Microplastics

Microplastics

Understanding the mechanisms of microplastic formation

This project aimed to clarify the kinetic mechanisms of microplastic formation, prepare reference microplastics and inform risk assessment

Organized by Japan Chemical Industry Association

Researchers / Institutional Affiliations

Principal Investigator

  • Hiejima Yusuke
    Research Division for Science and Technology
    Kanazawa University
    (Japan)

Collaborators

  • Kuroda Shinichi
    Graduate School of Science and Engineering
    Gunma University
    (Japan)
  • Oku Hiroyuki
    Graduate School of Science and Engineering
    Gunma University
    (Japan)
  • Kuriyama Takashi
    Graduate School of Organic Materials and Systems Science
    Yamagata University
    (Japan)
  • Matsuba Go
    Graduate School of Organic Materials and Systems Science
    Yamagata University
    (Japan)
  • Kouzi Hiroaki
    Department of Science and Engineering
    Kanto Gakuin University
    (Japan)
  • Igarashi Toshio
    SC Environmental Science Co. Ltd
    (Japan)

Timeline

Underway since March 2019

Additional information

This study aimed to clarify the kinetic mechanisms by which secondary microplastics are generated from plastics, using the principles of polymer science and engineering. There are three main areas of focus: a detailed analysis of microplastics collected in the environment, along with specimens subjected to weathering; the kinetics of microplastic formation during artificially accelerated exposure tests; and the development of reference microplastics with sufficiently high throughput. These approaches will contribute to risk assessments, and will help develop efficient methods to prepare reference microplastics based on their formation mechanism

Professional Presentations

Shinichi K. Elucidation of the formation mechanism of microplastics. Microplastics Advance Research and Innovation Initiative (MARII) Workshop on Advancements and steps towards a holistic, quantitative risk assessment on microplastics, October 12-13, 2022.

Published Papers

N/A