Plastic films, like mulching films used in agriculture, contain chemical additives that improve their durability but can degrade to microplastics and leach into the soil, potentially causing environmental harm. New research by our partners from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague develops a novel analytical approach to detect and quantify plastic additives (PAs) derived from agricultural plastics, particularly mulching films, in soil using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS).
The study uses three innovative extraction methods (*) to isolate and detect 16 plastic additives in soils, with recovery rates of up to 120%. Lab contamination from plastic consumables posed challenges to the monitoring of plastic additives, the use of glass apparatus and materials for plastic additive analysis is therefore strongly recommended. Finally, additives like bis (2-ethylhexyl) azelate and irganox 1010 were detected with precision, showing how these chemicals may accumulate in agricultural soils over time.
The findings highlight the environmental risks posed by agricultural plastics and the need for further research into the ecotoxicological effects of plastic additives in soils. The study’s methods pave the way for better monitoring and management of plastic pollution in agricultural contexts, ensuring that soil ecosystems are protected from long-term contamination.
(*) Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using hexane for non-polar additives, UAE with an aqueous methanol solution for polar additives, and a binary extraction method combining Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) principles and UAE.
Read the full study here : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724046400?via%3Dihub