We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Characterizing the Microplastic Content of Biosolids in Southern Ontario, Canada
AI summary Read the abstract
All 15 biosolid samples collected from 11 sewage treatment facilities across southern Ontario contained microplastics at concentrations of up to 512,000 particles per kilogram dry weight — among the highest reported globally. Since biosolids are widely applied to agricultural land as fertilizer, this represents a major pathway for microplastic pollution to enter Canadian farmland soils and, ultimately, food crops.
The application of biosolids to agricultural land has been identified as a major pathway of microplastic (MP) pollution to the environment. Very little research, however, has been done on the MP content of biosolids within Canada. Fifteen biosolid samples from different treatment processes (liquid, dewatered, pelletized, and alkali-stabilized) were collected from 11 sources across southern Ontario to quantify and characterize the MP load within them. All samples exhibited MP concentrations ranging from 188 200 (±24 161) to 512 000 (±28 571) MPs/kg dry weight and from 4122 (±231) to 453 746 (±38 194) MPs/kg wet weight. Field amendment of these biosolids can introduce up to 3.73 × 106 to 4.12 × 108 MP/ha of agricultural soil. There was no significant difference in the MP concentrations of liquid, dewatered, and pelletized samples; but a reduction in MP content was observed in alkali-stabilized biosolids. Fragments composed 57.6% of the MPs identified, while 36.7% were fibers. In addition, MPs showed an exponential increase in abundance with decreasing size. Characterization of MPs confirmed that polyester was the most abundant, while polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyacrylamide, and polyurethane were present across the majority of biosolid samples. The results of the present study provide an estimate of the potential extent of MP contamination to agricultural fields through the amendment of biosolids. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:793-806. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
More Papers Like This
Transfer and transport of microplastics from biosolids to agricultural soils and the wider environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in biosolids from two suppliers and in agricultural soils before and after biosolid application in Ontario, Canada, finding that biosolid application contributed 8,700–14,000 microplastic particles per kilogram of dry soil to agricultural fields.
How many microplastic particles are present in Canadian biosolids?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic particles in Canadian biosolids from wastewater treatment plants across multiple provinces, providing broader national estimates of microplastic concentrations that enter terrestrial ecosystems through agricultural land application.
Microplastic fate in a chronosequence of biosolid‐amended agricultural soil in Southern Ontario, Canada
AI summary Read the abstract
A field study in 2022 tracked the fate of microplastics in agricultural soils amended with municipal biosolids over a chronosequence of application histories, filling a gap in environmentally relevant field data. Biosolid-amended soils showed elevated microplastic concentrations, raising concerns about the circular use of these fertilizers.
Investigation and analysis of microplastics in sewage sludge and biosolids: A case study from one wastewater treatment works in the UK
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Occurrence, spatiotemporal trends, fate, and treatment technologies for microplastics and organic contaminants in biosolids: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This meta-analysis examines how microplastics and organic pollutants end up in biosolids (treated sewage) and what happens when those biosolids are applied to farmland. The data show that microplastics are among the most common contaminants found in biosolids, raising concerns about long-term buildup in the soils where our food is grown.
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.