Evidence for polyester microplastic degradation following alkali stabilization of biosolids

Summary

Sewage sludge (called "biosolids") is often treated with strong alkaline chemicals and then spread on farmland as fertilizer, but this sludge is also full of tiny plastic fibers from clothing and other polyester products. This study found that the alkaline treatment process actually breaks down some of these polyester microplastics, which is good news because it means fewer plastic particles may end up in soil, crops, and eventually our food and water supply.