Distance-Based Assessment of Suspected Microplastic Particle Abundance in Agricultural Soils Near a Dumpsite in Central Luzon, Philippines

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@article{1717514,
      author = {John Rain P. Lomboy, C.J P. Fernando, Vicent Miel C. Dulay, Abegail C. Bautista, Engr. Rosel V. Babalcon},
      title = {Distance-Based Assessment of Suspected Microplastic Particle Abundance in Agricultural Soils Near a Dumpsite in Central Luzon, Philippines},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {11},
      pages = {1951-1955},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1717514.pdf},
      abstract = {Microplastic contamination in terrestrial environments has emerged as a growing environmental concern, particularly in agricultural soils that may act as sinks of plastic particles. This study assessed the abundance and characteristics of suspected microplastic particles in agricultural soils near a dumpsite in San Isidro, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, and examined how their distribution varies with distance. A quantitative descriptive design with a distance-based approach was used. Soil samples were collected from four zones located at 150 m, 300 m, 450 m, and 600 m from the dumpsite using composite sampling. Samples were processed through air-drying, sieving, density separation using sodium chloride (NaCl), and visual identification with hot needle testing. Results showed that suspected microplastic particles were present in all zones, with the highest abundance at 150 m (62 particles/kg) and the lowest at 600 m (5 particles/kg), indicating a decreasing trend with distance. Irregular plastic-like particles and fragments were the dominant forms, while smaller particles (0.9–<2 mm) were slightly more abundant. The findings suggest that proximity to the dumpsite may influence microplastic distribution in agricultural soils. This study demonstrates the usefulness of low-cost methods for preliminary assessment and highlights the need for improved waste management and further research using advanced analytical techniques.},
      month = {May},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1717514}
  }