The Influence of Polypropylene Non-woven Plastic Waste on Alfisol Soil Quality

Abstract Non-woven polypropylene plastic is commonly used for manufacturing disposable masks, spun bond bags, and other waterproof equipment. The water-resistant properties of non-woven polypropylene provide an issue in the environment when it is disposed of in the soil system. This study aimed to assess the impact of non-woven polypropylene waste on soil quality and the quality of water that infiltrates the soil. This study used a prototype reactor filled with alfisol soil and non-woven polypropylene obtained from disposable masks and spund bond bags. The soil treatment was conducted over 60 days, with analyses performed on the soil and the infiltration water. The research findings revealed substantial disparities in the decreased alfisol soil bulk density, particularly in the soil with spun bond treatment. The degradation of non-woven polypropylene plastic in alfisol soil is confirmed by the intriguing findings of increased COD and TDS concentrations in the infiltration water. These concentrations indicate that the soil treated with foto-oxidized polypropylene non-woven material experienced an increase in both COD and TDS levels. Moreover, this scenario affects the soil’s ability to retain water due to the alteration in soil porosity.