[Effects of Land Use Patterns on Soil Microplastic Pollution in the Luoshijiang Sub-watershed of Erhai Lake Basin]

Liu-Yun Dai ¹, Lei Hou ¹, Hua Wang ¹

⁰College of Ecology and Environment, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China.

Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue +

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April 17, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Soil microplastic pollution is higher in areas with intense human activity, like farmland and riparian zones. Farmland soils show greater microplastic diversity and higher pollution risks, necessitating targeted control measures.

Area Of Science

Environmental Science
Soil Science
Ecotoxicology

Context

Soil microplastic pollution is a growing concern, yet its distribution across different land use types at the sub-watershed scale remains poorly understood.
The Luoshijiang sub-watershed near Erhai Lake was chosen to investigate microplastic contamination in various soil environments.

Purpose

To analyze the characteristics of soil microplastic pollution across farmland, riparian zones, grasslands, and woodlands.
To assess microplastic pollution risks using the polymer risk index method.
To explore the influence of land use patterns on microplastic distribution and associated risks.

Summary

Microplastic abundance in the Luoshijiang sub-watershed ranged from 220 to 1,900 n·kg⁻¹, with polyester (PES) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being dominant polymers.
Higher microplastic concentrations were found in farmland and riparian soils due to increased human activity, compared to woodland soils.
Farmland soils exhibited greater microplastic diversity (types, colors, shapes) and a higher pollution risk index (Level III) than other land uses (Level I).

Impact

Land use intensity significantly dictates soil microplastic abundance, characteristics, and pollution risk.
Farmland soils present a higher risk profile for microplastic contamination, highlighting the need for focused pollution control strategies.
Findings underscore the importance of considering land use patterns in managing microplastic pollution within sub-watershed ecosystems.

Keywords:

Luoshijiang sub-watershed of Erhai Lake Basin land use pattern microplastics（MPs） pollution characteristics soil