Cited by 23Microplastics and Plastic PollutionPharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impactsbiodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

The interaction of microplastics and microbioplastics with soil and a comparison of their potential to spread pathogens

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Trojan, Marek, Koutný, Marek, Brtnický, Martin, Holátko, Jiří, Zlámalová Gargošová, Helena, Fojt, Jakub, Procházková, Petra, Kalčíková, Gabriela +1 more·2024·Applied Sciences

Abstract

Microplastics contribute to various environmental issues and serve as carriers for a wide range of toxic compounds such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and metal ions. Consequently, there is a gradual shift towards replacing them with biodegradable plastics (bioplastics). However, biodegradable plastics require specific conditions for complete biodegradation, and their biodeterioration often leads to the rapid production of smaller fragments, known as microbioplastics. In this review, we summarize selected issues related to the impact of plastic particles on soil properties and the soil microbiome. Findings from numerous studies indicate that both microplastics and microbioplastics induce adverse changes in soil microbiology, potentially increasing the abundance of soil-borne pathogens. Based on these observations, we argue that plastic particles could serve as carriers for colonies of soil-borne pathogens. Furthermore, the use of bioplastics may exacerbate this issue due to their easier and faster formation, increased support for biofilms, and more pronounced adverse effects on soil biota. However, further research is necessary to either substantiate or refute this perspective.

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  1. Fojt, J.; David, J.; Přikryl, R.; Řezáčová, V.; Kučerík, J. A Critical Review of the Overlooked Challenge of Determining Micro- Bioplastics in Soil. Sci. Total Environ. 2020, 745, 140975. References
  2. EFSA CONTAM Panel (EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain). Presence of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Food, with Particular Focus on Seafood. EFSA J. 2016, 14, e04501. [CrossRef] · DOI · Paper page

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Authors
Trojan, M., Koutný, M., Brtnický, M., Holátko, J., Zlámalová Gargošová, H., Fojt, J., Procházková, P., Kalčíková, G., & Kučerík, J.
Affiliations
  • Brno University of Technology (CZ)
  • Tomas Bata University in Zlín (CZ)
  • Mendel University in Brno (CZ)
  • Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
  • Textile Testing Institute, Cejl 480/12, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
  • University of Ljubljana (SI)
Corresponding author
Kučerík, Jiří
Venue
Applied Sciences
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2024-05-28
Volume
14
Issue
11
Pages
4643
ISSN
2076-3417 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4399113969
Cited by
23
References
142
Citations by year
2026: 14 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 5
FWCI
2.29
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Applied Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Brno University of Technology Digital Library (Brno University of Technology) (acceptedVersion, cc-by)
  • Repository of TBU publications (Univerzita Tomase Bati ze Zline) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • Repository of the University of Ljubljana (University of Ljubljana) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (FCH-S-24-8591)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
Keywords
microplastics, biodegradable plastics, soil microbiome, soil-borne pathogens, pathogen spread, biofilm, soil organisms, soil properties, plastic pollution

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