Scientists from South Ural State University have been working with colleagues from India, South Korea, and Malaysia to study the sources of microplastic environmental pollution and have proposed ways to solve this problem, including reducing the use of microplastic in production, improving ways to detect hazardous particles in water and the atmosphere and remove them. These measures will help significantly reduce the pollution and improve the environment.
Environmental studies show that microplastics enter the environment through wastewater treatment plants. Microplastics pose a danger to marine life and humans. An international team of scientists analysed this issue and proposed solutions. The study was published in the highly rated scientific journal Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering. Plastic pollutants have been found in all bodies of water around the world, including oceans, rivers, and freshwater lakes. Various contaminants can enter water sources through storm water runoff, wind, and voluminous discharges from wastewater treatment plants, through which microparticles can enter the atmosphere.
"Plastic production and demand now exceeds 320 million metric tons. With the increasing rate of plastic production, over the past 50 years it has become one of mankind's major environmental issues. Plastics have many advantages, but they can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. Microplastics are found in consumer products: cosmetics, hygiene products, and pharmaceuticals. Wastewater carries a wide range of chemical contaminants from the water source to the wastewater treatment plant. Certain characteristics of microplastics allow them to remain in the atmosphere, travel long distances and accumulate in water bodies, and be dangerous for human health," explains Irina Kirpichnikova,