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Ecological risk assessment of microplastics in urban farmland soils. A case of Mabibo Bonde la Mchicha Farm, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Researchers assessed the ecological risk of microplastics in urban farmland soils at a farm in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, finding mean concentrations of 18.9 to 32.1 items per gram across different soil depths. While overall pollution levels indicated minor risk, the presence of highly toxic polymers like PVC and polyamide suggested significant chemical hazard potential. The study highlights that agricultural practices such as organic fertilizer application and surface water irrigation are likely sources of microplastic contamination in urban farmland.
• This study investigated the ecological risks of microplastics in MBMF soils. • MPs mean concentration in soils: 0-5cm: 29.5, 5-10cm: 32.1, 10-15cm: 18.9 items/g. • All soil samples indicated a hazard level I category implying minor risk (PLI < 10). • Highly toxic polymers (PVC and PA) suggested a high degree of chemical risks (PHI) • PERI values indicated a minor to medium ecological risk to soil biota Microplastics (MPs), as a cocktail of contaminants, have raised significant health concerns for biota, including humans. In this study, we investigated the ecological risks of soil MPs using the Pollution Load Index (PLI), Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) indices across 13 sampling locations at Mabibo Bonde la Mchicha Farm (MBMF), located in the northwest of Dar es Salaam. A total of 39 soil samples were investigated using a stereomicroscope and Q Attenuated Total Reflectance Single Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (QATR-S FTIR). The mean concentration of MPs in the 0-5, 5-10, and 10-15 cm soil layers was 29.5, 32.1, and 18.9 items/g, respectively. Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE) were the most dominant types of MPs found in the soils of MBMF, likely derived from the application of organic fertilizers and surface water irrigation. Although the PLI and PERI indicated a low degree of MPs contamination in the soil samples, the presence of highly toxic polymers such as Polyamide (PA) and Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) suggested a high PHI, indicating a high to extreme level of chemical risk, signifying adverse effects. The study emphasizes the need for further research on risk assessment and direct measurement of biological effects. Recommends policy formulation, the development of microplastic standards and improved management of plastic waste to ensure urban ecological sustainability.
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Vertical distribution of microplastics in urban farmland soils. A case of Mabibo Bonde la Mchicha farm, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Researchers mapped the vertical distribution of microplastics in farmland soils in an urban fringe area, finding that particles were not uniformly distributed by depth and that agricultural tillage influenced vertical mixing. Fibers and fragments were most abundant, predominantly from agricultural plastic films and irrigation water.
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Researchers found microplastics in agricultural soil across Bangladesh at all depths tested, even though the fields did not use plastic mulch film. Eight different plastic types were identified, with concentrations varying by location, and coastal areas had the highest levels. The study suggests that irrigation water and organic fertilizers are introducing microplastics to farmland, potentially entering the food chain through crops grown in contaminated soil.
Ecological risk assessment of microplastics in agricultural soils of Coimbatore region, India
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Researchers assessed the ecological risk of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils near Coimbatore, India, and found that soils treated with inorganic fertilizers had the highest risk levels. While overall pollution loads were categorized as low, the types of plastics found (including PVC and polystyrene) pushed risk scores into the extremely dangerous category due to their potential toxicity. The study raises concerns about how farming practices may be introducing hazardous microplastics into the soil where food is grown.
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Researchers sampled agricultural soils from the surface and subsurface layers at an industrial suburb of Bangladesh, finding microplastic abundances of 1,309 items/kg in surface soils with significant correlations to soil pH, electrical conductivity, and organic matter content.
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in tropical soils under different land uses including forest, grassland, and agricultural areas. They found that agricultural soils had the highest microplastic concentrations, likely due to the use of plastic-based materials in farming. The study reveals how land use practices and soil characteristics influence the distribution and accumulation of microplastics in tropical environments.
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