Science & Technology (Commonwealth Union) – Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed an innovative technology boasting a 94 percent efficiency in extracting harmful microplastics from contaminated water.
The pervasive issue of plastic pollution in our ecosystems has escalated into a global concern, raising alarms about its detrimental effects on both the environment and human health.
The Invisible Threat to Our Environment Despite their tiny size, microplastics are causing big problems for our environment. These minuscule plastic particles, which measure less than 5 millimeters in size, are emerging as a significant threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Microplastics can be primary or secondary in nature. Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured, such as microbeads found in personal care products like exfoliants and toothpaste. Secondary microplastics are formed when larger plastic items, like water bottles and plastic bags, break down into smaller pieces due to weathering, UV exposure, and mechanical abrasion.
The Invisible Threat to Our Environment Despite their tiny size, microplastics are causing big problems for our environment. These minuscule plastic particles, which measure less than 5 millimeters in size, are emerging as a significant threat to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
Microplastics can be primary or secondary in nature. Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured, such as microbeads found in personal care products like exfoliants and toothpaste. Secondary microplastics are formed when larger plastic items, like water bottles and plastic bags, break down into smaller pieces due to weathering, UV exposure, and mechanical abrasion.
Microplastics pose a significant threat to aquatic life, as they are easily ingested by marine organisms. Small fish, shellfish, and other marine animals often mistake microplastics for food, leading to a buildup of plastic particles in their digestive systems. This can cause malnutrition, decreased growth rates, and even death. Moreover, microplastics can transfer up the food chain, as larger predators consume smaller organisms that have ingested plastic particles. This contamination of the food chain has the potential to impact human health, as seafood is a significant dietary staple for many people worldwide. Environmental Impact Microplastics have been found in various environments, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and even in remote areas such as the Arctic. The accumulation of these particles in the environment can lead to the degradation of habitats, affecting the overall health of ecosystems. Additionally, microplastics can act as carriers for other pollutants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, which can further harm the environment and wildlife.
Researchers of the study pointed out that nanoplastics, particles a thousand times smaller than microplastics, have emerged as a particularly worrisome aspect of this pollution, with documented adverse impacts on aquatic and human life. Yet, effective methods for eliminating nanoplastics from water bodies remain scarce.
Under the leadership of Tizazu Mekonnen, a professor of Chemical Engineering at Waterloo with expertise in polymer engineering, a team of researchers has pioneered a novel approach aimed at addressing the challenge of small plastic waste and the taking away of nanoplastics from wastewater systems.
“Rationally designed plastics not only can be part of the solution to reduce climate change but can have a positive impact in economic development and create jobs,” added Mekonnen. “This technology has the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the plastics industry.”
Mekonnen and his graduate student Rachel Blanchard repurposed epoxy, a non-recyclable waste polymer typically destined for landfills or water systems like lakes and streams. Employing thermal decomposition, they transformed epoxy into activated carbon, capable of effectively eliminating nanoplastics.
Utilizing this activated carbon, the researchers treated water tainted with nanoplastics generated from polyethylene terephthalate, a common form of polyester used in items like plastic water bottles and fleece clothing. Nanoplastics, posing heightened health risks due to their cellular penetration ability and elusive nature, demand urgent attention. The process achieved an impressive 94 percent removal efficiency by physically entrapping nanoplastics within the porous structure of the waste plastic, thereby generating activated carbon, according to the researchers of the study.
“To end the plastic waste crisis and reduce the environmental impact of plastics production, we need to implement a circular economy approach that considers every stage of the plastic journey,” explained Mekonnen.
Moving forward the researchers’ investigation involves extending this purification technique to different kinds of plastics and conducting larger-scale trials in municipal wastewater treatment plants. These facilities typically harbor a range of pollutants beyond just microplastics, necessitating comprehensive testing and adaptation of the clean-up process.
