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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils
Published on: March 21, 2025
A simple method for the extraction and identification of light density microplastics from soil
Shaoliang Zhang1, Xiaomei Yang2, Hennie Gertsen2
1Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Street, Harbin 150030, PR China; Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.
This study presents a cost-effective method for extracting and quantifying light microplastics, specifically polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), from soil. The developed floatation and heating technique achieves high recovery rates, offering a reliable way to assess soil microplastic contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microplastic pollution in soil is a growing environmental concern.
- Accurate methods for microplastic extraction and quantification are crucial for environmental monitoring.
- Light density microplastics like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are common pollutants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, cost-saving method for extracting, distinguishing, and quantifying light density microplastics (PE and PP) in soil.
- To validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the developed method.
Main Methods:
- A floatation method using distilled water for microplastic extraction from soil samples.
- A heating method (130°C for 3-5s) to distinguish microplastics from impurities.
- Microscopic analysis with a camera for particle size and number determination.
- Quantification using a developed empirical model based on regression analysis.
Main Results:
- The floatation method demonstrated high effectiveness with approximately 90% recovery rates for microplastics.
- Heating successfully melted microplastics into distinct circular particles, while impurities remained unchanged.
- A strong regression model (R²=99%, p<0.001) was established between microplastic weight and particle volume.
- The empirical model achieved >80% recovery rates for microplastic quantification.
Conclusions:
- The developed repetitive floatation and heating method is effective for extracting, distinguishing, and quantifying light density PE microplastics in soil.
- The empirical model provides a reliable approach for evaluating microplastic mass in soil samples.
- This method offers a practical solution for soil microplastic analysis and environmental assessment.
