We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Exploring the Distribution of Microplastics and Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils and the Evaluation of Risk Indices in Erbil City
Summary
Researchers investigated microplastic and heavy metal concentrations, distribution, and health hazards in agricultural soils of Erbil City, Iraq, analyzing samples from six sites. Both MPs and heavy metals were detected at concerning levels in farmland soils, raising risks for soil health and the food crops grown in these areas.
Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (HMs) are emerging contaminants that pose potential risks to both environmental and human health. This investigation aims to evaluate the concentration, dispersion, and potential health hazards of microplastics and heavy metals in agricultural soils of Erbil City, Iraq. The quality of microplastics will be assessed by analysing soil samples collected from six agricultural sites using FT-IR spectroscopy. The study sites and plants contained various forms of microplastics, including PET, PA, PE, PS, and PP. Samples from S3–S5 may contain traces of aromatic structures, suggesting either PS contamination or degradation products of PET. The highest concentration of plastic particles per gram of soil was observed in S4 for PET, ranging from 0 to 2.88 ± 0.55. Heavy metals such as Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were evaluated in soil samples and two plant species (Barbarea verna and Anethum graveolens) using ICP. The concentrations of chromium, manganese, nickel, iron, and zinc in the samples exceeded the FAO's permitted levels. Based on microplastic and heavy metal contamination, sites S2 and S6 were classified as medium risk, while site S4 demonstrated a high ecological risk. According to the data obtained from MPs and HMs, the strongest positive correlation was observed between aluminium and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) MPs (r = 0.82), while the correlation between Pb and PS was r = 0.78. Additionally, the study will assess whether MPs and HMs could enter the food chain, posing a risk to human health.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Assessment of microplastic and heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils of Ernakulam District, Kerala, India
Researchers measured microplastic and heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils across five farmlands in Kerala, India, finding higher pollution levels near commercial and urban areas. Polypropylene and polyethylene were the most common plastic types, and several heavy metals exceeded safe levels. The combined presence of microplastics and heavy metals in farmland soil is concerning because both contaminants can be taken up by crops, potentially affecting the safety of food grown in these areas.
Study of the presence of microplastic particles and heavy metals in street dust on the right side of Mosul city / Iraq
Researchers analyzed microplastic particles and heavy metal concentrations in street dust samples collected from residential, commercial, and industrial areas on the right bank of Mosul city in Iraq. The study assessed the combined pollution burden and potential environmental health risks associated with microplastic and heavy metal co-contamination in urban street dust.
An Investigation of Microplastic Occurrence and Heavy Metals Concentrations in Street Dust on the Left Side of Mosul City, Iraq
Street dust collected from Mosul, Iraq contained microplastic particles across residential, commercial, and industrial zones, alongside elevated concentrations of heavy metals. The co-occurrence of microplastics and toxic metals in urban dust is a concern for human health, as both can be inhaled or ingested by city residents, particularly children.
Characterization of microplastic, metals associated and ecological risk assessment in the topsoil of shiraz metropolis, south west of Iran
Researchers surveyed topsoil across the city of Shiraz, Iran and found microplastics in all sample types, with urban soils containing roughly three times more particles than industrial or agricultural soils. Fragments and small particles between 100 and 250 micrometers were the most common forms detected. The study also found that metals like lead, zinc, and copper tend to accumulate on microplastic surfaces, potentially increasing the ecological risk these particles pose.
Assessment of soil microplastics: An overview on toxicity, effects on heavy metals adsorption, solid-phase extraction, and detection techniques
This review examined how microplastics in soil enter the food chain and pose human health risks, with particular attention to their role as carriers for heavy metals. Agricultural practices like plastic mulching and sewage sludge application were identified as major sources of soil MP contamination.