Toxic Compounds Tracing Related to the Microplastic and Microrubber Waste in the Soil around Municipal Solid Waste Landfill in Southwest Iran and Estimating Their Associated Human Exposure Risk

Microplastics and Microrubbers are emerging environmental pollutants that act as vectors for toxic contaminants. Landfills are significant sources releasing these particles. The present descriptive-applied research aims to investigate toxic compounds from microplastic and microrubber waste and the risk assessment of human exposure to these particles in the soil matrix around two old and new landfills in Ahvaz metropolis, southwest of Iran. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was utilized to detect the trace levels of phthalate and bisphenol compounds in microplastics and microrubbers. The noncarcinogenic risk and highest noncarcinogenic risk level were used for risk assessment of exposure to bisphenol and phthalate compounds in particles. Investigation findings indicate that microplastic and microrubber waste present in the soil of waste disposal sites contains significant amounts of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate and Bisphenol A. These findings suggest potential human absorption through ingestion and skin contact, posing health risks, particularly for children. The study underscores the impact of microplastic and microrubber contamination on landfill soil and nearby residential areas, emphasizing the necessity for revising current solid waste management policies.