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Microplastic pollution alters forest soil microbiome.

Authors :
Ng, Ee Ling
Lin, Silk Yu
Dungan, Ashley M.
Colwell, John M.
Ede, Sarah
Huerta Lwanga, Esperanza
Meng, Ke
Geissen, Violette
Blackall, Linda Louise
Chen, Deli
Source :
Journal of Hazardous Materials. May2021, Vol. 409, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

The impact of microplastic pollution on terrestrial biota is an emerging research area, and this is particularly so for soil biota. In this study, we addressed this knowledge gap by examining the impact of aged low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyester fibres (i.e. polyethylene terephthalate, PET) on a forest microbiome composition and activity. We also measured the corresponding physicochemical changes in the soil. We observed that bacteria community composition diverged in PET and LDPE treated soils from that of the control by day 42. These changes occurred at 0.2% and 0.4% (w/w) of PET and at 3% LDPE. Additionally, soil respiration was 8-fold higher in soil that received 3% LDPE compared to other treatments and control. There were no clear patterns linking these biological changes to physicochemical changes measured. Taken together, we concluded that microplastics aging in the environment may have evolutionary consequences for forest soil microbiome and there is immediate implication for climate change if the observed increase in soil respiration is reproducible in multiple ecosystems. ga1 • We investigate the response of forest soil bacteria community to microplastics. • Soil respiration increased 8-fold with 3% low-density polyethylene (LDPE). • Soil microbiome diverged in polyester fibre (PET) and LDPE treated soils. • Evolutionary and climate change effects of microplastics need further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03043894
Volume :
409
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Hazardous Materials
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
148880503
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124606