Microplastics in agricultural drainage water: A link between terrestrial and aquatic microplastic pollution

Microplastic (MP) contamination has been reported to be higher in terrestrial compared to aquatic environments. This is probably due to the fact that plastic items are mostly produced and used in terrestrial environments and have a longer residence time. However, there are several links between the terrestrial and aquatic environments. We analyzed drainage water samples from agricultural soils in the Seeland, a heavily drained agriculturally intensive area in Switzerland for its MP (>100 μm) concentration and composition. We found MP in relevant numbers (mean 10.5 ± 9.5 N L-1). The polymers were mainly PA and PE, and the size distribution showed an exponential increase with decreasing particle size. The results show considerable MP concentrations in drainage water and imply a transport of MP in soils down to the drainage pipes. Given the large areas drained both in Switzerland and globally, it is proposed that MP leaching from soil can be a significant source of MP to aquatic ecosystems. Such a contribution should be considered when dealing with MP cycling on a local to global scale.