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Vertical migration of microplastics along soil profile under different crop root systems
Haixiao Li1, Xueqiang Lu1, Shiyu Wang1
1College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|March 10, 2021
Summary
Crop roots influence microplastic movement in soil. While water and fauna cause downward migration, corn roots can move microplastics upward, and fine roots like ryegrass retain them.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive soil contaminants.
- Vertical migration of MPs in soil is influenced by water infiltration, soil fauna, and plant roots.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the vertical migration of microplastics in soil profiles under different crop roots (corn, soybean, ryegrass).
- To determine the role of crop roots in microplastic transport and distribution within the soil.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-scale incubation experiment.
- Analysis of microplastic distribution along soil profiles.
- Correlation analysis between microplastic presence and root characteristics.
Main Results:
- Crop roots had minimal effect on microplastic migration when MPs were surface-distributed.
- Corn roots facilitated upward microplastic movement in middle soil layers (7-12 cm) due to root-induced pores and water buoyancy.
- Ryegrass roots showed a positive correlation with microplastic accumulation, indicating retention by fine roots.
Conclusions:
- Crop roots can counteract downward microplastic migration caused by water and fauna.
- Corn roots contribute to upward microplastic transport, while fine roots like ryegrass can retain microplastics.
- Plant roots play a complex role in the vertical distribution and fate of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems.
