RT Journal Article
T1 Earthworm (Eisenia andrei)-mediated degradation of commercial compostable bags and potential toxic effects
A1 Lima Da Gama Mendes , Luís André
A1 Beiras Garcia Sabell, Ricardo
A1 Domínguez Martín, Jose Jorge
K1 3308.07 Eliminación de Residuos
K1 2499 Otras Especialidades Biológicas
K1 3101.99 Otras
AB The availability of compostable plastic bags has increased greatly in the past few years, as it is perceived that this type of bags will be degraded after disposal. However, there are some knowledge gaps regarding the potential effects on the soil ecosystems. We assessed the rate of degradation of samples of four different types of commercial compostable bags in vermicomposting systems with the earthworm species Eisenia andrei. We also evaluated the biological response of E. andrei (survival and reproduction) to microplastics (MPs) from fragments of the plastic bags (<2000 µm) and assessed seedling emergence in common garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) exposed to micronized plastic (<250 µm) and the respective leachate, following OECD and ISO guidelines, respectively. The rate of degradation differed significantly depending on the type of plastic rather than the substrate in the vermicomposting system. This finding suggests that the degradation process is more dependent on the microbial community colonizing the different plastic types than on earthworm activity. Regarding the biological response of the soil system, L. sativum seedling emergence was not significantly affected; however, earthworm reproduction was affected, suggesting that although compostable, some of the formulations may potentially be toxic to soil fauna.
PB Microplastics
SN 26738929
YR 2024
FD 2024-06-08
LK http://hdl.handle.net/11093/7849
UL http://hdl.handle.net/11093/7849
LA eng
NO Microplastics, 3(2): 322-338 (2024)
NO Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2022/07
DS Investigo
RD 19-abr-2025