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Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a synthetic polymer widely utilized in the packaging industry, particularly for bottles and containers. Due to its chemical stability and durability, PET accumulates in the environment, contributing significantly to plastic pollution. It comprises repeating units of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, resulting in a semi-crystalline structure that is resistant to natural degradation processes.A notable breakthrough in plastic biodegradation came with the...
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Pesticides often feature structurally complex chemical architectures, incorporating halogen groups and multiple aromatic rings. These characteristics confer high chemical stability, rendering many pesticides resistant to natural degradation processes. This resistance poses significant environmental concerns, as persistent pesticide residues can accumulate in ecosystems and affect non-target organisms.Despite the inherent stability of many pesticides, certain microorganisms possess the metabolic...
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Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
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Published on: May 10, 2013

Linking Polymer Transformation and Soil Microclimate to Mulch (Bio)Degradation: A Field-Based Approach Using Mesh

Corina Carranca1,2, Filipe Pedra1, Gustavo Brunetto3

  • 1INIAV-National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research, Qta. Marquês, Av. República, Nova Oeiras, 2784-505 Oeiras, Portugal.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Mulch degradation in perennial crops depends on material type and environment. This study found polymer composition, not soil conditions, primarily drives mulch breakdown under Mediterranean field conditions.

Keywords:
ATR-FTIR spectroscopyMediterranean conditionsbiodegradable mulchesconventional plastic mulchesin situ mass losspolymer (bio)degradationsoil microclimate

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Published on: December 24, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Polymer Science
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Mulch materials are crucial in perennial cropping systems, but factors governing their degradation remain unclear.
  • Understanding mulch degradation is vital for sustainable agriculture and soil health management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the degradation rates of different mulch types under field conditions.
  • To determine the relative influence of polymer properties versus soil microclimatic factors on mulch degradation.

Main Methods:

  • A one-year field experiment compared Kraft paper, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE) mulches.
  • Mass loss was measured in situ, and soil microclimate (moisture, temperature, EC) was monitored.
  • Polymer structural changes were analyzed using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy.

Main Results:

  • Kraft paper showed rapid degradation (≈72% mass loss), attributed to moisture and hydrolysis.
  • PBAT-based mulch exhibited minimal degradation (≈3.5%), indicating limited enzymatic activity.
  • Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) mulches showed no significant mass loss and minimal structural changes.

Conclusions:

  • Inherent polymer composition and biodegradability are the primary drivers of mulch degradation.
  • Soil microclimatic conditions, such as thermal time, had a lesser impact on degradation rates in this study.
  • Findings highlight the importance of material selection for effective mulch management in perennial cropping systems.