We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Novel integrated workflow for microplastics extraction, quantification, and characterization in organic fertilizing residuals using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a reliable method for extracting and measuring microplastics in organic fertilizers like compost and biosolids that are spread on farm fields. The technique successfully detected 19 different plastic types down to very small sizes in fertilizer samples from Quebec, Canada. This is important because organic fertilizers are a major but often unmeasured source of microplastics entering agricultural soil, which can then reach crops and the food supply.
Organic fertilizing residuals (OFRs) enhance soil fertility and support sustainable agriculture due to their rich nutrient and organic matter content. However, these materials are increasingly recognized as a significant source of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils, raising concerns about the safety of agroecosystems. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a reliable workflow for MP analysis in diverse OFRs, given the challenges of extracting small MPs from such organic matter-rich matrices. This study presents an oxidative-alkaline tandem digestion method that achieves an average organic matter (OM) removal efficiency of 93 % across various OFRs. In addition, density centrifugation with NaCl and ZnCl2 brines was utilized to recover six microplastic polymers (PP, PVC, PET, PS, PE, and HDPE), achieving a recovery rate of over 95 % for large MPs (600 μm-4.75 mm) and over 83 % for small MP-PE beads (38-45 μm). Micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR) analysis confirmed that digestion and separation steps did not affect MPs' spectral integrity and chemical identification. To validate the workflow, we applied it to analyze MPs in various OFRs from Québec, allowing for the successful detection of 19 MP polymers with sizes down to 10-50 μm. This workflow can be applied to multiple OFRs to extract, quantify, and characterize MPs. Ultimately, this workflow will facilitate efficient MPs analysis across diverse OFRs, providing essential data for robust risk assessment and better environmental management to mitigate MP pollution from OFR applications in agricultural soils.
More Papers Like This
A method for the extraction of microplastics from solid biowastes including biosolids, compost, and soil for analysis by µ-FTIR
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed and validated a method for extracting microplastics from solid organic materials including biosolids, compost, and soil for analysis by micro-FTIR spectroscopy. The approach combines wet peroxide oxidation with sequential density separations to isolate plastic particles from complex organic matrices. The method provides a reliable protocol for researchers studying how microplastics move through and accumulate in agricultural and waste management systems.
Quantification and identification of microplastics in organic fertilizers: the implication for the manufacture and safe application
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in 23 commercial organic fertilizers, finding widespread presence at levels that could meaningfully contribute to agricultural soil pollution when fertilizers are applied. The results raise concerns about organic fertilizers as an underappreciated pathway for microplastics entering farm soils and the food system.
A comparative study on the distribution behavior of microplastics through FT-IR analysis on different land uses in agricultural soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared microplastic distribution in agricultural soils under different land uses, including soil mulching, plastic housing, and sewage sludge composting. Using FT-IR analysis, the study found that plastic particles smaller than 100 micrometers were present across all conditions, highlighting the widespread and persistent nature of microplastic contamination in agricultural environments.
Optimized microplastic analysis based on size fractionation, density separation and μ-FTIR
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers optimized a multi-step method for extracting and identifying microplastics from soil and sediment, combining grain size separation, density flotation, and infrared microscopy. The validated method achieved high recovery rates for eight common plastic polymers, contributing to more reliable monitoring of soil microplastic contamination.
Identification and Quantification of Microplastics in Commercial Compost From a Wide Range of Composting Materials and Potential Environmental Impacts
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers identified and quantified microplastics in commercial compost derived from household waste, livestock manure, and vegetable straw using acid extraction, filtration, and FTIR spectroscopy. All compost types contained microplastics, with concentrations varying by feedstock type, raising concerns about microplastic introduction to agricultural soils via compost application.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.