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Related Concept Videos

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 11, 2025

Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils
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Polyethylene microplastics reduce microbe-driven multifunctionality in maize-soybean intercropping ecosystem.

Zhenxiu Liu1, Yali Liu1, Zifang Zhou1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Ecology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Centre of Modern Eco-agriculture and Circular Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.

Journal of Hazardous Materials
|August 14, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microplastic (MP) pollution negatively impacts agroecosystems, reducing soil microbial diversity and ecosystem multifunctionality in maize-soybean intercropping. Polyethylene MPs significantly impair soil health and crop productivity, necessitating urgent mitigation strategies.

Keywords:
Ecosystem multifunctionalityMaize-soybean intercropping systemMicroplasticsSoil biochemistryStress response

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Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Soil Science

Background:

  • Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging threat to agroecosystem functioning.
  • The impact of MPs on soil microbial communities and ecosystem multifunctionality in intercropping systems is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) MPs on maize-soybean intercropping systems.
  • To assess the influence of MPs on plant physiology, soil properties, microbial diversity, and ecosystem multifunctionality.

Main Methods:

  • Maize-soybean intercropping systems were treated with PE, PP, and PS MPs at concentrations of 0.1%, 1%, and 5% (w/w).
  • Plant biomass, physiological parameters, soil properties (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus), enzyme activities, microbial diversity (alpha diversity and network complexity), and ecosystem multifunctionality were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • High concentrations (5%) of PP MPs reduced maize biomass, while PS MPs increased it.
  • MPs altered plant physiology, with varying effects on soluble sugar and protein content in maize and soybean.
  • Soil nutrient content (total C, nitrate N) was generally improved by 5% MPs, but available and total phosphorus decreased.
  • Soil enzyme activities related to C, N, and P cycling were mostly promoted.
  • Bacterial and fungal alpha diversity decreased, while microbial network complexity increased.
  • Notably, 5% PE MPs significantly reduced ecosystem multifunctionality, primarily due to decreased microbial diversity and nutrient availability.

Conclusions:

  • Microplastic pollution disrupts critical plant-microbe-soil interactions within intercropping systems.
  • Polyethylene MPs pose a significant threat to the multifunctionality of agricultural soils.
  • Mitigation of PE MP pollution, particularly from agricultural mulch films, is crucial for maintaining agroecosystem health and productivity.