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Published on: October 15, 2015
Microplastic, a possible trigger of landfill sulfate reduction process.
Shuli Guo1, Zixiao Wu1, Xianghang Li1
1Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China.
Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in landfills, increasing with depth and correlating with sulfate reduction. These plastic particles may trigger landfill odor emissions, highlighting the need for pollution management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Pollution Control
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution from landfills is understudied.
- Landfills are significant sources of environmental contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in landfill environments.
- To explore the relationship between microplastics and landfill biogeochemical processes, particularly odor emission.
Main Methods:
- Field sampling of landfill surface soil and vertical profiles.
- Quantification and characterization of microplastic abundance, size, and shape.
- Correlation analysis with chemical parameters like sulfate and sulfide content.
Main Results:
- High microplastic abundance found in landfill surface soil (up to 3573 items·g⁻¹) and increasing significantly with depth (up to 11,599 items·g⁻¹).
- Predominance of small-sized (≤10 μm) and flake/wedge-shaped microplastics.
- Significant correlation between microplastic abundance and sulfate (SO₄²⁻) and sulfide (S²⁻) content, indicating a link to sulfate reduction.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics accumulate in landfill bottom layers due to leachate movement.
- Microplastics may act as a trigger for landfill odor emissions associated with sulfate reduction.
- Findings provide a basis for managing microplastic and odor pollution in landfills.
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