A research team has discovered an exciting use for biochar—typically a processed agricultural waste—that could dramatically reduce the amount of microplastics from farms ending up in our oceans, food and drinking water.

Climate publication The Anthropocene in Detail the groundbreaking study by University of Mississippi scientists and colleagues looking at biochar’s ability to evacuate plastics. Modern biochar production generally reuses agricultural waste and other biomass through overheating in a limited oxygen environment. Other studies have shown that biochar is capable enrichment of agricultural soils and carbon pollution capture. For this study, the research team wanted to see if they could separate microplastics from farm soil.

The results were extremely encouraging. Biochar removed 92.6% of robust plastic particles from study samples, demonstrating the ability to filter small pollutants. This is huge news as the industrial agriculture sector faces a flood of plastic that has given rise to the nickname “plasticculture,” as Anthropocene noted.

In the study, the widespread amount of microplastics in the farm’s soil was a key finding before the researchers tested the biochar’s ability to filter it.

Plastic is found everywhere in agriculture. It is found in mulches and fertilizers, irrigation pipes, crop storage and weed control solutions. Problem? That plastic doesn’t stay put, especially when it rains heavily.

It ends up spilling into smaller and smaller particles that run into local waterways, posing a danger to animals and fish. From there, it finds its way into the oceans and into our drinking water. There is even evidence that some of the particles end in our food through cultures.

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The researchers are in the early stages of the study harmful effects on health of microplastics, but the often microscopic pieces are already linked to serious conditions such as dementia and infertility. They also pose a huge threat to animals and the ecosystem. This can happen through accidental ingestion of the particles by creatures, leading to illness or even death.

More generally, plastic also causes problems when it lies dormant in landfills producing methane, which contributes to global warming.

For those looking to reduce the dangers of plastics and microplastics, there are a number of options, including search plastic-free alternativesor upcycling and recycling the plastic we use. However, consumers cannot generally control the agricultural sector, where plastic is ubiquitous. There these early findings provide reason for encouragement.

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Do you think America has a problem with plastic waste?

Certainly

Only in some areas

Not really

I’m not sure

Click on your choice to see the results and tell us what you think

If farmers can use biochar to remove many microplastics, it would be a huge step in reducing the path of pollutants from farmland to our food, waterways and oceans. Anthropocene reports researchers are already considering ideas such as using biochar in stormwater drains to trap microplastics.

University of Mississippi professor James Cizdziel confirmed that “extensive field studies are underway,” according to a university report posted on Phys.org.

“Our work could lead to new agricultural and stormwater management practices to mitigate microplastic pollution from farms and urban runoff to protect the environment and human health,” added Cizdziel.

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