[Application and Environmental Risks of Biodegradable Films]

Plastic film mulching is a critical agricultural practice in China； however， the long-standing pattern of "extensive use but inadequate recycling" has led to severe residual film pollution， negatively impacting soil health and crop productivity. Biodegradable films exhibit excellent degradation properties and can gradually break down into H₂O， CO₂， and minerals via biological and abiotic mechanisms. Their application can significantly improve soil hydrothermal conditions， enhance soil nutrients， and achieve yield increases comparable to conventional plastic films. Therefore， promoting and applying biodegradable films is an effective strategy to address agricultural residual film pollution. However， during the degradation process， these films may release substantial amounts of microplastics and additives into the soil environment， posing risks to soil fauna， microorganisms， and crops， with potential human health implications through the food chain. Based on literature and statistical data， this study summarizes the developmental history， degradation mechanisms， application research， and environmental risks of biodegradable films. It also proposes future research priorities and directions， aiming to provide a reference for the application and environmental risk management of biodegradable films.