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PBAT biodegradable microplastics enhanced organic matter decomposition capacity and CO2 emission in soils with and without straw residue

  • 0School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
Journal of Hazardous Materials +

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September 21, 2024

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September 21, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) significantly increase soil CO2 emissions by promoting soil organic matter decomposition and potentially degrading themselves. This effect is observed even with agricultural practices like straw return.

Area Of Science

  • Environmental Science
  • Soil Science
  • Biogeochemistry

Background

  • Biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) may increase soil CO2 emissions.
  • The impact of BMPs on soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and the underlying mechanisms require further investigation.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the effects and mechanisms of BMPs on soil CO2 emissions.
  • To examine the interaction between BMPs and straw returning on carbon cycling.

Main Methods

  • Incubation of soils with and without wheat straw and 1% poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) BMPs for 120 days.
  • Measurement of cumulative CO2 emissions.
  • Analysis of soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) content, carbon degradation gene abundance, and enzyme activities.
  • DOM molecular composition analysis.

Main Results

  • PBAT BMPs significantly increased cumulative CO2 emissions in both soil types.
  • Cracks on PBAT indicated partial CO2 origin from plastic degradation.
  • Increased DOM content, carbon degradation gene abundance, and enzyme activities correlated with higher CO2 emissions.
  • DOM analysis revealed stimulated turnover of carbohydrates, amino sugars, and lignin.

Conclusions

  • PBAT BMPs enhance soil carbon emissions by stimulating SOM decomposition through co-metabolism and nitrogen mining.
  • BMPs can affect SOM stability and alter soil carbon cycling.
  • The interaction with straw returning did not inhibit the effect of BMPs on carbon emissions.

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