Every year, around 467,000 tonnes of plastic used in European agriculture end up in the soil. Over time, these plastics can break down into fragments of microplastics (MPs). However, we still know very little about how these MPs might affect soil-dwelling organisms, which play a crucial role in keeping soils healthy.
This PAPILLONS study looks at whether MPs from agricultural plastics commonly used in farming are harmful to small insects called Collembola, also known as springtails. These creatures are essential for soil health, as they help break down organic matter and support nutrient cycling. Researchers tested three types of microplastics made from different plastic films used in farming—two types of polyethylene (LDPE and LLDPE) and a biodegradable blend made from starch and PBAT (a type of plastic).
The research team exposed four different springtail species to soil mixed with various concentrations of these microplastics, ranging from very low to relatively high levels. Each species represented different lifestyles and reproduction types commonly found in soil ecosystems.
The good news: the study found no clear signs that these MPs affected the survival or reproduction of any of the tested species, even at higher concentrations. This suggests that, under the conditions tested, these agricultural microplastics are unlikely to pose an immediate threat to these important soil organisms. However, the authors note that more research is needed to fully understand long-term and broader ecological impacts.
Read the full study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724082950?via%3Dihub