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Occurrence and distribution of bisphenol A and microplastics in soils of urban and peri-urban areas of Francisco Beltrão (Paraná)
Original title: Ocorrência e distribuição de bisfenol a e microplásticos em solos de área urbana e periurbana de Francisco Beltrão (Paraná)
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Scientists tested soil samples from a Brazilian city and found bisphenol A (BPA) — a chemical used in plastics that can disrupt hormones — in every single sample, with the most contaminated spot showing levels up to 8,000 times higher than typical farmland soil worldwide. This matters because BPA in soil can work its way into crops, groundwater, and local ecosystems, raising concerns about long-term exposure through the food we eat and the environment we live in, especially in areas with lots of human activity and waste.
A contaminação por bisfenol A (BPA) e microplásticos em matrizes aquáticas e terrestres têm se intensificado nas últimas décadas, configurando-se como uma questão emergente de relevância ambiental e de saúde pública. Neste estudo, foram investigados cinco pontos de amostragem de solo, coletados entre 10–20 cm, no município de Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, selecionados com base no grau de influência antrópica. A granulometria indicou textura arenosa (P1: 22,5% de areia) e predominantemente argilosa (P3: 81% de argila; P5: 79%). O teor de matéria orgânica variou de 0,402% (P4) a 3,753% (P2), enquanto o pH de ácido a levemente ácido (4,8–5,8) e a capacidade de troca catiônica (CTC) variou entre 8,72 e 67,69 cmolc kg⁻¹. A espectroscopia FTIR identificou bandas associadas a minerais de argila, matéria orgânica e silicatos, com destaque para uma banda em 1100 cm⁻¹ (P3), indicativa de compostos orgânicos sintéticos. A análise por LC-MS/MS, apresentou LOD de 3,39 µg kg⁻¹, LOQ de 10,27 µg kg⁻¹, coeficiente de variação inferior a 7% e precisão entre 83% e 101%. O BPA foi detectado em todas as amostras, com valor máximo em P5, 60 vezes superior ao P3 e até 8.000 vezes acima das médias agrícolas globais. A distribuição do contaminante foi influenciada pela textura do solo, teor de matéria orgânica, pH e intensidade antrópica. Esses resultados inéditos para o sudoeste do Paraná reforçam a necessidade de políticas públicas voltadas ao controle de resíduos e estratégias de remediação para preservar a saúde do solo e dos ecossistemas locais. Palavras-Chaves: Contaminação do solo; desreguladores endócrinos, monitoramento ambiental; poluentes emergentes Occurrence and Distribution of Bisphenol A and Microplastics in Soils of Urban and Peri-urban Areas of Francisco Beltrão (Paraná – Brazil) A B S T R A C T Contamination by bisphenol A (BPA) and microplastics in aquatic and terrestrial environments has intensified in recent decades, emerging as a significant environmental and public health issue. In this study, five soil sampling sites were investigated, with samples collected from a depth of 10–20 cm in the municipality of Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, selected based on the degree of anthropogenic influence. The particle size distribution indicated a sandy texture (P1: 22.5% sand) and predominantly clayey texture (P3: 81% clay; P5: 79%). The organic matter content ranged from 0.402% (P4) to 3.753% (P2), while the pH ranged from acidic to slightly acidic (4.8–5.8) and the cation exchange capacity (CEC) varied between 8.72 and 67.69 cmol·kg⁻¹. FTIR spectroscopy identified bands associated with clay minerals, organic matter, and silicates, notably a band at 1100 cm⁻¹ (P3), indicative of synthetic organic compounds. LC-MS/MS analysis showed a LOD of 3.39 µg kg⁻¹, a LOQ of 10.27 µg kg⁻¹, a coefficient of variation below 7%, and precision between 83% and 101%. BPA was detected in all samples, with a maximum value in P5, 60 times higher than in P3 and up to 8,000 times above global agricultural averages. The distribution of the contaminant was influenced by soil texture, organic matter content, pH, and anthropogenic intensity. These unprecedented results for the southwest of Paraná reinforce the need for public policies aimed at waste control and remediation strategies to preserve soil health and local ecosystems. Keywords: Soil contamination; endocrine disruptors, environmental monitoring; emerging pollutants
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