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A novel approach to sampling microplastics
Summary
Applied Ocean Sciences is developing a new sensor for near real-time microplastic abundance measurements in water samples that aims to be faster, more efficient, and less expensive than current sampling methods. The technology addresses a growing need given that microplastics have been found throughout the environment, including in oceans, air, soil, food, drinking water, and human tissues. The sensor would be the first to enable rapid field measurements, helping researchers better understand the scope of microplastic contamination.
A novel approach to sampling microplastics Applied Ocean Sciences is creating a sensor that is faster, more efficient, and less expensive than current sampling methods and will be the first sensor to allow near real-time abundance measurements for microplastics in a water sample. Microplastics are turning up everywhere we look for them. Microplastics (plastic particles < 5mm) have been found in various parts of the environment, including the oceans, the atmosphere, soil, and sea ice. They’re also making their way into our food and water, appearing in seafood, fruits, vegetables, beer, soda, tea, sea salt, honey, and both tap and bottled water. Alarmingly, microplastics are also being found within the human body – detected in our blood, lungs, and stool – and even in the placenta and breastmilk, revealing that exposure begins at the earliest stages of development. While research on the effects of microplastics on human health is still relatively preliminary, the harmful impacts of chemicals associated with plastics are well-documented.