Invisible pollution

What you need to know

Understanding invisible pollution

Microplastics and nanoplastics

When we think of plastic pollution, images of plastic bottles, straws, and other large items often come to mind. While these items certainly pose a significant problem, the majority of plastic pollution consists of microscopic particles. Depending on their size, these particles are referred to as microplastics or nanoplastics. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they actually refer to different types of plastic pollution, each with its own characteristics and potential consequences. In this blog, we delve deeper into the differences between microplastics and nanoplastics.

Size

The first and most obvious difference between microplastics and nanoplastics is their size. Microplastics are pieces of plastic that are smaller than 0.5 millimeters in diameter, roughly equivalent to the size of a grain of rice. Nanoplastics, on the other hand, are much smaller, with a diameter of just 100 nanometers or less. To put this into perspective: a nanometer is 0.000001 millimeters, and a human hair is approximately 2.5 nanometers in diameter. This means that nanoplastics are up to 40 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.

Toxicity

In addition to size differences, scientific research suggests that nanoplastics are likely much more toxic than microplastics. This is primarily due to their smaller size and their ability to penetrate physical barriers. For example, there is already evidence that humans are exposed to microplastics through the air, which can be inhaled and even infiltrate our bloodstream. Because nanoplastics are much smaller, they can more easily be absorbed into the body and cross biological barriers, potentially causing harm to organs and vital processes.

Research

While both microplastics and nanoplastics are currently the subject of scientific research, there is a significant difference in the amount of information available on each of these particles. The latest techniques in microplastic research are expanding our knowledge of these ubiquitous contaminants, but little is still known about their impact on the human body in the short and long term. Even less information is available about nanoplastics. Their extremely small size makes it difficult to study their properties with current methods and tools, although the scientific community is working on solutions to this problem in the future.

Awareness

Finally, there is a significant difference in public awareness of microplastics and nanoplastics. While almost everyone is familiar with plastic pollution and its harmful effects, only a small portion of the population knows exactly what microplastics are. Even fewer people are aware of nanoplastics and where they are found, with some controversy surrounding advanced nanotechnology even among scientific circles. Therefore, more research into nanoplastic pollution is needed, as well as strategies to tackle this issue.

Sources of microplastics and nanoplastics

Microplastics enter the environment in various ways. Secondary microplastics form when larger pieces of plastic break down into smaller pieces. Nanoplastics are so small that they are barely visible even under the most advanced microscopes. There are also primary microplastics, such as those that originate from the wear and tear of synthetic clothing or car tires. These easily enter the environment through drainage systems or other means.

One of the largest sources of microplastics in surface water is the wear and tear of car tires and synthetic clothing. In the Netherlands alone, 17 million kilograms of tire wear end up in the environment each year, equating to 1 kilogram per inhabitant. Worldwide, this amounts to an average of 0.81 kilograms per person. Additionally, each wash cycle of five kilograms of synthetic clothing releases an average of nine million microfibers, which are discharged with the wastewater.

Microplastics in personal care products

Another major source of microplastics is personal care products. When used, these microplastics wash away with wastewater and eventually end up in the ocean. English studies have shown that a single scrub session can release up to 100,000 microplastics. Although many cosmetic companies have replaced polyethylene with alternatives in recent years, many products still contain other microplastics. The only way to ensure that personal care products are completely free of microplastics is to choose brands that explicitly state this. The “Look for the Zero” label, part of the international Beat the Microbead campaign, helps consumers identify products that are free from microplastics.

Understanding the difference between microplastics and nanoplastics is crucial for grasping the scale and danger of plastic pollution. While both contribute to environmental contamination, they differ significantly in size, toxicity, and the level of scientific knowledge currently available about them. Raising awareness and intensifying research on both microplastics and nanoplastics are crucial steps in developing effective strategies to combat these invisible enemies.

Sources (a.o.):

Pollution Solutions: https://www.pollutionsolutions-online.com/

Plastic Soup Foundation: https://www.plasticsoupfoundation.org/

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