Plastic recycling is often highlighted as an environmentally friendly alternative. However, new research now shows that plastic recycling may be a hidden source of microplastic pollution in our water. A pilot study at a plastic recycling facility in Great Britain recently showed the presence of millions of microplastic particles per cubic meter in the recycling water. The researchers behind the study, published in the journal Hazardous Materials Advances, found that these fine particles are then released into waterways and oceans, where they can damage and affect the marine environment.
Although the inspected facility has implemented filtration systems to reduce the amount of microplastic particles, they are not yet fully functional. Microplastic particles smaller than 5 µm still pass through the filtration system and enter surrounding waterways. According to the study, 1,184 tonnes of microplastics may be released into nature each year.
Despite increasing research on microplastic release from point sources such as sewage treatment plants, it is still unclear how much microplastics are generated through plastic recycling. Within the UK – where the study was conducted – there is no legislation or standard regulating the release of microplastics from this type of activity. As the results show that the wash water discharged from the recycling plant contains significant amounts of microplastics, particularly the smallest particles that are not filtered, the researchers believe that it is important to investigate and control plastic recycling as a source of microplastics. Pollution.
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