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Determination and Quantification of Microplastics in Grasslands for Feed and Possible Impacts on Livestock
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Researchers measured microplastic contamination in both soil and forage grass from four grassland feed sites in Indonesia, finding that grass samples contained more microplastics (160–260 items/kg) than soils (70–170 items/kg), with polyethylene fibers dominating, raising concerns about livestock exposure through feed.
ABSTRACT MPs contamination has emerged as a growing environmental concern across diverse ecosystems. Nevertheless, research specifically addressing MPs contamination in pastures used for livestock feed remains limited. This study assessed MPs contamination in grasslands from four major feed fields in Pamekasan, Madura Island. Six samples of soil (T) and forage grass (R) were analyzed for MPs concentration, abundance, size, color, and polymer type. Soil samples contained 70–170 items/kg, while forage grass contained 160–260 items/kg. MPs were identified as fibers, fragments, granules, and films, with black as the dominant color across all samples. FTIR analysis showed PE as the dominant polymer (65.54% in soil, 78.45% in forage grass), followed by LDPE (34.46% and 21.55%, respectively). MPs were consistently higher in forage grass than soil, indicating potential transfer from soil to feed. These findings underscore the need to address MPs pollution in agricultural systems to safeguard environmental quality, livestock production, and food safety.
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