Microplastics negatively affect soil fauna but stimulate microbial activity: insights from a field-based microplastic addition experiment

Lin, Dunmei; Gao, Yang; Dou, Pengpeng; Qian, Shenhua; Zhao, Liang; Yang, Yongchuan; Fanin, Nicolas

doi:10.1098/rspb.2020.1268

Cited by 104 publications

(63 citation statements)

References 71 publications

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“…MPs are often categorized as primary, in which particles are manufactured as < 5-mm particles (e.g., microbeads), or as secondary, in which the particles originate from degradation of macroplastics (>5 mm) (Andrady, 2017). After release into the environment, MPs continue to physically breakdown into smaller particles over time (Weinstein et al, 2016), thereby making them ingestible by a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial organisms (Desforges et al, 2015;Duncan et al, 2019;Lin et al, 2020;Shang et al, 2020). Plastic ingestion occurs in many marine mammals, seabirds, fish and smaller food-chain components (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments of a coastal city in Eastern China

Liao

et al. 2021

Journal of Hazardous Materials

247

105

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Microplastics (MPs) in marine and terrestrial environments have been intensively studied, but the dynamics of airborne MPs remains limited. Existing studies on atmospheric MPs are mostly derived from collection of atmospheric deposition, whereas direct measurements of airborne MPs are scarce. However, the abundance of airborne MPs is more relevant for evaluating human inhalation exposure risk. Herein, airborne MPs in indoor and outdoor environments from urban and rural areas of a coastal city in eastern China were investigated. MP concentrations (mean±SD) in indoor air (1583 ± 1180 n/m 3 ) were an order of magnitude higher than outdoor air (189 ± 85 n/m 3 ), and airborne MP concentrations in urban areas (224 ± 70 n/m 3 ) were higher than rural areas (101 ± 47 n/m 3 ). MPs smaller than 100 µm dominated airborne MPs, and the predominant shape of airborne MPs was fragments, as opposed to fibers. The larger MP size fractions contained a higher proportion of fibers, whereas the smaller size fractions were nearly exclusively composed of fragments. The health risk caused by ubiquitous airborne MPs should not be discounted as the maximum annual outdoor exposure of airborne MPs can reach 1 million/year, while indoor exposure may be even higher due to higher indoor airborne MP concentrations.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments of a coastal city in Eastern China

Liao

et al. 2021

Journal of Hazardous Materials

247

105

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…A simulated experiment confirmed that exposure to high levels of PE MPs (>28%, not environmentally realistic) inhibited the growth and increased earthworm fatality, while the reproduction rate was unaffected (Zhu et al, 2018). Nonetheless, manual addition of more realistic quantities of low-density polyethylene fragments in the field significantly affected the composition and decreased the abundance of microarthropod and nematode communities (Lin et al, 2020). PAEs and MPs may have synergistic effects causing damage to soil fauna, and the PAE content may be the more influential component explaining the observed impacts of MPs.…”

Section: Soil Macrofaunamentioning

confidence: 84%

Perspectives on ecological risks of microplastics and phthalate acid esters in crop production systems

et al. 2021

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Microplastics (MPs) and phthalate acid esters (PAEs) co-occur as emerging contaminants of global importance. Their abundance in soil is of increasing concern as plastic-intensive practices continue. Mulching with plastic films, inclusion in fertilizers, composts, sludge application, and wastewater irrigation are all major and common sources of MPs and PAEs in soil. Here, we review studies on the concentration and effects of MPs and PAEs in soil. While there is limited research on the interactions between MPs and PAEs in agroecosystems, there is evidence to suggest they could mutually affect soil ecology and plant growth. Therefore, we propose new research into 1) establishing an efficient, accurate, and simple method to quantify different types of microplastics in soils and plants; 2) exploring the behavior and understanding the mechanisms of co-transfer, transformation, and interactions with soil biota (especially in vegetable production systems); 3) assessing the risk and consequences of combined and discreet impacts of MPs and PAEs on plants and soil biota, and 4) preventing or reducing the transfer of MPs and PAEs into-and within-the food chain.

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“…Burrows may cause long-term ecological effects to not only its species but also other different organisms as it forms the bases for many food chains (Huerta Lwanga et al 2016 ). Similarly, Lin et al studied the impact of MPs on soil organisms and found that with the increment in MPs, worms and microarthropods populations decreased (Lin et al 2020 ). Also, the insertion of polyethylene fragments in the field significantly affected the composition and abundance of microarthropod and nematode communities.…”

Section: Effects Of Mps On the Environmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastics in environment: global concern, challenges, and controlling measures

Lamichhane

Acharya

Marahatha

et al. 2022

Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol.

132

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Plastic pollution in various forms has emerged as the most severe environmental threat. Small plastic chunks, such as microplastics and nanoplastics derived from primary and secondary sources, are a major concern worldwide due to their adverse effects on the environment and public health. Several years have been spent developing robust spectroscopic techniques that should be considered top-notch; however, researchers are still trying to find efficient and straightforward methods for the analysis of microplastics but have yet to develop a viable solution. Because of the small size of these degraded plastics, they have been found in various species, from human brains to blood and digestive systems. Several pollution-controlling methods have been tested in recent years, and these methods are prominent and need to be developed. Bacterial degradation, sunlight-driven photocatalyst, fuels, and biodegradable plastics could be game-changers in future research on plastic pollution control. However, recent fledgling steps in controlling methods appear insufficient due to widespread contamination. As a result, proper regulation of environmental microplastics is a significant challenge, and the most equitable way to manage plastic pollution. Therefore, this paper discusses the current state of microplastics, some novel and well-known identification techniques, strategies for overcoming microplastic effects, and needed solutions to mitigate this planetary pollution. This review article, we believe, will fill a void in the field of plastic identification and pollution mitigation research.

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Microplastics negatively affect soil fauna but stimulate microbial activity: insights from a field-based microplastic addition experiment

Cited by 104 publications

References 71 publications

Airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments of a coastal city in Eastern China

Airborne microplastics in indoor and outdoor environments of a coastal city in Eastern China

Perspectives on ecological risks of microplastics and phthalate acid esters in crop production systems

Microplastics in environment: global concern, challenges, and controlling measures

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