We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in rice-based farming systems and their connection to plastic waste management in the Chicoral district of Espinal-Tolima
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination in rice-based farming systems, tracing MPs from irrigation water and plastic mulch through soil and into harvested grain, and connecting observed contamination levels to regional plastic waste management practices.
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils is a growing concern, especially in rice cultivation systems, where information is limited, particularly in Latin America. Given the economic importance of this crop in Colombia and the generation of plastic waste from some associated practices, it is crucial to determine the presence of MPs related to agricultural activities in soils dedicated to this activity. This study evaluated the presence of MPs in soils and irrigation water of rice crops in Chicoral, Tolima, Colombia, during two contrasting seasons. Soil samples from seven plots (upper, middle, and lower zones) and water samples from seven points along the irrigation canal were collected. MPs were found in all samples, with similar concentrations in water samples collected in the rainy and dry seasons (0.11 ± 0.10 vs. 0.10 ± 0.06 items/m3, respectively), and higher abundance in soil samples during the rainy season (4 ± 2.71 vs 3.62 ± 1.92 items/50 g). Fragments and fibers were the most abundant forms of plastics (53 % water, 55 % soil), predominantly larger than 100 μm and blue in color. Polypropylene (PP) was the most abundant polymer (50 %) in the meso- and macroplastic samples. Our results suggested that MPs contamination in rice crop soils at Chicoral is influenced by irrigation water transport and improper plastic waste management, highlighting the need for further research on their effects on agricultural systems.
More Papers Like This
Changes in Microplastic and Associated Elemental Constituents Across Different Rice Farming Systems in North East India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic pollution across four agricultural land-use types in the Cachar district, India, including paddy rice, maize, vegetable, and fallow land. Microplastic abundance and composition varied by land use, with paddy rice fields showing higher contamination linked to irrigation and plastic mulch inputs.
Microplastic Pollution in Agricultural Soils of Lima, Peru
AI summary Read the abstract
The first microplastic survey of agricultural soils in Lima, Peru found contamination at all four sampled sites, with polyethylene and polypropylene spheres under 100 micrometers most prevalent, linked to outdoor washing and contaminated irrigation water. Microplastic pollution in farmland soils is a global issue now confirmed in South America, raising concerns about plastics entering the food supply through crops grown in contaminated soil.
Microplastic Contamination in Rice Soils of Guyana: Abundance, Characteristics, and Environmental Implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found tiny plastic bits (microplastics) in soil from rice farms in Guyana, while nearby unfarmed land had little to none, suggesting that farming practices themselves may be introducing plastic pollution into the soil. Since rice is a staple food for millions of people, this raises questions about whether these plastics could end up in the crops we eat, though more research is needed to understand the actual health risks.
Microplastics in Philippine Farmlands
AI summary Read the abstract
This study documents microplastic contamination in Philippine farmland soils, identifying degraded agricultural plastics, irrigation runoff, and sewage sludge as primary sources, and discussing implications for soil health, crop safety, and food security.
Impact of plastic mulching on microplastic contamination in mountainous agricultural soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how plastic mulching films affect microplastic contamination in remote mountainous agricultural soils in Kakani, Nepal, collecting soil samples from two depths across mulched farms, non-mulched farms, and adjacent forests and finding elevated MP concentrations in mulched plots.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.