Higher potential leaching of inorganic and organic additives from biodegradable compared to conventional agricultural plastic mulch film

Reay, M. K., Graf, M., Murphy, M., Li, G., Yan, C., Bhattacharya, M., Osbahr, H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0130-2313, Ma, J., Chengtao, W., Xiner, S., Ren, S., Cui, J., Collins, C., Chadwick, D., Jones, D. L., Evershed, R. P. and Lloyd, C. E. M. (2025) Higher potential leaching of inorganic and organic additives from biodegradable compared to conventional agricultural plastic mulch film. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 488. 137147. ISSN 0304-3894 doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.137147

Abstract/Summary

Plastic mulch films support global food security, however, their composition and the potential release rates of organic, metal and metalloid co-contaminants remains relatively unknown. This study evaluates the low molecular weight organic additives, metal and metalloid content and leaching from low density polyethylene (LDPE) and biodegradable plastic mulch films. We identified 59 organic additives, and non-intentionally added substances in the new LDPE films (39.8 mg m−2) and 60 in the new biodegradable films (129 mg m−2). The leaching of organic compounds of high concern for ecosystem and human health (e.g. phthalates, organophosphite antioxidants) was comparable to those of low concern (fatty acids, fatty amides, alkanols). However, the majority of leached compounds have undergone no regulatory scrutiny and their environmental fate and toxicity remain unknown. Leaching of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb) was low relative to inert fillers (Ca, Na). Leaching was higher for both organic and metal/metalloid additives from the biodegradable films (74.6 mg m−2) than the LDPE films (23.7 mg m−2). This untargeted approach allowed assessment of the chemical burden posed to individual farms, based on existing use patterns of plastic mulch films, with higher chemical burden coming from biodegradable films, raising the potential for pollution swapping. This research emphasises the need to include the complex mixture of leached additives when assessing the environmental risks presented by plastic mulch films, balancing yield benefits with the protection of our agricultural soils.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/120486
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science > Department of Geography and Environmental Science Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of International Development
Publisher	Elsevier
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