The accumulation of plastics in the environment is of critical concern. Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most commonly utilised polymers in different applications among all the other types because of its low production costs, simplistic nature that enables it to be modified, and historically predominant research material. The common methods for plastic disposal are troubled by limitations, and there is a growing need for more appropriate and environmentally friendly methods for its disposal. This study highlights several ways that can be used to assist PE biodegradation and mitigate its waste disposal impact. Biodegradation (microbiological activity-driven) and photodegradation (radiation-driven) are the most promising solutions for PE waste control. This paper relates the most significant results regarding PE degradation studies, followed by weight loss (WL) analysis, surface morphology changes, oxidation degree (for photodegradation), and mechanical properties assessment, which are promising methods to minimise the polyethylene impact.
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.[…]
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,[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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[…]