Estimation of microplastics distribution in soil sample from District Una, Himachal Pradesh, India

Plastics have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Its production and usage are increasing day by day. Our lives have become dependent on plastic-based products, and we are frequently exposed to plastics. The oxidation, fragmentation, and leaching stimulate the formation of small (1 µm–5000 µm) particles termed microplastics. The current study facilitates the assessment and quantification of MPs in soil samples collected from 5 sites (Amb, Gagret, Mubarikpur, Una city, and Tahliwal) in district Una, Himachal Pradesh, India. Soil samples were treated with NaCl for density separation and 30% H2O2 for digestion of organic matter. After sample treatment, the obtained supernatant was visualized under a stereomicroscope. In the current study, fragments (81.06%) were the dominant MP type identified, followed by fibers (16.04%) and films (2.89%). Similarly, MPs obtained were of various colours, such as purple (59%), greenish purple (5%), yellow (5%), blue (2%), green (1%) and transparent (28%). The highest microplastics concentration was detected in the soil sample from Tahliwal due to the disposal from small-scale industries and domestic waste, while the lowest microplastics concentration was detected in the soil sample from Una city. However, further research is needed to identify the polymer type and to check the possible source of microplastic examined.