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Assessment of Microplastic Pollution and Risks in the Region of “Wuchangshi,” China
Summary
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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