The Emergence of Nanoplastics

Time: 16:30, September 10, 2024

Speaker: Prof. Francis Verpoort, Wuhan University of Technology (China)

Nanoplastics, particles under 100 nanometers in size, have become ubiquitous contaminants in ecosystems worldwide. This presentation will explore their sources, including the degradation of larger plastic debris and the release from consumer products. We will examine the unique challenges nanoplastics pose due to their size, which allows them to evade detection and removal by conventional waste treatment processes.

The lecture will highlight recent advancements in analytical techniques for nanoplastic identification and quantification. We will discuss the potential ecological impacts, including their interaction with marine life, and the implications for human health, as these minuscule particles can cross biological barriers and accumulate in organs.

Furthermore, the session will address the gaps in our current understanding and the urgent need for standardized methods in nanoplastic research. We will conclude with a discussion on emerging strategies for mitigation and the role of policy in regulating nanoplastic pollution.

Participants: students, postgraduates and scientific-pedagogical workers of the faculty of Sciences of RUDN and other Universities