Abstract

A large number of plastics are produced at the global level annually, and most end up in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Their extensive production and mismanagement have led to the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in soils, posing concerns for human health and ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of MPs in urban soils of the city of Chill & aacute;n (Chile), in order to identify areas with higher concentrations. A systematic soil sampling covered the entire urban area of the city on a 500-m grid during January-February 2023. The sieved samples underwent MP extraction, identification, and classification using a stereo-electron microscope. Of the 174 sampling points evaluated, 95% contained MPs, with 68% in the form of plastic fibers and 32% in plastic fragments. The high prevalence of MPs found in the urban soil of Chill & aacute;n indicates that urgent actions are needed to understand their environmental and health impacts.