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Biosolids Treated as a Nutritional Alternative for in vitro Culture of Bowdichia Virgilioides Kunth
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Researchers explored using sewage biosolids as a growth medium for in vitro plant cultivation, finding that while biosolids can substitute for conventional nutrient media at low concentrations, higher concentrations hindered plant growth. The paper notes that biosolids carry microplastics and heavy metals — a concern for any application that moves them back into soil or plant systems.
The safe management of sewage waste is a current concern due to population growth and waste production. Biosolids, derived from sewage sludge treatment, are globally used as organic fertilizers, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 6 for resource recycling. However, biosafety concerns arise due to the presence of metals and microplastics in biosolids, potentially impacting soil and water. This study investigated biosolids' use for in vitro cultivation of Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth. Results indicate that while biosolids can replace traditional nutritional media, balancing their concentration is crucial for optimizing plant growth. The WPM (Wood Plat Medium) remains essential for in vitro cultivation, but substituting it with biosolids at concentrations of up to 2 g L is feasible, providing similar plant development compared to the WPM medium. However, when combined, there is a complex and challenging interaction between biosolids and the culture medium.
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Microplastics in biosolids: A review of ecological implications and methods for identification, enumeration, and characterization
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This review examines the presence of microplastics in biosolids from wastewater treatment plants and their ecological effects when applied to agricultural soils. Researchers found conflicting evidence about the extent of negative ecosystem impacts, with some studies showing harmful effects and others reporting minimal consequences. The study highlights the lack of standardized methods for measuring microplastics in biosolids and calls for consistent analytical approaches to better assess the risks.
Biosolids-derived fertilisers: A review of challenges and opportunities
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This review examines the use of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) as farm fertilizer and the concern that it introduces microplastics and persistent organic contaminants into agricultural soil. While biosolids provide valuable nutrients for crops, the microplastics they contain can accumulate in soil over time and potentially enter the food chain. The authors discuss thermal processing and nutrient recovery technologies that could help remove contaminants while preserving the fertilizer value of biosolids.
Investigation and analysis of microplastics in sewage sludge and biosolids: A case study from one wastewater treatment works in the UK
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in sewage sludge and biosolids at a UK wastewater treatment plant and found significant quantities of microplastics persisting through the treatment process. Since millions of tonnes of biosolids are applied to farmland annually in the UK, this represents a major pathway for microplastic pollution entering agricultural soils. The study highlights the need for better monitoring and treatment methods to reduce microplastic transfer from wastewater to the terrestrial environment.
The Role of Bioplastics and Sustainable Materials in Achieving Environmental Sustainability
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This study analyzed microplastic contamination in agricultural soils amended with sewage sludge biosolids. Results showed that sludge application significantly elevated soil microplastic concentrations, raising concerns about long-term accumulation and potential effects on soil organisms.
Higher concentrations of microplastics in runoff from biosolid-amended croplands than manure-amended croplands
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Researchers compared microplastic runoff from farm plots treated with municipal biosolids (treated sewage sludge) versus manure, finding that biosolid-treated fields released significantly more microplastics into nearby waterways during rainfall events. The study is among the first to quantify how land-applied biosolids — a common agricultural practice — contribute to nonpoint source microplastic pollution in surface water.
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