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Microplastics and nanoplastics barely enhance contaminant mobility in agricultural soils

Environmental Studies and Forestry

Microplastics and nanoplastics barely enhance contaminant mobility in agricultural soils

S. Castan, C. Henkel, et al.

This research explores the intriguing role of micro- and nanoplastics in farmland soils as potential transporters of organic contaminants, posing risks to groundwater. Conducted by Stephanie Castan, Charlotte Henkel, Thorsten Hüffer, and Thilo Hofmann at the University of Vienna, the findings reveal that, while microplastics may carry harmful substances, they do not significantly enhance contaminant mobility in most scenarios.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
Farmland soils are increasingly contaminated with micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) from various agricultural practices. Concerns exist that MNP act as vectors for organic contaminants, transporting them to deeper soil layers and potentially endangering groundwater. This study investigates the extent to which MNP facilitate organic contaminant transport using diffusion models. The analysis suggests that contaminant desorption is typically too fast for MNP to significantly enhance transport, except for very hydrophobic contaminants (logKow >5) under preferential flow conditions. While MNP may be a source of harmful contaminants, they do not substantially increase contaminant mobility in most scenarios.
Publisher
Communications Earth & Environment
Published On
Sep 16, 2021
Authors
Stephanie Castan, Charlotte Henkel, Thorsten Hüffer, Thilo Hofmann
Tags
microplastics
nanoplastics
contaminant transport
groundwater
soil contamination
hydrophobic contaminants

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