SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): A recent study covering a recycling facility in the UK suggests that recycling centers, while processing the plastic waste, could lead to another environmental danger- microplastic pollution.
As per study, the detailed analysis of bits of plastic found in wastewater generated by the facility revealed that it could result in production of up to 6.5 million pounds of microplastic every year. This is equivalent to almost 13% of the mass of total plastics it receives in a year. Also, high amounts of microplastic were found while testing air at the facility.
The study found that nearly 6-13% of the plastics processed are likely to be released into water or air as microplastics. The research suggests that recycling is not effective a solution for plastic pollution as many think. Only less than 10% of total plastic produced gets recycled.
Although the results are based on study conducted in a single plastic recycling facility, the findings should not be taken lightly, said experts. Judith Enck, former official of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that it is a very credible study and that the findings should inspire regulatory agencies to replicate the study in other plastic recycling facilities.
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