Systematic literature review whit bibliometric analysis for the establishment of a baseline for alternative materials

Abstract

The contamination of agricultural soils due to the excessive use of synthetic plastics in the food production and supply chain has caused the translocation of carcinogenic compounds and endocrine disruptors contained in their formulations to water bodies and farms, getting onto the food chain, generating diseases, and putting human health at risk. This research established the state of knowledge by using the methodology of systematic literature review, enabling the establishment of hypotheses leading to focused, objective, and unbiased conclusions. It was found that there is ambiguity in the scientific literature regarding the terms that refer to alternative materials, so based on the results, appropriate definitions were proposed. The materials of most scientific interest were plastic films, mulching films, and controlled-release materials, which are still emerging topics in terms of quantity and collaboration between countries worldwide. Although some alternatives have been suggested, only a few ensure total and safe degradability on the soil environment. One of the gaps is the lack of methodology on the identification, quantification, and interactions of plastic particles under field conditions with heavy metals, phthalate esters, and organic matter contained in the soil. Agave Salmiana fibers were obtained, treated with alkali, and spun into yarns and a piece of woven textile fabric. These three products were impregnated with beeswax using a vacuum bag; to compare them with their synthetic counterparts, the diameters and weight loss of the materials were measured. The highest weight loss in all specimens occurred in the wax-impregnated fibers, yarn, and nets in the range of 12-38% over a period of 30 days, with significant differences with the synthetic products. These natural fiber yarns and netting are presented as a proposal to reduce the excessive use of synthetic plastics in agriculture; however, mechanical characterization is necessary for them to be considered a functional alternative.