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Microplastic contamination in Chinese topsoil from 1980 to 2050
Summary
Using machine learning models, researchers estimated that microplastic contamination in Chinese topsoil increased roughly 25-fold between 1980 and 2018, driven by industrial growth, agricultural plastic film use, tire wear, and household waste. Cropland soil was especially affected, with concentrations rising from about 98 to 2,400 particles per kilogram. The models project that while reducing agricultural film use could cut cropland contamination in half by 2050, overall soil pollution will likely remain high due to continued urbanization.
China's soil is experiencing significant microplastic contamination. We developed a machine-learning model to assess microplastic pollution from 1980 to 2050. Our results showed that the average abundance of microplastics in topsoil increased from 45 items per kilogram of soil in 1980 to 1156 items by 2018, primarily due to industrial growth (39 %), agricultural film usage (30 %), tire wear (17 %), and domestic waste (14 %). During the same period, microplastic levels in cropland rose from 98 to 2401 items per kilogram of soil, and exposure levels for the Chinese population increased from 808 to 3168 items per kilogram. By 2050, a reduction in the use of agricultural films is expected to decrease cropland contamination by half. However, overall levels are anticipated to remain steady due to other persistent sources, indicating a continued spread of microplastics into subterranean environments, water bodies, and human systems. This study highlights China's microplastic challenges and suggests potential global trends, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and intervention worldwide.
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