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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
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Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
Effect of Biodegradable PLA-Based and Conventional LDPE Mulch Films on Pathogenic and Functional Soil Microbial
Magdalena Zaborowska1, Jadwiga Wyszkowska1, Agata Borowik1
1Department of Soil Science and Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Microplastics from poly(lactic acid) and low-density polyethylene films alter soil bacterial communities, including potential pathogens. Soil bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas umsongensis effectively restored microbial balance, unlike humic acid biostimulation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Soil Science
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Microplastic contamination is a growing environmental concern, with limited understanding of its effects on agricultural soil microbiology.
- Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) are common plastic mulching materials with unknown soil microbial impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of PLA and LDPE microplastics on soil bacterial abundance, structure, and function.
- To assess the potential for soil bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas umsongensis and biostimulation with humic acids to mitigate microplastic effects.
- To identify shifts in bacterial communities, including the presence of potential pathogens, under microplastic exposure.
Main Methods:
- Application of PLA and LDPE films to soil at 4 g kg⁻¹ dry matter.
- Culturable bacteria analysis to assess sensitivity and stimulation.
- 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing for bacterial community structure analysis.
- Evaluation of bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas umsongensis and biostimulation with humic acids.
Main Results:
- Both PLA and LDPE microplastics altered soil bacterial communities, with PLA showing a stronger inhibitory effect on organotrophic bacteria but stimulating actinomycetes.
- PLA favored the dominance of Bacillus and Limnochorda, while LDPE promoted Actinobacteriota and Chloroflexota.
- Potential pathogens like Bacillus, Mycobacterium, and Ralstonia colonized both microplastic types; Pseudomonas umsongensis bioaugmentation was more effective than humic acid biostimulation in restoring microbial balance.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics significantly impact soil bacterial communities, influencing both beneficial and potentially pathogenic microorganisms.
- Pseudomonas umsongensis bioaugmentation offers a promising strategy for mitigating the adverse effects of microplastic pollution in agricultural soils.
- Microbial preparations based on Pseudomonas umsongensis can be a valuable tool for soil remediation.
Keywords:
LDPE mulch filmPLA mulch filmbioaugmentationhumic acidsmicroplasticspathogenic bacteriasoil bacteriobiomeMore Related Videos
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