The microplastisphere: Biodegradable microplastics addition alters soil microbial community structure and function

• Published in: Soil biology & biochemistry Vol. 156; p. 108211
• Main Authors: Zhou, Jie, Gui, Heng, Banfield, Callum C., Wen, Yuan, Zang, Huadong, Dippold, Michaela A., Charlton, Adam, Jones, Davey L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2021
• Subjects: Acidobacteria; agroecosystems; biodegradability; C turnover; carbon; community structure; Enzyme activity; extracellular enzymes; leucyl aminopeptidase; microbial biomass; microbial communities; Microbial growth; Microplastic pollution; microplastics; mulches; polyhydroxyalkanoates; rhizosphere; Sequencing; soil; soil bacteria; soil biology; Soil organic matter; soil pollution; species diversity; Verrucomicrobia; wastes; Soil organic matter; Microbial growth; Enzyme activity; Microplastic pollution; C turnover; Sequencing

Plastics accumulating in the environment, especially microplastics (defined as particles <5 mm), can lead to a range of problems and potential loss of ecosystem services. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable plastics used in mulch films, and in packaging material to minimize plastic was...