Agricultural plastic films have been extensively used to control weeds and insects, increase soil temperature, and reduce evaporation. However, they also result in soil contamination by plastic debris and additives. In this study, we identified dozens of plasticizers, including phthalates, bisphenols, phenolic antioxidants, organophosphate triesters, and diisocyanate, in 40 commercial agricultural films. Thirty-one plasticizers were detected in more than 50% of samples, and the median concentrations for phenolic antioxidants, bisphenols, and phthalates were 2.2 × 105, 1.0 × 104, and 2.2 × 103 ng g-1, respectively. Most plasticizers were released into the water after incubated at 25 °C for 28 d. The release was accelerated by elevated temperatures and dissolved organic carbon contents. A Fickian diffusion model was developed to better understand the release process. The results of this study shed light on the environmental fate of various plastic additives released from agricultural plastic films.

Additives release from agricultural plastic films: Experiment and modeling

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.