Quantification and Analysis of Microplastics in Farmland Soils: Characterization, Sources, and Pathways

Agriculture

Moslem Imani¹  Shang-Lien Lo²  PatrickChris Jomalema³  FezileBethusile Mkhontfo³  JamesTravor Mtweve³  NasraShabani Jumanne³  BrightHubert Mbuya³  NathanThadeo Yoashi³  Hoda Fakour³  AngelbetterMarselian Massao³  NelsonNaboth Lema³ 

[1] Department of Geomatics Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan;Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 106, Taiwan;International College of Practice and Education for the Environment, International Program for Sustainable Development, Chang Jung Christian University, No.1, Changda Rd., Gueiren District, Tainan City 71101, Taiwan;

关键词: microplastics;    farmland;    soil;    polyethylene;    fibers;    fragments;   

DOI  :  10.3390/agriculture11040330

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

While microplastics (MPs) have been identified extensively in aquatic ecosystems, their presence remains largely unexplored in soil ecosystems. Considering the potential effect of MPs on soil biodiversity and function, the present study investigated and analyzed the abundance and characteristics of MPs in soil profile. Taking soil samples from Tainan city farms, as one of the hotspots of agricultural practices in Taiwan, concentrations, types, compositions, pathways, and sources of MPs in farmland soils were quantified. Results showed that MPs were found in all soil samples in different depths ranging from 12–117 items/m² and MP abundance in farms adjacent to the suburban roads was about three times more than in enclosed farms separated from roads. Fragment and fibers were the main forms and low-density polyethylene was the dominant polymer of detected MPs. Historical land use, extensive application of plastic mulch, and utilization of fruit protection foams were identified as the main sources of MPs in farmlands. This study identifies the presence of MP emissions in farmland soils and investigates its features, which could serve as a framework for future studies into the ecological effects of MPs in the terrestrial environment.

【 授权许可】

Unknown