While invisible to the naked eye, microplastics are “widespread in ecosystems,” according to experts from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Their research indicates that the average person consumes around 50,000 microplastic particles each year and inhales about 70,000 particles annually. Despite their minuscule size, these pollutants present significant risks, prompting innovative entrepreneurs to seek solutions.
Plastic Pollution: A Hidden Crisis
This year, Canadian households are projected to dispose of 3 million tonnes of plastic, with a staggering 91 percent of it going unrecycled. Plastic waste disintegrates into microplastics—particles less than 5 millimeters in size, most of which are not visible and poison the environment, affecting soil, air, and water resources.
The sources of these microplastics extend beyond typical culprits like empty bottles and takeaway containers. Surprisingly, they can also originate from everyday products such as household paints, personal care items with exfoliating microbeads, and garments made of synthetic materials.
This pervasive form of pollution is found throughout our environment—it’s present in the air we breathe (particularly indoors), flowing through human bloodstreams, and detectable in both maternal wombs and breast milk. A survey of fish in the Great Lakes revealed that all observed fish were tainted with microplastics.
Seeking refuge in remote locations isn’t a viable safeguard either; extensive sampling in the Canadian Arctic showed microplastics permeating even the purest ice, soil, and water.
Microplastics and Health Concerns
The issue of microplastic pollution is emerging rapidly, yet associated health risks are still under investigation. Recently, scientists discovered methods to detect microplastics in human blood, uncovering significant contamination.
Although researchers acknowledge the numerous unknowns regarding the health ramifications of microplastics, a growing body of studies suggests serious negative impacts. They may cause inflammation, oxidative stress (which can heighten the risk of various diseases, including heart conditions), cancer, and neurotoxicity.
“Aging reduces the body’s ability to eliminate toxins efficiently, and microplastics can accumulate, potentially leading to adverse health effects,” states attorney C.L. Mike Schmidt, who represents clients impacted by harmful substances and specializes in the health implications of microplastics. “Emerging studies indicate microplastics may contribute to diseases such as cancer and conditions affecting the nervous system.”
Technological Solutions to the Microplastic Crisis
Can advancements in technology offer a solution to our ongoing plastic crisis? While experts strive to understand the comprehensive effects of microplastics on health and the environment, innovative minds are proactively seeking remedial approaches to this pervasive issue.
Among the promising developments, scientists have engineered microorganisms capable of digesting plastics, transforming harmful substances into valuable compounds such as vanilla flavoring and precursors for pharmaceutical products.
Moreover, a potential shift in the type of plastic itself could be on the horizon. Conventional plastics are notorious for lingering indefinitely, merely fragmenting into smaller particles. Some innovators are exploring polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a newer biodegradable plastic alternative.
“PHA is created through bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids, offering a safer and eco-friendly substitute for standard plastics,” explains Schmidt. “Unlike traditional plastics that take centuries to decompose and release toxic substances, PHA can naturally degrade in various environments, reducing ecological risks and harm to wildlife.”
Furthermore, “PHA is far more biocompatible compared to conventional plastics, which enables our bodies to metabolize it rather than allowing it to accumulate,” adds registered dietitian nutritionist Catherine Rall.
Pioneering the charge in Canada, the clean-tech startup Genecis Bioindustries in Scarborough has discovered a method of converting food waste through engineered bacteria into PHAs.
This innovative plastic is suitable for diverse applications analogous to traditional plastics, encompassing packaging, apparel, disposable items like takeout containers, and even medical supplies.
Luna Yu, the founder, notes that their biodegradable plastic can disintegrate fully in 30 days. Should items like single-use utensils end up in marine environments, PHA degrades within a year—without generating microplastics.
Genecis has counterparts; BOSK Bioproducts in Quebec produces PHAs using industrial waste like paper-manufacturing sludge. Meanwhile, on the west coast, BioForm—a startup from the University of British Columbia—incorporates pulp fiber, seaweed, and salt in their bioplastics, which also function like common plastics while being entirely biodegradable.
The future is bright for biodegradable plastics, with a promise of keeping microplastics as relics of the past.
This article was originally published in the October 2024 issue of Intomodel magazine.
