Characteristics of microplastics in outdoor artificial rubberized/turf sports fields
WANG Xi1, SUN Jiao-xia1, ZHENG Han-yue2, XIANG Xin1, XU De-mei1, XIANG Xing-yu1, FAN Jian-xin1
1. School of River and Ocean Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China; 2. Official of Guilin Sub district Office in Tongnan District, Chongqing 402660, China
Abstract：In this study, we conducted an investigation into the characteristics of microplastics found on the surface and in the rainfall runoff of various sports fields(plastic running tracks、artificial turf、basketball courts、badminton courts and tennis courts). The findings revealed that the abundance of surface microplastics ranged from 32500 to 120120 item/dm2, while the abundance of microplastics in rainfall runoff ranged from 8.26×106 to 4.08×107 item/L. The distribution of microplastics abundance in both surface samples and rainfall runoff exhibited a similar pattern, with artificial turf having the highest abundance, followed by plastic running tracks, basketball courts, badminton courts, and tennis courts. Microplastics smaller than 0.5mm constituted over 97% of the total. The primary plastic types identified in all sports fields included polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), organosilicon-modified polyurethane (silicone PU), and rubber particles, with fragments and fibers being the main forms. Furthermore, all sports fields displayed indications of microplastic aging as a result of long-term usage. A clear correlation was observed between the quantity and types of microplastics present in the rainfall runoff and the characteristics of microplastics found on the surface. This implies that a significant amount of microplastics generated on the surface of sports fields can be carried by rainfall runoff and contaminate surface water. Therefore, it is essential to assess the environmental risks associated with the release of microplastics from outdoor artificial rubberized/turf sports fields. Implementing appropriate retention measures becomes imperative in order to prevent the infiltration of microplastics into surface runoff.
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