Micro- and Nanoplastics

Microplastics are the results of mechanical and chemical degradation of plastics either in the natural enviroment, such as fishing line residue in the ocean, or in anthropogenic processes, such as tire wear particles, and dryer lint. Some microplastics are intentionally included in cosmetics. Microplastics are particles between 1 and 1,000 micron and nanoplastics are smaller than 1 micron. In terms of mass, microplastics are a greater fraction, in terms of number, nanoplastics may be a much larger fraction of particulate plastics in the environment. These two classes of particulate pollution may pose siginificantly different impacts.

The impact of micro and nanoplastics on the environment and on people is largely unknown. In a few cases we know there are dangers such as the release of PPD-Q from tire wear particles which is detrimental to some fish. Microplastics have been found in almost all life and in all environments so there is concern that we are unintentionally impacting nature. It should be emphasized that plastics are in themselves basically inert so microplastics and nanoplastics might pose no significant risk. However, most agree it is better to understand thier distribuiton and impacts earlier than later if there is a problem. The graphic above is from a Nature article where a computer simulation was used to show how the wind and water disperses nano (PM 2.5) and micro (PM 10) plastic particles around the world.

The purpose of this website is to encourage and organize high school students and teachers from across the US, Mexico, and Canada to become involved in the developing understanding of the impact of micro and nanoplastics on the environment and people.

This project is funded by the US National Science Foundation (CBET-2409292 Mechanism for nanoparticle release from automotive tire tread. to Beaucage with ammendments for RET, and REU) with contributions from St. Xavier High School (St. X), Cincinnati OH, the University of Cincinnati (UC), Akron Rubber Development Laboratory (ARDL), the Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD) of NIOSH/CDC, and Argonne National Laboratory, Advanced Photon Source.

The project is run by Daniel Kim (KimD14190 @ stxavier.org) who is a senior at St. X with help from Dr. James Laughlin (RET), Enviornmental Science Teacher, Prof. Greg Beaucage (beaucag @ uc.edu), Hong-Sik Eom (PhD candidate), and Caroline Rosen (Undergraduate Chemical Engineer/REU student) at UC, Dr. Ed Terrill (ARDL), Dr. Kabir Rishi and Dr. Pramod Kulkarni (NIOSH), and Dr. Jan Ilavsky (and Team) Argonne National Laboratory.

Understanding the Source of
Micro and Nano Plastics

Method to Understand the Source

A number of North American High Schools are participating in the collection of micro and nanoplastics. Initially we are interested in the major source of microplastics, tire wear particles TWPs. TWPs are belived to be electrostaticlly charged partilces so they adhere to the metal in the wheelwell and to the tire tread. It is of interest to determine the differences in quantity and type (size, chemical composition) of TWPs that are produced from different tire types under different weather conditions.

The following instructions include a registration into the NMNP data base so that we can log the location and weather conditions of sample collection. The samples will be examined using electron microscopy, and a variety of chemical and structural characterizations. The results will be posted on this webpage.

Instructions for Collecting Data

  • Step 1: Prepare Your Collection Material

    Materials: Clear & adhesive tape, scissors to cut tape, gloves, and clear containter to store collected data .

    Preparing: Cut a strip of tape (~6-12 inches long) to cover a section of tire and wear gloves to prevent contamination of oneself and sample.

  • Collecting Microplastics

    Step 1: Apply the tape by firmly pressing the strip of tape against the surface of the tire where microplastics are likely to be present, such as the tread or sidewall.

    Step 2: Remove the tape by carefully peeling off the tape, making sure to avoid any contamination by not touching the sticky side.

    Step 3: Store the tape, place the tape into a clean container, and label the container with the date, location and any other relevant details.

    Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 at least 10 times.

  • Submitting Your Sample

    Record Information: Fill out provided data form with details about your sample

    Submit the Sample: Follow the instructions on how to submit your collected tape samples. This may involve mailing them to a designated address.

    Important: Ensure the tape samples are securely stored and laveled to avoid mix-ups and contamination.

Mailing Data

Once finished collecting data and taking photos for the google form the next step in helping collect data nationwide is to mail us the data collected by your students.

Place collected samples in a clean, sealed container with the date, location, type of surface sampled, and your name/school laballed. Send your package to 600 W North Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45224 (St. Xavier High School). We will send a confirmation email once we recieve your samples.

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