Australian Research Finds Microplastics Contamination in Compost

A study led by Griffith University researchers in Australia found that compost applied to agricultural land contains significant amounts of microplastics. In Australia, 51% of organic waste is composted and 26% applied to agricultural lands, but scientists suggest that composting may become an environmental crisis, rather than a solution, if the issue of plastic contamination isn’t addressed. Over time, accumulated microplastics can alter soil structure, limit plant growth, hinder the cycling of nutrients, and disrupt microbial communities, affecting overall farm productivity. In addition, microplastics can further break down into nanoplastics that plants can uptake, meaning that they could find their way into the food chain. This research found that supposedly compostable plastic bags are one source of plastics contaminants, when composting conditions aren’t right for them to break down.