Human's exposure to nano/microplastics (NMPs) from bio-degradable plastics

Research Pillar: Healthy and Inclusive Places

Project Name/Title/Acronym: Assessment and mitigation of human’s exposure to nano/microplastics (NMPs) from bio-degradable plastics

Funding Body: Science Foundation Ireland

Project Timeframe: 2021-2023

Key Output(s):https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/articles/high-levels-of-microplastics-released-from-infant-feeding-bottles-during-formula-preparation/

Project Description:

Globally, nano/microplastics (NMPs) have become a significant environmental health issue due to their potential risk to human health. Thus, some bio-degradable plastics have been developed to replace part of traditional plastic products, such as coffee cups, straws and food packages. However, due to the biodegradable properties of the new type of plastic, they are more likely to break down into micro/nano plastics.

The study aims to establish a systematic methodology to collect, pre-treatment, extract and analyze the quantity and size of NMPs in the water sample from the daily-used plastic products. The microplastics release of bio-degradable plastics with traditional plastic products will be compared and some methods to reduce the release of microplastics from plastic products will be developed. Furthermore, solutions will be developed to mitigate the human’s exposure to microplastics and to promote the awareness of microplastics issues.

The research group have published the result on Nature Food and JoVE journal. Based on the data collected, an APP has been launched on Google APP store so that the parents can estimate their infants’ MPs consumption levels.

This project focus on the human health with plastic materials in environment and in human’s life, which covers issues around “healthy environments” of water quality and healthy materials. The research also looks at the microplastics in air, drinking water and has a link with ocean environment thus the project supports the 2rd TrinityHaus pillar – Healthy environments.

Publications:

• Li, D., Shi, Y., Yang, L., Xiao, L., Kehoe, D.K., Gun’ko, Y.K., Boland, J.J. and Wang, J.J., 2020. Microplastic release from the degradation of polypropylene feeding bottles during infant formula preparation. Nature Food, 1(11), pp.746-754.
• Li, D., Yang, L., Kavanagh, R., Xiao, L., Shi, Y., Kehoe, D.K., Sheerin, E.D., Gun'ko, Y.K., Boland, J.J. and Wang, J.J., 2021. Sampling, Identification and Characterization of Microplastics Release from Polypropylene Baby Feeding Bottle during Daily Use. Journal of Visualized Experiments: Jove, (173).

Contact details – for more information contact Tom Grey, tom.grey@tcd.ie