Microplastics (MPs) significantly alter terrestrial soil carbon (C) dynamics by increasing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leaching, boosting microbial respiration (up to 54.3%), and enhancing CO2 emissions, thereby reducing soil carbon storage capacity. They destabilize soil aggregates, decrease mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), and alter microbial activity, generally accelerating the loss of soil organic carbon (SOC).

   Microplastics (MPs) significantly alter terrestrial soil carbon (C) dynamics by increasing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) leaching, boosting microbial respiration (up to 54.3%), and enhancing CO2 emissions, thereby reducing soil carbon storage capacity. They destabilize soil aggregates, decrease mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), and alter microbial activity, generally accelerating the loss of soil organic carbon (SOC). 

Key Impacts on Soil Carbon Dynamics:-
Increased Emissions & Labile C:-
 . MPs increase labile soil carbon components by releasing dissolved organic matter (DOM).    
    Microplastic-derived DOM is up to 7.96 times more labile than natural organic matter, causing 21–576% higher CO2𝐢𝑂2 emissions.
Disrupted Aggregation & Stability: -
    MPs, particularly films and foams, decrease soil bulk density and destroy soil aggregation, which reduces the soil's ability to store and stabilize carbon.

Reduced Long-Term Storage (MAOC): -
Conventional MPs reduce the contribution of microbial necromass to the stable carbon pool (MAOC), with biodegradable plastics potentially having different impacts. MP-DOM leads to 34–83% lower MAOC storage.
Microbial Activity Changes:-
 While MPs can increase microbial biomass carbon (MBC) by providing a substrate, they also induce stress, alter community structure, and change enzyme activities related to carbon degradation.
Plant-Soil Interaction: -
  MPs affect plant performance, reducing root growth and nutrient uptake, which in turn reduces the input of organic matter into the soil, further impacting carbon turnover.
Long-Term Persistence: -
As plastics fragment, they act as persistent, slow-releasing sources of toxic compounds and carbon, contributing to a long-term "toxicity debt" in soil ecosystems. 
These changes suggest that microplastic pollution could transform soil from a carbon sink into a carbon source. 
Impacts of microplastics on terrestrial soil carbon dynamics .
  Microplastics directly increase labile components of soil organic carbon (SOC) by releasing dissolved organic matter (DOM).

MJF Lion ER YK Sharma 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Solar Generation in Night hrs

How to get get Solar generations in Night        While standard solar panels cannot generate electricity at night,     New technologies are being developed to address this limitation.      These advancements focus on harnessing the earth's heat or using infrared radiation emitted by the Earth to generate power, potentially creating 24-hour renewable energy sources.  Key Concepts and Technologies :- 1) Anti-Solar Panels (Thermo-radiative Cells):- How they work:-    These panels, also known as thermoradiative cells, work in reverse of traditional solar panels. Instead of absorbing sunlight, they emit infrared radiation into space, which is then converted into electricity.    Nighttime energy:-     They can generate electricity from the difference in temperature between the panel and the surrounding environment, essentially converting the heat escaping into space back into usable power.  Potential:-  ...
Read more

Hydrogen at home — It's the end of solar and wind power

  Hydrogen at home — It's the end of solar and wind power         Statement "1000 pounds" per day of hydrogen at home — It's the end of solar and wind power in the world" is not accurate.     While hydrogen can be produced from renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, it's not a replacement for those sources themselves. Hydrogen production via electrolysis, using renewable electricity, is a promising avenue for decarbonization, but it doesn't negate the need for solar and wind power as direct energy sources.  Cause behind its is as under. Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier:-     Hydrogen is an energy carrier, meaning it stores energy produced elsewhere (like from solar or wind) and can be used to power fuel cells or for other applications.  Electrolysis:-     A key method of producing "green" hydrogen involves using electricity from renewable sources (like solar and wind) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen throu...
Read more

State-wise carbon emissions in India show a concentration in western and southern states, with byd as major emitters, particularly from the manufacturing and energy sectors. The highest total CO2 emissions have been linked to states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, though the specific ranking can vary depending on the data year and the specific pollutants included.

Image
Top 10 Electricity-Producing States in India (2025) Share of India’s  Total Power Generation in (%) 1) Gujarat ~12.61% 2) Maharashtra~10.71% 3)Rajasthan~10.29% 4)Tamil Nadu~7.63% 5)Karnataka~6.30% 6)Uttar Pradesh~5.88% 7)Andhra Pradesh~5.25% 8)Madhya Pradesh~4.62% 9)Telangana~3.78% 10)Haryana~2.94%      State-wise carbon emissions in India show a concentration in western and southern states, with  by d as major emitters, particularly from the manufacturing and energy sectors. The highest total CO2 emissions have been linked to states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, though the specific ranking can vary depending on the data year and the specific pollutants included.   Key Trends & States Western & Southern Dominance:  - Studies indicate that western states and some southern states are consistently among the highest emitters of CO2.  Manufacturing Powerhouses:  - States with si...
Read more