LibGuides: CMNS 137 Technical Communication for Water Engineering Technology: Microbeads and Microplastic

Microbeads

Microbeads – A Science Summary
Microbeads are synthetic polymer particles that, at the time of their manufacture, are greater than 0.1
µm and less than or equal to 5 mm in size, which can vary in chemical composition, size, shape, density,
and function. Microbeads are manufactured for specific purposes, including for use in personal care
products (such as scrubs, bath products, facial cleaners, toothpastes). They may also be used in other
consumer uses including cleaning products and printer toners and in industrial products such as abrasive
media (e.g., plastic blasting), industry (e.g., oil and gas exploration, textile printing, and automotive
molding), other plastic products (anti-slip, anti-blocking applications) and medical applications.
Microbeads from ‘down the drain’ products will likely be released into the aquatic environment after
wastewater treatment. Studies have shown that microplastics, including microbeads, are present in the
environment and that they can reside in the environment for a long time. Microbeads have been shown
to elicit both short and long-term effects in laboratory organisms.

Microplastics

Microplastics in Water and Wastewater by Hrissi Karapanagioti (Editor); Ioannis K. Kalavrouziotis (Editor)
Call Number: E-Book
ISBN: 1789060036
Publication Date: 2019-09-15
This book covers the topic of microplastics in water and wastewater. The chapters start with introductory issues related to the growing interest in the scientific community on microplastics and the human water cycle and point out where the microplastics could interact with water. The subsequent chapters examine evidence of the microplastic presence in freshwater, such as in both rivers and lakes, in freshwater biota, and hazardous chemicals associated with microplastics in such systems.Another set of chapters discuss the presence of microplastics in wastewater: their sources; their transfer through a wastewater treatment plant; the concentration of microplastics in effluents throughout the world; the plastic biomedia used in wastewater treatment plants and the effect on the surrounding environment of effluent wastewater pipes. These chapters also discuss the sampling methods, the sample treatment and analysis techniques used so far for microplastics in wastewater. Additionally, the presence of microplastics in sewage sludge and in soils irrigated with wastewater or fertilized with sludge are discussed. The possible impact of plastics and their additives on plants, microalgae, and humans are reviewed and presented in a critical way. Finally, a chapter summarizes all the relevant regulations and initiatives that point to the necessity of a global directive for the protection of the environment from plastic and microplastic pollution.The topic of microplastics in freshwater systems and in wastewater has scarcely been studied and requires more attention. Microplastics in Water and Wastewater aims to bring these initial findings to the attention of a broader audience and especially to operators and managers of freshwater and wastewater systems. It will also be helpful to people already aware of the marine debris problem to understand the sources of microplastics in the oceans, from freshwater systems and wastewater treatment plants.

The contribution of washing processes of synthetic clothes to microplastic pollution
Microplastic pollution caused by washing processes of synthetic textiles has recently been assessed as the main source of primary microplastics in the oceans. Therefore, understanding the effective contribution of the washing process of synthetic clothes to this environmental problem, is of great importance.
Draft science assessment of plastic pollution
Plastics are among the most universally used materials in modern society. Since the 1950s, the
production and use of plastics has been increasing faster than that of any other material, mostly due to
their durability and low cost. However, the improper management of plastic waste has led to plastics
becoming ubiquitous in all major compartments of the environment. Plastic that is discarded, disposed
of, or abandoned in the environment outside of a managed waste stream is considered plastic pollution.
Plastic pollution has been detected on shorelines, and in surface waters, sediment, soil, groundwater,
indoor and outdoor air, drinking water and food. In Canada, it is estimated that 1% of plastic waste
enters the environment, representing 29 000 tonnes of plastic pollution in 2016. Since plastic degrades
very slowly and is persistent in the environment, the amount of plastic pollution is anticipated to
continue to increase over time. There are growing concerns that plastic pollution may adversely impact
the health of the environment and humans.