Impact Of Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastic Contamination On Andosol Soil Quality

Abstract

The increasing volume of single-use plastic bottle waste, particularly that  made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), has become a serious environmental issue due to its non-biodegradable nature and potential degradation into microplastics, which pollute and affect the soil's physical and chemical properties as well as plant growth. This study aims to determine the effect of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) microplastic contamination on andosol soil quality and spinach (Amaranthus sp.) plant growth.  The research was conducted using an experimental method under the framework of a control group and a treatment group. Using 4 reactors, namely one control reactor and 3 treatment reactors with microplastic variations of 10 grams, 15 grams, and 20 grams, where each reactor is given daily watering of 200ml. The results showed that exposure to PET microplastics decreased soil pH and moisture, but increased c-organic and bulk density.