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Microplastics and Nanoplastics Measurement and Strategy

WRc and our team at the National Centre for Environmental Toxicology (NCET) deliver nano and microplastics research and guidance.

Nabil Hajji is our expert at the National Centre for Environmental Toxicology

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Not such a small problem

Microplastics, usually below 5mm in size, can be released into the environment due to intentional manufacture and addition to products (such as cosmetics, cleaning products and paints) as well as the degradation of larger plastics textiles and tyres.

    Receiving lots of media attention after being detected in various water sources, air, food, and the human gut, the lack of understanding surrounding microplastics is causing concern. Their exposure could have adverse effects on aquatic organisms and humans; leading policy makers and a number of countries have already banned the intentional use of microbeads in some cosmetics.

    Societal pressures and commitments by national and international bodies are aiming to reduce the impact of plastic waste on the environment. The European Union (EU) have committed to a zero-pollution vision for 2050 that sets out to improve water quality by reducing plastic litter at sea by 50% and microplastics released into the environment by 30%.

    Delivering vital research

    Plastic contamination is a major challenge to modern-day society. Over the past decade, scientists have explored the presence and toxicity of nano- and microplastics (NMP) in water, and the scientific community are actively pursuing research in this area to better understand the impact on human health and the wider environment.

    Our scientists at NCET are contributing to this growing research by increasing our understanding of the full extent of the potential harm caused by chemicals found in NMPs. It is an area that we need to closely monitor and manage to maintain good water quality and to safeguard human health.

    NCET’s ongoing research will inform the development of risk assessment methodologies for assessing the potential impact of NMPs on the environment and human health and offer guidance for regulatory purposes, risk assessment and management of NMPs.

    Keeping businesses informed

    Whether you are a manufacturer who uses plastic to produce products, or a retailer who sells products containing plastics, the issue of microplastics is likely to be on your agenda. We can help by preparing regular summaries of the latest legislation, guidance, consultations and research, to help keep you informed in a way that is tailored to your business needs both in content and frequency. This will enable you to:

    • Remain fully compliant with relevant legislation
    • Enable you to proactively contribute to the discussion, rather than simply respond reactively
    • Enhance customer trust, by proving that you want to be part of the solution

    WRc can also help your business create climate change adaptation plans

    Leading advisors and innovators

    NCET's team at WRc have a proven track record in providing information on emerging issues, such as microplastics, to various industries. Our expertise lies in data searching, interpreting information on human health and environmental toxicity, and presenting relevant information in a way that will be useful to our clients.

    Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at WRc, and our research into microplastics is no different. Though our Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Innovate UK, our team are working on standardised analytical methodologies to categorise microplastics, in order to understand the potential impact and ability of microplastics to penetrate ecosystems and food chains.

    Client-centered consultancy services

    NCET's helpful and informative team deliver concise, easily-understood reports to educate, guide and explain clients' obligations.

    Whenever, wherever you need us

    NCET provide a 24/7 Toxicology on Demand service entrusted by leading water utility companies.

    Providers of independent advice

    Advising on your toxicology issues is always based on honesty and transparency.

    Varied toxicological consultancy

    As well as providing regulatory guidance and research for the water industry, NCET assess toxicological risks to human health and the wider environment.

    Independent and trusted advisors

    NCET is the UK's leading independent advisor on the risks posed to human health and to the environment by chemicals, micro-organisms and other naturally occurring and man-made substances.

    NCET's services are heavily relied upon by regulators; we maintain all-hours toxicology advice to UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) and its membership, and support out-of-hours enquiries to the Environmental Agency (EA).

    Get in touch via the contact form at the bottom of this page to enquire about our subscription service: Toxicology on Demand.

    Cause for discussion

    WRc recently collaborated with APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) to facilitate the creation of a community dedicated to understanding and addressing the problems associated with micro- and nanoplastics in marine debris.

    Working with the APEC organising committee to develop and host a virtual workshop, we welcomed policymakers, researchers, scientists, and industry representatives to come together to discuss ongoing problems, efforts, and opportunities to address the global issues with micro- and nanoplastics in marine debris.

    Read full case study Watch presentations and lab tour
    Thought Leadership
    The challenge of microplastics - measuring, monitoring and modelling

    From wet wipes to water bottles - what is the scale of the microplastics challenge when looking at whole catchments? WRc's water quality scientist gives a water industry perspective: innovative measuring techniques, monitoring networks, modelling and regulations on single use plastics.

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    Nabil Hajji

    Technical Director Of Toxicology

    Nabil leads WRc’s National Centre for Environmental Toxicology (NCET) technical team, who provide an independent advisory service on the health significance of chemicals in drinking water, wastewater, and the environment for UKWIR members and sponsors. Nabil has over 20 years of experience of research into the molecular mechanisms of toxicants including the behaviour of persistent pollutants, pesticides and heavy metals as well as pharmaceutical chemicals, publishing over 50 major research articles and leading critical reviews.

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