Research Unveils Microplastic Pollution in Australia
Key Facts:
UNSW SMaRT Centre researchers have published a study revealing the shocking extent of microplastics pollution in Australia.
The study conducts a detailed review of the existing Australian research about microplastics in sediments, indoor air, road dust, fresh water, marine water, and living organisms.
Supported with funding from the Australian Government under the National Environmental Science Program’s Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub, headed by SMaRT and Prof Veena, the study found:
The study provides a broad and detailed overview of the issue of microplastic pollution in Australia. It examines the sources, distribution, entry pathways, and fates of microplastics, as well as their effects on living organisms (including humans) and the environment. Additionally, it explores various strategies and policies adopted by other nations to mitigate microplastic pollution.
It found:
“Microplastics pose significant threats to human health, biodiversity, and ecosystems. While several initiatives have been introduced across Australia to address plastic waste—such as the banning of plastic bags by Coles and Woolworths, restrictions on single-use plastics, the Victorian container deposit scheme, and the longstanding South Australian container deposit scheme—specific legislation targeting microplastics remains absent on a national scale.
“More comprehensive studies, particularly quantitative research, are needed to better understand the extent of microplastic generation from various sources, their impacts on Australia’s environment and human health, and to develop tailored solutions. Such efforts should address aquatic pollution, which significantly affects cities near oceans and other water bodies.
Prof Veena said innovative practices and technologies – like enhanced plastics collection and recycling and SMaRT’s own Plastics MICROfactorie Technology – are needed to help reduce the terrible impacts of plastics waste.
This comes after SMaRT’s Plastics MICROfactorieTM Technology has been featured in a video and news story by German media titan Deutsche Welle amid the recent UN global plastic treaty discussions, which concluded last week without agreement.
To view the SMaRT publication: https://www.smart.unsw.edu.au/news-events/news/study-reveals-extent-microplastics-pollution-australia
Data from the Australian Plastic Flows and Fates Study National Report published by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW), show:
About us:
Founded in 2008 by ARC Laureate Fellow, Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla, the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) at the University of New South Wales works with industry, global research partners, not-for-profits, local, state and federal governments, on the development of innovative environmental solutions for the world’s biggest waste challenges.
The UNSW SMaRT Centre is renowned for pioneering the transformation of waste for use as a new generation of ‘green’ materials and products. We lead visionary research programs that foster innovation and promote collaboration with industry and end-users to ensure scientific advances are readily translated into commercially-viable solutions. SMaRT is building an unparalleled portfolio of new ‘recycling science’ knowledge and technologies that reform problematic wastes which are not usually subject to conventional recycling, thus ending up in landfill and stockpiles.
Veena is perhaps best known for her Green Steel invention and a range of other innovative technologies and products, including the SMaRT Centre’s MICROfactorieTM technologies, as well as for her many years of media appearances and commentary, including as a judge on the ABC TV series, The New Inventors.
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