What is it about?

Microplastics are very tiny bits of plastic, under 5 mm in size. They come from lots of different sources and processes, including the production and breakdown of plastic products. And in this context, rivers are like highways. They pick up microplastics from poorly managed waste. Then when it rains, these microplastics are transferred to other places. Can we trap these tiny bits of plastic from rainwater? Researchers tried to find out. They studied stormwater in Portland, Oregon. They found microplastics (mostly fibers made of polyester or cotton) in it. Places with more waste and dirt in the water had more microplastics. After understanding the problem, the researchers tried to find a solution. They tested bioretention materials, which are materials that act as natural filters. These could filter microplastics out of the stormwater very well. But here's the catch: completely getting rid of them is tough. So, more research is necessary to make these systems work better.

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Why is it important?

Microplastics are all around us. And due to their small size, microplastics can be very difficult to remove from the environment. These little bits end up in soil, water bodies, and even inside living things. Exposure to microplastics could prove risky for humans. Knowing how these tiny bits of plastic move around can help us figure out ways to limit their spread in the environment. It could make our ecosystems less polluted. KEY TAKEAWAY: Microplastics are found in stormwater from residential areas. Fortunately, bioretention systems are highly effective in removing these microplastics from the water. However, we need more research in this direction to make these systems more efficient. This research relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals: • SDG 14: Life Below Water • SDG 15: Life on Land • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Perspectives

This research was exciting because very few studies (if any) had evaluated the efficacy of bioretention systems for removing microplastics, and only a handful had measured microplastics in stormwater. This is another step forward in protecting our waterways and aquatic ecosystems.

Cara Poor
University of Portland

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This page is a summary of: Microplastics: The Occurrence in Stormwater Runoff and the Effectiveness of Bioretention Systems for Removal, Journal of Environmental Engineering, November 2023, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE),
DOI: 10.1061/joeedu.eeeng-7285.
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