Omar Khalid
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, and the excessive use of petrochemicals and non-biodegradable materials has contributed to environmental degradation. Interestingly, recent studies have explored the possibility of converting plastic into fertilizer as a potential solution. While some sources suggest that certain types of plastic can be recycled into nitrogen-rich fertilizers, there are also concerns about the presence of microplastics in fertilizers, which can have negative effects on soil ecology and human health. This raises questions about the potential risks and benefits of using plastic in fertilizer production and the need for sustainable alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in fertilizers | Plastic-coated fertilizers have been around since the 1960s. |
| Plastic pollution | Plastic in fertilizers contributes to plastic pollution |
| Environmental impact | Plastic in fertilizers poses risks to human health and the environment |
| Microplastics in fertilizers | Microplastics are widely detected in organic fertilizers and can be absorbed by crops |
| Biodegradable plastics | Biodegradable plastics can be partially broken down in compost, but microplastics may remain. |
| Home-compostable plastics | Plastics labelled as "home compostable" can be converted into fertilizers. |
| Bioplastics | Bioplastics can be chemically recycled into nitrogen-rich fertilizers. |
| Eco-friendly alternatives | Eco-friendly alternatives, such as compostable plastic bags, are being developed to reduce plastic pollution. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic-coated agricultural chemicals are harmful to human and planetary health
Plastic-coated agricultural chemicals are an unnecessary and harmful addition to chemical fertilisers and pesticides, posing risks to human and planetary health. The Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL) report, titled 'Sowing a Plastic Planet', highlights the dangers of these so-called "controlled-release" agrochemicals.
The report reveals that the "polymer" shells of these products are made of plastics, which, when combined with synthetic chemicals, can increase toxic risks and overload soils with plastics. These agrochemicals are produced by petrochemical giants, including Nutrien's ESN, ICL Specialty Fertilizer's Osmocote, and BASF's DuraGuard ME. The CIEL authors argue that effective non-chemical alternatives, such as sulfur and biochar, exist, rendering the use of plastics in agricultural chemicals unnecessary and detrimental.
The addition of plastics to agricultural chemicals is concerning due to its impact on the soil microbiome. The report establishes links between controlled-release chemicals and damage to the soil microbiome, creating a feedback loop that increases the need for more fertilisers. This results in a detrimental cycle for the health of the planet and humans. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 100,000 tonnes of plastic are dumped into the environment annually from plastic-coated fertilisers, contributing to plastic pollution.
Furthermore, the presence of microplastics in agricultural soils is a growing concern. Research has detected microplastics in organic fertilisers, leading to increased microplastic abundance in the soil. These microplastics alter soil ecology and promote the adsorption of organic pollutants, affecting their retention time in the soil. The degradation of microplastics in the soil environment is influenced by biofilms, which also play a role in altering soil ecology. The extensive use of plastics in agriculture contributes to plastic contamination in agricultural soils, impacting the soil ecosystem and threatening human health through the pollution of soil, surface, and underground water resources.
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Bioplastics can be recycled into nitrogen-rich fertilizers
Plastics have become ubiquitous in our lives, but their synthetic polymers have contributed to many environmental issues, including excessive petrochemical use and the disposal of non-biodegradable materials. Only 14% of plastic waste is recycled, which barely makes a dent in the problem. To address these issues, researchers have developed a novel concept of recycling bioplastics into nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
Bioplastics, produced using biomass, can be chemically recycled into fertilizers in an environmentally friendly manner. This process focuses on poly (isosorbide carbonate), or "PIC," a bio-based polycarbonate alternative to petroleum-based polycarbonates. PIC is made from isosorbide (ISB), a non-toxic glucose-derived monomer. The carbonate links joining the ISB units can be broken down using ammonia through a process called ammonolysis, which produces urea—a nitrogen-rich molecule used in fertilizers.
The Tokyo Institute of Technology's research team, led by Assistant Professor Daisuke Aoki and Professor Hideyuki Otsuka, demonstrated that increasing the temperature to 90°C achieves complete degradation of PIC within six hours without the need for catalysts. The resulting PIC degradation products were used as fertilizer in plant growth experiments, and the plants treated with these products grew better than those treated with just urea. This proof-of-concept showcases the feasibility of developing fertilizer-from-plastics systems.
The process of chemically recycling bioplastics into nitrogen-rich fertilizers offers a circular solution that addresses plastic waste and emissions-intensive fertilizer production. By generating urea as a byproduct, this approach emits no CO2, making it more environmentally friendly than traditional urea production, which accounts for 2% of global emissions annually. This innovation highlights the potential for bioplastics to become a more attractive option in tackling the environmental concerns associated with conventional petroleum-based plastics.
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Microplastics are present in organic fertilizers
The presence of microplastics in organic fertilizers has been a growing concern for environmentalists and scientists alike. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have been detected in commercially available organic fertilizers and have potential implications for both the environment and public health.
Organic fertilizers are primarily derived from solid organic waste generated by anthropocentric activities, including urban, agricultural, and industrial processes. During the conversion of organic solid waste into fertilizer, intense oxidation, hydrolysis, and microbial actions alter the physical, chemical, and surface biofilm properties of any plastics present. This process results in the presence of microplastics in the final fertilizer product.
Research conducted by the University of Bayreuth in Germany tested samples from a variety of commercially available organic fertilizers and found the presence of microplastics in all samples except those from a control farm. The amount of microplastics was also observed to depend on the processing plant and the methods used, with aerobic facilities tending to have higher concentrations.
The presence of microplastics in organic fertilizers has significant implications for soil ecology. The degradation of these microplastics promotes the adsorption of organic pollutants and increases their retention time in the soil. Additionally, the unique properties of the biofilms that cover the microplastics further alter the soil environment and contribute to their degradation.
The contamination of agricultural soils with microplastics is a global challenge that requires attention. While plastic recycling efforts have increased, inadequate end-of-life treatment for plastics results in environmental pollution. The presence of microplastics in organic fertilizers contributes to this issue and highlights the need for further research and policy planning to reduce contaminants in fertilizer production.
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Plastic bags can be turned into fertilizer
One notable example of this is the work done by the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Researchers at the institute have developed a new recycling method that turns plastic into fertilizer. The process, led by Assistant Professor Daisuke Aoki, involves using bio-based plastics and degrading them with aqueous ammonia, resulting in a product that can be directly used as fertilizer. This method minimises carbon dioxide emissions and does not require additional processing, making it an environmentally friendly approach.
Another initiative, Neptune Plastics Inc., was founded by a group of college students, including Marx Acosta-Rubio. Their product, the Neptune polybag, is a single-use, marine degradable, wildlife-digestible, and backyard compostable plastic. It is made from food-grade materials and is designed to dissolve in water within a few days, preventing the formation of microplastics that can harm fish and people. Neptune Plastics aims to partner with the shipping and packaging industries to replace traditional plastic packaging with their eco-friendly alternative.
The process of converting plastic into fertilizer offers a potential solution to the issue of plastic waste. By recycling plastic into a useful product, such as fertilizer, we can reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the environment and promote a more sustainable and circular economy. This approach aligns with the concept of creating circular" systems, where the source materials used to produce plastics are recycled and reused, rather than disposed of, helping to address the environmental impact of plastic pollution and petrochemical resource depletion.
However, it is important to recognise that plastic contamination is also prevalent in organic fertilizers. Studies have found microplastics in organic fertilizers derived from food waste, indicating that plastic bags used to wrap food waste and plastic food wrappers contribute to this contamination. As a result, there is a growing concern about the impact of plastic pollution on the soil microbiome and the potential risks to human health and the environment.
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Plastic can be converted into fertilizer through composting
Plastic waste is extremely harmful to the environment, and only 14% of all plastic waste is recycled. However, some plastics can be converted into fertilizer through composting.
Plastics that are labelled as "home compostable" or "biodegradable" can be converted into fertilizer. These compostable plastics are made from plants and can be broken down by biological treatment at a commercial or industrial composting facility. The process of composting utilizes microorganisms, heat, and humidity to yield carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass. The decomposition of the plastic must occur within 6 months and should leave no toxic residue that could harm plant growth.
It is important to note that not all biodegradable plastics are compostable. Some biodegradable plastics may break down, but microplastics may remain, making them unsafe for use in fertilizers. Petroleum-based plastics, in particular, cannot be broken down at home and require specialized treatment.
To compost plastic at home, a compost bin can be set up, and food scraps, manure, or used coffee grounds can be added to create fertilizer. It is important to regularly moisten and turn the compost pile to prevent odors and pest attraction. The process of composting plastic typically takes around 6 months, and the plastic should be fully degraded before use as fertilizer.
Researchers have also developed an environmentally friendly process to recycle bioplastics into nitrogen-rich fertilizers. This process involves using poly(isosorbide carbonate) (PIC), a type of bio-based polycarbonate produced from glucose. Through a process called ammonolysis, the PIC is degraded, resulting in urea, a nitrogen-rich molecule used as fertilizer. This method offers a sustainable approach to addressing plastic pollution and its associated issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic is sometimes added to fertilizers. Plastic-coated fertilizers have been around since the 1960s, and are marketed as "planet-safe" and "sustainable". However, these claims are not well-substantiated.
Plastic-coated fertilizers are more dangerous and long-lasting. They increase the presence of microplastics in the soil, which can be absorbed by crops and harm human health.
ESN, Osmocote, and DuraGuard ME are examples of plastic fertilizers.
You can make your own fertilizer by composting at home. Plastics labelled as "home compostable" can be converted into fertilizer.
