicolla, and Acremonium) taxa that were linked to the activities of ß-glucosidase, chitinase, phosphatase, and lipase in plastic-amended soils. Fungal biomass increased by 1.7 and 4 times in PS and PSN treatment, respectively, as compared to non-plastic amended soil. PBSA significantly changed the relationships between soil properties (C: N ratio, TN, and pH) and microbial community structure; however, the relationships between fungal biomass and soil enzyme activities remained constant. PBSA significantly altered the relationship between fungal biomass and acid phosphatase. We demonstrated that although the soil functions related to nutrient cycling were not negatively affected in PSN treatment, potential negative effects are reasoned by the enrichment of plant pathogens. We concluded that in comparison to fungi, the bacteria demonstrated a broader functional spectrum in the BBP degradation process.

Effects of crop residue incorporation on soil‐biodegradable mulch film degradation in a broccoli‐sorghum rotation system

“…Previous studies hypothesized that bacteria would play a minor role in the biodegradation of mulch films compared to fungi (Sander, 2019; Yamamoto‐Tamura et al., 2015, 2020). Some recent studies suggest that interactions between fungi and bacteria in plastic biodegradation could be more complex than previously thought (Guliyev et al., 2022; Purahong et al., 2021). Future studies are needed to clarify which bacteria and fungi are responsible for the biodegradation of mulch films, as polymer breakdown may begin with a single microorganism or enzyme (e.g., esterase) and later require the activity of other organisms whose abundance differs spatially and might be influenced by farmers management practices (Brodhagen et al., 2015).…”

“…matter (e.g., Guliyev et al, 2022), and very few explored their interactions with crop residues (e.g., Kapanen et al, 2008). These studies were generally not conducted under open-field conditions.…”

“…Changes in the metabolism of microorganisms can be monitored by measuring enzymatic activities such as esterases that are associated with the biodegradation of polyester‐based soil‐biodegradable mulch films (Tsuboi et al, 2022) or by measuring soil CO 2 emissions (Basalirwa et al., 2020; Toderi et al., 2022; Yonemura et al., 2014). However, only a limited number of studies have investigated the interactions between soil‐biodegradable mulch flms and soil organic matter (e.g., Guliyev et al, 2022), and very few explored their interactions with crop residues (e.g., Kapanen et al, 2008). These studies were generally not conducted under open‐field conditions.…”

Degradation of Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastic and Its Contribution to Soil Organic Carbon Stock

“…The soil was sampled from winter barley, homogenized passing through a 2 mm sieve and divided into the following treatments: (1) control soil without PBSA (S); (2) control soil without PBSA and with (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 addition (SN); (3) PBSA–soil—soil with PBSA addition (PS); (4) PBSA–soil–N—soil with PBSA and (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 addition (PSN). The PBSA treatment contained 28.5 g of soil (equivalent to 23.5 g dry soil) and 1.5 g (6% PBSA, w / w ) of plastic material [ 11 , 53 , 54 ]. The five replicates of each treatment were put into a glass container and placed into plastic 250 mL jars in the respirometer for CO 2 emission measurement.…”

Role of fungi in bioremediation of emerging pollutants

“…The fungal species Gongronella butleri, Penicillium spp., Acremonium recifei, Paecilomyces lilacinus, and Trichoderma pseudokoningii were identified as colonizers and potential PHA degraders. Addition of PBSA to the soil was shown to nearly double the fungal biomass (Guliyev et al, 2022). When PBSA was exposed to field soil conditions Tetracaldium spp.…”