Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – As micro- and nanoplastics are contaminating our food, water, and air, and have been found in various parts of our bodies, including various parts of our body, researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have now created an affordable, portable device capable of accurately detecting plastic released from common items such as disposable cups and water bottles.
This tool, which works with a companion app, employs fluorescent labeling to identify plastic particles as small as 50 nanometres and as large as 10 microns—sizes that are imperceptible to the naked eye. It provides results within minutes.
Details of this method and its findings are published in ACS Sensors.
“The breakdown of larger plastic pieces into microplastics and nanoplastics presents significant threats to food systems, ecosystems, and human health,” says Dr. Tianxi Yang, who is an assistant professor in the faculty of land and food systems, who formed this tool. “This new technique allows quick, cheap detection of these plastics, which could help protect our health and ecosystems.”
Researchers of the study pointed out that nano and microplastics are produced as plastic materials like lunchboxes, cups, and utensils break down over time. These tiny particles, particularly nanoplastics, pose significant health risks due to their high surface area, which enhances their ability to absorb toxins and penetrate biological barriers in the human body.
Traditionally, detecting these plastics requires specialized skills and expensive equipment. To address this, Dr. Yang’s team aimed to develop a faster, more accessible, and reliable detection method.
They designed a small, biodegradable 3D-printed box equipped with a wireless digital microscope, green LED light, and an excitation filter. By customizing MATLAB software with machine-learning algorithms and integrating it with image capture technology, they created a system that works with a smartphone or mobile device to count plastic particles in a sample. The tool requires only a tiny amount of liquid—less than a drop of water—and makes the plastic particles glow under the green LED light, making them visible and measurable. The results were described as easy to interpret, whether by a technician in a food processing lab or someone simply curious about their morning coffee.
In their study, Dr. Yang’s team tested disposable polystyrene cups by filling them with 50 mL of distilled, boiling water and allowing it to cool for 30 minutes. The findings revealed that the cups released hundreds of millions of nano-sized plastic particles, some as small as one-hundredth the width of a human hair.
“Once the microscope in the box captures the fluorescent image, the app matches the image’s pixel area with the number of plastics,” explained co-author Haoming (Peter) Yang, who is a master’s student in the faculty of land and food systems. “The readout shows if plastics are present and how much. Each test costs only 1.5 cents.”
The tool is currently set up to measure polystyrene, however the machine-learning algorithm can be adjusted to detect other types of plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The researchers are now focused on bringing the device to market for analyzing plastic particles in various real-world scenarios.
The long-term effects of consuming plastic through food, beverages, and even airborne particles are still under investigation, but the findings raise significant concerns.
Dr. Yang pointed out that to minimize plastic ingestion, it is crucial to consider using alternatives to petroleum-based plastic products, such as glass or stainless-steel containers. Additionally, developing biodegradable packaging materials is essential for replacing traditional plastics and advancing towards a more sustainable future.
Microplastics have been a constant menace often polluting the water ways and entering the food chain. Efforts to address the microplastic problem include reducing plastic waste, improving waste management, and developing alternatives to conventional plastics. Some countries have banned the use of microbeads in personal care products, while others are exploring biodegradable and compostable plastics. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of the problem and to develop effective solutions, particularly in regards to microplastics in humans.
