Researchers from the University of Newcastle will be teaming up with Hunter Water to investigate the possible presence of microplastics in the region's waterways and drinking water.
Of particular concern is the possibility that microplastics will indeed be found in the Hunter region's drinking water, and the potential health effects associated with such a finding.
Microplastics, alongside microfibres from clothing and other fabrics, are tiny particles of plastic which are less than 5mm in size.
These particles are derived from deteriorating plastic products which haven't been properly disposed of, from the degradation of fabrics, from household items, particularly cosmetic items such as shampoos and facial scrubs, and from a number of other sources.
The new research comes following a $45,000 grant from the Newcastle City Council and another $45,000 from Hunter Water.
The research will aim to measure the presence of microplastics in Hunter waterways, evaluate its environmental effect, and develop strategies and technologies to curb these effects.
Dr. Thava Palanisami, who is leading the university's research team, says the issue of microplastics is an 'emerging global threat to human health' and an 'environmental catastrophe that's under-recognised', largely underfunded and underestimated by scientists so far.
"Our research topic is focusing on the knowledge gaps. This will allow us to understand the plastic particles, how they move and what happens when they are released in an ecosystem."
Microplastics have been found in drinking water in areas of Europe and the US, and there is a possibility it may crop up in the drinking water of Hunter residents.
These particles can carry contaminants such as pesticides, flame retardants, bacteria and heavy metals.
However, minimal research has been done into the extent to which microplastics are harmful for human consumption, and Dr. Palanisami has said this will be an area of focus for the coming research.
"About 78 per cent of chemicals associated with microplastics are priority toxic chemicals - some of them are carcinogenic. You take this into your stomach and it may dissolve and leach out - that's the hypothesis. Are these plastics and chemicals getting into people's bloodstream? That's what we don't know."
Another leading concern is the disruptive effect the buildup of these particles may have on marine ecosystems, such as when consumed by plankton and smaller fish.
"These particles look like food material, so organisms will mistake these particles for food. There are reports, confirmed reports, that these particles have been ingested by fish and oysters. So there's a direct route to human consumption."
The hope is that the partnership and research will help Hunter Water to better understand the risk of plastics and how these risks can be managed.
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| Darren Cleary of Hunter Water at Burwood Beach Wastewater Treatment Works in Newcastle, where research will be taking place. Picture: Newcastle Herald |
