Analysis of microbial populations in plastic-soil systems after exposure to high poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) load using high-resolution molecular technique

Background Bio-based and biodegradable plastics are considered as plastics of the future owing to their ability to decompose under various environmental conditions. However, their effects on the soil microbiome are poorly characterised. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of an important bio-based and biodegradable plastic, polybutylene succinate-co-adipate (PBSA), on soil microbial diversity and community composition using high-resolution molecular technique (Illumina sequencing) targeting all three microbial domains: archaea, bacteria, and fungi. Results Adding high load of PBSA to soil (6% (w/w)) caused a significant decline in archaeal (13%) and fungal (45%) richness and substantial changes in both bacterial (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria) and fungal (Eurotiomycetes, Sordariomycetes, Leotiomycetes, and Dothideomycetes) community composition compared with no PBSA addition to soil. The combined effects of PBSA and (NH4)(2)SO4 fertilisation on the soil microbiome were much greater than the effects of PBSA alone. We only detected opportunistic human pathogens in low abundance on PBSA and in the surrounding soil. However, some plant pathogenic fungi were detected and/or enriched on the PBSA films and in surrounding soil. Apart from plant pathogens, many potential microbial control agents and plant growth-promoting microorganisms were also detected/enriched owing to PBSA addition. Adding high load of PBSA together with (NH4)(2)SO4 fertilisation can either eliminate some plant pathogens or enrich specific pathogens, especially Fusarium solani, which is economically important. Conclusions We conclude that high load of bio-based and biodegradable PBSA plastic may negatively affect soil microbiome.

Automated summary

The addition of a high load of PBSA to soil can significantly reduce the richness of archaea and fungi, as well as cause substantial changes in the composition of bacterial and fungal communities. The combined effects of PBSA and (NH4)2SO4 fertilization have a greater impact on soil microbiome than PBSA alone. While opportunistic human pathogens were only detected in low abundance, plant pathogenic fungi were found on PBSA films and in surrounding soil.