Dataset: Low-density microplastics (LD-MPs) in seven recreational parks of Al Ain, UAE isolated by density flotation method (DFM)

The LD-MPs from 104 soil samples collected from seven different recreational parks of Al Ain, UAE were isolated by DFM using saturated sodium chloride solution (1.2 g/cm3). A total of 10, 701 g of soil samples were processed for this study (Loc_Info_Micp_count.xlsx). Prior to extraction and isolation of MPs, the 10 ± 0.1 g of each sample were dried at 40 degrees Celsius for 24 hr and then filtered using a stack of 8" dm stainless steel sieves with aperture of 5 mm and 1mm. An aliquot of 5 ± 0.1 g were subjected for DFM. After that, the sample was filtered using a Whatman glass microfiber filter to separate LD-MPs from the liquid. The filter was then viewed under stereomicroscope. The physical characteristics of LD-MPs, such as size, color, and shape, were noted (Loc_info_Micp_count.xlsx). Microplastic concentration were determined and expressed as particles per kg of samples (Micp_conc_per_sampling_site.xlsx; Table 8). Statistical data of isolated LD-MPs sizes were computed (Stat_data_of_LD-MPs_size.xlsx; Table 9). The study also tried to correlate the LD-MPs concentrations with soil pH and moisture content. Results showed that there is a negative correlation in MPs concentrations and the two selected soil properties suggesting potential negative effects in soil health (Stat_data_soil_pH_moisture_content.xlsx; Tables 10 & 11). FTIR analyses were conducted to initially determine the possible polymers present in the isolated LD-MPs (SFig3_FTIR). Polymers identified were possibly polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or polyvinyl chloride. These results found that the presence of LD-MPs in urban recreational parks might contribute to impending environmental negative effects.