Assessment of Burnt Polyethylene Impact on Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Soil at Esereso-adagya Landfill, Ghana

Abstract Plastic waste is a significant environmental concern, causing harm to soil quality and agricultural productivity. The accumulation of plastic waste in soil ecosystems alters the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, impacting plant growth and food production. The inability of plastic waste to biodegrade leads to its combustion, which can harm ecosystems and productive land. This study investigated the effects of burnt polyethylene on soil health in Esereso-Adagya, Ghana, where plastic waste accumulates. Soil samples were collected from thirty random points, and standard laboratory methods were used to assess alterations in soil texture, nutrient availability, microbial diversity, and heavy metal accumulation. Results indicated that the polyethylene polymer contained heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, and lead. The pH levels of contaminated soils were notably acidic, with mean values of 5.024 for undisturbed soils, 5.895 for disturbed soils, and 6.605 for landfill soils, suggesting that burning significantly alters soil pH and nutrient availability. Heavy metal concentrations were also alarming, with cadmium levels averaging 6.52 mg/kg in undisturbed soils and rising to 15.15 mg/kg in landfill soils. Microbial biomass was highest in landfill soils (105.20 mg/kg), attributed to organic matter that fosters microbial activity despite the presence of contaminants. The abundance of microbial biomass in landfill environments may explain why most farmers use black soil as fertilizer. This study underscores the complex interactions between plastic waste and soil health and highlights the urgent need for effective plastic waste management strategies to mitigate adverse effects on soil ecosystems and aim at enhancing environmental health for future generations.