Investigating the sustainability of agricultural plastic products, combined influence of polymer characteristics and environmental conditions on microplastics aging

Bonyadinejad, Gholamreza; Salehi, Maryam; Herath, Amali

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156385

Cited by 31 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…Different soil and humidity conditions influence the accelerated aging of agricultural microplastics differently. A study by Bonyadinejad et al [ 105 ] examined the phenomenon of the photodegradation of microplastics used in agricultural production after their accelerated use to determine aging when exposed to environmental conditions. The photodegradation behavior of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastics was studied via accelerated UVA radiation experimentations under varying conditions of relative humidity as well as soil deposition [ 105 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A study by Bonyadinejad et al [ 105 ] examined the phenomenon of the photodegradation of microplastics used in agricultural production after their accelerated use to determine aging when exposed to environmental conditions. The photodegradation behavior of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastics was studied via accelerated UVA radiation experimentations under varying conditions of relative humidity as well as soil deposition [ 105 ]. Two humidity conditions of RH10 and RH70 were used in that experiment, while the degree of UV radiation with long wavelengths (UVA) was calculated through the spectral quantum yield [ 105 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The photodegradation behavior of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastics was studied via accelerated UVA radiation experimentations under varying conditions of relative humidity as well as soil deposition [ 105 ]. Two humidity conditions of RH10 and RH70 were used in that experiment, while the degree of UV radiation with long wavelengths (UVA) was calculated through the spectral quantum yield [ 105 ]. The findings underscored that LDPE products with a lower molecular weight of Mw = 233 kD underwent greater photodegradation than heavier ones with Mw = 515 kD [ 105 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Aging of Polymers under Electromagnetic Radiation

Maraveas,

Kyrtopoulos,

Arvanitis

et al. 2024

Polymers

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Polymeric materials degrade as they react with environmental conditions such as temperature, light, and humidity. Electromagnetic radiation from the Sun’s ultraviolet rays weakens the mechanical properties of polymers, causing them to degrade. This study examined the phenomenon of polymer aging due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The study examined three specific objectives, including the key theories explaining ultraviolet (UV) radiation’s impact on polymer decomposition, the underlying testing procedures for determining the aging properties of polymeric materials, and appraising the current technical methods for enhancing the UV resistance of polymers. The study utilized a literature review methodology to understand the aging effect of electromagnetic radiation on polymers. Thus, the study concluded that using additives and UV absorbers on polymers and polymer composites can elongate the lifespan of polymers by shielding them from the aging effects of UV radiation. The findings from the study suggest that thermal conditions contribute to polymer degradation by breaking down their physical and chemical bonds. Thermal oxidative environments accelerate aging due to the presence of UV radiation and temperatures that foster a quicker degradation of plastics.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The Aging of Polymers under Electromagnetic Radiation

Maraveas,

Kyrtopoulos,

Arvanitis

et al. 2024

Polymers

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Low strength polymers are torn and stronger polymers like rubber are abraded by wear. [48] CA, cellulose acetate; EPC, ethylene-propylene copolymer; EPDM, ethylene-propylene diene monomer; HDPE, high density polyethylene; PE, polyethylene; PES, polyester; PET, polyethylene terephthalate; PLA, polylactic acid; PP, polypropylene; PS, polystyrene; PU, polyurethane; SBR, styrene butadiene rubber.…”

Section: Pe Pvc Relative Light Transmittance (Rlt) Degree Of Mechanic...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Insights into the mechanism of plastics’ fragmentation under abrasive mechanical forces: An implication for agricultural soil health

Bhattacharjee,

Jazaei,

Salehi

2023

CLEAN Soil Air Water

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The application of agricultural plastic products such as mulch, greenhouse covers, and silage films is increasing due to their economic benefits in providing an early and better‐quality harvest. However, mechanical abrasion of these plastic materials by soil particles could result in generation of microplastic (MP) pollutants that could harm soil organisms and impact food safety. This study aims to better understand the physicochemical mechanisms resulting in the fragmentation of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). Herein, we used pellets and films to study the impacts of abrasive wear forces on their surface morphology variations and fragmentation behavior. An innovative laboratory approach was developed to abrade the plastic surface under controlled normal loadings and abrasion durations. The investigation of the plastics’ surface morphology variations due to the abrasion process revealed microcutting as the dominant process at low normal force (4 N). However, a combination of microploughing and microcutting occurred for new LDPE films by increasing the normal force to 8 N. Despite the significant surface morphology variations of the new LDPE film due to the abrasion process; the water contact angle did not alter. Furthermore, the fragmentation behavior of photodegraded LDPE pellets and films was compared to the new plastics. The extent of MPs (3 µm < dp < 162 µm) generation due to fragmentation was studied using fluorescence microscopy imaging. The localized stress and strains at the contact sites of plastic and sand particles resulted in abrasion of the plastic surface. According to the results, the normal loadings and duration of abrasion played a significant role in the degree of fragmentation of plastics. Increasing the normal loading applied during the abrasion process from 2 to 8 N linearly increased the number of generated plastic fragments by more than five times for pellets and more than three times for film. Photodegradation significantly enhanced the extent of MPs fragmentation. Moreover, the limitations of this study and the implications for agricultural soil health were discussed.

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“…Agriculture, together with farming and gardening, accounts for 3.1% of the plastic demand. Nevertheless, these agricultural plastics are responsible for the pollution of the environment and especially of the soil [3][4][5]. In 2021, plastics used in this sector have been characterized by the highest percentage of recycled content, 25.4%, compared to all the other applications [1].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prospective Scenarios for Addressing the Agricultural Plastic Waste Issue: Results of a Territorial Analysis

2023

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Agricultural activities have been positively affected by the use of plastic products, but this has resulted in the production of plastic waste and led to an increase in environmental pollution. To continue benefiting from the use of plastics but addressing at the same time the environmental issue, two strategies seem viable: the development of technologies for extending plastics lifespan and the gradual replacement of traditional non-biodegradable materials by biodegradable ones, at least for some products. This study focuses on a territorial analysis, performed using a Geographic Information System (GIS) in an agricultural area of the Apulia region (southern Italy). Areas of agricultural plastic waste production were identified through land-use maps. The application of plastic waste indices to different crop types and plastic products allowed quantifying and georeferencing actual plastic waste production. From this actual visualization, the other strategies were obtained by properly managing the indices. Two improved scenarios were obtained, the first consisted of extending the lifespan of some plastics, and the second entailed the introduction of some biodegradable alternatives. About 11,103 tons of agricultural plastic waste are yearly produced in the area and 7450 tons come from covering films. Lifespan extension would reduce the annual waste amount by about 25%, while more alternative products are needed to achieve significant results in the second scenario.

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Investigating the sustainability of agricultural plastic products, combined influence of polymer characteristics and environmental conditions on microplastics aging

Cited by 31 publications

References 52 publications

The Aging of Polymers under Electromagnetic Radiation

The Aging of Polymers under Electromagnetic Radiation

Insights into the mechanism of plastics’ fragmentation under abrasive mechanical forces: An implication for agricultural soil health

Prospective Scenarios for Addressing the Agricultural Plastic Waste Issue: Results of a Territorial Analysis

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