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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Sign in to save

Microplastics in French soil: from sources to consequences

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) 2024
Mikaël Kedzierski, Mikaël Kedzierski, Delphine Cirederf-Boulant, Maialen Palazot, Maialen Palazot, Marion YVIN, Lata Soccalingame, Lata Soccalingame, Stéphane Bruzaud, Stéphane Bruzaud, Claire Froger, Claudy Jolivet, Claudy Jolivet, Antonio Bispo, Maët Le Lan, Vianney Estorgues, Louise Astié, Samuel MONDY, Céline Primot, Nicolas Mortas, Camille Rabat, Nicolas Thévenin, Fiona Ehrhardt, Fiona Ehrhardt, Lionel Ruidavets, Valérie Yeuc'H, G Durand, Adrien Caurant, Sophie Goulitquer, Aurélie Even, Solenne Maisonnat, Zhazira Yesbergenova-Cuny, Isabelle Déportes

Summary

French research projects examined microplastic sources and distribution in agricultural and remote soils, finding that organic waste products spread on farmland can exceed 100,000 microplastic particles per kg dry weight. Biodegradable plastic mulch films were also found to begin fragmenting rapidly after burial, contributing lasting soil contamination.

The presence of microplastics (MP) in soils, from the most densely populated areas to the most remote one, is now well established. This contamination is the consequence of various human practices, such as the spreading of Organic Waste Products (OWP) or the use of plastic mulch. In France, studies working on MP in soil matrices have begun in the aim to increase our knowledge of the French situation. This paper will summarise the main findings of the MICROSOF, BIOMALEG and PRO projects. First, we will address the question of the MP contamination sources. OWP, used in agriculture, have been found to be almost systematically contaminated by MP, the abundance of which sometimes exceeds 105 MP/kg (dw). These results enabled to identify the production sectors and practices likely to generate or, on the contrary, limit the production of MP, as well as to estimate the flux of MP towards agricultural soils. Secondly, this presentation will focus on biodegradable film used in agriculture. The results of the BIOMALEG project have demonstrated that polymer films rapidly begin to degrade after burial. They also shed light on the duration of soil contamination by these MPs. Finally, we will provide an overview of the degree of contamination of French soils by MP, based on the latest results of the MICROSOF project, which relied on the Réseau de Mesures de la Qualité des sols (RMQS). The results point to contrasting levels of contamination in French soils, with agricultural soils harder affected than forest soils. Nevertheless, the levels measured suggest that the consequences remain limited at this point. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/558984/document

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