Back to Search
Start Over
Microplastics disrupt accurate soil organic carbon measurement based on chemical oxidation method.
- Source :
-
Chemosphere . Aug2021, Vol. 276, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Microplastics are widespread contaminants in soils and terrestrial ecosystems in many areas worldwide. In this study, we measured soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic matter (SOM) in microplastic-treated soils to determine if the presence of microplastics could affect the accuracy of carbon-based soil quality indicator measurements. Six different sizes and types of microplastics were selected, and six soil samples were used to evaluate the impacts. Treating soil with polyethylene and low-density polyethylene significantly increased SOC (p < 0.05) when measured with the modified Walkley & Black method; microplastic addition (0.01%, v/v) increased SOC by >40% compared to control organic carbon-poor soil (<10.0 g kg−1). We conclude that the microplastics can disrupt the accurate measurement of SOC. Likely, the physicochemical treatment used in the SOC measurement process can cause the organic compounds and/or carbon complexes to be extracted from microplastics, and this can affect the results. Considering that SOC is a main indicator for assessing soil quality and the global carbon cycle, overestimations caused by microplastic contamination should be further discussed to identify appropriate ways to deal with microplastics as a new carbon source in the environment. • We measured the SOC and SOM in soil containing microplastics. • SOC in soils containing PE microplastics can be overestimated. • The increasing level was intensified in carbon-poor soils (<10.0 g kg−1). • Microplastic can interrupt the accurate measurement of SOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00456535
- Volume :
- 276
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Chemosphere
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 153070832
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130178