Copper adsorption and release by biodegradable polyester films under field conditions

In this work we analyze the adsorption of Cu(II) ions on biodegradable mulching films in real conditions by performing a comparison of two commercial PLA/PBAT-based films with a standard olefinic film (LDPE). In particular, in situ tests have been performed at an experimental agriculture center of the Apulian region by miming a real crop cycle. The desorption phenomenon of copper has been also investigated by measuring the amount of metal ions released by the debris of mulching films in the environment at the end of the crop cycle after burying the mulching films under the soil.