Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
05:31
Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
Microplastic Pollution in Agricultural Waters in the Mississippi Delta
Edward Heinen1, James V Cizdziel1, Boluwatife S Olubusoye1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, Oxford, MS 38677, USA.
Journal of Xenobiotics
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Microplastic pollution is prevalent in Mississippi Delta agricultural floodwater and runoff. Common polymers like PET and PE were identified, with smaller microplastics dominating samples, indicating potential agricultural contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging concern in agricultural settings.
- Plastic materials used in farming can contaminate soil and water resources.
- The Mississippi Delta's agricultural region is susceptible to flooding, potentially worsening MP contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microplastic concentrations, sizes, and polymer types in agricultural water bodies.
- To assess MP pollution in floodwater, irrigation water, and surface runoff in the Mississippi Delta.
- To compare MP levels with existing agricultural environmental studies.
Main Methods:
- Micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FTIR) was used to analyze MPs (>30 µm).
- Samples were collected from floodwater, irrigation ponds, and surface runoff in soybean fields.
- Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR)-FTIR identified larger plastic litter polymers.
Main Results:
- Mean MP concentrations (MPs/L) were 72 ± 66 in floodwater, 169 ± 121 in source water, and 30 ± 37 in runoff (Sunflower County).
- Runoff in Coahoma County showed a mean concentration of 88 ± 76 MPs/L.
- Elevated MP concentrations were observed compared to other agricultural studies. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene-ethyl vinyl acetate (PE/EVA), and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) were the most common polymers. The smallest size fraction (30-100 µm) comprised 75.5-91% of floodwater MPs.
Conclusions:
- Microplastics are prevalent in Mississippi Delta agricultural floodwater and runoff.
- Consistent MP concentrations and polymer compositions were found across samples.
- Further research is necessary to understand the fate and impact of microplastics in agricultural systems.
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