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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils
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Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils

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Conventional low-density polyethylene microplastic induce stronger adverse effects on maize-soil-bacteria system than

Yixiu Wang1, Hongyan Cheng2, Chaodong Yang1

  • 1College of Resource and Environment, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China.

Journal of Environmental Management
|January 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Microplastics (MPs) from mulch films impact soil and maize differently. Biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) MPs can benefit maize growth and soil health at low concentrations, unlike conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) MPs.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Soil Science

Background:

  • Mulch films are a primary source of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils.
  • Understanding the differential impacts of various MP types on crop-soil systems is crucial for sustainable agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA) MPs on maize (common and glutinous varieties) and associated soil bacterial communities.
  • To analyze MP accumulation in maize roots and their influence on plant physiology and soil properties.

Main Methods:

  • Controlled experiment exposing maize to different types and concentrations of MPs (LDPE and PLA).
  • Analysis of MP accumulation in root tissues (vascular and cortical).
  • Measurement of plant growth parameters, chlorophyll content, soil properties (SOC, TN), enzyme activities, and bacterial community structure and function.

Main Results:

  • PLA MPs at low concentrations promoted maize growth and soil health, while LDPE MPs consistently inhibited growth.
  • MP accumulation varied by maize variety and type, with PLA entering vascular tissues in common maize.
  • LDPE MPs altered soil nitrogen and catalase activity, and significantly shifted bacterial abundance and metabolic pathways, whereas PLA MPs showed mixed effects depending on concentration.

Conclusions:

  • The impact of microplastics on agricultural systems is not uniform and depends heavily on the polymer type and concentration.
  • Glutinous maize demonstrated higher resilience to MP contamination compared to common maize.
  • Variability among crop varieties is a critical factor to consider when assessing microplastic risks in agriculture.
Keywords:
CropMicroplastics accumulationSoil pollutionStructural equation modelingVariety-specific response

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