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July 26, 2026Scientific ReportsOpen Access

Effects of aged and pristine microplastics on physical, chemical, and biological soil properties

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Authors

ACArlet CortezUniversity of O'HigginsYSYoelvis Sulbaran-BrachoUniversity of O'HigginsBBBrynelly BastidasInstituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias

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Overview

Randomized trial evaluates impacts of microplastics on soil health, indicating harmful effects on microbial diversity.

Key Points

  • This research aims to understand how aged and pristine microplastics affect soil properties and microbial communities.
  • Conducted a 12-week microcosm experiment with two polymers (PLA, LDPE) at three concentrations (0.25%, 2.5%, 5% w/w) and two aging degrees (pristine, UV-aged).
  • Assessed changes in soil properties, enzyme activities, and microbial diversity through 16S rRNA gene sequencing and functional analysis with FAPROTAX and FungalTraits.
  • Measured total organic carbon (TOC) and water holding capacity (WHC) as key soil metrics.
  • Aged microplastics reduced enzyme activity, particularly those containing PLA at 5% w/w, and altered water holding capacity.
  • Bacterial richness decreased at 0.25% w/w concentration while increasing at 5% w/w, indicating competitiveness among taxa.
  • Fungal communities exhibited a notable decline in α-diversity across all treatments, highlighting their sensitivity to microplastic exposure.

Cite This Study

Cortez et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a65a306d3aea3239cd76470https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-63742-2
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