UBC Researchers Develop Low-Cost Tool to Measure Microplastics
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have created a portable device that can quickly and accurately measure tiny plastic particles in everyday beverages. This innovative tool could help consumers understand their exposure to potentially harmful microplastics released from common items like disposable cups and water bottles.
The study, published in ACS Sensors, introduces a method to detect plastic particles as small as 50 nanometers – far too tiny for the human eye to see. These particles, known as micro- and nanoplastics, are increasingly found in our food, water, and even the air we breathe.
Dr. Tianxi Yang, an assistant professor in UBC’s faculty of land and food systems, led the development of this new technology. “The breakdown of larger plastic pieces into microplastics and nanoplastics presents significant threats to food systems, ecosystems, and human health,” Yang explained. “This new technique allows quick, cheap detection of these plastics, which could help protect our health and ecosystems.”
How the Device Works: Simplifying Complex Detection
The device consists of a small, biodegradable 3D-printed box containing a wireless digital microscope, green LED light, and an excitation filter. It pairs with a smartphone app that uses machine learning algorithms to analyze images of the sample.
To use the tool, a tiny liquid sample – less than a drop of water – is placed in the device. The green LED light causes any plastic particles to glow, making them visible to the microscope. The app then processes the image to count and measure the particles.
“Once the microscope in the box captures the fluorescent image, the app matches the image’s pixel area with the number of plastics,” said Haoming (Peter) Yang, a master’s student involved in the research. “The readout shows if plastics are present and how much. Each test costs only 1.5 cents.”
This approach simplifies a process that typically requires expensive equipment and specialized training, making it accessible to a wider range of users – from food safety technicians to curious consumers.
In their study, the researchers tested disposable polystyrene cups by filling them with boiling water and letting it cool for 30 minutes. The results were striking: hundreds of millions of nano-sized plastic particles were released into the water, each roughly one-hundredth the width of a human hair or smaller.
Why it matters: The prevalence of micro- and nanoplastics in our environment is a growing concern for public health. These tiny particles can absorb toxins and may be able to penetrate biological barriers within the human body. By providing a simple way to detect these particles, this new tool could help individuals make more informed choices about their plastic use and exposure.
While the long-term health impacts of ingesting these plastic particles are still being studied, the research team suggests taking precautions. “To reduce plastic ingestion, it is important to consider avoiding petroleum-based plastic products by opting for alternatives like glass or stainless steel for food containers,” Dr. Yang advised. He also emphasized the importance of developing biodegradable packaging materials to replace traditional plastics.
The UBC team is now working to expand the capabilities of their device. Currently calibrated for polystyrene, they aim to adapt the machine-learning algorithm to detect other common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. They also hope to commercialize the device for wider use in real-world applications.
As our understanding of microplastic pollution grows, tools like this could play a crucial role in monitoring and ultimately reducing our exposure to these ubiquitous particles. By making detection simpler and more accessible, this innovation may help drive both individual choices and broader policy decisions to address the global challenge of plastic pollution.
