Faculty Mentor(s)

Professor Suzanne DeVries-Zimmerman, Geological & Environmental Sciences

Document Type

Poster

Event Date

4-17-2026

Abstract

Plastic accumulation in soils can offer important insights into how human activity affects terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we examined the relationship between plastic litter and soil quality at several sites across Holland, Michigan to determine whether plastic abundance was associated with changes in soil properties. Soil samples from five different site types – construction, residential, commercial, nature, and a control – were collected over a threeweek period, then analyzed for pH, water contents, total organic carbon (TOC), and plastic abundance through field testing and laboratory methods. The number of plastic pieces ranged from 0 to 27 with the largest number at College East and the lowest at Stu Visser Trails. Soil pH (range 4.25 to 7.5) and water content (range 9.3% to 19.15%) did not vary significantly with changes in plastic abundance. In contrast, TOC values increased with higher plastic counts, specifically, TOC at Stu Visser Trails was 20.42 g and 10.01 g at the construction site. This suggests that plastic litter may play a role in altering soil carbon levels. This pattern aligns with recent studies indicating that plastic can trap organic debris, leading to elevated carbon content in soils where they accumulate. If this trend continues in terrestrial environments, plastic litter may have broader implications for soil chemistry, carbon storage, and long-term ecosystem health.

Comments

This project was supported by the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Hope College.

Download

Share

COinS