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Pathways of microplastics in soils - Detection of microplastic contents in compost using a thermal decomposition method
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This study investigated pathways by which microplastics reach agricultural soils, with a focus on detecting microplastic contamination in compost and sewage sludge. Thermal decomposition methods were used to identify polymer types, revealing that compost and sludge are significant vectors for introducing microplastics into soil.
The ubiquitous presence of unintended plastics in the environment has been an issue in scientific studies and public debate in the last years. It is well known that oxidative degradation and subsequent fragmentation, caused by UV-radiation, aging and abrasion lead to the decomposition of larger plastic products into microplastics (MP). Possible effects of these MP on ecosystems are still unclear. Recent studies on MP findings are focused mainly on aquatic systems, while little is known about MP in terrestrial ecosystems. Fermentation residues, sewage sludge and compost represent an input path of plastics in soils through targeted application in agriculture. For this reason, analysis of the total content of plastic in organic fertilizers as a sink and source of MP in ecosystems is of high interest.In 2017, approximately 14.2 million tons of biodegradable waste were collected, from which 3.9 million tons of compost was produced. Improper waste separation result in plastic fragments in the biowaste, some of which end up in the compost and might be degrade to MP. In Germany, compost is used as fertilizer in agriculture and landscape design, hence MP could enter the soil by this pathway. Spectroscopic methods such as Raman or FTIR are not suitable for determining the mass content of microplastic, as these output a particle number.Therefore, we show the application of ThermoExtractionDesorption-GasChromatography-MassSpectrometry (TED-GC-MS) as a fast, integral analytical technique, which in contrast to the spectroscopic methods does not measure the number of particles but a mass content. The sample is pyrolyzed to 600°C in a nitrogen atmosphere and an excerpt of the pyrolysis gases is collected on a solid phase adsorber. Afterwards, the decomposition gases are desorbed and measured in a GC-MS system. Characteristic pyrolysis products of each polymer can be used to identify the polymer type and determine the mass contents in the present sample. This method is well established for the analysis of MP in water filtrate samples. Here, we will first demonstrate the use of TED-GC-MS for compost.This current study will also give inside in various important aspects of sample preparation, which include a meaningful size fractionation, a necessary density separation regarding the removal of inorganic contents and at finally a homogenization.
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Detection of microplastics in compost samples using a thermal decomposition method
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A thermal decomposition method was evaluated for detecting and quantifying microplastics in compost samples, addressing the challenge of finding plastic particles in complex organic matrices. The approach enables identification of microplastic polymer types in compost through their characteristic thermal degradation signatures, supporting monitoring of plastic contamination in agricultural soils.
Comprehensive understanding of microplastics in compost: Ecological risks and degradation mechanisms
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This review examines how microplastics enter soil through compost made from household waste, sewage sludge, and agricultural waste. Microplastics in compost can disrupt soil structure, reduce fertility, and persist in the environment long after application. Since compost is widely used in farming, this represents a significant pathway for microplastics to contaminate agricultural soil and potentially enter the food chain.
Plastic contamination of soil: is compost the source?
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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.
Microplastic fibres in sewage sludge compost: A noteworthy source of microplastics to the terrestrial environment
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Microplastic fibers were detected in sewage sludge compost at significant concentrations, demonstrating that composting does not eliminate the microplastics captured during wastewater treatment. When this compost is applied to agricultural land, it directly introduces microplastics into soils. The study identifies sewage sludge compost as a significant and ongoing pathway for microplastic contamination of agricultural soils across Europe.
Analysis of microplastics in soil samples by using a thermal decomposition method
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Researchers tested thermal decomposition as a method for extracting and identifying microplastics in soil samples, a particularly challenging matrix because organic matter interferes with optical detection methods. The approach showed promise for detecting and quantifying plastic content in complex soil environments.
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