Types Of Plastic Research Articles

Peak-Based Machine Learning for Plastic Type Classification in Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

Peak-Based Machine Learning for Plastic Type Classification in Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

Exploring the role of Cdk5 on striatal synaptic plasticity in a 3-NP-induced model of early stages of Huntington’s disease

Impaired mitochondrial function has been associated with the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, certain mitochondrial toxins, such as 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP), initiate cellular changes within the striatum that closely resemble the pathology observed in Huntington’s disease (HD). Among the pivotal signaling molecules contributing to neurodegeneration, cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) stands out. In particular, Cdk5 has been implicated not only in cellular pathology but also in the modulation of synaptic plasticity. Given its widespread presence in the striatum, this study seeks to elucidate the potential role of Cdk5 in the induction of corticostriatal synaptic plasticity in murine striatal cells subjected to subchronic doses of 3-NP in vivo, aiming to mimic the early stages of HD. Immunostaining analyses revealed an increase in Cdk5 in tissues from animals treated with 3-NP, without a significant change in protein levels. Regarding striatal plasticity, long-term depression (LTD) was induced in both control and 3-NP cells when recorded in voltage clamp mode. The Cdk5 inhibitor roscovitine-reduced LTD in most cells. A minority subset of cells exhibited long-term potentiation (LTP) generation in the presence of roscovitine. The inhibitor of D1 receptors SCH23390 prevented LTP in three of nine cells, implying that MSN cells lacking D1/PKA activation were capable of LTP induction when Cdk5 was also blocked. Nevertheless, the co-administration of H89, a PKA inhibitor, along with roscovitine, prevented the generation of any type of plasticity in all recorded cells. These findings show the impact of 3-NP treatment on striatal plasticity and suggest that Cdk5 during early neurodegeneration may attenuate signaling pathways that lead neurons to increase their activity.

Task-Specific Deep Eutectic Solvent for Efficient Dissolution and Further Accelerating Alkaline Hydrolysis of Polyesters Into Their Monomers.

Polyester plastics have brought great convenience to modern society. However, the continuous accumulation of their production increasingly threatens human health. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the largest type of polyester plastics and its recycling is a major challenge. In this work, deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of thenyl alcohol and choline chloride (ChCl) was designed for efficient dissolution of PET at 165 °C for 20 min, and further accelerating complete alkaline hydrolysis of PET into its monomer terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG) with a high TPA monomer yield (98.2 %) in 25 min at 100 °C. Moreover, the designed DES is also efficient for dissolution and alkaline hydrolysis of other polyester plastics, including poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF) into their monomers. This work provides a feasible and sustainable solution for the recycling of polyester wastes.

Microplastic pollution unveiled: the consequences of small unregulated dumping in villages, spanning from soil to water.

Microplastic contamination in soil ecosystems is a major environmental concern in the world. The current study aims to explore the extent of microplastic pollution in unregulated village dumpsites in India, focusing on the movement of these pollutants from soil to aquatic environments. Soil samples from eight distinct sites (A to H) in six villages were analyzed for various properties, including pH, bulk density, porosity, water retention capacity, hydraulic conductivity, and particle size distribution. The attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) method was used to identify prevalent plastic types. The research classifies microplastics by their shape and color, identifying a wide range of particles such as sheets, fibers, foams, fragments, and films. The study also examines the presence and concentration of microplastics in both soil and sediment samples. It was found that PE and PP microplastics are significantly present across different size fractions. Sample A contains a variety of items in the 1-5mm size range, mainly PE, while the 0.3-1mm fraction is largely PP. Samples B to H are mostly composed of PE microplastics in different forms. Sample F is unique with a mix of PE, EPS, and a higher amount of red and blue foam particles in the 0.3-1mm fraction. Microplastics were quantified using stereomicroscopy, revealing concentrations between 80 and 840 numbers per kilogram in soil and 20 to 60 numbers per kilogram in sediments. The findings emphasize the widespread nature of microplastic pollution across ecosystems and the importance of developing effective strategies for monitoring and mitigating their impact on environmental health and human well-being.

A systematic review on sustainable utilization of plastic waste in asphalt: assessing environmental and health impact, performance, and economic viability.

Increasing amount of plastic waste (PW) poses a global challenge that necessitates multifaceted strategies. Repurposing PW in asphalt pavement is a sustainable strategy with extensive benefits, but there are several challenges that need to be overcome. This systematic review aims to examine three significant aspects associated with plastic-modified asphalt: environmental and health considerations, performance and technical properties, and cost.-effectiveness and economic feasibility. The environmental and health impacts of using PW in asphalt were particularly focused on the release of carcinogenic compounds and harmful fumes like polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), microplastic pollution, and climate impact. Environmental challenges and potential health risks associated with the use of PW in asphalt production were analyzed and indicated. Afterwards, the effects of different plastic types on the fatigue and rutting resistance of asphalt pavement are investigated. While many types of PWs show potential for enhancing rutting and fatigue performance, conflicting results have been observed for certain plastics. Some PW types, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), have been shown to yield inconsistent results. Lastly, factors that are recognized to have an impact on the cost-effectiveness of plastic-modified asphalt include the collection and processing costs, asphalt materials price and availability, incorporation method, and possible changes in the asphalt's lifespan. The findings of this review help researchers to identify current gaps and aid stakeholders in making informed decisions towards more environmentally friendly, high-performance, and economically viable approaches to asphalt production.

Evaluation of char properties from co-pyrolysis of biomass/plastics: effect of different types of plastics

Co-pyrolysis of biomass/plastics is a viable method to obtain high-quality carbon materials. The synergistic effect in the char production process of co-pyrolysis of biomass/plastics affects the properties of the obtained char. However, the synergistic effect research on the char production process of co-pyrolysis of biomass/plastics is facing challenges owing to highly varying composition of different plastics. In this study, the synergistic effect during co-pyrolysis of bamboo (BM) and plastics (polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)) was investigated. TG results showed that PP, PS, PET, and PBT promoted the release of biomass volatiles and increased co-pyrolysis char yield. Notably, the O-aromatic structure in PC underwent cleavage and deoxygenation reactions, inhibiting the production of co-pyrolysis char during co-pyrolysis process. Char yield from co-pyrolysis process decreased from 24.80% for bamboo pyrolysis to 15.74% for co-pyrolysis of bamboo/PC. The results of physicochemical tests on char samples indicated that the addition of polyhydrocarbon plastics (PP and PS) increased H/C ratio, O/C ratio, heating value and oxidative reactivity of the char compared to bamboo char due to the vapor deposition of hydrocarbons derived from thermal decomposition of plastics on the biomass char. While, co-pyrolysis of biomass and polyester plastics (PET, PC, PBT) improved the pore structure of char and increased oxygen content.

Microbial consortia for multi-plastic waste biodegradation: selection and validation

The accumulation of plastic waste in the environment poses significant ecological and health risks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of microbial consortia in degrading various types of plastics, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), low linear-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS). Qualitative enzyme assays for esterases and ligninases, which are related to plastic biodegradation, were conducted in five microbial strains. Four microbial consortia, combining bacterial and fungal strains, were assembled based on the enzyme profile of their components and evaluated for their ability to degrade both virgin and recycled plastics. The results showed that consortia C2 (Bacillus subtilis RBM2, Fusarium oxysporum RHM1, and Alternaria alternata RHM4) and C4 (Bacillus subtilis RBM2 and Pseudomonas alloputida REBP7) exhibited the highest biodegradation efficiency, particularly achieving significant weight loss in recycled LDPE, virgin LLDPE and recycled PET. The biodegradation was further confirmed by FTIR analysis, which revealed changes in the chemical composition and functional groups of the treated plastics, indicating microbial interaction and degradation. This study underscores the potential of microbial consortia in addressing plastic pollution, highlighting the importance of strategic consortia design based on enzymatic profiles and plastic colonization capabilities. These promising results suggest that further optimization of microbial consortia could offer a viable solution for large-scale plastic waste management.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Microplastics Affect Angiogenesis and Central Nervous System (CNS) Development of Duck Embryo

Prolonged exposure to teratogens is known to cause neural tube defects (NTDs), a severe malformation of the central nervous system (CNS) that significantly contributes to global infant mortality. In recent years, exposure to nanoplastics (NPs) has been linked to faulty neural crest closure and altered neurulation by altering cellular adhesion molecules and accumulation of plastic particles in the neural tube leading to NTDs. However, research on the influence of various types of microplastics (MPs) on malformations of the CNS are still limited. In this study, we investigated whether MPs of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)—a type of plastic commonly used as non-stick coatings of cooking utensils can affect angiogenesis and CNS development using ducks as model organisms. PTFE MPs were administered on Day 3 of duck embryo development at varying concentrations (0.01 mg/ml, 0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, and 5 mg/ml), and angiogenesis was evaluated using a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Gross morphology and histology of the spinal column and brain were analyzed on Days 8 and 18, respectively. FTIR confirmed PTFE's structure, while SEM and DLS analyses showed particle sizes between 300 nm and 5 μm, classifying them as MPs. High concentrations (5 mg/ml) of PTFE MPs treated on duck embryos resulted in a 35% mortality rate and reduced vascular density, suggesting anti-angiogenic effects. Brain and spinal abnormalities, such as encephalomalacia and spinal cord discontinuities were observed in the PTFE-treated embryos. Based on these results, PTFE is an anti-angiogenic and teratogenic agent affecting the development of duck embryos.

The Effect of Plasticizer Type and Concentration on Cellulose Acetate-Based Bioplastic from Durian Skin

The Effect of Plasticizer Type and Concentration on Cellulose Acetate-Based Bioplastic from Durian Skin

The Influence of the Type and Concentration of Plasticizer on the Properties of Biopolymer Films based on Wild Flax (Camelina Sativa)

The development of biodegradable packaging materials using naturally occurring, renewable biopolymers has gained attraction due to consumer demand for high-quality products and concerns about environmental waste problems. However, the inferior mechanical properties and low water resistance of packaging materials based on natural polymers pose a significant obstacle to their wider use. One of the ways to improve the properties of biopolymer-based packaging materials is the addition of plasticizers during their synthesis. In this work, the influence of the type and concentration of plasticizer on the properties of new biopolymer films based on wild flax (Camelina sativa) was investigated. Camelina sativa oil cake (CSoC) remains after edible oil cold pressing as a by-product. One of the possibilities for its valorization is the synthesis of biopolymer materials. During the synthesis, different plasticizers - glycerol and polyethylene glycol 400 - were added in different concentrations - 20%-60%. The obtained CSoC-based biopolymer films were analyzed for the following properties: Moisture content, solubility, thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, and water vapor permeability. The results obtained showed significant differences when different plasticizers were applied at different concentrations. The biopolymer film with optimal properties was obtained by adding glycerol at a concentration of 40%.

Analisa Pemanfaatan Limbah Plastik Sebagai Bahan Baku Pembuatan Paving Block

Plastic waste is most commonly found around us and is a source of pollution in the environment, both on land and in water. paving is formed into a rectangle with a press made manually. This paving can be used as a path in the plantation or at home because it is made from recycled waste that pollutes the environment. Methods used Experimental method. The optimum compressive strength value is obtained in sample 2 of LDPE plastic type and decreases in sample 1 of PET type The decrease in compressive strength value occurs because PET plastic type dries quickly. The optimum compressive strength value in LDPE plastic type of 3.341 MPa can also be caused because it is easy to fuse when heated and dries long so that it can be molded easily. The compressive strength value in the 33% variation decreased because the plastic shreds overlapped with other plastic shreds, reducing its compressive strength. The type of waste plastic pet compressive strength produced is smaller than other types and dries easily so it is difficult to mold, the average weight of 1.089 gr / cm3 is heavier than other types of plastic, for specific gravity in water heavier mixed variation 33% with an average of 0.266 gr / cm3 and for the smallest weight type HDPE with an average of 0, 181 gr/cm3, For all types of testing does not meet the minimum requirements of SNI 03-0691-1996 as a paving block with quality D with the required average compressive strength of 10 Mpa and a minimum compressive strength of 8.5 Mpa, in this test the highest compressive strength is in the type of LDPE sample 2 of 3.341 Mpa and for the lowest in the type of PET sample 1 of 0.248 Mpa.

Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastic Exposure Induced Reproductive Toxicity Through Oxidative Stress and p38 Signaling Pathway Activation in Male Mice

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a type of polymer plastic that is often used to make plastic bags, bottles, and clothes. However, the waste of such plastic products is decomposed into microplastics (MPs), which are plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm, by various external forces such as wind, UV radiation, mechanical wear, and biodegradation. PET MPs have been widely detected in the environment and human tissue samples; however, the toxicity and mechanism of PET MPs in mammals are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the male reproductive toxicity of PET MPs and their underlying mechanism. A total of 80 male mice were orally exposed to 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/d of PET MPs (with a diameter of 1 μm) for 42 days. The results showed that 1 μm PET MPs induced different degrees of pathological damage to testicular tissues, decreased sperm quality, and increased the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells via oxidative stress and p38 signaling pathway activation. To further illustrate and verify the mechanistic pathway, oxidative stress was antagonized using N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and the activation of the p38 signaling pathway was blocked using SB203580. The results revealed that the male reproductive injury effects after exposure to PET MPs were significantly ameliorated. Specifically, the testicular tissue lesions were relieved, the sperm quality improved, and the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells decreased. These results demonstrated that PET MP exposure induced male reproductive toxicity through oxidative stress and the p38 signaling pathway. This study provides new insights into the reproductive toxicity of MPs in males, as well as valuable references for public health protection strategies.

Chemically Recyclable, Reprocessable, and Mechanically Robust Reversible Cross-Linked Polyurea Plastics for Fully Recyclable Aramid Fiber Reinforced Composites.

Aramid fiber reinforced composites (AFRCs) have received increasing attention because of their excellent comprehensive performance including high mechanical strength, high modulus, and light weight. However, full recycling of AFs from ARCFs is difficult to achieve. Herein, fully recyclable ARCFs are fabricated using reversible cross-linked polyurea plastics (PUHA) as the matrix. PUHA plastics are fabricated by cross-linking linear polyurea using hemiaminal groups. By changing the main chain structures, two types of PUHA plastics are prepared with excellent mechanical performance, which is comparable to that of traditional engineering plastics. PUHA plastics can be reprocessed at least five times without losing their original mechanical properties because of the dynamic exchangeability of the hemiaminal groups. Meanwhile, PUHA plastics can be rapidly depolymerized into linear polyurea under acidic conditions. When PUHA plastics are used as a matrix to fabricate AFRCs, the AFRCs exhibit excellent mechanical strength. Moreover, due to the simple chemical recycling ability of PUHA plastics, AFRCs can be fully decomposed into intact AFs and linear polyurea with high purity. This work presents the use of reversible cross-linked polyurea plastics in the fabrication of fully recyclable AFRCs and provides the future direction of developing fully recyclable and high-performance fiber-reinforced composites.

Selective Hydrogenolysis Conversion of Polyethylene into Alkyl Oil Over Iridium-based Catalyst.

Plastic not only brings convenience but also places a great burden on the environment. Utilizing plastic as a low-cost feed-stock for producing valuable chemicals and fuels is one of the most attractive directions. Among the huge types of plastics, polyolefins (PO), especially polyethylene (PE), were the most abundant type and the most difficult to upgrade. Hydrocracking and hydrogenolysis operate at relatively low reaction temperatures which show promising applications. Herein, Iridium-based catalysts were developed and proved to be effective in PE hydrogenolysis under relatively mild conditions. Catalysts were characterized by TEM, HRTEM, SEM, HAADF-STEM, XPS, CO chemisorption and H2 chemisorption etc. The Ir catalysts showed similar reactivity but better selectivity for liquid products than Ru under similar conditions. A highest 92.7 % percent of liquid products could be obtained under 250 °C, 3 MPa of H2 in 8 hours with Ir/γ-Al2O3 catalyst. The support could also affect the performance, including Lewis acid amount, surface areas, and morphology. And we suppose Iridium catalysts could serve as another choice for plastic hydrogenolysis under mild conditions.

Upcycling polyethylene into closed-loop recyclable polymers through titanosilicate catalyzed C-H oxidation and in-chain heteroatom insertion

Polyolefins are the most widely produced type of plastics owing to their low production cost and favorable properties. Their polymer backbone consists solely of inert C-C bonds, making them resistant and durable materials. Although this is an extremely useful attribute during their use phase, it complicates chemical recycling. In this work, different types of polyethylenes (PEs) are converted into ketone-functionalized PEs with up to 3.4% functionalized carbon atoms, in mild conditions (≤100 °C), using a titanosilicate catalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant. Subsequently, the introduced ketones are exploited as sites for heteroatom insertion. Through Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, in-chain esters are produced with yields up to 73%. Alternatively, the ketones can be converted into the corresponding oxime, which can undergo a Beckmann rearrangement to obtain in-chain amides, with yields up to 75%. These transformations allow access to polymers that are amenable to solvolysis, thereby enhancing their potential for chemical recycling.

Overcoming barriers to proactive plastic recycling toward a sustainable future

The plastics sector, accounting for a significant portion of global emissions, presents a challenge and an opportunity in achieving carbon neutrality. Despite Japan's commendable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle recycling rates, most plastics are thermally recycled, creating environmental issues. This study proposes an evaluation framework to enhance recycling, aligned with end-user preferences and fostering a circular plastics economy. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study conducts fieldwork including interviews with plastic recyclers and analysis of industry data. A weighted sum multicriteria analysis integrating end-user preferences, recycling effectiveness, and market dynamics is utilized. Systemic, process, and policy challenges were shown to hinder sustainable recycling practices, while varying willingness to pay, emission and cost reduction potentials, among acceptability and sectoral diversity informed priority plastic types for recycling. Multicriteria analysis showed that although PET is favored by end users, Polyoxymethylene (POM) emerges as a potential priority target for manufacturers and recyclers. Sensitivity analysis underscores the potential impact of establishing or enhancing willingness to pay (WTP) toward certain plastic types. Moreover, manufacturer and recycler evaluations suggest a broader willingness to recycle plastics than previously assumed. The proposed evaluation framework offers insights toward plastic recycling strategies. Policy interventions such as sustained subsidies for recyclers, market incentives leveraging WTP preferences, and technological advances, including chemical recycling and the broadening of plastic type recycling in line with user and manufacturer preferences, could all contribute to promoting sustainable plastic recycling practices.

Impact of commercial plastic queen cell cups on rearing success and development of honey bee queens

Queen rearing is a common beekeeping practice that plays a crucial role in modern apiculture. To enhance the efficiency of the queen rearing process, plastic queen cell cups have gained widespread popularity amongst queen producers. However, concerns have arisen regarding the potential adverse effects of these petrochemical-based products on queen rearing success and their development. To address this concern, we compared beeswax cups to 10 different commercial plastic queen cups by evaluating their effects on rearing success, queen development, and physical characteristics. Our results showed that plastic queen cell cups are manufactured in a variety of dimensions (inner diameter, depth, and wall thickness). A comparison of queen rearing between beeswax cups and different plastic cups revealed significant differences in larval acceptance, followed by sealing, and queen emergence. Negative correlations were observed between the inner diameter, the depth of queen cups, and the three metrics of queen rearing: acceptance, sealing, and queen emergence rates. While significant variation was observed among larvae weights raised in different queen cups, the differences were less pronounced for the deposited royal jelly weight measured from beeswax queen cups compared to different plastic cups. The weight and morphometric parameters of queens emerging from beeswax cups were similar to those from different plastic types. It indicates the need for standardizing queen cup dimensions without compromising the physical quality of queens.

Biochar Production From Plastic‐Contaminated Biomass

ABSTRACTAnaerobic digestion and composting of biowastes are vital pathways to recycle carbon and nutrients for agriculture. However, plastic contamination of soil amendments and fertilizers made from biowastes is a relevant source of (micro‐) plastics in (agricultural) ecosystems. To avoid this contamination, plastic containing biowastes could be pyrolyzed to eliminate the plastic, recycle most of the nutrients, and create carbon sinks when the resulting biochar is applied to soil. Literature suggests plastic elimination mainly by devolatilization at co‐pyrolysis temperatures of > 520°C. However, it is uncertain if the presence of plastic during biomass pyrolysis induces the formation of organic contaminants or has any other adverse effects on biochar properties. Here, we produced biochar from wood residues (WR) obtained from sieving of biowaste derived digestate. The plastic content was artificially enriched to 10%, and this mixture was pyrolyzed at 450°C and 600°C. Beech wood (BW) chips and the purified, that is, (macro‐) plastic‐free WR served as controls. All biochars produced were below limit values of the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) regarding trace element content and organic contaminants. Under study conditions, pyrolysis of biowaste, even when contaminated with plastic, can produce a biochar suitable for agricultural use. However, thermogravimetric and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis of the WR + 10% plastics biochar suggested the presence of plastic residues at pyrolysis temperatures of 450°C. More research is needed to define minimum requirements for the pyrolysis of plastic containing biowaste and to cope with the automated identification and determination of plastic types in biowaste at large scales.

Pretreated polystyrene is degraded by a microbial consortium enriched from wetland plastic waste

The biodegradation of polystyrene (PS), a type of plastic with aromatic rings in its polymer chain, is a critical environmental goal worldwide. Microbial degradation of PS has been reported, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we constructed a microcosm wetland containing PS plastic. We isolated six highly efficient PS plastic–degrading bacterial strains and created a microbial consortium (MCs) consisting of these strains. After a 30-day incubation period, MCs-treated PS exhibited hallmarks of degradation, including –CO– formation, reduced hydrophobicity, surface porosity, and 20 % weight loss. The efficiency of PS degradation was enhanced by using a combination of physical-chemical pretreatment and biological methods, increasing the microbial degradation rate by 20 %. Antioxidant 2246 (C23H32O2) was detected in the culture supernatant via GC-MS. Metatranscriptomic sequencing analysis provided insight into the possible metabolic pathway of PS degradation by the composite bacteria. We identified 31 highly expressed genes encoding proteins that function in carbon metabolism pathways and 34 unique proteases which catalyze the cleavage of long polymer chains. The resulting small molecules are absorbed and further degraded intracellularly by enzymes such as coenzyme synthase, hydratase, transferase, carboxylase, and dehydrogenase. These findings lay the foundation for the efficient and sustainable degradation of PS.

Impact of Plastic Mulching on Soil Properties and Heavy Metal Dynamics in Agricultural Systems: A Case Study from Manikganj, Bangladesh

This research study examines the impact of different types and sizes of plastics on various soil properties. Clay loam soil samples were collected from Paril village, Manikganj district, Bangladesh, and subjected to plastic incubation experiments. The plastics underwent 180 days of intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation to simulate natural sunlight degradation. The soil samples were mixed with three types of plastics (P1, P2, P3) and two sizes (1mm, 10mm) in individual pots, with and without the addition of zinc sulfate. The soil properties, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), available zinc, cation exchange capacity (CEC), nitrogen content, and total phosphorus, were analyzed using various techniques. The results indicate significant variations in pH and TDS values influenced by plastic size and type. The available zinc content differed among plastic types, and plastic size affected CEC values. Nitrogen content was influenced by plastic size, with smaller particles having a greater impact. Total phosphorus content varied with different plastic types. These findings contribute to our understanding of the potential effects of plastics on soil properties and highlight the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.