Microplastics and Their Distribution in Soil at Municipal Solid Waste Landfills: A Review

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are persistent pollutants that pose significant long-term environmental risks, particularly in urban landfill soils, which have received less attention than aquatic environments. This review sought to address this gap by investigating microplastic contamination across various soil layers at landfill sites. The results indicated that factors such as landfill age and waste composition significantly influence the types and concentrations of MPs. Concentrations varied with soil depth, with higher levels observed in older landfills containing substantial quantities of plastic waste. Regions characterized by extensively weathered plastic waste exhibited a greater prevalence of smaller microplastic particles. The extensive production of plastic waste, coupled with its associated health and environmental risks, highlights the urgent need for policies to reduce plastic consumption and enhance recycling efforts. Given the critical role of soil in the food chain and its connections to air and water pollution, ongoing monitoring of soil contamination by MPs is essential. Additionally, identifying sources of microplastic pollution and implementing strategies to mitigate their entry into the environment are crucial to addressing this growing environmental concern.

Keywords: Microplastic, Soil, Landfill, Waste, Polymer,