Student Research Reports
The Study of microplastic types in soil in rice paddy fields (wet-season rice) that have been flooded during the monsoon season.
Organization(s):Kalasinpittayasan
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Ms.Chanitsara Thiputhai
Ms.Kantida Thammake
Ms.Chutikarn Chuenchom
Ms.Onkanya Tanjaroen
Ms.Patcharasiri Sangpech
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Educator(s):Chumpon Chareesaen
Contributors:
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Soil pH, Soil Temperature
Presentation Video:
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Presentation Poster:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/04/2025

This study investigates the presence of various chemicals and microplastics in soil samples
from five different locations, analyzing potential sources and types of contamination in the
agricultural ecosystem. The temperatures and pH values at each sampling location were as
follows: Hole 1 had a temperature of 27.2°C and a pH of 6.5; Hole 2 recorded a temperature
of 28.4°C with a pH of 6.3 Hole 3 showed a temperature of 27.5°C and a pH of 6.1 Hole 4
had a temperature of 28.7°C and a pH of 6.0; and Hole 5 displayed a temperature of 28.2°C
with a pH of 6.4. The analysis revealed the repeated presence of Polydimethylsiloxane
(PDMS), a silicone compound, suggesting possible contamination by silicone across multiple
samples. Kaolin, a clay mineral, and Chromium(VI) Oxide, a chromium compound, were
identified at several sites. Notably, at Hole 3, microplastics such as Rayon Fiber, Niobium(V)
Oxide, Tantalum(V) Oxide, and Cellulose were detected, indicating the potential presence of
synthetic fibers and organic compounds. At Hole 4, several chemical compounds, including
Gitan 770, EFKA 3236, and Guar, along with inorganic compounds like Bentonite and Ferric
Hydroxide, were found. Additionally, compounds associated with high-temperature
processes, such as Tetraallylsilane and Silicone Oil, High Temperature, were detected. The
findings highlight significant contamination from silicone-based products, industrial chemicals,
and microplastics, underscoring the need for further investigation into the environmental
impact on the agricultural ecosystem.