Contamination of consumer composts by metals, microplastics and other microscopic debris

Very little information exists on the particle and chemical contamination of consumer (horticultural) composts. In this study, anthropogenic microcellulosics (AMCs), microplastics (MPs) and other microscopic debris, along with anthropogenically impacted metals (Cu, Zn, Pb), have been determined in 12 composts (seven garden composts and five growbags) purchased at outlets in the UK. AMCs and MPs, determined microscopically, were present in all samples at up to about 1100 kg dw. AMCs were more abundant and were dominated by fibres constructed of rayon and cotton, while petroleum-based MPs exhibited a greater diversity in shape and polymeric construction (including polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, resins, paints and rubbers). Other microdebris, present in much smaller concentrations in the composts, consisted of fragments of glass, metal and machined wood and spherical glass beads. Concentrations of the anthropogenically impacted metals, Cu, Pb and Zn, determined directly by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, were heterogeneously distributed and averaged 52.4, 192 and 51.6 mg kg dw, respectively. Although concentrations of anthropogenic particles were not related to cost or type of compost, physico-chemical properties or metal concentrations, a significant relationship between Pb content and particle diversity (number of polymers and debris types) was established. This relationship might result from the general contamination of the environment by both Pb and anthropogenic particulates, or the association of the metal with various types of material (e.g. paints, polyvinyl chloride, glass). Despite the ubiquity and diversity of MPs and microdebris in consumer composts, an understanding of their impacts on plant growth, either directly or indirectly (e.g. by interacting with metals), is unknown.