Micro- and nanoplastics are in our food, water and the air we breathe. They are showing up in our bodies, from testicles to brain matter. Now, University of British Columbia researchers have developed a low-cost, portable tool to accurately measure plastic released from everyday sources like disposable cups and water bottles.
The device, paired with an app, uses fluorescent labeling to detect plastic particles ranging from 50 nanometers to 10 microns in size—too small to be detected by the naked eye—and delivers results in minutes.
The method and findings are detailed in ACS Sensors.
“The breakdown of larger plastic pieces into microplastics and nanoplastics presents significant threats to food systems, ecosystems, and human health,” said Dr. Tianxi Yang, an assistant professor in the faculty of land and food systems, who developed the tool. “This new technique allows quick, cheap detection of these plastics, which could help protect our health and ecosystems.”
Nano and microplastics are byproducts of degrading plastic materials such as lunchboxes, cups and utensils. As very small particles with a large surface area, nanoplastics are particularly concerning to human health due to their increased ability to absorb toxins and penetrate biological barriers within the human body.
Detecting these plastics typically requires skilled personnel and expensive equipment. Dr. Yang’s team wanted to make detection faster, more accessible and more reliable.
How much microplastic are you drinking? New tool can tell you in minutes
https://phys.org/news/2024-08-microplastic-tool-minutes.html