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

• Author(s): John Rain P. Lomboy; C.J P. Fernando; Vicent Miel C. Dulay; Abegail C. Bautista; Engr. Rosel V. Babalcon
• Paper ID: 1717514
• Page: 1951-1955
• Published Date: 15-05-2026
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 11 May-2026

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.

Citations

IRE Journals:
John Rain P. Lomboy, C.J P. Fernando, Vicent Miel C. Dulay, Abegail C. Bautista, Engr. Rosel V. Babalcon "Distance-Based Assessment of Suspected Microplastic Particle Abundance in Agricultural Soils Near a Dumpsite in Central Luzon, Philippines" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 11 2026 Page 1951-1955 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1717514

IEEE:
John Rain P. Lomboy, C.J P. Fernando, Vicent Miel C. Dulay, Abegail C. Bautista, Engr. Rosel V. Babalcon "Distance-Based Assessment of Suspected Microplastic Particle Abundance in Agricultural Soils Near a Dumpsite in Central Luzon, Philippines" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(11) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1717514