Residential buildings a source of microplastic pollution IIT-Madras

CHENNAI: Major and undeclared sources of microplastics in residential buildings are a source of pollution by microplastics, an IIT Madras study on Friday said. Identified the effects of transport, transformation and toxicity on aquatic organisms and humans. “This review is the first of its kind that seeks to comprehensively explore the diverse activities and products within residential buildings, collectively identifying them as significant contributors to the production of microplastics,” the institute said in a statement here. She knows.” Municipal waste has been highlighted as an important source of factors contributing to the spread of microplastics in the environment. “Daily household activities, such as washing dishes, laundry, showering and using the bathroom, contribute to the production of municipal wastewater,” the release said. For example, washing dishes usually involves the use of sponges with a plastic base, where the soft part of the sponge is made of polyurethane (PU) and the hard part is made of polyethylene (PE). Over time, as the sponge wears out, the release of plastic material leads to the formation of secondary microplastics, according to a review published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research (https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356 -023- Is. 26918-1), said. The review was conducted by Angel Jesilena, Kiruthika Eswari Velamayel, Anju Anna John and Professor Indumathi M Nambi of the Department of Environmental Engineering and Hydrological Resources, Department of Ingenieriya Civil, IIT Madras and Sasikaladevi Rathinavelu of the Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras. , , According to Professor Indumati Nambi, the growing problem of plastic pollution requires attention and immediate action. Current estimates suggest that 4.88 to 12.7 million metric tons of plastic reaches the ocean every year. “It is worrying that projections suggest that by 2050 the accumulated weight of plastic in our oceans could exceed the total biomass of fish,” Nambi said. Washing clothes releases significant amounts of microfibers into wastewater, while personal care products like shower gels, facial cleansers, and toothpaste contain additives containing microplastics called microbeads. Additionally, items such as masks and synthetic fabrics for interior decoration, including carpet, contribute to environmental and indoor pollution, representing potential harm to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems as well as human health and pets. The review suggested that source reduction is an important consideration to combat pollution by microplastics. Personal care products should be replaced with biodegradable materials and reducing the use of plastic-based products such as mattresses is essential. Furthermore, the washing machine should have highly efficient filters.