Did you think that plastic recycling was the definitive solution to pollution? A new study could change your mind. Scottish and Canadian researchers have discovered that plastic recycling plants could be an unsuspected source of microplastic pollution. As? Releasing billions of tiny particles into wastewater.
A revelation that raises crucial questions: are current systems really effective? Are we really solving the plastic problem, or are we simply creating a new form of pollution?
The unexpected discovery
A team of researchers led by Erin Brown from the University of Strathclyde, UK, conducted a pioneering study on a state-of-the-art plastic recycling plant. The results, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances (I link them to you here), are surprising and worrying at the same time.
The plant examined, which processes 22.680 tonnes of mixed plastic waste annually, releases wastewater into its a quantity of microplastics estimated between 5,97 million and 112 million per cubic meter. To give an idea of the scope of the problem, this concentration is far higher than that found in urban wastewater or rivers.
The plastic recycling process under scrutiny
Let's be clear: in the state we find ourselves in, plastic recycling is essential to reduce waste (even if the results do not reward it). The fact, however, is that it involves mechanical processes that can fragment plastic into smaller and smaller particles. These microplastics, defined as particles between 1 micrometer and 5 millimeters in size, end up in the wash water used during the recycling process.
The study revealed that most of these particles are less than 10 micrometers in size. This makes them particularly dangerous for the environment and potentially for human health.
How can we mitigate the "flaws" of plastic recycling?
The plant studied has implemented filtration systems to try to reduce the release of microplastics. These filters have proven effective in removing particles larger than 5 micrometers, with high efficiency for those greater than 40 micrometers.
However, most microplastics smaller than 5 micrometers continue to escape filters, ending up in wastewater. It is estimated that between 59 and 1.184 tons of these tiny particles are released from the plant annually.
Microplastics represent a growing threat to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They can be ingested by organisms of various sizes, from plankton to fish, thus entering the food chain. Additionally, these particles can absorb and transport pollutants, amplifying their potential harm.
Recent studies have detected the presence of microplastics everywhere. In the organs and in the blood human, in the placenta, between clouds. Everywhere.
More effective solutions are needed
Researchers highlight the urgency of improving filtration systems in plastic recycling plants. They suggest implementing technologies that can capture even smaller particles before they are released into the environment.
Furthermore, the study highlights the need to integrate microplastic monitoring into water quality regulations, an aspect that has so far been neglected in most countries.
The paradox is clear and disturbing: Efforts to reduce plastic pollution through recycling may be unintentionally contributing to another form of environmental contamination.
Future perspectives
Dr Brown and her team highlight the need for further research to better understand the scale of the problem globally. They suggest conducting similar studies on other recycling facilities in different parts of the world to get a more complete picture of the situation.
I would like to underline this: even the experts involved in the study underline that the results must not discourage recycling, but push towards an improvement in the technologies used.
This study reminds us that there are no simple solutions to complex environmental problems. Plastic recycling remains a crucial element in plastic waste management, but it is clear that there is still a lot of work to be done to make it truly sustainable.
