University of Portsmouth granted access to laser technology to fight back against microplastics

The University of Portsmouth has been awarded funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) for an advanced laser system to combat plastic pollution.

By using the laser to analyse the chemical composition of microplastics, university researchers will be able to assess exactly how the environment is impacted by microplastics.

The full extent of plastic pollution in the UK is not fully understood yet, the NERC said, but the system will be unique to the UK and European Union.

Craig Storey, professor of geology at the university, said: ‘We rely on data that allows us to link physical and biological process, such as mineral growth, breakdown of plastic in the environment, corrosion and the dispersal of dust, with chemical ones, such as uptake of metals in minerals, release of toxic elements from plastics and the transfer of polluting chemicals to plants and animals.

‘Analysis of such a broad range of materials usually requires a multitude of different instruments and methods. In addition, it is difficult to analyse accurately very small fragments of some materials such as plastic and dust.

‘This new instrument opens a window, giving us the ability with pinpoint accuracy to analyse a vast range of materials and elements to provide high quality data critical for addressing geo-environmental problems.’

This laser technology has been granted as part of the £12.5m NERC Community Capital Grant.

Specifically, it will give scientists the ability to determine how plastics absorb and release harmful chemicals into the environment and how plastics degrade under different conditions.

Dr Iain Williams from NERC added: ‘Keeping pace with the latest opportunities afforded by developments in research infrastructure is essential to generate cutting-edge research, improve our knowledge of the global environment and provide solutions to environmental challenges.

‘This funding will help UK researchers study and tackle major issues such as the impacts of climate change and pollution of our air and water.

‘These investments, across the UK, will help safeguard the community’s ability to carry out exceptional science, maintaining the UK’s position as a leader in environmental research and innovation.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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