On microplastics in biosolids used in agricultural fertilisers and sewage sludge  

The petitioner is concerned by increased plastic pollution and in particular the effects of the circulation of micro- and nano plastic particles in nature. The petitioner refers to studies by two German research institutes that demonstrate that microplastic pollution on land (via infiltration of sediments and ground water) could have devastating impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, comparably worse to the already researched effects of microplastics on marine ecosystems. The petitioner refers to other sources and effects of microplastics on land, such as particles from household detritus that enter waterways through e.g. the washing of synthetic textiles. The petitioner is particularly concerned with the microplastic contamination of waters entering sewage treatment plants, and the inherent risk of further contamination of soil or sewage materials later used for fertilizer purposes. The petition elaborates on preliminary scientific conclusions regarding the alteration of the chemical and physical properties of microplastics once these enter terrestrial ecosystems and the direct effect on microorganisms in the form of endocrine disruption. The petitioner also refers to the documented spread of microplastics in previously pristine environments e.g. uninhabited Alpine nature reserves, as well as the effects of micro- and nanoplastics entering the food chain, not only in fish and meat products, but also trace elements already present in salt, sugar and beer. The petitioner concludes that the current situation is worsened by the problem of a lack of standardised detection methods for microplastics and unified approaches to related scientific research at the EU and global level.