Ayer lunes tuvo lugar la exposición y defensa de la Tesis Doctoral de Giovana Prado Fortuna Macan en el Instituto de Agricultura Sostenible del CSIC en Córdoba. Su Tesis Doctoral titulada “From Macro- to Microplastics in Agriculture: Impacts on Soil and Plant Health” ha sido desarrollada bajo la supervisión de la Dra. Blanca B. Landa del Instituto de Agricultura Sostenible.
Resumen:
The use of plastics in agriculture has significantly increased crop yields and enhanced food security. However, these benefits come at an environmental cost. Their widespread use and mismanagement have contributed to a global plastic pollution crisis that threatens soil and plant health.
This doctoral thesis elucidates hidden plastic–soil–microorganism–plant interactions through experiments considering both macro- and microplastic particles. The dynamic interaction between anthropogenic plastic materials and soil microorganisms is addressed through assessments conducted over time, considering both conventional and biodegradable materials. Specific soil bacterial taxa consistently associated with the presence of each plastic type were identified by high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and isolation, and innovative methodologies were developed. The thesis further evaluates the impact of microplastics on plant development and seed germination and emphasizes the environmental risks posed by plastic additives and leachates, which substantially contribute to material toxicity.
Overall, this work provides a foundation for future research on (micro)plastic pollution and soil microbial ecology, supporting efforts toward sustainable agricultural practices and reduced plastic contamination.
Artículos publicados:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136013
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2025.105900
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-025-08534-6
¡Magnífico trabajo!
¡Enhorabuena a la nueva Dra. Prado!
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