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Updated: Jun 24, 2025

Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils
Published on: March 21, 2025
The geological footprint of plastics
Nelson Rangel-Buitrago1, Francois Galgani2, William J Neal3
1Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia.
Abstract:
The significant impact of plastics on Earth's environments has transformed from being a symbol of modern innovation to a major ecological concern. This perspective paper explores the integration of plastics into geological contexts, emphasizing their role in contemporary sedimentary processes. It examines the lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal, and their subsequent interaction with natural sedimentary cycles. The production and usage of plastics have led to considerable environmental repercussions. One of these, is their incorporation into geological systems and the formation of novel geological materials. Such a phenomenon challenges traditional geological concepts and necessitates a multidisciplinary approach encompassing geology, chemistry, and environmental science.
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