Leveraging 3D imaging in the battle against microplastics
Ever heard of the phrase coined by Friedrich Nietzsche, “the devil is in the details”? Professors William Anderson and Boxin Zhao have advanced the battle against microplastic pollution by uncovering the intricate details of how microplastics degrade in the environment. Observation and understanding the fine details of microplastics are key to eradicating them from our environment.
The research group has been able to observe the degradation of micro and nanoplastics with unprecedented detail. In collaboration with the National Research Council (NRC) researchers leveraged 3D imaging technology, which allows for a much deeper understanding of the microplastic degradation process than traditional 2D microscopy.
This detailed observation is the first of its kind, demonstrating the potential of 3D imaging as a powerful tool in microplastic research.
Micro and nanoplastics, tiny particles of plastic that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, have become an exponentially worsening environmental crisis. Plastic pollution poses significant threats to ecosystems, wildlife and human health.
Scientists have struggled to understand the exact processes by which these micro and nanoplastics degrade, particularly at the micro and nanoscale, which has hampered efforts to mitigate their environmental impact.
"Most microscope images provide a two-dimensional view, similar to a medical X-ray, which gives us some information but lacks depth," said Anderson. "However, 3D imaging is like a CT scan, offering far more detailed insights into the structure and degradation of microplastics. This level of detail has been incredibly challenging to achieve, but it's crucial for understanding what is happening at the surface of micro and nanoplastics and how degradation processes work."
The research group employed a novel combination of physical and biological approaches. They utilized a photocatalytic process, treating micro and nanoplastics with UV light and a titanium oxide catalyst. As a result, the team could observe and analyze the degradation at a microscopic level.
This detailed observation is the first of its kind, demonstrating the potential of 3D imaging as a powerful tool in microplastic research.
"Using this methodology reveals not just that degradation is happening, but exactly how and where it's occurring on the surface of micro and nanoplastics. This knowledge is crucial for developing more effective methods of breaking down plastics on the micro and nanoscales," said Zhao a University of Waterloo Endowed Chair in Nanotechnology.
This collaboration underscores the importance of bringing together different fields of expertise to tackle complex environmental challenges. This research offers valuable insights that could pave the way for more effective methods of plastic waste recycling and contribute to a circular economy.
The study, “3D imaging photocatalytically degraded micro-and nanoplastics”, was recently published in the journal IOPSCIENCE