Microplastic Pollution Prevention Strategies PDF

MODULE THREE SESSION 1 Prevention, mitigation, and best management methods to reduce microplastics in the environment  Course overview This course will bring you:  Introduction to Microplastic pollution prevention  Prevention and Sourc...

MODULE THREE SESSION 1 Prevention, mitigation, and best management methods to reduce microplastics in the environment  Course overview This course will bring you:  Introduction to Microplastic pollution prevention  Prevention and Source Reduction Strategies  Mitigation Strategies and Best Management Practices  Monitoring, Research, and Continuous Improvement Source: Schmaltz et al., 2020  LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of the course, you should be able to:  Understand microplastic pollution prevention  Enumerate prevention and source reduction strategies  Identify mitigation strategies and best management practices  Monitor, investigate, and create continuous improvement in the prevention and management of microplastic pollution Source: Mehinto et al., 2022 Introduction to Microplastic pollution prevention The management of MPs in aquatic systems is even more complex than the regulation of macroplastic litter. Microplastic pollution in freshwater environments is a significant but understudied human pressure on aquatic ecosystems. Upstream measures prevent MP pollution best. Mitigating upstream helps gather more plastic with less deterioration and fragmentation, identifying origins before environmental repercussions.  Introduction to Microplastic pollution prevention From source to prevention Synthetic grass, road abrasion, and other microplastics have unknown abundances that can be measured by sampling surface regions near their sources. Dust particles in hoover cleaner filter bags can indicate household microplastic manufacturing. Assessing these sources' Source: relevance may improve mitigation.  Microplastics in Freshwater: Prevention and Source Reduction Strategies The most effective method to prevent the generation of microplastics, whether primary or secondary, is to avoid the production of new plastics. The rise of ethically produced goods like Fairtrade and organic food, coupled with increased consumer awareness of aquatic pollution, has led to a reduction in plastic waste. This saves natural resources Source: Flocert and sometimes removes aquatic plastic trash.  Microplastics in Freshwater: Prevention and Source Reduction Strategies A recent innovation is the production of clothes, shoes, skateboards, sunglasses, and swimming gear from derelict fishing gear The recent development of zero waste stores, sprouting up in Europe and the United States Many of these stores rely on crowdfunding Customers bring their food containers, reducing food waste by purchasing only what they consume. Many of these shops avoid stocking products from large brands Distinguishing themselves from supermarket chains and promoting a community-based economy model.  Microplastics in Freshwater: Prevention and Source Reduction Strategies The most established way of avoiding excessive waste and saving valuable resources is in the form of container deposit fees, especially for beverages. This has been shown as highly effective in reducing the amount of waste in the environment Return rate is as high as 90% and higher in Sweden and (Source: Change.org) Germany for several materials commonly used in beverage production (metal, glass, plastic)  Microplastics in Freshwater: Prevention and Source Reduction Strategies Deposit return strategies are more efficient than curbside recycling programs This success is because of the monetary incentive for recovery (“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”). However, implementing a return deposit fee on food containers doesn't guarantee reuse, as seen with the increasing number of single-use (Source: plastic bottles in Germany Food and Drink Federatio that are returnable but not n reused. )  Microplastics in Freshwater: Prevention and Source Reduction Strategies Another approach to reducing plastics is through prohibiting or imposing taxes on easily replaceable plastic products like microbeads in cosmetics and plastic grocery bags. A survey in Ireland Source: Change.org found that fees or taxes on plastic bags are generally accepted by customers. Microplastics in Freshwater: Prevention and Source Reduction Strategies Buying from local farmers’ markets is another way for a customer to procure less packaging. While farmers' markets in Europe and North America were overtaken by large supermarket chains, they have experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past two decades. In Nigeria, it is normal to procure the majority of fresh foods from farmers’ markets, despite the introduction of large supermarket chains.  Microplastics in Freshwater: Prevention and Source Reduction Strategies These strategies aid in minimizing the release of low- value/single-use plastics into terrestrial and aquatic environments Thereby preventing their degradation into microplastics. Despite advanced waste management systems, leakage of single-use products and packaging persists Their reduction is the most effective mitigation effort Source: Habek 2023 against environmental microplastics.  Mitigation Strategies and Best Management Practices There are many sources of microplastic Different sectors of economy and society produce MPs There is relatively limited knowledge about them It is apparent how Source: Reddit difficult it would be trying to “plug” leaks of microplastics to the environment.  Mitigation Strategies and Best Management Practices Some of the sources could be stopped by: – effective legislation, – education and regulation enforcement, and – technological advancements. Microplastic leaks in the supply chain pose a significant threat to the terrestrial and aquatic environment, making it increasingly challenging to mitigate these leak points. Source: Howes 2019  Mitigation Strategies and Best Management Practices A circular economic model can tackle plastic leaks across all life cycle stages Achieving reduced environmental leakage necessitates stakeholder cooperation through: – Designing for reuse – Discouraging littering – Ensuring high recycling rates during waste management.  Mitigation Strategies and Best Management Practices Zero Waste vs. Waste-to- Energy This method could be considered the frontline where sharp divisions exist. Whether plastics are incinerated for energy recovery or sorted for recycling and remanufacture reflects stakeholder positions and influences decisions Source: Energy Justice Network about product and packaging design and regulation far upstream. The end-of-life plan for plastic affects the entire value chain  Mitigation Strategies and Best Management Practices Circular economic systems are expanding in the developing world, with material recovery facilities (MRFs) emerging widely. Waste sorting and collection occur door-to-door, with collectors retaining the value of recyclables after delivering materials to local MRFs. Organics are composted, recyclables are redeemed, and the remaining waste is publicly displayed to highlight product/packaging design challenges.  Mitigation Strategies and Best Management Practices According to the Mother Earth Found ation , 279 communities in the Philippines have MRFs, diverting over 80% of waste from landfills and open-pit burning. The community MRF template proves scalable across Asia, India, Africa, and South  Mitigation Strategies and Best Management Practices Microplastic Mitigation Microplastic Mitigation Through a Circular Through a Circular Economy Economy Green Chemistry as a Green Chemistry as a Biological Material Biological Material The biodegradability of bio- Poly-hydroxy-alkanoate based and biodegradable (PHA), made from the off- plastics will vary widely based gassing of bacteria, is a on the biological environment marine-degradable where degradation may occur. polymer, but rates of Polylactic acid (PLA) is a degradation vary with temperature, depth, and compostable consumer bio- available microbial based plastic requiring a large communities industrial composting facility that’s hot, wet, and full of compost-eating microbes, unlike a backyard composting bin.  Mitigation Strategies and Best Management Practices Extended producer responsibility is a public policy tool whereby producers are made legally and financially responsible for mitigating the environmental impacts of their products  Monitoring, Research, and Continuous Improvement Four key solutions can significantly prevent terrestrial and freshwater microplastics: 1) Identify and quantify terrestrial microplastic sources. 2) Implement zero waste strategies on a large scale. 3) Implement policy-driven Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). 4) Develop innovative Credit: business solutions. de Azevedo-Santos et al., (2021)  Mitigation Strategies and Best Management Practices Creating a Civil Economy, whereby government, business, nonprofits and civic groups can develop an – Accountable – Self-regulating – Profitable – Humane, and – competitive system of markets  MODULE THREE SESSION 2 New technologies to abate, treat, and remediate microplastics in freshwater ecosystems  Course overview This course will bring you: Traditional Approaches to Microplastic Cleanup Challenges and limitations of traditional methods Environmental impacts of traditional methods Emerging Technologies for abating Microplastic pollution  LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of the course, you should be able to: 1. Identify the traditional approaches to microplastic cleanup 2. Enumerate the challenges and limitations of the traditional methods 3. Understand the environmental impacts of traditional methods 4. Identify the emerging technologies for abating freshwater microplastic pollution  The Problem Take a look…a smart way to go A commercial portable water dispenser on the streets of Nigeria: Drowning in plastics - YouTube Malaysia Traditional Approaches to Microplastic Cleanup filtration netting Sedimentation Tanks Mesh Filters and Screens Sand Filtration Passive Collection Activated Carbon Deployment in Water Filtration Bodies skimmerin gSkimming devices are designed to skim or collect debris, including microplastics Challenges and limitations of traditional methods The efficiency of this method can vary Requires regular maintenance as filters, S a nd based on the size, shape, and density of C elec e nc ng nets, and skimmers can become clogged the microplastics. ap t i a with captured material tu ve en gi re i nt log a C M t s in En Co en s m tic v i nd di as ro iti Se opl nm on Less effective in addressing microplastics Influenced by weather conditions, r en s ic that have settled in sediments or deeper M ta such as wind, waves, and currents l water layers Environmental impacts of traditional methods Disruption to Aquatic Secondary Ecosystems Pollution While traditional methods of treating microplastic pollution Incomplete Energy are still useful, it is essential to Removal of Consumption note their limitations and Microplastics inherent environmental impacts Limited Potential Effectiveness for Habitat in Remote Destruction Areas  Emerging Technologies for abating Microplastic pollution Artificial Intelligence and A Machine Learning Remote sensing technologies for microplastic detection – Satellite sensors: Autonomous robotic systems for targeted cleanup – optical Predictive modeling for effective – synthetic aperture mitigation strategies radar (SAR) (A) Remote sensing technologies for microplastic detection – Hyperspectral oRemote sensing relies on the detection of electromagnetic radiation (light) reflected or – thermal infrared emitted by objects on the Earth's surface. (TIR) sensors. oDifferent materials, including microplastics, have distinct spectral signatures that can be identified and analyzed by remote sensing instruments.  Workflow Leverages Wide coverage Repeated observation Remote/inaccessible areas Source: https://www.restec.or.jp/ Sample mapping by remote sensing Source: https://www.restec.or.jp/  (B) Autonomous robotic systems (ARS) for targeted cleanup o Sensors and Perception Microplastic Detection and Recognition Robotic systems are equipped with a by ARS variety of sensors, including cameras, o Sensor Fusion lidar, sonar, and other environmental Robotic systems integrate multiple sensors, to perceive the surroundings. sensors to enhance microplastic detection Computer vision algorithms enable the accuracy (combining visual data with identification of microplastics based on data from spectrometers or hyperspectral visual characteristics. sensors can improve identification o Mapping and Path Planning capabilities). Mapping algorithms help the robotic o Machine Learning and AI system create a digital map of the Machine learning algorithms enable the environment, identifying areas with high robotic system to learn and adapt its concentrations of microplastics. detection capabilities over time. Path planning algorithms determine the This involves training the system to most efficient routes for the robot to navigate through the water, optimizing recognize different types and sizes of cleanup efforts microplastics based on labeled data  (B) Autonomous robotic systems (ARS) for targeted cleanup o Capture Mechanisms by ARS Autonomous operation and o Manipulation Systems monitoring by ARS Robotic arms or grippers are o Energy Management designed to capture and collect Autonomous robotic systems are microplastics from the water. equipped with efficient energy These systems may employ suction, management systems, often nets, or other mechanisms for incorporating renewable energy efficient capture. sources such as solar power or o Filtration Systems innovative propulsion systems. Some robotic systems incorporate o Real-time Monitoring specialized filtration systems to Continuous monitoring of the selectively collect microplastics while robotic system's performance and allowing water to pass through. environmental conditions allows These systems may use various filter for real-time adjustments and materials based on the size and type ensures optimal cleanup of microplastics. efficiency.  (B) Autonomous robotic systems (ARS) for targeted cleanup o Data transmission and communication by ARS o Remote Control and Monitoring Autonomous robotic systems are often capable of remote control and monitoring through wireless communication. This enables human operators to intervene if necessary and receive updates on the robot's status. o Data Transmission for Analysis Collected data, including information on microplastic concentrations and Source: environmental conditions, can be Northwestern University transmitted to a central hub for analysis. This data aids in decision-making and further research.  (C) Predictive modeling for effective mitigation strategies By leveraging mathematical and Development of Predictive Models Statistical Models statistical models, and predictive Statistical models, such as regression analysis, are modeling to anticipate and plan for employed to identify correlations between microplastic contamination to guide microplastic concentrations and environmental variables. the implementation of targeted and These models help establish patterns and trends in efficient mitigation measures. microplastic distribution. Predictive modeling often begins by o Machine Learning Algorithms Advanced machine learning algorithms, including analyzing historical data on random forests, support vector machines, and neural microplastic distribution and sources. networks, are increasingly applied for predictive modeling. Relevant environmental parameters, These algorithms can handle complex, non-linear such as water flow, temperature, and relationships and improve prediction accuracy. o Spatial Analysis nutrient levels, are considered. Geospatial models, utilizing Geographic Information These factors influence the transport, System (GIS) data, help predict the spatial distribution of microplastics in water bodies. distribution, and persistence of These models consider factors like proximity to microplastics in aquatic ecosystems pollution sources, water currents, and topography.  (C) Predictive modeling for effective mitigation strategies Temporal and Seasonal Patterns Data collected from this o Temporal Models procedure is used for Predictive models account for predictive modeling temporal patterns, helping Workflow understand how microplastic concentrations fluctuate over time. This information is crucial for designing mitigation strategies that consider seasonal variations and trends. o Short-Term and Long-Term Predictions Models can provide short-term predictions for immediate action and long-term projections to guide sustainable, ongoing mitigation efforts.  B Nanotechnology Nanomaterials in Plastic Production Adding nanoparticles or Nanotechnology is the application nanocomposites to plastics improves of nanoscale materials and their characteristics, durability, and technologies to address the environmental resistance. challenges posed by large plastic Applying nanocoatings on microplastic debris in the environment. surfaces can affect their characteristics. The aim is to utilize the unique These coatings minimise adhesion, properties of nanomaterials to fouling, and weathering, increasing enhance the detection, degradation, polymers' lifespan and reducing their environmental effect. and management of microplastics in a more effective and sustainable The goal is to create nanosensors that can detect and track microplastics in the manner environment. These sensors may give real-time plastic concentration data for pollution evaluation and control  How it works…… A nanoparticle-based filter Cleanup Methods Using Creating nanoparticle-based filtration Nanotechnology devices to remove microplastics from water. Creating nanotechnology-based Nanoparticle filters may collect big plastic cleanup methods such as trash more selectively. nanomaterial-coated devices or Magnetic Nanoparticles for Recovery autonomous nanorobots for Magnetic nanoparticles help retrieve macroplastic collecting. plastics from water. Environmental and Safety Concerns Magnets may attract and gather microplastics, simplifying cleaning. Investigating nanoparticles' Degradation via Photocatalysis environmental and safety effects for Accelerating microplastic breakdown with macroplastic pollution reduction. photocatalytic nanoparticles. UV radiation can cause chemical processes This involves nanoparticle that break down plastic polymers into ecotoxicity testing and ethical use. smaller, more ecologically friendly pieces.  Biodegradable Polymers C and Enzymatic Breakdown Leading plastic packaging producers Types of biodegradable plastics are moving towards a goal of 100% o Biodegradable Polymers recycled, biodegradable or re- polymers derived from renewable useable plastics in their products by 2025 (Meereboer et al., 2020) resources, such as starch, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). o Oxo-biodegradable Plastics plastics that undergo oxidative degradation, breaking down into smaller fragments under the influence of oxygen and light. o Water-soluble Plastics plastics designed to dissolve in water, offering potential applications in single-use items like packaging. Source: reuters.com Bioplastics for a circular economy Circular economy aims to minimize waste and promote sustainable use of natural resources, through smarter product design, longer use, recycling, and more. Rosenboom et al., 2022  Other innovative methods of abating microplastic pollution Advanced Filtration and Membrane Technologies Nano and microfiltration membranes Selective filtration for microplastic removal Integration of filtration systems in wastewater treatment plants Electromagnetic Technologies Electromagnetic fields for microplastic separation Challenges and opportunities in electromagnetic approaches Integration with existing water treatment infrastructure  Treatment Technologies for Microplastic Remediation (A) Removal of MPs using the membrane filtration method Precise separation of MPs of different types using selective permeability of membrane pores for two-phase separation  (B) Removal of MPs using the adsorption method Precise separation of MPs of different types using selective permeability of membrane pores for two- phase separation Physical adsorption (physisorption), relies on weak intermolecular forces such as van der Waals forces and electrostatic interactions between the adsorbent surface and the microplastic particles. Chemical adsorption involves stronger chemical bonds forming between the adsorbent and the microplastic particles typically in the sharing or transfer of electrons between the adsorbent and the microplastics.  (C) Removal of MPs using the chemical-induced coagulation-flocculation- sedimentation method This method involves a sequence of chemical treatments to aggregate and settle microplastic particles, facilitating their separation from the water matrix. Soliman & Moustafa (2020)  (D) Removal of MPs using the bioremediation method Bioremediation of MPs typically involves microbial activity to degrade or assimilate these particles. Certain bacteria and fungi possess the ability to break down plastic polymers. These microorganisms produce enzymes, such as lipases and esterases, that can hydrolyze the chemical bonds in plastics. Ideonella sakaiensis, utilizes PET as a carbon and energy source Jeong et al., (2020)  Monitoring challenges Conclusions Lack of standardized methods The hazard of microplastic for sampling and analyzing pollution demands our collective MPs, which makes it difficult attention, and emerging to compare results across technologies for a sustainable studies. future. Limited data on the It is crucial to foster occurrence, transport, fate, and interdisciplinary collaborations, impacts of MPs in freshwater engage with policymakers, and educate communities to mitigate environments. microplastic pollution. Uncertainty about the potential Together, we can usher in a new environmental health risks of era by leveraging on cutting-edge MPs for freshwater biota and technologies for a safer humans. environment. APPRECIATION