Weithmann, N; Möller, JN; Löder, MGJ; Piehl, S; Laforsch, C; Freitag, R: Organic fertilizer as a vehicle for the entry of microplastic into the environment, Science Advances, 4, 1-7 (2018), online: 2018-04-04, doi:10.1126/sciadv.aap8060 [Link]
Abstract:

The contamination of the environment with microplastic, defined as particles smaller than 5 mm, has emerged as a global challenge because it may pose risks to biota and public health. Current research focuses predominantly on aquatic systems, whereas comparatively little is known regarding the sources, pathways, and possible accumulation of plastic particles in terrestrial ecosystems. We investigated the potential of organic fertilizers from biowaste fermentation and composting as an entry path for microplastic particles into the environment. Particles were classified by size and identified by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. All fertilizer samples from plants converting biowaste contained plastic particles, but amounts differed significantly with substrate pretreatment, plant, and waste (for example, household versus commerce) type. In contrast, digestates from agricultural energy crop digesters tested for comparison contained only isolated particles, if any. Among the most abundant synthetic polymers observed were those used for common consumer products. Our results indicate that depending on pretreatment, organic fertilizers from biowaste fermentation and composting, as applied in agriculture and gardening worldwide, are a neglected source of microplastic in the environment.

Upcoming ...


BayCEER Colloquium:
Th. 2024-04-18
The Canvas of Change: Creative Marketing for Behaviour Change, Sustainability and Social Good
Th. 2024-04-18
Survival, 'dormancy', and resuscitation of microorganisms in water-limited environments: insights from coastal salt flats and desert soil crusts
BayCEER Short Courses:
Tu. 2024-04-16
Geographical information system and R environment for conservation biology
Ecological-Botanical Garden:
Su. 2024-04-07
Führung | Talking Tree: Was Bäume über´s Klima erzählen
Fr. 2024-04-19
Führung | Gesteine im Ökologisch-Botanischen Garten
Weather research site
Luftdruck (356m): 951.5 hPa
Lufttemperatur: 10.1 °C
Niederschlag: 5.2 mm/24h
Sonnenschein: 3 h/d

...more
Globalstrahlung: 16 W/m²
Lufttemperatur: 4.2 °C
Niederschlag: 4.0 mm/24h
Wind (Höhe 32m): 14.9 km/h

...more
This site makes use of cookies More information