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Microplastics – from Anthropogenic to Natural
Summary
This review discusses both natural and anthropogenic origins of microplastics, arguing that distinguishing synthetic plastic particles from naturally occurring microparticles is important for accurate environmental risk assessment. The authors caution against overgeneralizing hazards of all small particles detected in the environment.
In the context of the ongoing discussion of accumulating plastic debris in the environment, this article summarizes recent reports on the topic of microplastic pollution. Moreover, it gives an overview of the results from the activities of the research group for Biotechnology and Sustainable Chemistry of the Institute of Life Technologies at the HES-SO ValaisWallis concerning the fabrication of biodegradable microstructured plastics and microplastics from renewable resources. Polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolyesters are proposed as one suitable alternative in specific applications to reduce the use of persistent plastics. Standard techniques are described that have been successfully applied to produce porous materials, fibers and particles in the micro- and nanometer range.