La contaminación por plásticos crece rápidamente, impulsando el desarrollo de alternativas biodegradables. Sin embargo, la adición de carbono puede activar la respiración microbiana, causando la liberación de CO2 y afectando la capacidad de suelos y sedimentos para capturar carbono. Este estudio evalúa el impacto de los (bio)plásticos en este proceso.
Effects of conventional and biodegradable plastics on the stimulation of soil and sediment respiration
The book explores the impact of biodegradable plastics on soil and sediment health, focusing on the "priming effect," where added carbon inputs enhance microbial respiration, leading to the degradation of existing organic matter. This process results in increased CO2 emissions, potentially undermining the ability of soils and sediments to sequester carbon. By examining the implications of plastic pollution, the work aims to assess how these materials may diminish the natural capacity of these ecosystems to combat climate change.