Effect of microplastic pollution on physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil
Project no. 32326 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2024
Summary
<p>This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of microplastic residues derived from commonly used polypropylene (PP) ground covers and low-density polyethylene (PE) seedling bags on soil properties. In this study, two plastic mulch materials with different chemical structures—polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)—were applied to the soil at three different concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%). A pot experiment using long green pepper (<em>Capsicum annuum</em>) was conducted in a randomized plot design with three replicates. At the end of the 3.5-month trial period, biomass weights and plant nutrient contents of the harvested plants were determined. Additionally, various physical, chemical, and microbiological analyses were performed on the pot soils. Furthermore, metagenomic analysis was carried out to investigate the effects of the applied microplastics on the taxonomic composition of bacterial and fungal communities in the soil. The effects of PP and PE microplastic applications on the physical properties of the soil were clearly demonstrated. Both types of microplastics exhibited a reducing effect on soil bulk density, while PP was found to increase the soil's maximum water holding capacity, whereas PE had a decreasing effect. Compared to the control, microplastic applications led to a slight decrease in soil pH, and PP application resulted in an increase in soil organic matter content. The PP and PE microplastics used in the study also influenced certain microbiological properties of the soil. Although increasing microplastic doses generally caused a decrease in enzyme activity, the effect of microplastics on soil respiration varied depending on the type of microplastic. The macro- and micronutrient content of both soil and plants was affected differently depending on the type and concentration of microplastics. According to metagenomic analyses, 10 bacterial and 5 fungal phyla were identified in the experimental soils. The most dominant bacterial phylum was <em>Proteobacteria</em>, and its relative abundance decreased in soils treated with microplastics compared to the control. The most dominant fungal phylum was <em>Ascomycota</em>, and its relative abundance was also found to be reduced in microplastic-treated soils.</p>