Isolation and Visual Identification of Microplastics in Soil from Waste-Affected Areas of Haryana, India

IJEP 46(2): 124-134 : Vol. 46 Issue. 2 (February 2026)

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Naveen Kumar1, Pushpa Yadav2 and Anoop Yadav1*

1. Central University of Haryana, Department of Environmental Studies, Mahendragarh – 123 031, Haryana, India
2. Kishan Lal Public (KLP) College, Department of Chemistry, Rewari – 123 401, Haryana, India

Abstract

Microplastic pollution has become a significant environmental issue, especially in terrestrial ecosystems. This study examines the distribution and presence of microplastics and their potential sources in soil samples collected from various locations within Mahendragarh, Haryana. A total of 10 soil samples were gathered from different sites, including near waste disposal areas, residential complexes, parks and high-traffic zones. All samples underwent several procedures, such as drying, sieving to remove larger particles, density separation using sodium chloride (NaCl) solution and centrifugation to isolate microplastic particles. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to eliminate organic waste from the samples and finally, microplastics were analyzed under a microscope for identification and categorization. The study identified a total of 17 microplastic particles across the 10 soil samples, primarily categorized as microfibers, microfilms and microfragments. Most of the microfibers were transparent, indicating extensive contamination from synthetic textiles, clothing cleaning and packaging materials. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on terrestrial microplastic pollution and highlight the urgent need for effective waste management strategies, public awareness and regulatory measures to reduce plastic contamination. Further research is necessary to explore the long-term ecological effects of microplastics on soil health, microbial communities and human health, as well as to identify possible pathways for microplastic entry into the food chain.

Keywords

Soil contamination, Microfibers, Microplastic pathways, Soil health

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