Characteristics and potential risks of microplastics in the soil near landfill in Anyang, China

Landfills are the main storage facilities for plastic waste, which is prone to degradation into microplastics and potential transference to surrounding areas. This study focused on the characteristics and potential risks of microplastics in soil near the Anyang landfill in China, the largest municipal waste disposal facility in the area. Receiving plastic-rich domestic waste makes this landfill a potential source of microplastic pollution to the surrounding environment. Microplastics were extracted via density separation and the oxidative digestion method. Their abundance, morphological traits, and types were analyzed through microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. This study conducted further research on the link between microplastic levels and soil physicochemical properties, and the associated ecological risks. The findings indicated that the abundance of microplastics in the soil varied between 900 and 4,900 items/kg. The majority of microplastics measured were smaller than 0.5 mm. The main shapes of microplastics included fibers, films, and fragments. Seven colors of microplastics were identified, with black accounting for the highest proportion. Rayon and polypropylene were the major polymer types. Microplastic abundance showed no significant correlation with soil organic matter content, pH, or electrical conductivity, but was significantly influenced by soil texture. Overall, the microplastic pollution level in the study area was classified as moderate, and the potential ecological risk was low. These findings suggested that microplastic pollution in soils near landfills may be influenced by landfill waste. This study provided a valuable reference for evaluating the soil microplastic pollution status, ecological risks, and pollution prevention and control near the landfill site in Anyang City.