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Investigation on Microplastics in Soil near Landfills in the Republic of Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Won-Kyu Kim

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 119 Academy-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea)

  • Hanbai Park

    (Korea Microplastic Research Center Co., Ltd., 2nd Floor, 88, Daejeo-Ro 299 St., Busan 46702, Republic of Korea)

  • Kazuei Ishii

    (Laboratory of Sustainable Material Cycle Systems, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Hokkaido, Japan)

  • Geun-Yong Ham

    (Laboratory of Sustainable Material Cycle Systems, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Hokkaido, Japan)

Abstract

Microplastics can cause physical, chemical, biological, and structural problems in soil. In this study, microplastics were identified in the soil near two landfills where contamination by microplastics was expected. Pretreatment was performed to remove organic matter and to separate microplastics from the soil samples. FT-IR microscope analysis was performed to confirm the quantity and types of microplastics. The colors and shapes of microplastics in the soil were analyzed using a digital microscope. Averages of 73.4 MPs(ea)/kg and 97.8 MPs(ea)/kg of microplastics were identified in the soil at the two landfills. The main shapes of microplastics were fragments, fibers, and films, and it was confirmed that secondary plastics were found at a high rate. The major plastic types were identified as PP and PE, ranging from 62.5 to 65.3% in proportion, followed by PET, PS, nylon, PMMA, and PVC. As for the colors of microplastics, black had the highest percentage, while other microplastics were identified as being white, blue, transparent, gray, green, red, and yellow. These results can be taken as important data indicating that microplastics in the soil around landfills can be affected by landfill waste.

Suggested Citation

  • Won-Kyu Kim & Hanbai Park & Kazuei Ishii & Geun-Yong Ham, 2023. "Investigation on Microplastics in Soil near Landfills in the Republic of Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:15:p:12057-:d:1211882
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    References listed on IDEAS

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