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Meso- and microplastic contamination in mulching cultivated soil at a national scale, China
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This study investigates the distribution of meso- and microplastics (MMPs) in long-term mulched soils in 29 provinces of China. The findings revealed that microplastics (MPs) were present in all soil samples, while mesoplastics were found in only 29.6%. MPs were predominantly film-shaped, blue, and less than 1000 μm in size, with polyethylene being the primary polymer. Mulching times and crop types were significant factors affecting MMP abundance. The findings from the current study provide data on MMP pollution at the national scale and offer a scientific basis for rational use and management of plastic films and soil MMP treatment.

Latest Posts

1
Accumulation of microplastics in greenhouse soil after long-term plastic film mulching in Beijing, China

The current study examines the contamination of microplastics in three greenhouse types: abandoned, normal, and simple. The findings revealed that the abundance of microplastics was found to be the highest in the abandoned greenhouse, followed by the normal greenhouse and simple greenhouse. The mean abundance of microplastic organic fertilizer and irrigation water was also high.[…]

2
Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Residual Film in Soil Profile under Continuous Film Mulching

The study examines the distribution of residual film after eight years of film mulching in mid-April 2018. Results from the study revealed that eight years of mulching significantly increased the quantity of agricultural mulch film residues in the soil. The size of residual film fragments was found to vary from 0.25 cm2 to 109 cm2,[…]

3
Effects of land use and landscape on the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in soil, China

A study in Yuanmou County, Yunnan Province, investigated microplastic pollution in different land uses, including facility farmland, traditional farmland, orchard, grassland, and woodland. Results showed a significant difference in microplastic abundance and characteristics between different land use types. Facility farmlands, traditional farmlands, and orchard lands had higher microplastic abundance than grasslands and woodlands. The main[…]

4
Exploring the Occurrence Characteristics of Microplastics in Typical Maize Farmland Soils With Long-Term Plastic Film Mulching in Northern China

The study analysed 225 soil samples from maize planting zones in northern China, revealing that long-term plastic film mulching increases microplastic pollution in agricultural soils. The abundance of microplastics was significantly higher in mulched soils (754 ± 477 items kg-1) than in non-mulched soils (376 ± 149 items kg-1). The length of time with film[…]

5
Distribution and migration characteristics of microplastics in farmland soils, surface water and sediments in Caohai Lake, southwestern plateau of China

The study examined the relative abundances and morphological distributions of microplastics (MPs) in water, sediments, and farmland soils in the Caohai Lake region. The estuary in the study area was considered a potential sink for MP transportation. Transparent and black MPs accounted for a large proportion of MPs in the five environments, with possible sources[…]