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Revisiting microplastic pollution: A novel method for detecting small-sized microplastics in natural waters
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Scientists developed a new way to detect much smaller microplastic particles in water (down to 1 micron, thinner than a human hair) than previous methods could catch. When they tested this on Lake Geneva and nearby rivers, they found up to 656 times more microplastics than earlier measurements suggested, since most of the pollution was hiding in these tiny, hard-to-detect particles. This matters because tinier plastic bits can more easily enter our bodies and cells, meaning past studies may have significantly underestimated how much microplastic pollution, and potential health risk, actually exists in our water.
Abstract Microplastics are widespread, yet methods to measure polymer type simultaneously and particles size smaller than 20 µm are limited, hindering toxicity assessment and policy formulations. We introduce a machine learning-assisted spectral flow cytometry approach that identifies six major polymers relevant to the environment and human health within the 5–100 µm range and allows projection in the 1–100 µm range. High-throughput, sensitive detection, straightforward sampling, and strong quality control make this technique suitable for routine monitoring of industrial and natural waters. Clear differences in microplastics levels and polymer composition were found between Lake Geneva, nearby rivers, and surface versus deep waters. With up to 97% of microplastics between 1 and 20 µm, data indicates a substantial underestimation of pollution. Consistent with laser-infrared measurements, concentrations of small-sized microplastics exceed previous reports in lake waters up to 656-fold. Environmental risk assessment of microplastics suggests that risk might be expected at some sampling sites.
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Scientists developed a new way to detect the tiniest plastic particles in rivers that older methods couldn't catch. They found these ultra-small microplastics make up a surprisingly large portion of all plastic pollution flowing through waterways. This matters because these tiny particles are more likely to travel long distances and potentially end up in our drinking water and food supply.
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Scientists analyzed over 7,500 water samples from rivers worldwide and found that different testing methods were giving misleading results about microplastic pollution levels. After correcting for these testing flaws, they discovered some areas have much higher plastic contamination than previously thought, while others have less. This matters because microplastics in rivers can end up in our drinking water and food supply, so getting accurate pollution measurements is crucial for protecting human health.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.