How Plastic Recycling May Be Contributing to Microplastic Pollution

Plastic is one of the most widely used and versatile materials in the world. It is also one of the most persistent and pervasive sources of pollution in the environment.

Microplastics, which are small fragments of plastic ranging from 1µm to 5mm, can pose serious threats to wildlife, ecosystems, and human health.

Recycling plastics is often seen as a way to reduce plastic waste and its environmental impacts, but a new study suggests that recycling may also contribute to microplastic contamination.

The sources and impacts of microplastics

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Microplastics can originate from various sources, such as:

The degradation of larger plastic items due to weathering, sunlight, abrasion, or biological activity.
The shedding of synthetic fibers from clothing, carpets, upholstery, or fishing nets.
The use and disposal of personal care products, cosmetics, paints, or industrial abrasives that contain microbeads.
The accidental or intentional release of plastic pellets or flakes that are used as raw materials for making plastic products.

Microplastics can be transported by wind, water, or animals to different environments, such as soil, rivers, lakes, oceans, or even the air, as per Scientific American.

They can also accumulate in sediments, ice, or biota. Microplastics can have various impacts on the environment and human health, such as:

Ingestion by animals can cause physical damage, reduced feeding, impaired digestion, inflammation, or exposure to toxins.
Entanglement by animals, which can cause injuries, infections, suffocation, or drowning.
Alteration of habitats, food webs, nutrient cycles, or biodiversity.
Adsorption and transport of pollutants, pathogens, or invasive species.
Inhalation by humans, which can cause respiratory problems, inflammation, or cancer1.
The role of recycling in microplastic generation

Recycling plastics is a process that involves collecting, sorting, cleaning, and transforming plastic waste into new plastic products or materials. Recycling plastics can have some benefits for the environment and the economy, such as:

Reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or the environment.
Saving energy and resources that are needed to produce new plastics from fossil fuels.
Creating jobs and income for waste collectors and recyclers.

However, recycling plastics can also have some drawbacks and limitations, such as:

Requiring a lot of water and energy to clean and process plastic waste.
Producing greenhouse gas emissions and toxic byproducts during recycling operations.
Reducing the quality and performance of recycled plastics due to contamination or degradation.
Generating microplastics during the shredding and washing stages of recycling.

A recent study conducted by researchers in Scotland found that a state-of-the-art plastic recycling facility in the U.K. was emitting up to 3 million pounds of microplastics per year into the waterway that supplied the water for washing plastic waste, as per Phys.org.

The study also found that the filtration system used by the facility was effective for removing larger microplastics (>40µm), but allowed smaller ones (<10µm) to pass through.

The researchers concluded that recycling plastics may inadvertently lead to increased environmental microplastics.

Also Read: Microplastics Found in 75% of Fish Meant for Human Consumption: Is It Still Healthy to Eat Seafood?

The solutions for reducing microplastic pollution

Microplastic pollution is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a holistic and systemic approach. Some of the possible solutions include:

Reducing the production and consumption of single-use plastics, such as bottles, bags, straws or utensils.
Reusing plastic items as much as possible, by repairing, repurposing, or sharing them.
Improving the collection and sorting of plastic waste to prevent leakage into the environment.
Enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling processes to minimize microplastic generation and emission.
Developing new technologies and methods for detecting, removing, or degrading microplastics in different environments.
Raising awareness and education among consumers, producers, and policymakers about the causes and consequences of microplastic pollution.

Microplastic pollution is a global challenge that requires collective action and cooperation from all stakeholders.

By adopting more sustainable practices and innovations for plastic production, use and disposal, we can reduce our plastic footprint and protect our environment and health.