Plastic contamination in agricultural soils is a growing concern, partly due to the widespread use of plastic mulching films. The latest study by our Papillons’ partner from the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) – Suomen ympäristökeskus (Syke) investigates the impact of microplastics from conventional polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable PBAT mulching films on the earthworms Eisenia andrei, which significantly contribute to soil-based ecosystem services, and are often termed as ‘ecosystem engineers’.
Key results reveal that both types of microplastics affect earthworm health and #soil properties, but in distinct ways:
Growth: PE microplastics led to a decrease in earthworm biomass at higher concentrations, while PBAT microplastics promoted growth at lower concentrations.
Oxidative Stress: oxidative stress occurred at environmentally relevant concentrations of both microplastic types.
Soil Impact: at higher concentrations, both microplastic types increased soil pH and water-holding capacity, potentially altering soil chemistry and contributing to the observed effects on earthworms.
These findings emphasize the need for further research to understand the ecological risks posed by microplastic pollution in agricultural soils.
Read the full study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724048162?via%3Dihub