Nanoplastics, minute plastic particles ranging from 1 to 1,000 nanometers in size, are emerging as a significant environmental and health concern. To put their size in perspective, these particles are far smaller than microplastics and even smaller than human hair, which is about 80,000 to 100,000 nanometers wide. Although invisible to the naked eye, their presence and impact are negligible.
Nanoplastics originate from the degradation of larger plastic items, such as packaging, textiles, and personal care products. Over time, these materials break down into smaller fragments, eventually reaching nanoscale sizes. Today, nanoplastics are found in various environments, including air, seawater, soil, and even within living organisms. Their pervasive nature has raised alarms among scientists concerned about the particles’ ability to penetrate cells and tissues, potentially leading to adverse health effects.
Recent research has detected nanoplastics in human blood, liver, lung cells, and reproductive tissues, sparking concerns about their long-term effects on human health. Studies suggest that these particles could be linked to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, further complicating the complex relationship between plastic pollution and public health. The tiny size of nanoplastics allows them to bypass biological barriers, leading to potential disruptions in cellular functions.
Moreover, the environmental implications are profound. Nanoplastics can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, enter the food chain, and pose risks to wildlife. As these particles accumulate in the world’s bodies of water, they become a silent yet pervasive threat to environmental and human health.
Governments and regulatory bodies are beginning to acknowledge the risks associated with nanoplastics. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates products containing nanomaterials, including nanoplastics, under existing statutory authorities. This includes food packaging, cosmetics, and medical devices, where the FDA evaluates these products' safety and effectiveness, considering nanomaterials’ unique properties.
In the European Union, regulations are being implemented to restrict microplastics, which encompass certain nanoplastics. For instance, the Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 restricts synthetic polymer microparticles from being intentionally added to products. The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation covers polymers, including nanoplastics. These regulations aim to mitigate the potential risks associated with nanoplastics in consumer products and the environment. However, as scientific understanding of nanoplastics grows, these regulations may need to be updated to address their unique challenges.
Amid growing concerns, researchers at the University of Missouri have made a significant breakthrough in addressing nanoplastic pollution. A team of scientists developed a new liquid-based solution capable of removing more than 98% of nanoplastics from water. This innovative approach uses water-repelling solvents made from natural ingredients to trap plastic particles, leaving clean water behind.
“Our strategy uses a small amount of designer solvent to absorb plastic particles from a large volume of water,” said Gary Baker, an associate professor in Mizzou’s Department of Chemistry and the study’s corresponding author. The researchers found that the solvent floats on the water’s surface, similar to how oil floats on water. Once mixed with water and reseparated, the solvent carries the nanoplastics within its molecular structure. In laboratory settings, the nanoplastic-laden solvent can be removed using a pipette, leaving clean, plastic-free water behind.
This method offers a practical solution to the pressing issue of nanoplastic pollution and paves the way for further research and development in advanced water purification technologies. The Mizzou team tested five different sizes of polystyrene-based nanoplastics, a common type of plastic used in Styrofoam cups, and their results outperformed previous studies that focused on a single size of plastic particles.
Challenges remain while this breakthrough marks a significant step forward in combating nanoplastic pollution. The Mizzou team aims to scale up the process to be applied to larger bodies of water, such as lakes and oceans. Future studies will explore methods to recycle the solvents, enabling their reuse and enhancing the sustainability of the solution.
As nanoplastics continue infiltrating our environment and bodies, the need for innovative solutions and robust regulations becomes increasingly urgent. The work being done by scientists, regulators, and policymakers will be crucial in mitigating the risks posed by these invisible particles, ensuring a safer and healthier future for humans and the environment.
