Towards Sustainable Agroecosystems: A Life Cycle Assessment Review of Soil-biodegradable and Traditional Plastic Mulch Films DOI Creative Commons
Oluwatunmise Israel Dada, Teshan Udayanga Habarakada Liyanage, Ting Chi

et al.

Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 24, P. 100541 - 100541

Published: Feb. 12, 2025

The increasing use of traditional agricultural plastic mulch films (PMs) has raised significant environmental concerns, prompting the search for sustainable alternatives. Soil-biodegradable (BDMs) are often proposed as eco-friendly replacements; however, their widespread adoption remains contentious. This review employs a comparative life cycle assessment perspective to evaluate impact PMs and BDMs across production, use, end-of-life stages, providing strategies mitigate on agroecosystems. generally exhibit lower energy greenhouse gas emissions than but contribute greater land-use demands. Reported eutrophication acidification potentials less consistent, varying based feedstock types scope BDM, well management PM. burden both is influenced by stage, polymer composition, farming practices, additives, film thickness, local climatic conditions. manufacturing stage major contributor BDMs, despite shared benefits crop yields. However, post-use impacts more pronounced PMs, driven strategy adsorbed waste content. While starch-based offer alternative uncertainties regarding residence time BDM residues in soil (albeit shorter PM residues) effects health, coupled with higher production costs, impede adoption. For end-of-life, biodegradation recommended. Energy material recovery options crucial mechanical recycling preferred, although it requires addressing human toxicity. discusses these complexities within specific contexts provides actionable insights guide integration into practices.

Language: Английский

Towards Sustainable Agroecosystems: A Life Cycle Assessment Review of Soil-biodegradable and Traditional Plastic Mulch Films DOI Creative Commons
Oluwatunmise Israel Dada, Teshan Udayanga Habarakada Liyanage, Ting Chi

et al.

Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 24, P. 100541 - 100541

Published: Feb. 12, 2025

The increasing use of traditional agricultural plastic mulch films (PMs) has raised significant environmental concerns, prompting the search for sustainable alternatives. Soil-biodegradable (BDMs) are often proposed as eco-friendly replacements; however, their widespread adoption remains contentious. This review employs a comparative life cycle assessment perspective to evaluate impact PMs and BDMs across production, use, end-of-life stages, providing strategies mitigate on agroecosystems. generally exhibit lower energy greenhouse gas emissions than but contribute greater land-use demands. Reported eutrophication acidification potentials less consistent, varying based feedstock types scope BDM, well management PM. burden both is influenced by stage, polymer composition, farming practices, additives, film thickness, local climatic conditions. manufacturing stage major contributor BDMs, despite shared benefits crop yields. However, post-use impacts more pronounced PMs, driven strategy adsorbed waste content. While starch-based offer alternative uncertainties regarding residence time BDM residues in soil (albeit shorter PM residues) effects health, coupled with higher production costs, impede adoption. For end-of-life, biodegradation recommended. Energy material recovery options crucial mechanical recycling preferred, although it requires addressing human toxicity. discusses these complexities within specific contexts provides actionable insights guide integration into practices.

Language: Английский

Citations

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