Work

Microplastics in rice-based farming systems and their connection to plastic waste management in the Chicoral district of Espinal-Tolima

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The presence of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils is a growing concern, especially in rice cultivation systems, where information is limited, particularly in Latin America. Given the economic importance of this crop in Colombia and the generation of plastic waste from some associated practices, it is crucial to determine the presence of MPs related to agricultural activities in soils dedicated to this activity. This study evaluated the presence of MPs in soils and irrigation water of rice crops in Chicoral, Tolima, Colombia, during two contrasting seasons. Soil samples from seven plots (upper, middle, and lower zones) and water samples from seven points along the irrigation canal were collected. MPs were found in all samples, with similar concentrations in water samples collected in the rainy and dry seasons (0.11 ± 0.10 vs. 0.10 ± 0.06 items/m 3 , respectively), and higher abundance in soil samples during the rainy season (4 ± 2.71 vs 3.62 ± 1.92 items/50 g). Fragments and fibers were the most abundant forms of plastics (53 % water, 55 % soil), predominantly larger than 100 μm and blue in color. Polypropylene (PP) was the most abundant polymer (50 %) in the meso- and macroplastic samples. Our results suggested that MPs contamination in rice crop soils at Chicoral is influenced by irrigation water transport and improper plastic waste management, highlighting the need for further research on their effects on agricultural systems. • MPs were detected in all samples analyzed. • MPs were most abundant in the irrigation canal and soils near the populated center. • The irrigation system acts as a transport vector and moves MPs from water to soil. • Fragments and fibers dominate, suggesting fragmentation of larger plastic items. • PP and PE were the most common types of meso and macroplastics.

Source: Chemosphere

DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2025.144423

Authors: Jorge Leonardo Muñoz Yustres, Lina María Zapata-Restrepo, Maria Carolina Garcia-Chaves, Luis David Gomez-Mendez

Institutions: Universidad de Antioquia, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,010