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Microplastic effects on soil aggregation in sterilized and non-sterilized soils
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  • Haixiao Li,
  • Longyuan Yang,
  • Chenghui Luo,
  • Le Liu,
  • Cheng Li,
  • N Ziadi
Haixiao Li
Hubei Polytechnic University
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Longyuan Yang
Hubei Polytechnic University
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Chenghui Luo
Hubei Polytechnic University
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Le Liu
Nankai University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Cheng Li
Nankai University
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N Ziadi
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Quebec Regional Office
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Abstract

The perceived impact of soil microplastics on soil aggregation is primarily attributed to their potential toxicity toward soil microorganisms. However, only a limited number of studies have undertaken comprehensive controlled experiments involving sterilized soils to substantiate this notion. The present study embarked on soil incubation experiments encompassing both non-sterilized soils and soils subjected to oven-heating sterilization to investigate the ramifications of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) microplastics, characterized by mesh sizes of 30, 150, and 1000, on both the water-stability and mechanical stability of soil aggregates. The presence of microplastics decreased aggregation stability in Tianjin soils (on average -48.89% and -81.61% for 0.5-1 and 1-2 mm aggregates, respectively). The impact of microplastics was notably more evident in the non-sterilized soils. Microplastics also demonstrated the capacity to modify aggregate properties such as surface roughness. This study indicates the pivotal role played by interactions between soil microplastics and microorganisms on soil aggregation, but microplastics hold the potential to influence soil aggregation through non-biogenic pathways.
11 Apr 2024Submitted to Land Degradation & Development
15 Jun 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
27 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Aug 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major
30 Aug 20241st Revision Received
30 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
30 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
30 Aug 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
05 Oct 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
07 Oct 20242nd Revision Received
08 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
08 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
08 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Oct 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
31 Oct 20243rd Revision Received
01 Nov 2024Submission Checks Completed
01 Nov 2024Assigned to Editor
01 Nov 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending