Bioplastic Pellet Absorbs Phosphate for Fertilizer Use

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have developed a bioplastic pellet made from marine polysaccharide (chitosan), eggshells, and wheat straw that absorbs phosphate nutrient pollutant from water. The biodegradable pellets can then be applied to agricultural land as fertilizer. The researchers point out that this closed-loop system is an alternative solution to mining phosphate for use as a fertilizer and instead takes a problem contaminant out of water sources for productive use. The biplodegradable bioplastic is also an alternative to conventional plastics that contribute to microplastic pollution.