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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils
Published on: March 21, 2025
Occurrence of microplastics in farmland around non-ferrous metals sulfide mining areas: Characteristics changes
1School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
Abstract:
Soil microplastics (MPs) pollution poses significant risks to environmental and human health, particularly in agricultural systems. However, limited data exist on MPs in farmland soils near mining regions, especially those associated with non-ferrous metal sulfide deposits. This study investigated the characteristics of MPs in agricultural soils surrounding sulfide mining areas. MPs were extracted by density separation, identified using µFTIR, and statistically analyzed. Results revealed an average MP abundance of 19,610 n/kg, with dominant MPs (> 80 %) falling within the 0-100 μm size range. The most prevalent MP features included polystyrene, fragments, and transparent. Spatial analysis indicated a significant inverse correlation (P < 0.001) between MP abundance and the sample site distance to the mining area. We found that sulfide minerals decreased soil pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and that MPs abundance was positively correlated with ORP and negatively correlated with the concentrations of Fe, Cu, As. Agricultural activities, plastic waste disposal, and industrial activities jointly contributed to MP pollution. These findings highlight the need for integrated environmental management strategies to address co-occurring MPs and heavy metal pollution in mining-affected farmlands. Comprehensive monitoring of these pollutants is essential for developing targeted mitigation measures.
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