Effects of Microplastic Fibers on Soil Aggregation and Enzyme Activities Are Organic Matter Dependent

Microplastic as an anthropogenic pollutant accumulates in terrestrial ecosystems over time, threatening soil quality and health, for example by decreasing aggregate stability. Organic matter addition is efficient approach to promote stability, yet little known about whether microplastic can reduce the beneficial effect of organic on We investigated impacts fibers presence or absence different materials carrying out a incubation experiment. This experiment was set up fully factorial design containing all combinations (no fiber addition, two types polyester fibers, polyacrylic) Medicago lupulina leaves, Plantago lanceolata wheat straw, hemp stems). evaluated percentage water-stable aggregates (WSA) activities four enzymes (?-glucosidase, ?-D-celluliosidase, N-acetyl-b-glucosaminidase, phosphatase). increased WSA enzyme activities, expected. In particular, straw 224.77 281.65% 298.51 55.45%, respectively. had no without but decreased 26.20 37.57% 23.85 26.11%, respectively, straw. Our study shows that effects aggregation are dependent. A possible reason stimulated greater degree, resulting more newly formed microplastic, incorporated led less stable aggregates, decrease highlights important aspect context dependency health. results also suggest risks stability associated with additions, such common agroecosystems, when microplastics present.