Despite the technological progress in the field of water purification, humanity remains defenseless against a tiny but extremely persistent threat - microplasty. These are invisible eyelands of plastic, which are formed as a result of the destruction of plastic household items: clothing, kitchenware, hygiene products. They do not decompose completely, but accumulate in the soil, water - and after all, in our bodies.
Over the last decades, over 9 billion tons of plastic have been produced in the world. And much of this material eventually breaks into microfragments, which none of the existing treatment technologies can be completely eliminated from drinking water. Wheel treatment plants reduce the concentration, but do not solve the problem dramatically. That is why the micropplastic returns to the environment again and again - and to our table.
According to Ecologist UN-Jung Kim from Texas University, even a simple action-such as drinking a glass of water-can already mean contact with potentially dangerous microparticles. They not only accumulate in the body, but can also tolerate toxic sewage impurities. Consequences-cardiovascular diseases, hormonal failures, oncology.
Another problem is the lack of a clear standard. The world does not have a single definition of which to be considered a microplasty and does not have concerted techniques for fixing its content in water. Because of this, governments cannot effectively regulate pollution, and manufacturers are not responsible for their contribution to the problem.
Chemist Ecologist Jenny Kim Nguien calls for the creation of universal standards of testing-this will allow to objectively evaluate the extent of danger. But in parallel, researchers emphasize that society should also act. Consumers can reduce their plastic -dependent trace, preferring textiles made of natural fibers and avoiding disposable products.
Microplastic is a problem that is not visible, but which closer to humanity daily to environmental and medical disaster. And if we do not start acting today, tomorrow will be late.
