A simple method for the extraction and identification of light density microplastics from soil

Zhang, Shaoliang; Yang, Xiaomei; Gertsen, Hennie; Peters, Piet; Salánki, Tamás; Geissen, Violette

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.213

Cited by 400 publications

(167 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…One essential component of terrestrial ecosystems is soil, and they experience strong pollution pressure. Microplastic contamination of soils is being increasingly documented, with potential consequences for soil biodiversity and function [49,99,108,145,197,198]. However, the ecological impacts of microplastics in soils have been well reviewed [25,203].…”

Section: Soilmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastic–toxic chemical interaction: a review study on quantified levels, mechanism and implication

et al. 2019

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Current problem facing researchers globally is microplastics as well as toxic chemical pollution of the ecosystem. Microplastics carry toxic chemicals in the ecosystem serving as a vector for transport. In this study, a review of the literature has been conducted with the following objectives: (1) to summarize the concentrations of toxic chemicals such heavy metals and hydrophobic organic contaminants sorped on microplastics; (2) to evaluate their spatial distribution regarding adsorbed contaminant; (3) to discuss plausible mechanism by which microplastics adsorp or desorp toxic chemicals in the environment; (4) to discuss implications of their occurrence in air, water and soil media; and (5) to discuss the impact of ingested microplastics to human health. Microplastics are ubiquitous environmental contaminant. Concentrations of sorped toxic chemical varied by location which represents a local problem; industrialized areas (especially areas experiencing crude oil-related activities or have history of crude oil pollution) have higher concentrations than less industrialized areas. Ingestion of microplastics has been demonstrated in a range of marine and soil organisms as well as edible plants, thus possibly contaminating the base of the food web. Potential health effect to human is by particle localization, chemical toxicity and microbial toxins. We conclude by highlighting the gap in knowledge and suggesting key future areas of research for scientists and policymakers.

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Section: Soilmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastic–toxic chemical interaction: a review study on quantified levels, mechanism and implication

et al. 2019

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“…The floating method (Zhang et al, 2017) was applied in this study to extract MPs from soil. It is an easy and fast method used to collect low density MP in soils by using the buoyancy of specific solutions to isolate MP.…”

Section: Microplastics Extractionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, in treatments MP-a, MP-b and MP-L, even the smallest MP size class,<50 μm, was not detected in the soil layer 40-50 cm. According to the accuracy of the MP floating method, approximately 90% of MP could be extracted from the soil when the MP concentration in the soil was higher than 0.05% w/w with 50% of the particle sizes<50 μm (Zhang et al, 2017).…”

Section: Mp Particle Distribution and Concentration Along Soil Columnmentioning

confidence: 99%

Leaching of microplastics by preferential flow in earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) burrows

et al. 2019

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Environmental contextMicroplastics found in soil pose several potential environmental risks. This study shows that microplastics on the soil surface can be ingested by earthworms and transported to the lower soil layers. In this way, microplastics may enter the food chain and find their way into groundwater systems, especially in cases where the water table is shallow. AbstractIn the current study, we examine how the activities of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) affect microplastic (MP) distribution and concentration in soil, with a focus on low density polyethylene (LDPE). We also want to determine if MPs can be flushed out with water. We used a laboratory sandy soil column (polyvinyl chloride tube) experimental set-up and tested five different treatments: (1) treatment with just soil (control) to check if the saturated conductivity (Ksat) could be impacted by MP, (2) treatment with MP, (3) treatment with MP and litter, (4) treatment with earthworms and litter as a second control for treatment 5 and (5) treatment with MPs, earthworms and litter. Each treatment consisted of eight replicates. For the treatments with MP, the concentration of MP added at the start of the experiment was 7% by weight (3.97g, polyethylene, 50% 1mm–250µm, 30% 250µm–150µm and 20% <150µm) based on 52.78g of dry litter from Populus nigra. In the treatments using earthworms, two adult earthworms, with an initial average weight of (7.14±0.26) g, were placed in each column. Results showed that LDPE particles could be introduced into the soil by the earthworms. MP particles were detected in each soil sample and within different soil layers for the earthworm treatments. Earthworms showed a tendency to transport the smaller MP particles and that the amount of MPs in size class <250μm increased in soil samples with increasing soil depth in comparison to the other size classes. After leaching, MPs were only detected in the leachate from the treatments with the earthworms, and the MP had similar size distributions as the soil samples in the 40–50cm layer of the treatment with MP, earthworms and litter. The results of this study clearly show that biogenic activities can mobilise MP transport from the surface into the soil and even be leached into drainage. It is highly likely that biogenic activities constitute a potential pathway for MPs to be transported into soil and groundwater.

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“…have incorporated an organic matter removal step 19,20 ; however, the efficacy of these techniques has not 56 yet been systematically tested . 57 In contrast, analyses of microplastic in soil samples have, thus far, concentrated on direct extraction 58 techniques, such as pressurised liquid extraction 13 , thermal decomposition coupled with GC-MS 11,14 , 59 and rapid heat treatment 28 . These approaches negate the need for sample pre-treatment (i.e.…”

Section: Introduction 28mentioning

confidence: 99%

Validation of a Method for Extracting Microplastics from Complex, Organic-Rich, Environmental Matrices

Hurley

Lusher

Olsen

et al. 2018

Environ. Sci. Technol.

693

338

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Complex and organic-rich solid substrates such as sludge and soil have been shown to be contaminated by microplastics; however, methods for extracting plastic particles have not yet been systemically tested or standardized. This study investigated four main protocols for the removal of organic material during analysis of microplastics from complex solid matrices: oxidation using HO, Fenton's reagent, and alkaline digestion with NaOH and KOH. Eight common polymer types were used to assess the influence of reagent exposure on particle integrity. Organic matter removal efficiencies were established for test sludge and soil samples. Fenton's reagent was identified as the optimum protocol. All other methods showed signs of particle degradation or resulted in an insufficient reduction in organic matter content. A further validation procedure revealed high microplastic extraction efficiencies for particles with different morphologies. This confirmed the suitability of Fenton's reagent for use in conjunction with density separation for extracting microplastics. This approach affords greater comparability with existing studies that utilize a density-based technique. Recommendations for further method optimization were also identified to improve the recovery of microplastic from complex, organic-rich environmental samples.

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A simple method for the extraction and identification of light density microplastics from soil

Cited by 400 publications

References 39 publications

Microplastic–toxic chemical interaction: a review study on quantified levels, mechanism and implication

Microplastic–toxic chemical interaction: a review study on quantified levels, mechanism and implication

Leaching of microplastics by preferential flow in earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) burrows

Validation of a Method for Extracting Microplastics from Complex, Organic-Rich, Environmental Matrices

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