Microplastics in Agricultural Soils: A Case Study in Cultivation of Watermelons and Canning Tomatoes

Thirty soil samples were collected from fields that have been used for cultivating watermelons and canning tomatoes over 10 years. The microplastics (MPs) within these separated with a density floatation method the use of sieves filters. found black originated agricultural mulch film (BMF) in cultivations. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed are same material as virgin BMF polyethylene blank. SEM images showed MPs oxidized by their exposure to sunlight create fibrous edges lead creation smaller size MPs. number watermelon (301 ± 140 items kg?1) more than four times higher (69 38 due double planting each year second last being closer sampling episode. All sample sites away industrial area; therefore, results prove activities might caused contamination soils This is corroborated even fact no five extra taken uncultivated areas blanks.