T he team behind BBC ’ s Countryfile , one of the nation ’ s most popular TV programmes , turned to Brunel ecotoxicologist Dr Chris Green to investigate whether microplastics – microfibres and other small plastic pieces – are present in biosolids : sludge from waste water treatment that ’ s been pasteurised so it can be spread onto farmland as a fertiliser and soil improver . “ By improving our understanding of what types ofplastics are in biosolids , we may be able to better understand their sources and how to best reduce their numbers ”
Although plastic microbeads used in cosmetics have made the headlines in recent years , microfibres may be a more
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significant but poorly understood part of the microplastics problem . With our laundry ’ s waste water discharged into the sewage system , it ’ s important to track where this domestic pollution ends up .
In the episode aired on Sunday 21 May , Countryfile reporter Tom Heap joined Dr Green for a demonstration of a simple technique that separated microplastics from the organic material in biosolids – and then confirmed that they were indeed plastic with the help of Brunel ’ s Experimental Techniques Centre .
Observing the evidence under the microscope , Tom Heap couldn ’ t believe how tiny the fragments were . He later added : “ Microplastics in the ocean are a concern for marine biologists and , increasingly , for environmental groups . But the discovery that microplastics are on our land brings this much closer to home .”
The laboratory sequence used by Dr Green , a post-doctoral research fellow in Brunel ’ s Institute of Environment , Health and
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Societies , was funded and set up by the Plastic Oceans Foundation , which is at the forefront of thinking about plastics in the environment .
Jo Ruxton , UK CEO of the Plastic Oceans Foundation , commented : “ The presence of so many microfibres in the biosolids sample is both shocking and sadly not surprising .
“ Prevention is always better than cure , so the Plastic Oceans Foundation is working to stop this plastic being released into the environment wherever possible , right back to the source of the pollution .
“ We ’ re asking washing machines manufacturers to prevent microfibres being washed away into our rivers , and synthetic clothing manufacturers need to improve their fabrics . Ultimately , we aim to influence business and governments on the actions they need to take to protect the environment .
“ But as long as microfibres are released into the environment , we need better understanding of the effect they have – hence our
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invaluable working relationship with Brunel .”
“ Microplastics in the ocean are a concern for marine biologists and , increasingly , for environmental groups . But the discovery that microplastics are on our land brings this much closer to home ”
Dr Green added : “ We don ’ t yet know the significance of microplastics in biosolids for landbased ecosystems . Given that their presence is likely to be widespread , the next step is to investigate further in collaboration with the UK water industry .
“ By improving our understanding of what types of plastics are in biosolids , we may be able to better understand their sources and how to best reduce their numbers .”
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