Water and sewage treatment processes’ breaking down of plastic into tiny particles threatens “catastrophic consequences”, Geelong researchers have warned.
The environment and humans were both at risk from the resultant “nano and microplastics” pollution, said Deakin University’s Dr Ludovic Dumee.
“Our results show that water and wastewater treatment processes break microplastics down into nanoplastics and this poses an emerging threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health,” Dr Dumee said.
“Our analysis suggests new strategies are needed to limit the number of nano and microplastics in water and wastewater to keep water quality at the required standards and reduce threats on our ecosystems.”
Waurn Ponds-based Dr Dumee helped lead a joint team of scientists in Geelong and the UK to carry out the plastics study.
