Microplastic induces soil water repellency and limits capillary flow

• Published in: Vadose zone journal Vol. 22; no. 1
• Main Authors: Cramer, Andreas, Benard, Pascal, Zarebanadkouki, Mohsen, Kaestner, Anders, Carminati, Andrea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Madison John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.01.2023; Wiley
• Subjects: capillarity; Capillary flow; Contact angle; Flow paths; glass; Glass beads; Hydrophobic surfaces; Hydrophobicity; Imbibition; Microplastics; Moisture content; Neutron radiography; neutrons; Particle size; Pest control; Physical properties; Plastic pollution; Polyethylene terephthalate; Polymers; Radiography; Repellency; Repellents; Sand; Saturation; Sessile drop method; Soil; Soil physical properties; Soil properties; Soil water; surface area; Terrestrial ecosystems; Tortuosity; vadose zone; Water; Water infiltration; Water repellent soils; Wettability; Europe

Soils are considered the largest sink of microplastic (MP) in terrestrial ecosystems. However, little is known about the implications of MP on soil physical properties. We hypothesize that low wettability of MP induces soil water repellency, depending on MP content and size of MP and soil particles....