A team of researchers at McGill University has developed an innovative and affordable way to detect microplastics and nanoplastics in air and water.
The technique, called HoLDI-MS (short for hollow-laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry), was recently profiled in a study published in the Nature journal Communications Chemistry. It allows scientists to detect even the tiniest plastic particles without needing a bunch of complicated lab prep. It's designed to work on samples taken from both indoor and outdoor environments, including water, soil, and air.
"With HoLDI, we provide a method that is effective, quantitative, highly accurate, and affordable, making it accessible to researchers worldwide," chemistry professor and lead author Parisa Ariya said. "It requires little energy, is recyclable and costs only a few dollars per sample."
Plastic pollution, especially once it breaks down into microplastics, is notoriously hard to detect, but it's everywhere. These tiny particles can be inhaled or ingested by people, and research has linked them to a range of long-term health concerns, including higher risks for cancer, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular diseases.
Microplastics in the environment also pose threats across entire ecosystems, harming soil health, water quality, food webs, and wildlife.
"Until now, there have been no established universal protocols for nanoplastic detection within the complex environment," Ariya said. The new platform changes that, allowing scientists around the world to analyze samples with consistent, comparable results.
Can't afford solar panels? Here's how to get them without paying for purchase or installation Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach program gives you all the benefits of solar power without the upfront costs. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it easier than ever to lock in energy savings. Palmetto assumes all risk and responsibility for the panels you lease, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and learn how much you can save. Learn more → |
As part of the study, researchers identified particles including polyethylene and polydimethylsiloxanes in indoor air and outdoor contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The U.N. Environment Programme has been calling for better monitoring tools to help address the global plastic crisis, and this innovation is a major step forward.
The discovery follows other promising breakthroughs in the fight against plastic, including the University of British Columbia's portable detection tool and remote technology for detecting plastic in waterways. You can join the fight against plastic pollution by using less plastic, educating yourself on how to recycle, and supporting brands with plastic-free packaging.
|
Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Yes — always 💯 
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
