The use of biosolids as agricultural fertilisers and soil treatments has provided economic benefit and reduced environmental burden across Australia. However, biosolid production and use has been identified as a major source of unintended microplastic dispersion into the environment.

In 2021, Australia produced 349,000 tonnes of biosolids, 73% of which was used for agricultural land application (ANZBP, 2022). Recent research has indicated that between 1,241 and 7,170 tonnes of microplastics are applied to Australian farmlands each year through the land application of biosolids (Mohajerani & Karabatak, 2020, p. 256). Although preliminary research suggests significant environmental and health impacts, the consequences of such microplastic dispersion are yet to be fully understood.