Formatted Title
Microplastics Remediation: Established Technologies and Innovative Concepts
Background/Objectives
Plastic's sought-after characteristics of durability, stability, and affordability led to its status as a wonder product in the mid-1900s and its application in countless everyday products. Unfortunately, these same properties have resulted in an ever-increasing amount of plastics in the environment, as plastic production grows exponentially, and plastic wastes do not readily degrade in the environment. Discarded plastic products of many forms and sizes can be found throughout the world, yet even more ubiquitous are the small microplastic particles formed from the degradation of these larger plastic products and wastes. Significant quantities of microplastic particles have been found in such disparate regions as Arctic snow, deep ocean waters, Alps air, and drinking water. Health effects and toxicity are only beginning to be understood.
Approach/Activities
The demand for microplastics testing and analysis has increased, and because of their ubiquitous nature, microplastics present both a sampling and remediation challenge. Microplastics are emerging as an environmental issue that industry and local/state municipalities will be increasingly focusing on in the coming years, especially along the west coast where the California State Water Resources Control Board undergoes its four-year microplastics in drinking water testing/reporting period. This presentation is designed to provide an overview of microplastics remediation options and concepts. Covered topics will include timely updates in the field.
Results/Lessons Learned
We'll cover available established technologies (e.g., those described in the Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council [ITRC] Microplastics guidance document). In addition, we'll highlight select remedial technology concepts and research initiatives that represent a good model for innovation to address this daunting global problem of microplastics contamination by creatively using microplastics' characteristics (e.g., hydrophobicity, density, static reaction) to our advantage.