What's the problem with nanoplastics?

Welcome to Suits & Tides, the sustainability newsletter with more knowledge than microplastics in the ocean! In this episode we will talk about the latest (sigh!) threat to our health and ecosystem: nanoplastics.

In an age where plastic permeates every aspect of life, a group of researchers embarked on an exploration of the unseen – microplastic and nanoplastic pollution.The study, published and accepted in October 2023, focussed on rapid single-particle chemical imaging of nanoplastics by leveraging an enhanced SRS (Stimulated Raman Scattering) microscopy methodology.

The motivation for this research was clear: these minuscule particles, often invisible to the naked eye, have infiltrated our waters, posing unseen threats to ecosystems and human health alike.?

The study defines microplastics as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters and nanoplastics as those smaller than 100 nanometers. This distinction is important as it relates to the size of the particles and their potential impact on the environment and human health. Microplastics are already recognized as a significant environmental concern, while nanoplastics, due to their smaller size, pose unique challenges in detection and analysis, which the study aims to address with the SRS technique backed with a specialized algorithm to enhance the clarity in the results of the testing and experimentation.?

But how do you tackle a problem you can barely see? Understanding the true extent of the problem may be the first step in the right direction.?

Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) Microscopy: A Closer Look

To unveil this hidden threat of microplastics and nanoplastics in bottled drinking water, scientists turned to stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy. This can be understood as a way of "seeing" molecules by using light. Imagine you shine two different colored laser beams on a material, and when these beams hit molecules in the material, they interact with them.?

Some molecules will 'vibrate' in a way that changes the color of the light slightly. By measuring these color changes, scientists can figure out what kind of molecules are there. This is especially useful for identifying very small particles, like nanoplastics, by the unique 'vibrations' they cause in the light.?

The study's innovation didn't stop there, they went a step further – they introduced a specialized algorithm, which enhanced their ability to better identify and distinguish between various types of microplastics and nanoplastics.?

Finding a needle in a haystack was too small of a goal for this study, the research team wanted to go further beyond to determine the make and model of the needle as well.?

The Ripple Effect: Understanding the True Impact

The authors discovered that bottled water contains approximately 240,000 micro and nanoplastic particles per liter, a quantity that surpasses previous estimates. This revelation highlights the extensive prevalence of these tiny plastics in everyday environments.

This study revealed that bottled water, a daily resource for many, is a significant source of nanoplastic pollution.By highlighting the pervasiveness of these pollutants, the study raises the alarm on their potential implications for health and the environment. While future studies could further explore and deep dive into the implications on human health, this stark evidence-backed realization that these tiny particles are everywhere around us challenges us to rethink our relationship with plastic.

Hope is not lost: Quick fixes and long term solutions

As for near-term solutions that could act as a bandage on a wound, the extent of which? is not even perceivable by the naked eye, a 2023 research out of China has now revealed an ultra-light sustainable sponge for the elimination of microplastics and nanoplastics. This biodegradable solution, created from corn starch and gelatin, offers a novel approach to cleaning our waters.

These lightweight, marshmallow-like sponges can absorb and trap microplastic particles efficiently, acting as an environmental sieve.

This method not only removes existing pollution but does so in an eco-friendly manner, marking a significant stride in sustainable clean-up efforts.

Seven Clean Seas: Turning the Tide Against Plastic Pollution

Complementing these scientific innovations are initiatives like Seven Clean Seas,? which is truly committed to purging our oceans of plastic waste. Through extracting and recovering plastic and miscellaneous waste and funding our projects through plastic credits, we create a sustainable cycle of accountability and pure action. Our work in plastic footprinting and waste management consulting represents a holistic approach to this global issue. By tackling the problem from both ends – removal and prevention – Seven Clean Seas is helping the world reimagine and recreate our oceans - plastic free.

In our journey to understand and mitigate micro and nanoplastic pollution, every effort, be it scientific innovation or industrial initiative, contributes to a larger movement towards a cleaner future. The combination of groundbreaking research together with the impactful actions of organizations like Seven Clean Seas, paves the way for a world where our waters are free from the invisible shackles of plastic pollution.?

The road ahead is long, but the path is clear – understand, innovate, and act for a healthier planet. Let's continue to navigate these waters together, with determination and hope.

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