Quantification and Analysis of Microplastics in Farmland Soils: Characterization, Sources, and Pathways

While microplastics (MPs) have been identified extensively in aquatic ecosystems, their presence remains largely unexplored soil ecosystems. Considering the potential effect of MPs on biodiversity and function, present study investigated analyzed abundance characteristics profile. Taking samples from Tainan city farms, as one hotspots agricultural practices Taiwan, concentrations, types, compositions, pathways, sources farmland soils were quantified. Results showed that found all different depths ranging 12–117 items/m2 MP farms adjacent to suburban roads was about three times more than enclosed separated roads. Fragment fibers main forms low-density polyethylene dominant polymer detected MPs. Historical land use, extensive application plastic mulch, utilization fruit protection foams farmlands. This identifies emissions investigates its features, which could serve a framework for future studies into ecological effects terrestrial environment.