Determination of plastic pollution and its degradation in soil at pineapple cultivation area, okra plantation area, palm oil plantation area and chilli fertigation area / Khaleeda Nora Asyakira Kamarudzaman

The rampant use of plastic has led to a significant environmental issue known as plastic pollution. This issue is a concern as plastic and microplastics in the soil can cause harmful impacts on the ecosystem, reduce soil fertility and even harm human health via food chain. To ensure the health of the soil and the environment, it is important to understand the extent of plastic pollution in agricultural soil. This research aims to examine the functional groups of plastic pollution in soil through ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and to explore the impact of soil degradation products on soil quality. 12 samples were collected from agricultural areas in Chepor, Perak for palm oil plantation(4.67156889,101.0941868) and Al-Muktafi Billal Shah, Durian Mas, Terengganu which are pineapple cultivation(4.60895436,103.20619946), chilli fertigation and okra plantation(4.60252849,103.20873261). The study employed various techniques such as sorting plastic by size, drying samples, using sodium chloride solution for density separation, and cleaning samples through alkaline digestion with sodium hydroxide. The FTIR spectrum displays distinct peaks at 2915cm-1, 1467cm-1, and 717cm-1, which can be employed to detect and measure the amount of polyethylene (PE) present. This research has established that the soil in the study areas is contaminated with plastic waste and its degradation. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective strategies for managing and mitigating plastic pollution in the environment to maintain soil quality in the future.