We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic contamination in agricultural soils: occurrence, polymer characterization, and ecological risk in banana farmlands of Southwestern India
Summary
This study investigated microplastic occurrence and characteristics in agricultural soils from banana farmlands in southwestern India, finding widespread contamination across sampled sites. Fibers and fragments dominated, with agricultural inputs such as irrigation water and mulching identified as key contamination pathways.
Microplastic pollution has been widely studied in aquatic environments, but limited evidence is available on its presence in agricultural soils, especially in India. Farmlands are increasingly exposed to plastic debris through irrigation, fertilizers, mulching materials, and other human activities. Understanding the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in soil is critical for assessing potential ecological and agricultural risks. This study investigates the presence, types, and possible sources of microplastics in banana farmland soils of Kasaragod District, Kerala. A total of sixteen soil samples were collected in the month of February from banana cultivation areas in triplicates (n = 48). Microplastic contamination was confirmed in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 19.17 to 319.17 particles per kilogram of soil, and an average of 137.19 particles per kilogram of dry soil. Morphological analysis by microscopy revealed that fibres were the most dominant form (72%), followed by fragments (15%), microbeads (10%), and films (3%). Most of the particles black, blue, and red being the prevalent colours, with possible inputs from both agricultural and domestic sources. Polymer identification using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed polypropylene (70%) and polyethylene (30%) as the main polymers. Pollution hazard index analysis suggested that all sites posed medium to high ecological risk with the highest PHI value recorded as 1100. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences in microplastic abundance among locations, and correlation analysis indicated a strong association between fibre particles and coloured microplastics, highlighting their link to human activities. This study provides the first documented evidence of microplastic contamination in banana farmland soils in India. The findings demonstrate that agricultural soils can act as an important sink for microplastics and are vulnerable to ongoing plastic deposition from multiple sources. The dominance of coloured microplastic fibres suggests substantial anthropogenic contributions. The observed ecological risks underscore the urgent need for improved management of plastic waste, better agricultural practices, and stronger regulatory measures to protect soil quality and ensure sustainable farming systems. This highlights the critical need for integrating sustainable plastic management strategies within agricultural practices to prevent long-term soil degradation and ensure food security.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Distribution pattern and risk assessment of microplastics contamination in different agricultural systems
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in agricultural soils across six sites in Coimbatore, India with distinct farming practices, finding microplastics in 81% of organic matter-removed samples. The study revealed that different agronomic inputs and land management practices produce distinct microplastic contamination profiles.
Baseline assessment of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils from the coastal stretches of Karnataka and Goa, Southwestern India
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in paddy field soils across coastal regions of Karnataka and Goa in India, finding microplastics in every sample tested at all depths up to 30 cm. Fibers and polypropylene particles were the most common types, likely originating from agricultural plastic use and atmospheric deposition. The presence of toxic heavy metals on the microplastic surfaces raises additional concerns about contamination of rice crops grown in these soils.
Soil microplastic pollution under different land uses in tropics, southwestern China
Soil microplastic pollution was compared across four land use types in tropical southwestern China -- primary and secondary forests, rubber plantations, and banana plantations -- finding that agricultural land uses had higher microplastic abundance than natural forest soils.
Microplastic and trace element contamination in coastal agricultural soils of southern India: a comparative risk assessment of mulched and unmulched fields
Researchers assessed microplastics and trace element contamination in coastal agricultural soils from Karnataka, India, comparing mulched watermelon and unmulched rice fields. Mulched fields had higher MP abundance and distinct polymer types linked to plastic mulch degradation, with trace element profiles also differing between land uses.
Microplastic Contamination in Agricultural Soils Across India: A Systematic Review of Studies and Research Gaps
This systematic review examines microplastic contamination in agricultural soils across India, an area that has received far less attention than waterways. The research identifies polluted irrigation water, industrial discharge, and plastic mulch as key contamination sources, raising concerns about microplastics entering the food supply through crops grown in contaminated soil.