Microplastic pollution in terrestrial environment: Identification, characterization, and risk assessment in Indore, Central India

Abstract

Widespread use of plastics and improper management of plastic waste have resulted in generation of microplastic particles in the environment. These microplastic particles are pervasive contaminants having potential to invade almost all the environmental matrices and biotic species including humans. Therefore, immediate concern is necessary to investigate the level of contamination and probable risk imposed because of microplastics. Present investigation has been carried out for estimating the presence of microplastics in terrestrial environment of Indore, which is considered as commercial capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh (India). Soil samples (30 in no.) were collected from agricultural and recreational areas of the city and analysed for the presence of microplastics. Approximately 11 particles/kg and 68.25 particles/kg were found in the agricultural and recreational site soil samples, respectively. Chemical composition analysis revealed that most of the microplastic particles belonged to polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, and polyamide. Significant presence of various fibres made up of polyester, polyacrylic, and cellulose acetate was also seen, which could be attributed to the presence of textile industries in and around Indore. Ecological risk assessment aided in concluding that study area soil is under the ‘very low’ risk category; however, considering the long‐term impacts of microplastics, suitable control measures for plastic waste are needed to be adopted.