Determination and quantification of microplastics in compost

Althoughmicroplastics (MPs) in solid organic waste have been intensively studied, the
presence of MPs in organic fertilizer and their potential as new emerging pollution to
environment because of their use in agriculture has not been explained completely.
Therefore, the identification and quantification ofMPs in commercially available compost
is important. This study aimed to estimate the quantity of MPs in commercial
composts. The characteristics of MPs (shape, color, size, and type of polymers) were
identified. This study found that MPs in commercial compost samples were found,
reaching up to 160 particles/200 g of compostwith various colors (blue, black, red, yellow,
and white). The identified MPs had various sizes (0.1–1 mm) and shapes (81.8%
fragment, 16.2% fiber, and 2% filament). The findings of this study are very important
and significant to inform community and policymakers regarding the presence ofMPs
in commercial compost, hence, their intensive use in agriculture must be controlled and
careful.