Feature
Fertilizer Microplastics Found Washing Back to Beaches
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By
January 30, 2026
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2 min
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1
Microplastic coatings from fertilizers are contributing to marine pollution.
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2
Study conducted by Tokyo Metropolitan University.
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Polymer-coated fertilizers leak plastics into waterways.
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4
Up to 28% of microplastics accumulate on certain beaches.
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5
Analytical tools include FTIR and EDX spectroscopy.
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6
Research emphasizes monitoring of agricultural plastics.
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Research from Tokyo Metropolitan University reveals that microplastic coatings from polymer-coated fertilizers (PCFs) significantly contribute to ocean pollution. These fertilizers, used for crops like rice and wheat, leak plastic shells into waterways, leading to accumulation on beaches. A survey of 147 plots across 17 beaches demonstrated that areas connected to paddy fields accumulated up to 28% of microplastics, while beaches near rivers received less than 0.2%. The study underscores the need for monitoring agricultural plastics to mitigate this environmental issue.
-
1
Microplastic coatings from fertilizers are contributing to marine pollution.
-
2
Study conducted by Tokyo Metropolitan University.
-
3
Polymer-coated fertilizers leak plastics into waterways.
-
4
Up to 28% of microplastics accumulate on certain beaches.
-
5
Analytical tools include FTIR and EDX spectroscopy.
-
6
Research emphasizes monitoring of agricultural plastics.
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