Three-Quarters of French Soils Contaminated by Microplastics, Study Finds

A groundbreaking report by France's ecological agency reveals widespread microplastic pollution in agricultural and natural soils, highlighting urgent environmental and health concerns.

The French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) conducted the first national study on microplastic contamination in French soils, analyzing 33 samples across various land uses.
Microplastics were found in 76% of the samples, with agricultural soils such as grasslands, vineyards, and field crops showing the highest levels of contamination.
The study revealed an average of 15 microplastic particles per kilogram of dry soil, with 70% of these particles measuring less than 2 millimeters in size.
Researchers identified common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, often used in packaging, as the primary pollutants but could not pinpoint exact sources in all cases.
The report calls for expanded research to urban and overseas areas, as well as action plans to address pollution sources and mitigate potential environmental and health risks.