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Spatiotemporal distribution and ecological hazards of microplastic pollution in soil water resources around a wastewater treatment plant and municipal solid waste site
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Researchers mapped the spatial and seasonal distribution of microplastics in soil, water, and sediment near a wastewater treatment plant and municipal landfill in northern India. They found elevated microplastic concentrations in leachate and areas immediately surrounding both facilities, with seasonal variations in contamination levels. The study highlights that both wastewater treatment plants and solid waste sites serve as significant local sources of microplastic pollution to surrounding environments.
Research into the relative contributions of microplastic (MP) sources to aquatic and terrestrial environments is essential for understanding their fate and transport which is a prerequisite for designing effective pollution management strategies. This study explores the spatial distribution, seasonal variations, and ecological hazards of MPs in surface water, groundwater, soil, sediment, and leachate matrices adjacent to municipal solid waste (MSW) and sewage treatment plant (STP) sites in Northern India. Elevated MP concentrations were observed in leachate (283.22 ± 15.78 particles/L; pre-monsoon), whereas groundwater exhibited significantly reduced levels (10.75 ± 2.04 particles/L; pre-monsoon), indicating the attenuation efficiency and filtration potential of the subsurface zone. Seasonal variations revealed a dilution effect from monsoonal runoff, reducing MP concentrations. The identified MP shapes were predominantly fibers, followed by fragments, with transparent particles being the most common. The size distribution was dominated by smaller MPs (<0.3 mm), which exhibited a positive correlation with overall MP concentrations. The polymer types of MPs identified in the samples categorise the polymer hazard index (PHI) as a hazard level V (>1000) in all the samples indicating a high chemical risk in both the seasons. Similarly, the principal component analysis (PCA) revealed MP hotspots, particularly in soils near the MSW site, with concentrations reaching 53,580 ± 720 particles/kg emphasizing the vulnerability of terrestrial systems. This research highlights the importance of implementing effective waste management practices and provides valuable insights into the fate and transport of MPs by presenting strong evidence of MP movement from typical MSW/STP sites into adjacent land and water resources.
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Seasonal Variation of Microplastic Contamination in Landfill Leachate, River Water, and Soil During Premonsoon and Monsoon: First Evidence From Landfill Sites in Nepal.
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Researchers studying landfills in Nepal found that tiny plastic bits (microplastics) leak into nearby rivers and farm soil, getting worse the further downstream you go and increasing during monsoon season. Most of these plastic particles came from synthetic textiles and degraded packaging, meaning the water used for crops and drinking, and the soil growing our food, could be picking up plastic contamination that eventually makes its way into what we eat and drink. The findings highlight why better landfill waste management and leachate (the liquid that drains from trash) treatment matter for protecting both local ecosystems and long-term food and water safety.
Spatial distribution of microplastic concentration around landfill sites and its potential risk on groundwater
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Researchers found microplastic contamination in groundwater near two municipal waste dump sites in South India, with levels ranging from 2 to 80 particles per liter. Nylon was the most common type found, making up 70% of particles, and the contamination was traced back to degrading buried plastic waste. This is concerning because many communities rely on groundwater for drinking, and these findings show landfills can be a direct source of microplastics in drinking water.
Exploring the abundance of microplastics in Indian landfill leachate: An analytical study
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Researchers analyzed microplastics in leachate from two major landfills in India and found concentrations of 1,473 to 2,067 particles per liter, with most particles smaller than 100 micrometers. Polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, cellulose acetate, and PVC were the most common plastic types identified. Since landfill leachate can seep into groundwater and nearby water bodies, these findings raise concerns about microplastic contamination of drinking water sources near dump sites.
Microplastics in Landfill Environments: Distribution, Characteristics, and Risks from Gampong Jawa, Indonesia
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Researchers examined microplastic distribution across soil, leachate, river water, and well water surrounding a landfill in Gampong Jawa, Indonesia. They found alarmingly high concentrations in well water (up to 979 particles per liter) and soil (over 23,000 particles per kilogram), with fragments, fibers, and films being the most common types. The study demonstrates that landfills are significant sources of microplastic contamination that can spread to surrounding communities through water and soil pathways.
Microplastics in municipal solid waste landfill leachate and their removal in treatment units: A perspective of controlled and uncontrolled landfills
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This study measured microplastic contamination in liquid waste (leachate) from two landfill sites in India, finding polyethylene and polypropylene as the most common types. Controlled landfills with treatment systems removed some microplastics, but significant amounts still escaped into the surrounding environment. The findings highlight landfills as an overlooked source of microplastic pollution that can contaminate nearby soil, rivers, and groundwater used by communities.
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