Fate and behavior of microplastics in biosolids: pollution characteristics and environm ental risks

2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 22KF0162
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Institution: Gifu University
• Principal Investigator: 李 富生 岐阜大学, 流域圏科学研究センター, 教授 (10332686)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): BHAT SARTAJ 岐阜大学, 流域圏科学研究センター, 外国人特別研究員
• Project Period (FY): 2023-03-08 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: microplastics / cow dung / Earthworms / hatchlings / composting

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

This study explored the effect of non-biodegradable (low density polyethylene; LDPE) and biodegradable (polybutylene succinate-co-adipate; PBSA) microplastics on earthworm Eisenia fetida during vermicomposting of cow dung. Earthworms were exposed to different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%) of LDPE and PBSA of 2 mm size. The cow dung supported the growth and hatchlings of earthworms, and the toxicity effect on Eisenia fetida was analyzed. Microplastics decreased the body weight of earthworms and there was no impact on hatchlings. Much significant changes with varying microplastics concentrations were not obvious. SEM and FTIR-ATR analysis observed the surface damage of earthworms, morphological and biochemical changes at higher concentrations of both LDPE and PBSA.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

The study is going according to the plan.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

The next plan for the study will be to conduct the microbial analysis of the samples and compile all the data.

Research Products

• [Journal Article] Effect of conventional and biodegradable microplastics on earthworms during vermicomposting process. Environmental Geochemistry and Health (2024)
  • Author(s): Bhat, SA., Han, ZM., Dewi, SK., Wei, Y., Li, F
  • Journal Title: Environmental Geochemistry and Health Volume: - Pages: -
  • DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01974-9
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Journal Article] Fate and behavior of microplastics in biosolids (2024)
  • Author(s): Bhat, SA., Han, ZM., Dewi, SK., Cui, G., Wei, Y., Li, F
  • Journal Title: Huang K and Bhat SA. Occurrence and Behavior of Emerging Contaminants in Organic Wastes and Their Control Strategies Volume: - Pages: -
  • DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-443-13585-9.00012-4
  • Int'l Joint Research
• [Journal Article] Effects of Micro-Nanoplastics Exposure to Earthworms in the Soil System (2024)
  • Author(s): Bhat, SA., Han, ZM., Dewi, SK., Cui, G., Wei, Y., Li, F
  • Journal Title: In: Bhat SA, Kumar V, Li F, Kumar S (eds) Management of Micro and Nano-plastics in Soil and Biosolids: Fate, Occurrence, Monitoring, and Remedies Volume: - Pages: -
  • DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-51967-3_8
  • Int'l Joint Research
• [Book] Management of Micro and Nano-plastics in Soil and Biosolids: Fate, Occurrence, Monitoring, and Remedies (2024)
  • Author(s): Bhat, SA., Kumar, V., Li, F., Kumar, S
  • Total Pages: 389
  • Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland
  • ISBN: 978-3-031-51967-3