Pressure Points
many studies about detecting microplastics. For example, in
2019, a systematic review8 of existing literature identified 50
studies of microplastic detection in fresh water, drinking water
and wastewater. The review concluded that there was a limited
number of high-quality studies, and that a standard analysis of
microplastics in water that can be reproduced and allow comparability
is needed to conduct proper risk assessments.
Other reviews9 have noted discrepancies in comparing particle
types, size and the concentration of microplastics between
laboratory tests and those measured in the environment.
Without a standardized method of testing, it is very challenging
to assess the risk of microplastics. Beyond particle type, size
and amount that exists in a source, other variables, such as the
overall biodegradability of the particle, should be taken into
consideration.
The science of microplastics has a long way to go before we
can truly understand the potential risk that they may or may
not pose to human health and the environment. In order to
understand the science and establish policies, we first need a
standardized testing methodology. Until then, it’s critical that
policies on microplastics remain flexible to account for our
evolving understanding of them. In the meantime, there is one
thing we can all agree on about plastic: it needs to be properly
disposed of and recycled in order to limit our overall impact on
the environment. Spray
1GESAMP (2016). “Sources, fate and effects of microplastics in the marine
environment: part two of a global assessment” (Kershaw, P.J., and Rochman,
2C.M., eds). (IMO/FAO/UNESCO-IOC/UNIDO/WMO/IAEA/UN/UNEP/UNDP
Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental
Protection). Rep. Stud. GESAMP No. 93, 220 p. http://www.gesamp.org/publications/
microplastics-in-the-marine-environment-part-2
2https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMtLdE5Zq-8
3Annex XV dossier can be found at https://echa.europa.eu/
documents/10162/05bd96e3-b969-0a7c-c6d0-441182893720
4SAPEA’s full report can be found at https://www.sapea.info/wp-content/uploads/
report.pdf
5WHO 2019 report on microplastics in drinking water can be found at https://
www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/microplastics-in-drinkingwater/
en/
6Canada’s draft science assessment of plastic pollution can be found at
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/evaluatingexisting
substances/draft-science-assessment-plastic-pollution.html
7HCPA’s comments to SWCRB can be found at https://hcpa.wetransfer.com/
downloads/ab1390d67622e28f1404007322abcdf320200528185607/494d75005
3b0a709945b68de39ca33ff20200528185607/362acc
8Koelmans et al. Microplastics in freshwaters and drinking water: Critical review
and assessment of data quality. Water Res. 2019 May 15; 155: 410 – 422.
9Burns, Emily E. and Boxall, Alistair B.A. Against Adverse Impacts and Knowledge
Gaps. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 2018 September 4; 9999:
1 – 21.
Continued from page 10
26 Spray July 2020