Particles of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), about one hundredth of a millimetre in size
Source: BAM, division Surface Analysis and Interfacial Chemistry
In the environment, plastic waste breaks down into particles that often measure only a few thousandths or millionths of a millimetre. The risks of these substances for the human organism are largely unknown. BAM is researching the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics in two large EU projects.
Fibrous particles of micro- and nanoplastics in particular are suspected of being harmful. They enter the human organism via the air we breathe or the food we eat. “Nanoparticles are small enough to penetrate even individual cells,” says Korinna Altmann, a chemist at BAM. “Initial data from ecotoxicological laboratory tests indicate that they can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract, chronic inflammation as well as damage to the lungs.”
No data for risk assessment
So far there is a lack of reliable data for a comprehensive risk assessment. Measuring and accurately quantifying micro- or nanoplastics in the environment is very challenging, because the tiny particles are so difficult to detect. This is where the “Polyrisk” project comes in, which is supported by the EU’s Horizon 2020 funding programme with 5.9 million euros. It aims to fundamentally research the risks of micro- and nanoplastics. In addition to BAM, several national metrological institutes, public and private research institutions and universities from numerous European countries are involved.
Korinna Altmann cools plastic pellets with nitrogen to grind them into microplastics.
Source: BAM
BAM has been conducting intensive research on microplastics for several years and has already developed an innovative and fast detection method for the polymer particles in environmental samples as well as the world’s first reference materials. “For Polyrisk, we will in particular further develop our test and reference materials for microplastics and create those for nanoplastics,” explains Altmann, who heads the project at BAM. “They are the prerequisite for validating measurement methods. Among other things, we will develop a reference material for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is used to create drinking bottles.”
Breaking new ground
An ideal thematic complement to Polyrisk is the EU project “PlasticsFatE”, also funded by Horizon 2020 with 5.9 million euros. In this EU-wide cluster, which aims to better understand the health effects of micro- and nanoplastics, BAM is subjecting the new reference materials to comprehensive characterisation. “We’re breaking new ground,” says Vasile-Dan Hodoroaba, nanoscientist at BAM. “We will develop new measurement methods for this, which can be used to determine the size, shape and chemical composition of the particles. Our many years of expertise in the field of nano as well as BAM’s excellent equipment will reward us here.”