Microplastic Pollution: Environmental Occurrence and Treatment Technologies

The book focuses on the emergence of microplastic pollution, types, sources, fate, dynamic trends in the environment, occurrence in different environmental settings, toxicity, risk assessment, and prevention strategies. It provides techniques for detection, separation, and identification of microplastics and policy recommendations for legislative bodies to reduce the spread and impact of harmful microplastics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 550 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The growing problem of global environmental microplastic pollution, which results from the industrial manufacture of everyday products, is covered in this volume. The book's main goal is to shed light on the development of microplastic pollution, its many forms, origins, fates, environmental trends, occurrences in various environmental settings, toxicity, risk assessment, and preventative measures. The authors offer a thorough explanation and provide the methods used for the detection, separation, and identification of microplastics for use by industry workers and scientists, as well as policy recommendations for legislative bodies to reduce the spread and impact of harmful microplastics. The book will be of great interest to students, teachers, researchers, policy makers, and environmental organizations.

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that are less than 5 mm in length. They are produced by a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items, the use of microbeads in personal care products, and the discharge of industrial waste into water bodies. Microplastics can be found in a wide range of environments, including soil, water, air, and food.

The sources and types of microplastics are diverse. Microbeads, which are small plastic particles used in personal care products such as exfoliants and toothpaste, are a major source of microplastic pollution. These beads are small enough to pass through water treatment systems and end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, where they can be eaten by fish and other marine animals. Microplastics can also be produced by the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as plastic bags, bottles, and clothing. These larger particles can break down into smaller particles over time, which can then be ingested by animals and enter the food chain.

The fate of microplastics in the environment is complex and uncertain. Microplastics can be transported long distances by wind and water and can accumulate in a wide range of environments, including the deep sea, the Arctic, and even the highest mountain peaks. Once microplastics are in the environment, they can be difficult to remove, as they can bind to soil particles and other organic matter. Microplastics can also be eaten by animals, which can then be consumed by humans.

The occurrence of microplastics in different environmental settings is widespread. Microplastics have been found in soil, water, air, and food, including fish, shellfish, and even human blood. The presence of microplastics in these environments can have negative impacts on the health of both humans and animals. Microplastics can be toxic to animals, and they can also be absorbed by humans through the food chain.

The toxicity of microplastics is a growing concern. Microplastics can be harmful to both humans and animals, and they can have a range of effects on the body. Microplastics can be ingested by animals, which can then be consumed by humans. Microplastics can cause damage to the digestive system, and they can also be absorbed by the body's tissues and organs. Microplastics can also release toxic chemicals into the environment, which can have negative impacts on the health of both humans and animals.

Risk assessment is an important step in understanding the potential impacts of microplastic pollution. Risk assessment involves evaluating the potential risks posed by microplastics to human health and the environment and determining the level of risk that is acceptable. Risk assessment can be used to develop policies and regulations to reduce the spread and impact of microplastic pollution.

Prevention is the most effective way to reduce the spread and impact of microplastic pollution. Prevention involves reducing the use of single-use plastics, such as plastic bags and straws, and promoting the use of reusable alternatives. Prevention also involves promoting the recycling of plastic waste and the development of new technologies to reduce the production of plastic waste.

In conclusion, the growing problem of global environmental microplastic pollution is a significant concern. Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that are produced by a variety of sources and can be found in a wide range of environments. The sources and types of microplastics are diverse, and the fate of microplastics in the environment is complex and uncertain. Microplastics can be toxic to both humans and animals, and they can have a range of negative impacts on the health of both humans and animals. Risk assessment and prevention are important steps in understanding the potential impacts of microplastic pollution and developing policies and regulations to reduce the spread and impact of microplastic pollution.

Weight: 854g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030892227
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022