We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Recycled wastewater as a potential source of microplastics in irrigated soils from an arid-insular territory (Fuerteventura, Spain)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that recycled wastewater used for irrigation in Fuerteventura, Spain, contained up to 40 microplastic particles per liter, resulting in three times higher microplastic concentrations in irrigated soils compared to those irrigated with desalinated water.
In this work, the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in irrigation recycled wastewaters (RWWs) and a desalinated brackish water (DBW) from the arid territory of Fuerteventura (Canary Islands, Spain) was studied. Besides, the presence of MPs in two types of soils (sandy-loam and clay-loamy; with no mulch film or fertilization with sewage sludge applied) irrigated with both water qualities was addressed. Results showed the prevalence presence of cellulosic and polyester microfibers (between 84.4 and 100%) of blue and transparent colors (up to 55.6 and 33.3%, respectively), with an average length of 786.9 ± 812.1 μm in the water samples. DBW had the lowest MP concentration (2.0 ± 2.0 items·L-1) while RWW showed concentrations up to 40.0 ± 19.0 items·L-1. Similarities were also observed between the MPs types and sizes found in both soils top layer (0-5 cm), with an average concentration three times greater in soil irrigated with RWW than in soil under DBW irrigation (159 ± 338 vs. 46 ± 92 items·kg-1, respectively). In addition, no MPs were extracted from non-irrigated/non-cultivated soils, suggesting agricultural activities as the unique source of MPs in soils of this arid area. Results show that RWWs constitute a potential source of MPs in irrigated soils that should be considered among other pros and cons linked to the use of this water quality in agricultural arid lands.
More Papers Like This
Sewage sludge application as a vehicle for microplastics in eastern Spanish agricultural soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists measured microplastics in sewage sludge from Spanish wastewater treatment plants and in agricultural soils receiving sludge applications, finding that sludge application transferred hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles per kilogram into agricultural soil.
Effects of long-term wastewater irrigation on microplastics pollution in agricultural soil
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how long-term irrigation with treated wastewater affects microplastic levels in farmland soil in Turkey. They found that irrigated soils contained roughly twice as many microplastic particles as control soils, with fibers and films being the most common shapes. The study suggests that using treated wastewater for agriculture is a significant pathway for microplastic contamination of cropland.
Distribution of Microplastics in an Urban Soil:The Case of a Medium-Sized Cityin the Central Valley of Chile
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers systematically sampled soils across an entire Chilean city and found microplastics at 95% of sampling sites, with plastic fibers making up 68% of the particles detected. The near-universal contamination signals that urban soils are a widespread and underappreciated reservoir of microplastic pollution.
Microplastic in desalinated and seawater: Comparative assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic concentrations in desalinated water and seawater in the Canary Islands, where desalination supplies a significant portion of the drinking water. Microplastics were detected in both source seawater and desalinated water, with desalination providing partial but incomplete removal.
Current levels and composition profiles of microplastics in irrigation water
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic concentrations and polymer types were characterized in irrigation water sources, finding widespread contamination that represents a direct pathway for microplastics to enter agricultural soils with every irrigation cycle. The findings highlight irrigation as an overlooked vector for microplastic transfer into food-producing environments.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.