Spatial Distribution and Characterization of Soil Microplastics Across Different Terrestrial Land-Use Types in Karaman, Türkiye

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly reported in terrestrial environments worldwide. However, studies investigating their occurrence, spatial distribution, and polymer characteristics in soils across different land-use types in Türkiye remain limited. This study investigated the abundance, morphology, color, and polymer composition of MPs in soils from eight different land-use types in Karaman, Türkiye: three residential areas, an industrial area, mulched agricultural area, wastewater-irrigated agricultural area, roadside, and landfill surroundings. A total of 72 soil samples ( n = 9) were collected and analyzed through sequential density separation (NaCl and ZnCl 2 ) and organic matter removal using 35% H 2 O 2 . Microplastics were quantified using stereomicroscopy and identified by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The amount of MPs ranged from 183 to 1683 particles kg −1 , with the highest concentrations observed in densely populated residential areas and the lowest concentrations in mulched agricultural soils. Fibers and fragments were the dominant shapes, while black and green particles were the most common colors. FTIR analysis revealed polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) as the most prevalent polymers across all areas, followed by PET, PS, and PVC. The diversity of polymer types indicates that soil MPs originate from multiple human activities from agricultural plastics used in farmlands to tire wear along roads, and from everyday household waste to industrial residues near urban and landfill areas. These findings highlight the widespread presence of MPs in terrestrial environments and emphasize the need for improved waste management and agricultural plastic recycling strategies to mitigate soil MPs accumulation.