Running tracks abrasion as a source of microplastics pollution: a long jump sandpit case study

Modern running tracks and football fields are covered with synthetic surfaces made of polyurethane and rubber blends with an admixture of various materials. We collected sand samples from the long jump sandpits of six elementary school and university sports facilities and examined microplastics (MPs) originating from synthetic surfaces. Optical microscopy and FTIR methods were used for identification and quantification of MP particles. The spreading of MP particles was the highest in the university athletic stadium. Total MP content in the examined sand samples is in the range from 3 to 104 per 10 g of sand sample with a mean of 24 ± 17 particles per 10 g sand sample. We propose a methodology for studying microplastics in sport facilities based on collection of sand samples from the long jump sandpits. The advantage of this method is that sand is a relatively easy sampling medium for the study of MP pollution. The occurrence of microplastic particles in the sand could provide a baseline for MP pollution studies and may signal the need for appropriate surface maintenance and actions for reduction of MP pollution at its source. This study also stresses the need for appropriate management of the sand temporally removed from the long jump sandpits in order to prevent further MP pollution.