A group of German scientists from the University of Potsdam and the Helmholtz Center for Materials and Energy in Berlin has developed a technology for the precise localization of microplastics in the ground. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Total Environmental Science (STTE).
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than five millimeters in size. They enter the environment through clothing, plastic packaging and car tires. Recent scientific studies associate the negative effects of these substances on nature and human health.
Microplastic particles remain a significant environmental pollutant. A significant part of such emissions comes from road traffic: In Germany alone, approximately 100 thousand tonnes of microplastics are produced annually due to tire wear. Added to these are parts from artificial grass, cosmetics, laundry detergents, clothes, disposable masks, plastic bags and other waste that enters the environment.
The team developed a soil analyzer that uses neutrons and X-rays to visualize organic and synthetic elements in the soil. The device can also create 3D tomograms of samples that show the structure of the location of contaminants.
To test the invention, scientists prepared a series of samples from sand, organic matter and artificial particles. The resulting images clearly identified microplastics and some organic compounds. This allows researchers to evaluate the size and shape of microplastic particles, as well as the changes in soil structure caused by the introduced material.
One of the authors of the study, Dr. “This method is quite complex, but it allows us to study for the first time where microplastic particles accumulate and how they change the soil and its structure,” said Christian Tetzke.
Previous scientists I learnedthat microplastics in clouds can affect weather.