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Microplastic migration from landfill-mined soil through earth filling operations and ecological risk assessment: a case study in New Delhi, India
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Researchers analyzed soil-like material mined from three aged landfill sites in New Delhi, India, and found microplastic concentrations ranging from about 26,000 to 41,000 particles per kilogram. Fibers and fragments were the dominant shapes, with 60% of particles smaller than 425 micrometers, and polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common polymers. The findings raise concerns about reusing landfill-mined material for earth-filling projects, as it could spread microplastic contamination to new areas.
Microplastics (MPs), plastic pieces smaller than 5 mm, are emerging as a critical ecological threat, potentially disrupting ecosystems and complicating waste management practices. Landfill-Mined Soil-Like Material (LMSLM), a byproduct of landfill reclamation, is gaining global traction for rehabilitating degraded land and repurposing it for geotechnical applications. While studies have examined contaminants like heavy metals and salts, MPs contamination has been largely overlooked, raising environmental concerns. The widespread use of LMSLM in earth-filling increases the risk of MP pollution. Additionally, significant gaps remain in understanding how MPs are distributed across different size fractions during sieving, which is critical for developing effective remediation strategies and informing future policies. This study aims to fill the existing knowledge gap by investigating the presence of microplastics in LMSLM collected from three aged waste dumpsites in New Delhi, India, and evaluating the ecological risks associated with its reuse. The results revealed the presence of MPs in all LMSLM samples with concentrations ranging from 25950 to 41110 items/kg. Fibers and fragments were the dominant shapes, with 60 % of particles measuring less than 425 µm. The color characteristics revealed the dominance of white, transparent, and black color. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common polymers, with smaller amounts of polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyester. SEM-EDX analysis revealed weathering effects and the presence of heavy metals, including Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Arsenic (As), adsorbed on the MP surface. Ecological risk assessment using the Polymer Hazard Index and Pollution Load Index identified hazard levels of V and II, respectively, while the Potential Ecological Risk Index indicated a medium risk. Furthermore, the dimensional analysis demonstrates that MP width, particularly in fiber-shaped MPs, plays a crucial role in determining retention and migration during sieving, while MPs with uniform shapes, like spheres and fragments, exhibit limited movement. These findings underscore the need for protective measures when using LMSLM in geotechnical applications to prevent MP migration and contamination of surrounding environments. The study highlights the importance of further research on MP contamination in reclaimed landfill materials and its implications for sustainable land use and waste management.
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Researchers extracted and characterized microplastics from biomined landfill materials at five sites in West Bengal, India, finding concentrations ranging from 11,500 to 34,500 particles per kilogram. The most common types were fragments, films, and fibers, with HDPE and LDPE as the primary polymers, though some sites had elevated hazard levels due to the presence of PVC. The study highlights the need for standardized methods to assess microplastic contamination in landfill-derived materials before they are reused in development projects.
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Scientists digging into soil from a landfill in India found it packed with tiny plastic bits—mostly from everyday packaging and household items—many so small and worn down they've likely been breaking apart for years. This matters because these microplastics don't just stay buried: they can seep into surrounding soil and water, potentially entering the food and water we consume, making landfill waste an overlooked source of plastic pollution that deserves more attention in how we manage trash.
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Soil recovered from processing old landfill waste (often reused as farm fertilizer) contains thousands of tiny plastic particles per kilogram, with the smallest fragments being especially abundant. Since this soil is being spread on agricultural land, these microplastics could work their way into crops, water, and eventually our food supply, yet there are currently no safety standards checking for this contamination before it's used. The findings suggest we need better testing and regulations before this "recycled" soil gets approved for farming.
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