Microplastic particles in compost

A study by Nicolas Weithmann and colleagues from the University of Bayreuth, Germany investigated the potential of organic fertilizers from biowaste fermentation and composting as an entry path for microplastic particles into the environment. 

All samples from plants converting biowaste to fertiliser. (composts, digestates, and percolate-leachates from digestion, which is used as liquid fertilizer) contained plastic particles, but amounts differed significantly with substrate pre-treatment, plant, and waste (for example, household versus commerce) 

Composters will be concerned to know that 20-24 pieces of microplastics per kg of dry weight were found in the compost from a composting plant processing biowaste from households with green clippings from the area.  

However, the quantity of microplastic present was small when compared with compost produced from supermarket waste which contained 895 pieces >1 mm per kg dry weight.

While waste from the public using the green waste collection system  is much more likely to be contaminated than home composted material  it does indicate an area of potential concern for those buying compost and for home composters. The advice is that it is better to use loose tea or plastic free teabags. Best advice for the present where plastic teabags cannot be avaoided   can be composted despite the fact that  the remains of the bag may be added to the soil in the finished compost ( Composting Teabags). 

The phot shows the magnified remains of a plastic teabag after composting.

Read more

Rachel Ehrenberg (April 5, 2018). “Microplastics may enter freshwater and soil via compost.” Science News

Reference

Weithmann, N., et al. (2018). “Organic fertilizer as a vehicle for the entry of microplastic into the environment.” Science Advances (published online April 4, 2018).

Further information on plastic in tea bags and composting is available at: www.carryoncomposting.com