Clasificacion y cuantificacion de microplásticos presentes en los suelos urbanos de la ciudad de Chillán.
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Date
2025
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Publisher
Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
La producción masiva y el inadecuado manejo de plásticos han llevado a la acumulación de microplásticos (MPs) en suelos, generando impactos ambientales y riesgos para la salud humana. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la presencia, distribución y características de los MPs en los suelos urbanos de Chillán, Chile. Se realizó un muestreo sistemático en una cuadrícula de 500 m durante enero - febrero de 2023, analizando 174 puntos mediante tamizado, extracción e identificación estereoscópica. El 95 % de las muestras contenía MPs, con predominio de microfibras (68 %) sobre fragmentos (32 %). La concentración promedio fue de 0,062 % peso por peso (p/p), con valores que oscilaron entre 0 % y un máximo de 2,12 % (p/p). La abundancia varió ampliamente, alcanzando hasta 6.300 y 4.700 MPs kg⁻¹ para fibras y fragmentos, respectivamente. El análisis espacial reveló una mayor presencia de fibras en el centro de la ciudad y en zonas de alta densidad habitacional, mientras que los fragmentos se encontraron principalmente cerca de la Ruta 5 Sur, avenidas y el mercado “Persa San Rafael”, asociados a fuentes como desechos agrícolas, automotrices y urbanos. Además, el análisis cromático identificó una predominancia de MPs negros, sugiriendo su origen en textiles, bolsas de basura, mulch agrícolas y desgaste de neumáticos. Los resultados evidencian una contaminación significativa por MPs en suelos urbanos y resaltan la necesidad de estrategias para mitigar su impacto ambiental.
Mass production and improper management of plastics have led to the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in soils, causing environmental impacts and posing risks to human health. This study aimed to evaluate the presence, distribution, and characteristics of MPs in the urban soils of Chillán, Chile. A systematic sampling was conducted using a 500 m grid during January – February 2023, analyzing 174 points through sieving, extraction, and stereoscopic identification. MPs were detected in 95 % of the samples, with a predominance of microfibers (68 %) over plastic fragments (32 %). The average concentration was 0.062 % (w/w), with values ranging from 0 % to a maximum of 2.12 % weight per weight (w/w). Abundance varied significantly, reaching up to 6,300 and 4,700 MPs kg⁻¹ for fibers and fragments, respectively. Spatial analysis revealed a higher presence of fibers in the city center and high density residential areas, while fragments were mainly found near Route 5 South, avenues, and the “Persa San Rafael” market, linked to sources such as agricultural, automotive, and urban waste. Additionally, chromatic analysis identified a predominance of black MPs, suggesting their origin from textiles, garbage bags, agricultural mulch, and tire wear. The results highlight significant MPs contamination in urban soils and underscore the urgent need for strategies to mitigate their environmental impact.
Mass production and improper management of plastics have led to the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in soils, causing environmental impacts and posing risks to human health. This study aimed to evaluate the presence, distribution, and characteristics of MPs in the urban soils of Chillán, Chile. A systematic sampling was conducted using a 500 m grid during January – February 2023, analyzing 174 points through sieving, extraction, and stereoscopic identification. MPs were detected in 95 % of the samples, with a predominance of microfibers (68 %) over plastic fragments (32 %). The average concentration was 0.062 % (w/w), with values ranging from 0 % to a maximum of 2.12 % weight per weight (w/w). Abundance varied significantly, reaching up to 6,300 and 4,700 MPs kg⁻¹ for fibers and fragments, respectively. Spatial analysis revealed a higher presence of fibers in the city center and high density residential areas, while fragments were mainly found near Route 5 South, avenues, and the “Persa San Rafael” market, linked to sources such as agricultural, automotive, and urban waste. Additionally, chromatic analysis identified a predominance of black MPs, suggesting their origin from textiles, garbage bags, agricultural mulch, and tire wear. The results highlight significant MPs contamination in urban soils and underscore the urgent need for strategies to mitigate their environmental impact.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al título de Ingeniero/a Agrónomo/a.
Keywords
Polímeros, Contaminación, Análisis de suelos