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How many microplastic particles are present in Canadian biosolids?
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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.
Application of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to farmlands is an important pathway through which microplastic particles (MPs) enter terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, microplastic concentrations in Canadian biosolids have only been estimated in samples from four WWTPs previously. We aimed to fill this knowledge gap by quantifying microplastics in biosolids from 22 WWTPs located in nine provinces and two commercial fertilizer producers in Canada. All samples had substantial microplastic concentrations ranging from 228 to 1353 particles per gram dry weight (median = 636 particles), which are orders of magnitude greater than MPs reported from earlier investigations of biosolids from other countries. Fibers (median: 86%) were the most common type of MPs observed, followed by fragments (median: 13%). There were no statistically significant differences in the amount of microplastics observed in the biosolids from different geographical regions, WWTP types, and sludge treatment processes. This suggests that diverse combinations of local sewershed characteristics, site-specific treatment approaches, and daily flow at WWTPs may be influencing concentrations of microplastics in biosolids. Our results indicate that microplastic concentrations in biosolids are substantially higher than they are in other environmental matrices, and this has important implications to managing microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Characterizing the Microplastic Content of Biosolids in Southern Ontario, Canada
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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.
Transfer and transport of microplastics from biosolids to agricultural soils and the wider environment
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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.
From wastewater treatment plants to farmland: Microplastic quantification, transfer, and risk assessment from biosolids use in Tasmania, Australia
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Researchers quantified microplastics in wastewater and biosolids from Tasmanian treatment plants, detecting 127 to 138 particles per gram in biosolids, with polyethylene as the most abundant polymer. The study estimates that billions of microplastic particles are transferred annually to agricultural soils through biosolids reuse, and a preliminary risk assessment suggests these levels may pose ecological concerns.
Comprehensive assessment of microplastics in Australian biosolids: Abundance, seasonal variation and potential transport to agroecosystems
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This comprehensive study quantified microplastics in 146 biosolid samples from 13 Australian wastewater treatment plants across seasons, finding concentrations of 11 to 150 microplastics per gram dry weight with higher levels in cold, wet seasons. PET, polyurethane, and polymethyl methacrylate were the most abundant polymers, raising concerns about microplastic transport to agricultural soils through biosolid land application.
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.
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.