Staticomatic is a unique Concept that removes Plastics from Soil by using Static Electricity, contaminated soil is sent to a Heated Grinder which dry's and reduces the size of all materials to dust. Then it is sent to a holding tank where the materials are sieved through a mesh aided by vibration and fans. The walls are induced with a high voltage supplied via Solar Arrays, as the plastic falls it is attracted to the static wall and sticks to it whilst the soil falls freely. With the walls cleaned and plastics removed, the process repeats itself until the batch of soil shows very low levels of contaminants.
Plastic pollution in soil is a growing concern with significant implications regarding the environment, food security, and human health, here are some key points about plastics in soil.
Plastic waste is accumulating in agricultural soils worldwide, while we often hear about plastic pollution in oceans, our farmland is also contaminated with pollutants. Agricultural value chains use approximately 12.5 million tonnes of plastic products annually, with an additional 37.3 million tonnes used towards our food packaging. Crop production, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture are major contributors to plastic usage in agriculture. Asia is the largest user of plastics in agricultural production, accounting for nearly half of global usage.
Plastics break down into smaller particles, including microplastics (less than 5 mm in size), which infiltrate the soil. Microplastics alter the physical structure of the soil, affecting its water-holding capacity. They can also hinder plant growth by reducing root development and nutrient uptake. Plastic pollution in soil poses risks to ecosystems and human health.
Proper disposal of plastics remains a challenge. Of the estimated 6.3 billion tonnes of plastics produced before 2015, nearly 80% were not adequately disposed of. While plastics enhance productivity in agriculture (e.g., soil cover, protective nets, tree guards), their environmental impact must be monitored. As plastic demand in agriculture continues to rise, we must address the quantities that leak into the environment from farming activities.
Microplastics have been found not only in oceans but also in human faeces, placentas, and foetuses. Agricultural soils receive substantial amounts of microplastics, making them a critical area of concern.
