A5012865656- Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
- Recycling and Waste Management Techniques
- Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications
- Graphene and Nanomaterials Applications
- Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
- Healthcare and Environmental Waste Management
- Electrochemical Analysis and Applications
- Field-Flow Fractionation Techniques
- Heavy metals in environment
- Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Analytical chemistry methods development
- biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management
- Aerosol Filtration and Electrostatic Precipitation
- Recycling and utilization of industrial and municipal waste in materials production
- Environmental remediation with nanomaterials
- Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity
- Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging
- Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
- Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration
- Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts
ETH Zurich
2020-2025
Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology
2017-2021
Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology
2021
Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology
2014-2017
University of St. Gallen
2015-2016
Colorado School of Mines
2010-2014
Microplastic fibers make up a large proportion of microplastics found in the environment, especially urban areas. There is good reason to consider synthetic textiles major source microplastic fibers, and it will not diminish since use fabrics, polyester, continues increase. In this study we provide quantitative data regarding size mass released from (polyester) during simulated home washing under controlled laboratory conditions. Consideration fabric structure conditions (use detergents,...
The presence of plastic in the environment has sparked discussion amongst scientists, regulators and general public as to how industrialization consumerism is shaping our world. Here we discuss restrictions on intentional use primary microplastics: small solid polymer particles applications ranging from agriculture cosmetics. Microplastic hazards are uncertain, actions not similarly prioritized by all actors. In some instances, replacement technically simple easily justified, but others...
The environmental prevalence of engineered nanomaterials, particularly nanoparticulate silver (AgNP), is expected to increase substantially. ubiquitous use commercial products containing AgNP may result in their release the environment, and potential for ecological effects unknown. Detecting nanomaterials one greatest challenges quantifying risks. Thus, it imperative develop techniques capable measuring characterizing exposures, while dealing with innate difficulties nanomaterial detection...
Questions about how to regulate nanoenhanced products regularly arise as researchers determine possible nanoparticle transformation(s). Focusing concern on the incorporation and subsequent release of nano-Ag in fabrics often overshadows fact that many "conventional silver" antimicrobials such ionic silver, AgCl, metallic Ag, other forms will also form different species silver. In this study we used a laboratory washing machine simulate household laundering number textiles prepared with known...
Methods to detect, quantify, and characterize engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in environmental matrices are highlighted as one of the areas highest priority research needs with respect understanding potential risks associated nanomaterials. More specifically, techniques needed determine size concentration ENPs a variety complex matrices. Furthermore, data should be collected at environmentally toxicologically relevant concentrations. Both single particle inductively coupled plasma mass...
Microplastic fibers (MPFs) have been found to be a major form of microplastics in freshwaters, and washing synthetic textiles has identified as one their main sources. The aim this work was use panel 12 different representative textile types investigate the source(s) MPF during washing. Using standardized tests, swatches tailored using five cutting/sewing methods were washed up 10 times. quantity fiber length determined image analysis. demonstrated great variability release, ranging from 210...
Wastewater treatment plants have been identified as important hubs for small particulate plastic, down to the nanometer scale, from urban areas environment. The reuse of sludge fertilizer in agricultural practices can lead accumulation plastic soil. In this study, nanoplastic particles and microplastic fibers were synthesized with a passive inorganic tracer aid faster more quantitative analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Using anaerobic digestate pilot...
Abstract Plastics have become an integral component in agricultural production as mulch films, nets, storage bins and many other applications, but their widespread use has led to the accumulation of large quantities soils. Rational reduction, collection, reuse, innovative recycling are key measures curb plastic pollution from agriculture. that cannot be collected after must biodegradable environmentally benign manner. Harmful additives replaced with safer alternatives reduce toxicity burdens...
Airborne microplastics (MPs) can undergo long range transport to remote regions. Yet there is a large knowledge gap regarding the occurrence and burden of MPs in marine boundary layer, which hampers comprehensive modelling their global atmospheric transport. In particular, efficiency with different sizes morphologies remains uncertain. Here we show hemispheric-scale analysis airborne along cruise path from mid-Northern Hemisphere Antarctica. We present inaugural measurements concentrations...
When microplastics (MPs) enter water bodies, they undergo various transport processes, including sedimentation, which can be influenced by factors such as particle size, density, and interactions with other particles. Surface waters contain suspended natural particles (e.g., clay silt), may impact MP settling rates. Here, we investigated how the presence of sediments (SS) deposition patterns rates MPs in turbid waters. We systematically analyzed velocities particles, different sizes SS...
Calculating nanosilver dissolution rates by measuring reduction in nanoparticle mass is more direct than release of ionic silver alone.
The need for an environmental risk assessment engineered nanomaterials (ENM) necessitates the knowledge about their emissions. Material flow models (MFA) have been used to provide predicted emissions but most current nano-MFA consider neither rapid development of ENM production nor fact that a large proportion are entering in-use stock and released from products over time (i.e., lag phase). Here we use dynamic probabilistic material modeling predict scenarios future flows four (nano-TiO2,...
Validation of modeled environmental concentrations nanomaterials is currently not possible.
In recent years, several studies have investigated the flux of particulate plastic through municipal waste water treatment plants (WWTP). Challenges related to time consuming analytical methods limited number sampling points and detection limits hampered quantification nanoplastic microplastic fiber fluxes WWTPs. By synthesizing particles fibers labeled with a rare metal (Pd In, respectively) which can be measured as proxy for itself, we circumvented major pitfalls associated (micro)plastic...
Fiber fragments are one of the dominant types microplastics in environmental samples, suggesting that synthetic textiles a potential source to environment. Whereas release during washing is already well studied, much less known about abrasion processes. The may induce fibrillation fibers and therefore result formation finer fiber fragments. aim this study was investigate influence on microplastic fibrils. Fleece interlock textile swatches made polyester were abraded using tests with...
Fish are widely reported to ingest microplastics with low levels accumulating in the tissues, but owing analytical constraints, much less is known about potential accumulation of nanoplastics via gut. Recently, labelling plastics inorganic metals (e.g., palladium) has allowed measurements nanoplastic uptake. The aim current study was quantitatively assess uptake by fish gut using palladium-doped (with a mean hydrodynamic radius 202 ± 7 nm). By an ex vivo sac exposure system, we show that 4 h...