We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Eye-glass polishing wastewater as significant microplastic source: Microplastic identification and quantification
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found that eyeglass lens polishing processes generate substantial quantities of microplastic and nanoplastic particles in wastewater, a previously unrecognized industrial source. Nanoplastics from this source pass through conventional wastewater treatment and enter aquatic environments, highlighting that industrial processes can be significant but overlooked microplastic sources.
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) seriously contaminate environments by adsorbing environmentally hazardous chemicals. NPs (<1 µm) are not removed by conventional wastewater treatment processes, and have strong sorption capacity for the environmentally hazardous chemicals because of their high surface area. This study revealed that large amounts of MPs are generated in the eye-glass lens polishing process. Qualitative analyses of MPs were performed via Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Particle size distribution was measured through particle size analysis based on light diffraction. MPs were quantified in the wastewater by measuring the mass balance using membrane filtration with polyaluminum chloride coagulation. One liter of wastewater contained 1380-62,539 mg MPs [corrected] and 0.0136-0.0324 mg NPs. Wastewater from 140,000 eye-glass shops in South Korea is discharged into wastewater plants, and about 57 g NPs per day pass through the wastewater treatment process. The amount of NPs that accumulate daily is likely to increase dramatically. Increased heavy metal concentrations after acid digestion confirmed that MPs in the wastewater adsorbed heavy metals. Detection of various types of volatile organic compounds in the wastewater indicated that workers in eye-glass shops are exposed to the significantly hazardous environments.
More Papers Like This
Physical and Chemical Characterisation of Ophthalmic Lenses Grinding Wastewater: Uncovering Environmental Implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized wastewater generated by ophthalmic lens grinding machines and found it contains a complex mixture of micro- and nanoplastics along with other pollutants. The study found that lens grinding consumes approximately 20 liters of water per pair of eyeglasses, which is discharged into wastewater systems, identifying this as a previously overlooked source of plastic pollution.
First quantification of semi-crystalline microplastics in industrial wastewaters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers provided the first quantitative data on microplastic concentrations in industrial wastewaters, sampling effluents from three different industrial sites to characterize semi-crystalline microplastic content. The study filled a critical data gap showing that industrial wastewater is a meaningful contributor to overall microplastic emissions into natural water bodies.
Extraction and Characterization of Microplastics from Portuguese Industrial Effluents
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized microplastic contamination in effluents from multiple Portuguese industrial sectors, finding that various well-established industries contribute to microplastic release into wastewater and pose risks of contaminating aquifers.
Physical and chemical characterisation of ophthalmic lens-grinding wastewater: uncovering environmental implications
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated the toxicity of UV-irradiated PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) microplastics on mussels, examining whether photoaged plastic particles are more toxic than pristine counterparts. The findings demonstrate that UV weathering increases PMMA toxicity to marine bivalves, reflecting real-world environmental aging of plastics.
Wastewater treatment plants as a source of microplastics to the environment.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study was the first to characterize the contribution of a wastewater treatment plant to microplastic pollution in a receiving water body, confirming that plants are significant sources of microplastics despite removing the majority of particles. The findings highlight the need to upgrade treatment processes or implement new technologies specifically targeting microplastic removal.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.