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Assessment of Microplastic Pollution and Risks in the Region of “Wuchangshi,” China
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Atmospheric and soil microplastics were measured across five cities in China's Xinjiang region, finding that airborne microplastic concentrations exceeded soil surface concentrations by up to three times, with fibers and polyethylene/polypropylene dominating. The study highlights that even inland, arid regions far from industrial centers accumulate significant microplastic pollution, expanding the known geographic reach of the contamination.
ABSTRACT Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous across the globe. This study investigated atmospheric microplastic (AMP) and soil microplastic (SMP) pollution in five regions (Urumqi, Changji, Shihezi, Hutubi, and Manasi) of the “Wuchangshi” region, Xinjiang. AMPs were collected using pine needles as passive samplers, whereas SMPs were obtained from the soil surrounding pine trees. Results showed average abundances of AMPs and SMPs were 6.05 ± 2.13 n/g and 3088 ± 239 n/kg, respectively, with AMP abundances exceeding SMP abundances by 1.06 to 3.10 times. The highest AMP and SMP pollution levels in the five regions were Manasi (7.88 ± 1.48 n/g) and Shihezi (3680 ± 600 n/kg). The shape and size distribution of AMPs and SMPs were similar, with fiber accounting for the highest proportion. The color of MPs was primarily gray, and sizes were predominantly distributed between 1–3 mm. Polyethylene (PE) (25.7%)/polypropylene (PP) (20.6%) were the most prevalent polymers in AMPs/SMPs. Potential sources of atmospheric fibers and films primarily included residential areas, commercial districts, and transportation routes, whereas soil fragments and particles mainly originated from commercial districts. Pollutant load index (PLI) and the potential ecological risk index (PERI) indicated that Manasi exhibited relatively high MPs pollution levels among the five regions. This study aims to provide data references for urban MPs research and passive sampling of pine needles and enhance public awareness and understanding of MPs pollution in different environmental media within Xinjiang's urban areas.
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Agricultural soils in Xinjiang, China, were surveyed for microplastic contamination, revealing widespread presence in major farming regions where plastic mulch films and irrigation systems are heavily used. The study provides one of the first regional-scale assessments of microplastic pollution in this important agricultural area.
Atmospheric Microplastic Pollution and Risk Assessment in the “Wuchangshi” Region of Xinjiang, China, Using Pine Needles as Passive Sampler
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Using pine needles as passive atmospheric samplers, researchers documented microplastic deposition across five cities in Xinjiang, China, finding polyethylene fibers dominant and the highest concentrations in Urumqi during winter, with overall ecological risk rated high. The study validates pine needles as a practical, low-cost monitoring tool for atmospheric microplastic pollution and provides baseline data for a region where industrial and transportation emissions are key sources.
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination along a highway in arid Xinjiang, China, finding pollution across urban, farmland, and desert environments, with polyester and polyethylene being the dominant polymer types and concentrations highest near urban areas.
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in farmland soils in an arid region of China, finding extremely high concentrations averaging over 52,000 particles per kilogram of soil. Polyethylene from plastic mulch film accounted for over 90% of the microplastics, with fields growing tall crops like sunflower and maize showing more contamination than potato fields. The study demonstrates that agricultural plastic mulch use is a major source of soil microplastic pollution, particularly in arid farming regions.
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