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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.