According to research by the University of Canterbury (UC) and the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), significant amounts of microplastic contamination have been discovered in organic waste used as fertilisers and soil conditioners in New Zealand. Between 1,100 and 2,700 microplastic particles were detected per kilogram of organic waste in the study published in Water Emerging Contaminants & Nanoplastics, highlighting the issue of microplastics found in organic waste.

Under the direction of Helena Ruffell, a Ph.D. candidate at UC, the investigation concentrated on materials such as vermicompost, biosolids, bulk compost from industrial sites and curbside collections, and bagged composts from garden centers. Microplastics from items like food packaging, synthetic fabrics, and home goods are present in these wastes, which are frequently used on land for soil enrichment and greenhouse gas mitigation.

Biodegradable Plastics Failing to Decompose Fully

According to the study, microplastic contamination in composts is caused by incorrect plastic disposal and misunderstandings about biodegradable or compostable plastics. Mature composts included substances such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) despite council attempts to reduce plastic contamination in curbside organic collections. Over time, these biodegradable polymers accumulated in soils because they did not completely decompose during the composting process.

Ruffell pointed out that even plastics labelled “biodegradable” are not breaking down as planned, which raises questions about how they will affect soil productivity and health in the long run. The study highlighted the widespread problem by identifying certain forms of microplastic, such as polyester glitter, pieces of kitchen sponge, and polyethylene microbeads.

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Call for Action to Address Microplastic Pollution

The results highlight how vital it is to reduce plastic consumption and enhance waste management procedures to stop microplastic contamination. Ruffell, who conducted the research for her PhD thesis, emphasized that microplastics found in organic waste stemming from common consumer products pose a significant threat to productive soils and warrant further investigation.

Professors Sally Gaw and Brett Robinson of UC Environmental Science, as well as Dr. Olga Pantos, the ESR Science Leader, co-supervised the project. To protect soil health and agricultural output, the researchers emphasized the need for comprehensive waste management changes and the need to tackle this expanding environmental issue.

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