We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Amount, distribution and composition of large microplastics in typical agricultural soils in Northern Germany
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed agricultural soils in Northern Germany for large microplastics and found contamination across all sampled fields, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common polymer types. Concentrations varied widely depending on farming practices, with fields receiving compost and sewage sludge showing higher contamination levels. The study provides important baseline data on microplastic pollution in European agricultural soils and identifies fertilization practices as a key contamination pathway.
The pollution of the aquatic and terrestrial environment with plastics is a fast growing phenomenon with potential threats to the functioning of ecosystems and organisms therein as well as for human well-being. So far, research activities have mainly focused on the occurrence of microplastics (MP) in marine habitats, while little is known about their distribution and composition in the terrestrial environment. Agricultural practices such as fertilization, mulching or ensilage make agriculture a likely path for MP into the environment. Here, we collected soil samples at 15 farmland locations in Schleswig-Holstein, Northern Germany, to study the amount, distribution and composition of MP in the size range between 1 and 5 mm. In total, 379 MP were identified in a total of ~84 kg of dry weight (DW). Particle abundances in the sampling units ranged from 0 to 217.8 MP per kg DW with a mean abundance of 3.7 ± 11.9 MP per kg DW (median: 0.0, interquartile range: 0.0-4.9) per site. Although MP were found at all study sites, only 34% of the sampling units contained synthetic particles. Our data contribute to the establishment of a baseline on the amount, type and size of MP in farmland soils. Such a baseline is important for future monitoring schemes and for the development of more environmentally friendly management systems that reduce the input of MP into the agricultural system.
More Papers Like This
Quantification and analysis of surface macroplastic contamination on arable areas
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified macroplastic contamination on German farmland, finding that fields fertilized with compost had 42 times more plastic particles per hectare than unfertilized fields, indicating that compost application and roadside littering are major pathways for plastic entering agricultural soils.
First national reference of microplastic contamination of French soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers established the first nationwide reference data for microplastic contamination in French soils by analyzing 33 samples from diverse land uses across the country. They found microplastics in virtually all samples, with agricultural and urban soils showing the highest concentrations, and identified polyethylene and polypropylene as the most common polymer types. The study provides an important baseline for tracking future soil contamination trends in France.
Microplastic contamination of organic fertilisers applied to agricultural soils
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined microplastic contamination in organic fertilizers applied to agricultural soils, finding plastic particles in multiple fertilizer types. Organic fertilizers derived from sewage sludge or compost can introduce microplastics into farmland, potentially contaminating crops and groundwater.
Quantification and Analysis of Microplastics in Farmland Soils: Characterization, Sources, and Pathways
AI summary Read the abstract
This study quantified and characterized microplastics in farmland soils from multiple sites, identifying agricultural mulch films, irrigation water, and compost as major sources and documenting widespread soil contamination across different farming regions.
Microplastic Pollution in EU Farmland Soils: Preliminary Findings from Agricultural Soils (Southwestern Poland)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first study of microplastic pollution in agricultural soils in southwestern Poland, finding that 93% of cultivated soil samples contained microplastics. Clay and loamy soils contained the highest concentrations, and soils amended with sewage sludge or compost had the most contamination, reaching over 4,000 particles per kilogram. The study suggests that common agricultural practices such as biosolid application are significant pathways for microplastic accumulation in European farmland.
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.