We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic accumulation in soils around open dumping and scrapyard sites in Türkiye
Summary
Researchers conducted the first investigation of microplastic accumulation in soils around open dumping and scrapyard sites across eight provinces in Turkey. They found microplastics in all soil samples, with fibers and fragments being the most common forms, predominantly composed of polyethylene and polypropylene. The study reveals that informal waste disposal sites are significant but previously undocumented sources of soil microplastic contamination.
Abstract Microplastic (MP) pollution is widespread and has become a significant global environmental concern. This study represents the first attempt to investigate the abundance of MPs in open dumping and scrapyard sites in Türkiye. Microplastics were identified in soils surrounding these areas, spanning eight provinces. The samples were analysed for MP distribution characteristics, including abundance, shape, size, colour and type. MPs were extracted using density separation with saturated K 2 CO 3 , followed by treatment with 30% H 2 O 2 . Chemical identification was conducted using ATR‐FTIR and μ‐FTIR. Various types of MPs were detected in the soil samples, with averages of 311.6 ± 113.9 particles kg −1 in open dumping areas and 463.3 ± 83.9 particles kg −1 in scrapyard areas. In open dumping areas, MPs were predominantly blue (35.3%), fragment‐shaped (36.6%), smaller than 500 μm (44.7%) and primarily polyethylene (81.5%). Similarly, in scrapyard areas, MPs were blue (33.1%), fragment‐shaped (63.4%), smaller than 500 μm (55.3%) and mostly polyethylene (70.1%). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that soil properties, such as pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, aggregate stability, bulk density, average weight diameter, sand, clay and silt, significantly influenced the abundance and size of MPs in the soil. This study highlights potential concerns regarding soil contamination in three industrially developed regions of Türkiye because of the uncontrolled dumping of plastic waste in open dumping and scrapyard areas.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
An evaluation on microplastic accumulations in Turkish soils under different land uses
Researchers analyzed 55 soil samples from agricultural and urban areas across three Turkish regions, finding higher microplastic concentrations in agricultural soils (averaging 193 particles/kg) than urban soils, with polyethylene fibers under 1 mm dominating both land use types.
Microplastic Characterization in Soil Samples in Urban and Rural Areas of Eskişehir
This study sampled soils from urban and rural areas in Eskişehir, Turkey, and characterized the types, sizes, and abundance of microplastics found. Both urban and rural soils contained microplastics, with higher concentrations in urban areas. The findings add to the growing evidence that terrestrial microplastic contamination is widespread in both developed and undeveloped land.
Investigation on Microplastics in Soil near Landfills in the Republic of Korea
Researchers found microplastics in soil samples taken near two South Korean landfills, averaging 73–98 particles per kilogram, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the dominant types and fragments being the most common shape. The high proportion of secondary (weathered) microplastics indicates that fragmentation of larger plastic waste is actively occurring at these sites. These findings confirm that landfills are a significant local source of microplastic soil contamination and warrant inclusion in national monitoring programs.
Microplastics contamination in the soil from Urban Landfill site, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in soil samples from an urban landfill site in Dhaka, Bangladesh. They found microplastics in all samples, predominantly fibers and fragments made of polyethylene and polypropylene, with concentrations varying across the landfill. The study provides some of the first evidence of terrestrial microplastic pollution in Bangladesh and identifies urban landfills as significant reservoirs of soil microplastic contamination.
Microplastics Derived From Disposable Greenhouse Plastic Films and Irrigation Pipes: A Case Study From Turkey
Researchers found an average of 11.13 microplastics/kg in agricultural soils in Turkey's Adana region where disposable greenhouse plastic films and irrigation pipes are used, with one site reaching 32 microplastics/kg, linking agricultural plastic inputs directly to soil microplastic contamination.