We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Quantification and analysis of surface macroplastic contamination on arable areas
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified macroplastic contamination on German farmland, finding that fields fertilized with compost had 42 times more plastic particles per hectare than unfertilized fields, indicating that compost application and roadside littering are major pathways for plastic entering agricultural soils.
Abstract Purpose The present study provides quantitative data on the degree of macroplastic contamination of two conventionally treated arable areas in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany), which differ only in the use of organic fertilizers (e.g., compost). Methods The plastic contamination of both areas was determined by means of field sampling. The study areas were divided into edge and central areas to minimize and identify direct influences from the boundaries. After cleaning and drying, the collected macroplastic particles were analyzed by phototechnical and optical methods for number and size of particles. Results The arable area with compost fertilization showed a substantially higher macroplastic pollution with 9247 particles per hectare compared to the 220 particles per hectare found on the arable land without compost application. Furthermore, the differences in plastic forms and types on both areas, the presence of plastic directly related to household and garden products, and the homogeneous distribution of plastic particles on the arable area with compost application allow to conclude that compost can be regarded as reason for substantially higher pollution. Areas close to a road showed a higher degree of contamination and differences in the found plastic products compared to the center areas, which indicates littering as a further considerable entry path. Conclusions The causes of plastic contamination of the investigated arable areas (e.g., contaminated compost by improper waste management and littering) are predominantly external to agricultural practices. The knowledge gained contributes to the knowledge about quantities, impacts, and fate of plastic in the environment.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic contamination of soil: Are input pathways by compost overridden by littering?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether compost application is a major pathway for microplastic contamination of agricultural soil using a long-term fertilizer trial. The study found that while compost does contribute microplastics, the levels detected were relatively low compared to microplastics from general littering, suggesting that environmental littering may be a more significant source of soil microplastic contamination than composting.
Plastic contamination of soil: is compost the source?
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed compost as a source of plastic contamination in agricultural soils, finding detectable levels of microplastics in commercial composts that are subsequently applied to farmland. This study identifies composting of plastic-contaminated organic waste as an underappreciated pathway for microplastic introduction into agroecosystems.
Plastics and other extraneous matter in municipal solid waste compost: A systematic review of sources, occurrence, implications, and fate in amended soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed contamination in municipal compost made from household organic waste, finding plastics are the most prevalent pollutant — with some batches containing enough plastic to deposit over 500 kg per hectare of farmland each year. Repeated use of contaminated compost builds up microplastics in soil, threatening soil health and potentially moving plastic particles into crops and food.
Amount, distribution and composition of large microplastics in typical agricultural soils in Northern Germany
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed agricultural soils in Northern Germany for large microplastics and found contamination across all sampled fields, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common polymer types. Concentrations varied widely depending on farming practices, with fields receiving compost and sewage sludge showing higher contamination levels. The study provides important baseline data on microplastic pollution in European agricultural soils and identifies fertilization practices as a key contamination pathway.
Quantification and Analysis of Microplastics in Farmland Soils: Characterization, Sources, and Pathways
AI summary Read the abstract
This study quantified and characterized microplastics in farmland soils from multiple sites, identifying agricultural mulch films, irrigation water, and compost as major sources and documenting widespread soil contamination across different farming regions.
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.