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Vertical distribution and multi-source pathways of microplastics in agricultural soils: A study of typical irrigation areas in the upper Yellow River basin

  • 0College of Geographical Science, Inner Mongolia Normal University, No. 81, Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China; Inner Mongolia Geology Engineering Co., Ltd, No. 87, Xinhua East Street, Xincheng District, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
Environmental Pollution +

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May 24, 2025

|

May 24, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Microplastics (MPs) contaminate farmland soils, migrating to deeper layers via irrigation. Border irrigation significantly increases MPs in surface soils and accelerates their downward movement compared to drip irrigation.

Area Of Science

  • Environmental Science
  • Soil Science
  • Ecotoxicology

Background

  • Agricultural inputs, irrigation water, and atmospheric deposition are key sources of microplastics (MPs) in soils.
  • Irrigation can drive MPs from surface soils to deeper aquifers, posing ecological and health risks.
  • Limited research exists on the spatial distribution and influencing factors of MPs in deeper soil layers.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the vertical distribution of MPs in farmland soils (0-100 cm) under different irrigation patterns (border vs. drip).
  • To compare MP abundance in farmland soils with adjacent forest and grassland soils.
  • To identify the sources and composition of MPs in agricultural settings, including atmospheric deposition, irrigation water, fertilizers, and seed coatings.

Main Methods

  • Compared MP abundance and vertical distribution in six soil layers (0-100 cm) of forest, grassland, and farmland soils.
  • Analyzed MP composition from atmospheric deposition, irrigation water, fertilizers, and seed coatings.
  • Assessed the influence of irrigation patterns (border and drip) and plastic film mulching on MP distribution.

Main Results

  • MPs were detected throughout the 0-100 cm soil profile, with significantly higher concentrations in farmland soils compared to forest and grassland soils.
  • MP abundance increased with prolonged plastic film mulching and showed accumulation at 20-30 cm depth due to tillage and irrigation.
  • Border irrigation resulted in twice the MP abundance in surface soils compared to drip irrigation, indicating greater contamination and migration.

Conclusions

  • Soil MPs originate primarily from atmospheric deposition, irrigation water, and agricultural inputs.
  • Tillage intensity and irrigation practices significantly influence MP distribution patterns in soils.
  • Understanding MP sources and distribution is crucial for developing effective pollution control strategies in agricultural ecosystems.

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