Occurrence of microplastic on surface soil from selected organic farms (Selangor, Malaysia)

ISHAK HISHAM, MUHAMMAD AIMAN FAHIM (2022) Occurrence of microplastic on surface soil from selected organic farms (Selangor, Malaysia). [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Organic farms are defined as those that do not use pesticides, fertilisers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, or growth hormones. However, it is unknown whether organic farms are truly safe due to the presence of numerous other factors such as microplastics (MPs) pollution in organic agricultural soil. Numerous investigations conducted worldwide have revealed contamination of agricultural soil with MPs. MPs are prevalent on surface soil and can have a harmful influence on human and environmental health. However, there are inadequate evidence on the prevalence of MPs on Malaysian organic farms, as this topic is rarely researched. Objectives: This study aims to determine the occurrence of MPs, characterized MPs properties (size, colour shape and polymer type) and conclude the suitability of organic agricultural soil from selected organic farms in Selangor, Malaysia. Methodology: A total of 26 samples were taken from three (3) different types of areas: Disturbed surface soil (areas that still undergoing agriculture activities and areas that do not undergo agriculture activities yet) and undisturbed surface soil were collected from chosen organic farms in Selangor, Malaysia. MPs were extracted from surface soil samples using density separation technique via zinc chloride solution. Microscopic imaging and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to identify the extracted particles' morphological properties (size, colour, shape and polymer composition). Result and Discussion: The retrieved particles from all surface soil samples examined varied between four and sixty-four particles per sampling location. MARDI (175 particles) > MISA (168 particles) > Shri Swanabhairavar Enterprise (155 particles) > TPU UPM (93 particles). The majority of the particles collected from surface soil were fragmented and irregular in shape, with a mixture of colourful (black, red, blue, green, brown) and colourless particles. The predominant plastic polymer discovered in the recovered particles from surface soil was acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), followed by polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, nylon, and nitrile. These polymers imply that the particles came from agriculture tools operated at the sites. Conclusion: MPs were detected in surface soil from selected organic farms in Selangor, Malaysia. These organic farms need to control plastics usage in organic agriculture. Additional research is needed to better understand how agricultural operations may affect the buildup of MPs in organic farm soils. Keywords: microplastics, organic farm, agriculture, surface soil

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Hafizzuddin Hamidon
Date Deposited:	23 Aug 2023 02:31
Last Modified:	23 Aug 2023 02:31
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1158

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