Microplastic and trace element contamination in coastal agricultural soils of southern India: a comparative risk assessment of mulched and unmulched fields.

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the occurrence and ecological risks of microplastics (MPs) and trace elements in coastal agricultural soils from Karnataka, southern India. Surface and subsurface soils from mulched (watermelon) and unmulched (rice) fields were analyzed for MP abundance, morphology, polymer composition, and trace elements. Microplastics were identified using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and metals were quantified via Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) confirmed elemental associations on MP surfaces. Risk was assessed using the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Geoaccumulation Index (I_geo

SUBMITTER: Ashwathi C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12433925 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature