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Eco-labeled composts reduce microplastic contamination and mitigate heavy metal bioavailability in agricultural ecosystems
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Researchers assessed microplastic abundance and composition in 11 commercial compost products using ATR-FTIR, finding MPs in all samples at an average of 137.65 items/kg and up to 631 mg/kg. Eco-labelled composts had significantly lower microplastic levels than conventional products, with algae-based humus being the least contaminated.
This study assessed the abundance, size, weight, shape, and polymer composition of microplastics (MPs) in 11 commercial compost products using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. MPs were present in all samples, with an average abundance of 137.65 ± 6.01 items/kg, and concentrations up to 631.14 mg/kg. Eco-labeled composts showed significantly lower MPs abundance, size, and concentration than non-eco products. The most contaminated compost was a blonde peat substrate, while an algae-based humus showed the lowest MPs load. MPs larger than 1 mm were predominant, and films were the most common shape, likely resulting from plastic bags and packaging materials. A total of 15 polymer types were identified, with chipboard/agglomerate, modified cellulose, and polyethylene being the most frequent. Polymer diversity was greater in commercial universal composts and positively associated with anthropogenic activities. Physicochemical analysis revealed significant correlations between MPs concentration and compost quality. The presence of MPs was negatively correlated with pH and nitrogen content, but positively with organic matter. Vermicompost exhibited higher nitrogen and pH levels compared to other composts. MPs also influenced the distribution of trace elements: significant negative correlations were found between MPs levels and several elements, including As, Cd, Cr, and Pb. These findings suggest MPs may adsorb heavy metals, reducing their bioavailability. A "diversity index" (DI) of petroleum-based polymers, excluding cellulosic particles, was developed and showed significant correlations with Pb and Cd concentrations, indicating that human-related plastic waste contributes to metal contamination in compost. The results underscore the need for improved waste separation and composting processes to reduce MP and heavy metal contamination. Future regulations mandating separate collection of biowaste and textiles may mitigate these impacts.
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Identification and Quantification of Microplastics in Commercial Compost From a Wide Range of Composting Materials and Potential Environmental Impacts
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Researchers identified and quantified microplastics in commercial compost derived from household waste, livestock manure, and vegetable straw using acid extraction, filtration, and FTIR spectroscopy. All compost types contained microplastics, with concentrations varying by feedstock type, raising concerns about microplastic introduction to agricultural soils via compost application.
Contamination of consumer composts by metals, microplastics and other microscopic debris
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Researchers measured microplastic, anthropogenic microcellulosic, and heavy metal (copper, zinc, lead) contamination in 18 consumer horticultural compost products -- a data gap given the widespread use of these composts in gardens and allotments. All composts contained measurable microplastic and metal contamination, raising concerns about introducing plastic and chemical pollutants into garden soils.
Microplastics identification and quantification in the composted Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste
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Researchers quantified microplastics in composted organic municipal solid waste from five facilities, finding contamination levels that raise concerns about compost quality and the potential transfer of microplastics to agricultural soils through organic waste recycling.
Microplastic Analysis on Microbial Compost, Vermicompost, and Superworm Compost and Their Ecological Risk Assessment
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Researchers found microplastic contamination in all three types of commercial organic compost (microbial, vermicompost, and superworm compost), raising concerns about introducing plastic pollution into agricultural soils through products marketed as environmentally friendly. The ecological risk assessment highlights that even compost used to improve soil health may be a vector for spreading microplastics in food-growing environments.
Microplastics in compost from municipal solid waste. Assessment of their presence in the products generated with different industrial strategies.
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Microplastics were detected in compost made from municipal solid waste processed using different industrial strategies, raising concerns about the use of compost as a soil amendment. The presence of microplastics in compost could transfer plastic contamination directly to agricultural soils when compost is applied as fertilizer. The findings suggest that composting facilities need better plastic removal processes to prevent microplastic spread through the circular economy.
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