A critical review of biodegradable plastic mulch films in agriculture: Definitions, scientific background and potential impacts

Review Engineering, Environmental

The long-term uncertainty of biodegradable mulch film residues and associated microplastics pollution on plant-soil health

Jie Zhou et al.

Summary: Biodegradable mulch film offers a potential alternative to conventional plastic films, but may result in more severe microplastic pollution and uncertain impacts on plant-soil health.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2023)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Leaching of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate from biodegradable and conventional microplastics and the potential risks

Xiaocong Zhong et al.

Summary: There is a growing concern about plastic pollution and its impact on both health and ecology. This study investigated the release of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a common plastic additive, from different types of plastics into seawater. The results showed that the leaching potentials of DEHP varied among the selected plastics, with polyethylene mulch having the highest leaching potential and PBAT/PLA bags having the lowest. The study also assessed the potential environmental and human exposure risk of the leached DEHP, indicating low pollution risks in seawater.

CHEMOSPHERE (2023)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Phytotoxicity assessment of biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastics using seed germination and early growth tests

Ewa Liwarska-Bizukojc

Summary: This study found that plastics have no significant impact on seed germination of higher plants, but have varying effects on the growth of roots or stems depending on the concentration, chemical composition, and plant species. Dicotyledonous plants are more likely to be inhibited in root growth by PHB and PLA.

CHEMOSPHERE (2022)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Combined effects of degradable film fragments and micro/nanoplastics on growth of wheat seedling and rhizosphere microbes

Xinwei Ren et al.

Summary: Multiple sources of microplastics in farmland can alter the microbial community and plant growth, potentially affecting food safety.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (2022)

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Review Environmental Sciences

Microbial Colonization and Degradation of Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystem: A Review

Sujata Mishra et al.

Summary: This article focuses on microbial colonization and degradation of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems, emphasizing the significant impact of microbes on the reduction of plastic waste in the environment.

GEOMICROBIOLOGY JOURNAL (2022)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Microplastics change soil properties, heavy metal availability and bacterial community in a Pb-Zn-contaminated soil

Xueying Feng et al.

Summary: This study investigated the impacts of different types of Microplastics (MPs) on Pb-Zn contaminated soil and found that MPs, especially at a dose of 2%, decreased the richness and diversity of bacterial communities, altered microbial community composition, and significantly affected soil properties and heavy metal availability. The effects were dependent on the type and dose of MPs.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2022)

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Review Polymer Science

Formulation of Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Film for Agriculture Crop Protection: A Review

Maisara Azad Mat Akhir et al.

Summary: The demand for biodegradable plastic mulch for mulching applications has significantly increased due to environmental concerns, soil health conservation, and easy residue management. This article reviews recent advances in different formulations of plastic mulch film, including single polymers, polymer blends, and biodegradable polymeric materials.

POLYMER REVIEWS (2022)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Adsorption behaviors and mechanisms of antibiotic norfloxacin on degradable and nondegradable microplastics

Meng Sun et al.

Summary: The misuse of antibiotics and plastics increases environmental pollution, with microplastics being able to adsorb other pollutants. The mechanisms of antibiotic adsorption by degradable and nondegradable microplastics differ. A recent study sheds light on the interaction mechanisms between microplastics and antibiotics.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2022)

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Article Plant Sciences

Effects of biodegradable plastics on soil properties and greenhouse gas production

Kazuyuki Inubushi et al.

Summary: Biodegradable plastics have significant effects on soil, greenhouse gas production, and plant growth, with the specific impacts depending on the type of plastic and timing.

SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION (2022)

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Article Marine & Freshwater Biology

Biodegradable and conventional microplastics posed similar toxicity to marine algae Chlorella vulgaris

Yuanyuan Su et al.

Summary: It has been demonstrated that conventional and biodegradable microplastics have toxic effects on algae in marine ecosystems. Microplastics inhibit algae growth but also stimulate the production of stress defense mechanisms. The physicochemical properties and chemical changes of microplastics play significant roles in their inhibitory effects.

AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (2022)

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Review Environmental Sciences

Biodegradable Microplastics: A Review on the Interaction with Pollutants and Influence to Organisms

Yi Wang et al.

Summary: Biodegradable plastics have attracted public attention as substitutes for traditional plastics, but their complete degradation is rare. Moreover, they may be converted into microplastics more rapidly, posing another threat to the environment.

BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY (2022)

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Review Environmental Sciences

A review on the occurrence and influence of biodegradable microplastics in soil ecosystems: Are biodegradable plastics substitute or threat?

Ping Fan et al.

Summary: This paper reviews the degradation characteristics and ecological effects of biodegradable plastics (BPs) and biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) in soil ecosystems. It reveals that BMPs have different or more severe impacts on soil environment compared to conventional microplastics (MPs), and BPs are not a perfect substitute for solving plastic pollution. Further research should focus on the generation, environmental behavior, ecological impact of BPs, and whether BMPs cause greater harm.

ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL (2022)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Effect of different polymers of microplastics on soil organic carbon and nitrogen-A mesocosm experiment

Fanrong Meng et al.

Summary: This study found that biodegradable microplastics (Bio-MPs) had a stronger impact on the dynamics of soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, posing potential threats to agroecosystems.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH (2022)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Degradation and Stabilization of Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate)/Polyhydroxyalkanoate Biodegradable Mulch Films Under Different Aging Tests

James H. Wang et al.

Summary: The study aimed to investigate the degradation behaviors of PBAT/PHA blend mulch films, adding UV stabilizer or antioxidant significantly improved the retention of mechanical properties, morphological evolution was studied by SEM, thermal properties and crystallinity analysis showed damage of crystalline structure during AAT, spectroscopic results indicated hydrolysis and photodegradative chain scissions.

JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (2022)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Effect of LDPE and biodegradable PBAT primary microplastics on bacterial community after four months of soil incubation

Chengtao Li et al.

Summary: The study found that the amount of the biodegradable plastic PBAT used can affect the physical-chemical properties of soil and bacterial communities. Higher amounts of PBAT decrease the content of NO3--N and TP in the soil, while lower amounts of PBAT increase the diversity of soil bacterial communities.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2022)

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Article Agriculture, Multidisciplinary

Effects of compost, cover crops, and local conditions on degradation of two agricultural mulches in soil

M. B. Samuelson et al.

Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether organic soil management practices could accelerate the degradation rate of two potential biobased and biodegradable mulches. The results showed that the application of management treatments seasonally influenced the soil properties, but had no effect on mulch degradation. Instead, mulch degradation was driven by the interaction of location and mulch type.

RENEWABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS (2022)

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Article Polymer Science

Analysis of the microplastic emission potential of a starch-based biodegradable plastic material

Francesco Degli-Innocenti et al.

Summary: This article presents a method for characterizing and classifying polymeric materials based on their potential to release persistent microplastics into the environment. The authors defined a parameter called microplastic emission potential (MPEP) to quantify this hazard and classified different materials accordingly. They also developed a model to simulate the build-up of microplastics from different polymers in the environment.

POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY (2022)

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Review Environmental Sciences

The polymers and their additives in particulate plastics: What makes them hazardous to the fauna?

Srinidhi Sridharan et al.

Summary: Due to increasing concerns on global ecosystems and human health, the environmental risks posed by microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have become an important topic of research. However, studies on these micro(nano)-plastics (NPs) have often treated them as a single entity instead of recognizing the diverse compositions and behaviors of different plastic polymers. Furthermore, there is limited understanding of the leachability and ecotoxicity of additives associated with these polymers.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2022)

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Article Polymer Science

Effects and Impacts of Different Oxidative Digestion Treatments on Virgin and Aged Microplastic Particles

Ilaria Savino et al.

Summary: Several sample preparation methods for analyzing microplastics in environmental matrices have been implemented in recent years. However, important uncertainties and criticalities in the approaches adopted still persist. This study evaluates Fenton's reaction digestion pre-treatment used to isolate and extract microplastics from environmental matrices, and identifies temperature and polymer type as the major factors influencing extraction efficacy.

POLYMERS (2022)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Into the Plastisphere, Where Only the Generalists Thrive: Early Insights in Plastisphere Microbial Community Succession

Jessica A. Wallbank et al.

Summary: Plastic debris in marine environments can impact marine microbiota, but microorganisms primarily use plastics as attachment surfaces to form biofilm communities, rather than gaining direct metabolic benefits.

FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE (2022)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Effect of Long-Term Biodegradable Film Mulch on Soil Physicochemical and Microbial Properties

Mingming Zhang et al.

Summary: The study found that biodegradable mulch can improve soil quality by reducing soil bulk density and increasing nutrient content and microbial activity. This provides theoretical and technical support for the environmental safety evaluation and large-scale promotion of biodegradable mulches.

TOXICS (2022)

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Article Environmental Sciences

An update on polyethylene and biodegradable plastic mulch films and their impact on the environment

Harshitha Somanathan et al.

Summary: Agricultural biodegradable mulch films are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic mulch films, offering advantages in increasing crop yield while protecting the soil and the environment. Degradable mulch films can be tilled into the soil after use and are expected to disintegrate over time, reducing soil pollution and environmental contamination caused by improper disposal of plastic films.

CHEMOSPHERE (2022)

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Review Environmental Sciences

A systematic review on bioplastic-soil interaction: Exploring the effects of residual bioplastics on the soil geoenvironment

Charakho N. Chah et al.

Summary: The growing demand for plastic and its pollution has raised environmental concerns. Bioplastics, which are biodegradable and made from renewable resources, offer potential eco-friendly alternatives. This paper presents a literature review on bioplastic-soil research, identifying 632 studies since 1973. The findings show that most research has focused on lab studies and short-term experiments, while long-term field experiments and studies on contamination and migration of bioplastics in soil are scarce. The impact of bioplastic residues on soil properties, microbial diversity, and plant health is significant, making it crucial to conduct more long-term field experiments.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2022)

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Review Polymer Science

Polymers Use as Mulch Films in Agriculture-A Review of History, Problems and Current Trends

Zinnia Mansoor et al.

Summary: The application of mulch films in agriculture is important for preserving soil moisture and preventing weed growth. However, the use of plastic mulch films has raised concerns about plastic pollution and health hazards. As a result, there has been a growing research focus on finding biodegradable alternatives. Despite the potential benefits, finding a suitable biodegradable polymer for mulch films involves balancing factors such as mechanical properties, cost, and biodegradability.

POLYMERS (2022)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Impact of microplastics from polyethylene and biodegradable mulch films on rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Chong Yang et al.

Summary: Microplastics derived from plastic mulch film can negatively affect the growth, physiological processes, and gene expressions of rice plants, including reducing plant height and dry weight, inducing oxidative stress, and regulating gene expressions. These negative effects can be mitigated with the growth of plants, and microplastics from polyethylene mulch film have a relatively stronger negative impact on rice plants compared to microplastics from a PBAT-based biodegradable film.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2022)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Metabolic engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica for poly(ethylene terephthalate) degradation

Katarzyna E. Kosiorowska et al.

Summary: This study presents a novel method for directly degrading PET using a modified yeast strain. The addition of supplements enhances the efficiency of PET degradation, resulting in an increase in the amount of degradation products over time.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2022)

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Review Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

An Overall Perspective for the Study of Emerging Contaminants in Karst Aquifers

Claudia Campanale et al.

Summary: This review aims to fill the knowledge gap concerning major concerns affecting karst aquifers and to understand their vulnerabilities and dynamics. The article details various groundwater pollutants and highlights the importance of studying the dynamics and relationships among different pollutant inputs and their drivers.

RESOURCES-BASEL (2022)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Degradation Rates and Bacterial Community Compositions Vary among Commonly Used Bioplastic Materials in a Brackish Marine Environment

Eeva L. Eronen-Rasimus et al.

Summary: Plastic pollution poses a threat to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The use of bioplastics is increasing, but little is known about their biodegradation in natural conditions. This study investigated the weight attrition and degradation behavior of different bioplastic materials compared to conventional polyethylene, as well as the changes in bacterial communities.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (2022)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Adsorption behaviors of triclosan by non-biodegradable and biodegradable microplastics: Kinetics and mechanism

Ke Shi et al.

Summary: Microplastics pollution is a serious and widespread issue in the global environment. This study investigated the adsorption behaviors of triclosan (TCS) by non-biodegradable polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and found that aged microplastics exhibited a stronger adsorption capacity for TCS. The results provide new insights into the potential risks of TCS as an environmental contaminant and the role of both non-biodegradable and biodegradable microplastics as vectors.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2022)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Assessment of metals associated with virgin pre-production and freshwater microplastics collected by an Italian river

Claudia Campanale et al.

Summary: Microplastics have been detected in various environments, raising concerns due to their persistence and ability to carry pollutants. This study focused on quantifying metals associated with microplastics and found higher concentrations of metals in environmental samples compared to unused microplastics. The distribution and levels of metals also varied among different types of microplastic particles.

NANOIMPACT (2022)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Adsorption and Desorption of Triclosan on Biodegradable Polyhydroxybutyrate Microplastics

Huiyan Tong et al.

Summary: The study found that biodegradable PHB microplastics are stronger carriers for triclosan than conventional polyethylene microplastics, with higher adsorption rate and equilibrium adsorption capacity. Physical adsorption of triclosan on PHB and polyethylene microplastics may play a dominant role in this process.

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY (2021)

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Review Environmental Sciences

Biodegradable plastic mulches: Impact on the agricultural biotic environment

Hadaly Serrano-Ruiz et al.

Summary: The use of plastic mulching in agriculture has benefits but also environmental challenges. Biodegradable plastic mulches offer a promising alternative to address polyethylene pollution. Advanced studies are needed to identify low-impact BDM materials and ensure sustainable agriculture.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2021)

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Article Materials Science, Characterization & Testing

Field test on the biodegradation of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) based mulch films in soil

Ruimin Qi et al.

Summary: The use of plastic films in agriculture is important for food production, but concerns about plastic residues accumulating in soil and entering the food chain have led to the development of biodegradable films. Research shows that slight variations in the formulations of commercial biodegradable mulch films can lead to very different persistence rates in soil, ultimately resulting in their progressive accumulation if used repeatedly.

POLYMER TESTING (2021)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Effects of plastic particles on germination and growth of soybean (Glycine max): A pot experiment under field condition

Bintao Li et al.

Summary: The study showed that plastic residues had significant negative effects on soybean seed germination, plant growth, and biomass production, particularly in inhibiting seed germination and reducing plant height. Low density polyethylene debris had a greater negative impact on plant growth, while biodegradable plastic debris mainly affected germination rate and root biomass.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (2021)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Effects of increased plastic film residues on soil properties and crop productivity in agro-ecosystem

Kiprotich Koskei et al.

Summary: The intensive use of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic films in agro-ecosystems has raised concerns due to the increasing film residues in soils. A study on maize fields found that the increased film residues affected soil properties and crop productivity, with biodegradable (Bio) film residues showing slightly less negative impact compared to LDPE residues. This resulted in changes in soil nitrogen content, bulk density, porosity, microbial biomass, and maize yield.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2021)

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Review Engineering, Environmental

Biodegradable/Bio-plastics: Myths and Realities

Vishal Goel et al.

Summary: The global plastics production has soared to a massive quantity, exacerbating the issue of waste plastics. Bioplastics are gaining attention as an alternative, but confusion surrounding terminology in the market is clouding perceptions of their authenticity. Greenwashing is on the rise, highlighting the need for increased transparency and reliability in information dissemination.

JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT (2021)

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Review Environmental Sciences

Sorption of chemical contaminants on degradable and non-degradable microplastics: Recent progress and research trends

Fernando G. Torres et al.

Summary: This study investigated the sorption behavior of chemicals on microplastics and their impact on the environment. It was found that degradable microplastics have a higher affinity for hydrophobic contaminants, but research on degradable microplastics is still limited.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2021)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) growth to soil contaminated with microplastics

Fanrong Meng et al.

Summary: This study found that both LDPE-MPs and Bio-MPs had effects on the growth of common bean plants, with >= 1.5% Bio-MPs exerting stronger effects. Further research on the ecological impacts of these MPs on soil-plant systems is urgently needed.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2021)

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Article Soil Science

The microplastisphere: Biodegradable microplastics addition alters soil microbial community structure and function

Jie Zhou et al.

Summary: Research shows that adding polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) can enhance the growth and activity of soil microbial communities, leading to higher enzymatic activity in the microplastic environment. Compared to untreated soil, soil treated with PHAs exhibits increased microbial diversity and altered bacterial community structure.

SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY (2021)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Soil Type Driven Change in Microbial Community Affects Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Degradation Potential

Yujuan Han et al.

Summary: This study found that different soil types can affect the degradation rate of the biodegradable material PBAT in soil, with the microbial community in fluvo-aquic soil being more responsive to PBAT degradation. The results suggest a variety of PBAT-degrading bacteria exist in soil environments.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (2021)

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Review Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

An overview of non-biodegradable bioplastics

Md Hafizur Rahman et al.

Summary: Bioplastics have brought flexibility to human life but also introduced challenges in waste management. Approximately half of the current bioplastic market is not biodegradable, posing a problem for governments and policymakers. The production of bioplastics usually starts from biomass and goes through various modification techniques to produce non-biodegradable bioplastics.

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION (2021)

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Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Environmental village regulations matter: Mulch film recycling in rural China

Chang Li et al.

Summary: This study examines the impact mechanisms of environmental village regulations on mulch film recycling behavior using a large dataset and various models, finding both direct and indirect impacts. Recommendations include establishing specific environmental village regulations in all villages to promote mulch film recycling and further regulating the manufacturing, sale, and use of plastic mulch film.

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION (2021)

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Article Soil Science

Effects of microplastics on plant growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in a soil spiked with ZnO nanoparticles

Weiwei Yang et al.

Summary: The study found that different types of microplastics have varying effects on maize growth, with high doses of PLA potentially causing strong phytotoxicity and reducing biomass. ZnO nanoparticles had minimal effects on plant growth, but led to zinc accumulation in plants and an increase in soil pH. Both microplastics and ZnO nanoparticles influenced the composition and diversity of AM fungal communities.

SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY (2021)

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Review Agronomy

Current and emerging biodegradable mulch films based on polysaccharide bio-composites. A review

Matias Menossi et al.

Summary: Plastic mulch films have greatly improved agricultural production, but their environmental impact is a concern. Biodegradable mulch films, as an alternative option, show high mechanical performance and biodegradability, but face challenges in commercialization.

AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (2021)

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Review Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

A review of biodegradable plastics to biodegradable microplastics: Another ecological threat to soil environments?

Meng Qin et al.

Summary: Biodegradable plastics are considered as a promising substitute for non-degradable plastics that lead to serious pollution, but not all biodegradable plastics are fully degradable naturally. Some may disintegrate into microplastics at a faster rate than conventional plastics, posing a new threat to soil environments. Researchers are now investigating the potential adverse effects of biodegradable microplastics on soil ecosystems, suggesting that they may not be a complete solution to the issue of plastic pollution.

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION (2021)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Biodegradable plastics in the air and soil environment: Low degradation rate and high microplastics formation

Jin Liao et al.

Summary: The study found that different types of biodegradable plastics have varying levels of degradation in the natural environment, with poly(p-dioxanone) exhibiting the highest weight loss potential. Microorganisms forming biofilms on its surface played a key role in promoting degradation.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2021)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Fate of plastic film residues in agro-ecosystem and its effects on aggregate-associated soil carbon and nitrogen stocks

Ze-Ying Zhao et al.

Summary: The study investigated the degradation characteristics of Bio and LDPE plastic films in maize fields and their effects on soil aggregate composition and carbon & nitrogen stocks. Results showed that Bio film degraded significantly but left residues, impacting soil aggregate proportions and C/N ratio.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2021)

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Review Environmental Sciences

Microplastics as an emerging threat to plant and soil health in agroecosystems

Jie Zhou et al.

Summary: The study evaluates the potential threat and impact of microplastics on plant-soil health in agroecosystems, finding that microplastics may have multiple effects on soil biogeochemical processes through altering soil properties and microbial activities.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2021)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Attached and planktonic bacterial communities on bio-based plastic granules and micro-debris in seawater and freshwater

Nhung H. A. Nguyen et al.

Summary: This study compared the impacts of different bio-based plastics on natural bacterial communities in seawater and freshwater, revealing significant differences between microbial communities forming biofilms on different plastics and planktonic bacteria. Different bacterial groups were found to dominate on different bio-based plastics in both marine and freshwater environments.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2021)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Microplastics generated from a biodegradable plastic in freshwater and seawater

Xin-Feng Wei et al.

Summary: The study found that the biodegradable polymer PBAT produces more plastic fragments/particles in different aquatic environments compared to non-biodegradable LDPE, and exposure to UV-A significantly increases the rate of PBAT microplastic formation. Further evaluation is needed to assess the microplastic risk from biodegradable polymers in various underwater environments.

WATER RESEARCH (2021)

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Article Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

Plastic end-of-life alternatives, with a focus on the agricultural sector

Antonino Galati et al.

Summary: The end of life of plastic polymers depends on whether they are considered as waste. Reduction strategies in the coming decades will focus on reducing material quantities, supporting reuse and recycling, incentivizing the collection of low-value plastics, promoting awareness, and streamlining processes. The agricultural sector needs to consider environmental, social, and economic aspects to optimize the recycling process.

CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING (2021)

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Review Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Biodegradation of Hemicellulose-Cellulose-Starch-Based Bioplastics and Microbial Polyesters

Mateus Manabu Abe et al.

Summary: The volume of discarded solid wastes, especially plastic, has substantially increased, leading to environmental pollution. Developing materials to mitigate the impact of plastics is crucial. It is important to study the factors affecting the biodegradation of bioplastics due to potential differences in decomposition rates with different types of bioplastics.

RECYCLING (2021)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Effects of plastic mulch film residues on wheat rhizosphere and soil properties

Yueling Qi et al.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2020)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Mixing effect of polylactic acid microplastic and straw residue on soil property and ecological function

Huiping Chen et al.

CHEMOSPHERE (2020)

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Article Polymer Science

Biodegradable Polymers: Present Opportunities and Challenges in Providing a Microplastic-Free Environment

Seema Agarwal

MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS (2020)

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Review Environmental Sciences

A Detailed Review Study on Potential Effects of Microplastics and Additives of Concern on Human Health

Claudia Campanale et al.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH (2020)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Sorption of five organic compounds by polar and nonpolar microplastics

Longfei Zhao et al.

CHEMOSPHERE (2020)

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Article Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Degradation Rates of Plastics in the Environment

Ali Chamas et al.

ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING (2020)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Microbial degradation and other environmental aspects of microplastics/plastics

Jianhua Yuan et al.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2020)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Microplastics affect sedimentary microbial communities and nitrogen cycling

Meredith E. Seeley et al.

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS (2020)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Interactions of microplastics and cadmium on plant growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in an agricultural soil

Fayuan Wang et al.

CHEMOSPHERE (2020)

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Article Environmental Sciences

In situ degradation of biodegradable plastic mulch films in compost and agricultural soils

Henry Y. Sintim et al.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2020)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Marine hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria breakdown poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)

R. Denaro et al.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2020)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Persistence in soil of microplastic films from ultra-thin compostable plastic bags and implications on soil Aspergillus flavus population

Cesare Accinelli et al.

WASTE MANAGEMENT (2020)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Strong sorption of two fungicides onto biodegradable microplastics with emphasis on the negligible role of environmental factors

Mengyun Jiang et al.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (2020)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Investigation on the adsorption and desorption behaviors of antibiotics by degradable MPs with or without UV ageing process

Xiulei Fan et al.

JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (2020)

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Review Microbiology

Microbial and Enzymatic Degradation of Synthetic Plastics

Nisha Mohanan et al.

FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY (2020)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Degradation of bio-based and biodegradable plastics in a salt marsh habitat: Another potential source of microplastics in coastal waters

John E. Weinstein et al.

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN (2020)

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Article Environmental Sciences

A Relevant Screening of Organic Contaminants Present on Freshwater and Pre-Production Microplastics

Claudia Campanale et al.

TOXICS (2020)

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Article Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

Biodegradation of the plastics PLA and PET in cultivated soil with the participation of microorganisms and plants

Katarzyna Janczak et al.

INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION (2020)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Impact of plastic mulch film debris on soil physicochemical and hydrological properties

Yueling Qi et al.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (2020)

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Review Chemistry, Multidisciplinary

Plastics of the Future? The Impact of Biodegradable Polymers on the Environment and on Society

Tobias P. Haider et al.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION (2019)

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Article Chemistry, Physical

Soil culture: Influence of different natural fillers incorporated in biodegradable mulching film

Julio Harada et al.

JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS (2019)

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Review Environmental Sciences

Effects of plasticmulching and plastic residue on agricultural production: A meta-analysis

Haihe Gao et al.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2019)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

Environmental Deterioration of Biodegradable, Oxo-biodegradable, Compostable, and Conventional Plastic Carrier Bags in the Sea, Soil, and Open-Air Over a 3-Year Period

Imogen E. Napper et al.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (2019)

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Review Microbiology

Microbial Ecotoxicology of Marine Plastic Debris: A Review on Colonization and Biodegradation by the Plastisphere

Justine Jacquin et al.

FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY (2019)

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Article Geochemistry & Geophysics

Marine Microbial Assemblages on Microplastics: Diversity, Adaptation, and Role in Degradation

Sonja Oberbeckmann et al.

Annual Review of Marine Science (2019)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Comparative analysis on the sorption kinetics and isotherms of fipronil on nondegradable and biodegradable microplastics

Wenwen Gong et al.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (2019)

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Article Engineering, Environmental

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