We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Investigation on the Formation of Microplastics from Compostable Plastic Bags During the Rotting Process in Field Tests
No summary available — this paper's abstract is not included in the open metadata provided by the publisher. Learn why →
More Papers Like This
Commonly Used Disposable Plastic Bags as a Source of Microplastic in Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Disposable plastic bags degrade over time into microplastic particles, contributing substantially to environmental microplastic contamination even as policy measures attempt to curb their use. Understanding plastic bags as a diffuse secondary microplastic source underscores the need for stricter material bans rather than mere reduction incentives.
Microplastics in MSW-derived compost: release rate, characteristics, ecological risks, and mitigation strategies for sustainable agriculture
AI summary Read the abstract
Compost made from household trash often contains tiny plastic bits called microplastics, and surprisingly, the compost from industrial facilities had even more plastic contamination than the raw waste it started from. Since this compost gets spread on farm fields, these plastic fragments can build up in the soil where our food grows. The good news: simply sorting out plastic from food/organic waste before composting (rather than mixing everything together) dramatically cuts down on this contamination, suggesting better recycling habits at home and in waste facilities could help keep microplastics out of our agricultural system.
Influence of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Polystyrene Microplastics on Microbial Dynamics in Rice Straw Composting
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that PET and polystyrene microplastics added to rice straw composting at 0.5% dry weight reduced microbial diversity by 12%, lowered nitrate levels by up to 33%, cut germination indices by roughly 50%, and slowed organic matter humification, while the plastics themselves remained chemically intact after 90 days.
Effect of Ventilation Modes on Microplastic Flow During Perishable Waste Composting
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how four ventilation methods affect microplastic distribution during perishable waste composting, finding that composting reduced extractable MPs in the solid product by 73–84%, with most MPs migrating to leachate and composting time being the strongest influencing factor. This matters because MP migration into leachate means contaminated liquid can carry plastics into soils and waterways if not properly managed during this widely used organic waste treatment process.
Microplastics in Composts, Digestates and Food Wastes: A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination in composts, digestates, and food wastes, finding that plastic packaging mixed into food waste streams may inadvertently introduce microplastics into agricultural soils during composting or anaerobic digestion. The authors highlight critical research gaps and call for harmonized methods to better assess this potential pathway of soil microplastic contamination.
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.