Impact assessment of microplastics in agricultural soils of the Euroregion Galicia and Minho: preliminary results

Plastic has become an essential component of modern agriculture. However, studies have shown that plastic waste can adversely affect soil health and biodiversity, soil productivity and food security. As the demand for agricultural land continues to increase and resources become scarce, it is pivotal to prevent further degradation of agricultural soils. Few studies were conducted in the NW of the Iberian Peninsula on the potential distribution of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils. Therefore, it is urgent to understand how plastics can impact different agricultural soils in the Euroregion of Galicia and Minho-North of Portugal. The broad objective of the study is to develop a harmonized methodology for evaluating the impact on soil health caused by the extensive use of plastic materials. MPs contents will be determined in different types of agricultural land using novel techniques for extracting plastics from complex mixtures, such as agricultural soils. Also, the study will investigate the potential sources of plastic in the soil system and the role of MPs as carriers of other contaminants.Three distinct types of agriculture were identified in the study areas: urban vegetable gardens and urban farming, farm greenhouses, and intensive grapevine, corn and wheat production. For the Minho region, communication established with relevant stakeholders allowed the selection of the sampling locations. In spring 2024, soil samples were collected from the 0-20 cm of the soil profile and kept in aluminium takeaway containers for transportation. In the laboratory, samples were dried at room temperature for one week, followed by 48 hours at 40 °C. The soil was dry sieved to obtain the ¡ 2 mm particle size fraction. The current project stage comprises the determination of the soil texture and its physicochemical properties. A harmonized methodology for the routine analysis of (micro)plastics in soils is currently under development. Acknowledgments (see poster). Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559505/document