New Portable Device Detects Microplastics in Everyday Items

Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed a new portable device capable of detecting microplastics in various liquids, including drinking water, beverages, and even in everyday items like disposable cups. This low-cost tool, which utilizes fluorescent labeling and a smartphone app, can detect plastic particles as small as 50 nanometers within minutes. The device works by making plastic particles glow under a green LED light, allowing a wireless digital microscope to visualize and measure them. The results can be easily interpreted by both professionals in a lab setting and curious consumers interested in the microplastic content of their drinks​ Technology Networks  andScienceBlog.com

Micro- and nanoplastics have infiltrated nearly every aspect of our environment, from the food and water we consume to the air we breathe. These tiny particles have even been found in various parts of the human body, including brain matter and reproductive organs. Now, researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a low-cost, portable device that can accurately measure plastic particles released from common items such as disposable cups and water bottles.

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A 2019 study estimated that Americans ingest and inhale roughly 100,000 microplastic particles annually. People who drink bottled water consume an additional 90,000 microplastics every year, while those who drink… https://t.co/NxGNNDspZm pic.twitter.com/UthmcaXLay

— Leonard Y (@LeonardYoung302) August 27, 2024

This innovative tool, which pairs with a smartphone app, utilizes fluorescent labeling to detect plastic particles as small as 50 nanometers and as large as 10 microns—sizes that are invisible to the naked eye. The device provides results in just minutes, making it a fast and accessible method for identifying the presence of these microplastics. The research detailing the development of this tool has been published in the journal ACS Sensors.

“The breakdown of larger plastic pieces into microplastics and nanoplastics presents significant threats to food systems, ecosystems, and human health,” explained Dr. Tianxi Yang, an assistant professor in the faculty of land and food systems and a developer of the tool. “This new technique allows quick, cheap detection of these plastics, which could help protect our health and ecosystems.”

Microplastics are formed when larger plastic materials, such as lunchboxes, cups, and utensils, degrade over time. These particles pose a significant health risk due to their ability to absorb toxins and penetrate biological barriers within the human body. Traditional methods of detecting these plastics require expensive equipment and skilled personnel, which limits widespread testing and monitoring.

Dr. Yang’s team aimed to make the detection of microplastics more accessible and reliable. They designed a compact, biodegradable, 3D-printed device that includes a wireless digital microscope, green LED light, and an excitation filter. The tool works in conjunction with a smartphone or mobile device, using specialized software and machine-learning algorithms to analyze images and quantify plastic particles in a sample. The device requires only a minuscule liquid sample, less than a drop of water, to make the plastic particles fluoresce under the microscope’s green LED light, allowing for easy visualization and measurement.

In their study, Dr. Yang’s team tested disposable polystyrene cups by filling them with boiling distilled water and allowing them to cool for 30 minutes. The results were striking: the cups released hundreds of millions of nano-sized plastic particles, each about one-hundredth the width of a human hair. This demonstrates the potential for everyday items to contribute significantly to microplastic exposure.

“The app we developed works with the microscope to analyze the image’s pixel area and determine the amount of plastic present,” said co-author Haoming (Peter) Yang, a master’s student involved in the project. “Each test costs only about 1.5 cents, making this method both affordable and accessible.”

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Plastic bottles shed microplastic that people then swallow when they drink bottled water. Even glass bottles have some risk, but they’re recyclable https://t.co/b7CF7gTxYD

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Currently, the device is calibrated to detect polystyrene, but the machine-learning algorithm can be adjusted to measure other types of plastics, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The researchers plan to commercialize the tool and expand its applications to include a wider range of plastics and real-world scenarios.

While the long-term effects of ingesting microplastics remain under investigation, there is growing concern about their potential impact on human health. Dr. Yang advises reducing plastic ingestion by opting for alternatives like glass or stainless steel containers and developing biodegradable packaging materials to replace traditional plastics, contributing to a more sustainable world.

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• The tool is designed to be affordable and accessible, costing only about 1.5 cents per test. Initially calibrated to detect polystyrene, the device’s machine-learning algorithm can be adapted to measure other types of plastics, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. This versatility makes it suitable for a range of real-world applications, including monitoring the safety of food and beverages​ Phys.org andfoodmanufacturing
• Microplastics, which are tiny fragments resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic products, pose significant threats to both human health and ecosystems. These particles can absorb toxins and potentially penetrate biological barriers in the body, leading to unknown health consequences. The development of this device aims to provide a quick and effective method for detecting these harmful particles, thereby raising awareness and promoting safer, more sustainable practices​ CityNews Halifax
• The researchers at UBC hope to commercialize the device soon, expanding its applications and making it widely available to help reduce the risks associated with microplastic ingestion. This innovation could play a crucial role in addressing the global challenge of plastic pollution by empowering individuals and industries to make more informed decisions regarding plastic use and exposure​ ScienceBlog.com

Key Points:

i. Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a portable device to detect microplastics in everyday items.

ii. The device uses fluorescent labeling and a smartphone app to detect plastic particles from 50 nanometers to 10 microns in size.

iii. Initial tests on disposable polystyrene cups revealed they release millions of nano-sized plastic particles when exposed to hot water.

iv. The tool is affordable, costing just 1.5 cents per test, and can potentially be calibrated to detect various types of plastics.

v. The research emphasizes the importance of reducing plastic use and developing sustainable alternatives to mitigate health risks.

TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News