Fate and effects of microplastics fertilizer coatings in soil

Compared to mulch film debris, MP from PCF is already smaller in size and impossible to be removed from soil. Additives added during polymer production might be leached into soil and the groundwater. Unlike mulch film, PCF is mixed into soil and undergo minimal UV degradation (if any) and thus, making it more difficult to degrade. Therefore, impacts of MP from PCF accumulating in soil might be more significant than previously perceived. Recently, with the proposal of restriction on intentionally added MP in products (including particle < 5 mm and fiber < 15 mm) from European Chemical Agency (ECHA) gained favour from Member States, PCF gained more attention as a significant MP contributor in soil. Furthermore, the USA and China as the largest producers and consumers of PCF have limited policy regulating and monitoring the impact of PCF to the environment. With the majority of research on PCF recently focusing on its nutrient/fertilizer content and efficiency, the fate and effect of MP derived from PCF leave a knowledge gap. Our project aims to address this knowledge gap by developing a holistic approach to assess the impact of intentionally added MP in soil, with the preliminary investigation focus on PCF-derived MP.