Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
Aluminum and microplastic release from reflective agricultural films disrupt microbial communities and functions in
Kai Wang1, Markus Flury2, Yakov Kuzyakov3
1Research Center for Cultural Landscape Protection and Ecological Restoration, China-Portugal Joint Laboratory of Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Supported by the Belt and Road Initiative, Gold Mantis School of Architecture, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
Abstract:
Reflective agricultural films are widely used in vegetable production and orchards to repel pests, accelerate fruit ripening, and boost yields. These films, composed of a plastic base metallized with aluminum (Al), degrade over time in soil, releasing Al and microplastics. This study investigated the aging and weathering of Al-coated reflective films (polyethylene terephthalate, PET-based) under UV radiation, simulated rainfall, and soil burial for up to 120 days, assessing the effects of released Al and microplastics on soil chemistry and microbial communities. Weathering was confirmed by the formation of C-O/CO functional groups, an increasing carbonyl index, and the oxidation of Al to Al₂O₃, as shown by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Faster Al-coated shedding and PET oxidation were observed in the soil environment. Microplastics (0.5 % w/w) from the films reduced soil micronutrient availability (Fe, Mn, Cu), suppressed functional genes involved in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling, and shifted microbial communities towards oligotrophic bacteria enrichment (e.g., RB41, Candidatus_Udaeobacter, Gemmatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi) while reducing copiotrophic bacteria (e.g., Sphingomonas, Ellin6067, Dongia, Puia, and Flavisolibacter). Therefore, these findings highlight that reflective film weathering strongly alters soil nutrient content and microbial community composition, with potential implications for soil health and agricultural sustainability.
Related Concept Videos
Freshwater Microbial Ecology
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides
Microbial Wastewater Treatment
Microbial Corrosion
Bioplastics
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics

