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Source-specific probabilistic risk assessment of microplastics in soils applying quality criteria and data alignment methods
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This study developed a risk assessment framework for microplastics in soil by comparing contamination from different sources including sewage sludge, agricultural mulch, and background pollution. Sewage-contaminated soils showed the highest proportion of samples exceeding risk thresholds, followed by background pollution from diffuse sources. The research provides tools for regulators to evaluate which soil contamination sources pose the greatest ecological risk, which matters for food safety since crops grown in these soils can take up microplastics.
The risk characterization of microplastics (MP) in soil is challenging due to the non-alignment of existing exposure and effect data. Therefore, we applied data alignment methods to assess the risks of MP in soils subject to different sources of MP pollution. Our findings reveal variations in MP characteristics among sources, emphasizing the need for source-specific alignments. To assess the reliability of the data, we applied Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) screening tools. Risk assessment was carried out probabilistically, considering uncertainties in data alignments and effect thresholds. The Hazardous Concentrations for 5% (HC5) of the species were significantly higher compared to earlier studies and ranged between 4.0 × 10 and 2.3 × 10 particles (1-5000 µm)/kg of dry soil for different MP sources and ecologically relevant metrics. The highest risk was calculated for soils with MP entering via diffuse and unspecified local sources, i.e., "background pollution". However, the source with the highest proportion of high-risk values was sewage, followed by background pollution and mulching. Notably, locations exceeding the risk threshold obtained low scores in the QA/QC assessment. No risks were observed for soils with compost. To improve future risk assessments, we advise to primarily test environmentally relevant MP mixtures and adhere to strict quality criteria.
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