Microplastics remain area of emerging concern

Published on by in Technology

Microplastics remain area of emerging concern

The #iVapps engineering team as proud to collaborate with the Photonic team at Aberystwyth University in the implementation of Photonic technology into our smart solution to identify and eliminate Micro- plastics in drinking water.

Each year, eight million metric tons of plastic leak into the ocean, according to a 2015 study by Ocean Conservancy and the McKinsey Centre for Business and Environment. Based on global production, the study estimates that the ocean is already full of around 250 million metric tons of plastic to which humans are continually contributing. Over 80 percent of the plastic in the ocean comes from land-based sources, while only 20 percent comes from fishing vessels and other ocean-based production. It is our run-off and litter that composes the majority of plastic debris in the ocean, while other plastic debris is leaked from the waste management system itself. Based on current production and waste trends, the study projects that plastic in the ocean could reach 380 million metric tons by 2025.

Attached link

https://www.aquatechtrade.com/news/wastewater/tackling-microplastics-with-technology/?utm_term=&utm_content=AQD2020_NB_49&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Nieuwsbrieven_2020&utm_source=RE_emailmarketing&tid=TIDP2614111X9E6570F17D2F4B428D0ACDFF1DC9C183YI2&noactioncode=1

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1 Comment

  1. Has anyone calculated how much of this microplastic waste can be removed from our water through filtration? If our industrial, commercial and residential run-off is an 80% contributor, has anyone calculated how much waste could be removed from our effluent through filtration and treatment? We have the technology to remove microscopic sized debris from water, why is it not being implemented on a larger scale?

    These seem like simple questions, but I imagine the answers won't be nearly as simple. 

    1 Comment reply

    1. That is a great question Tony, but one that is creating a lot of interest. There is so much conflicting statements on the damage, if any plastics have on our health. The World Health Organization (WHO) in its first report on the issue, found that larger particles, and most smaller ones, pass through the body without being absorbed. But it said the findings were based on limited information" as it called for greater research on the issue. 

      Here is the link to the story Microplastics in water pose ‘no apparent health risk’ - BBC News.

      P.S Thank you for the comment.

      Nigel Roberts