Analysis and removal methods of microplastics for industrial quality control

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Project

Finished 18.02.2022 - 31.10.2023

Department of Technical Physics, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology

School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences

Information People

Funders

Main funder

Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo

The project was funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The project was implemented by University of Eastern Finland.

Leaders

Laura Tomppo

Staff Scientist

Department of Technical Physics, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology

Microplastics (MPs) have been found almost everywhere in our environment, but also in food and beverages. Research data on the health effects of MPs will be available in the coming years, and monitoring obligations and quality requirements will likely be imposed. Thus, producers of potable water and food need to obtain more information on the quantities and possible sources of MPs in their products to prepare for their monitoring and removal. This is necessary for the food safety and to meet consumer demands.

Analysis and removal methods of microplastics for industrial quality control (MAP project 2022-2023, ) examined MPs from the industrial perspective with the aim of giving industry players skills to manage MPs. Current research information on MPs was extensively mapped, and information was shared on especially to companies in the region. The project developed analytics for the characterization of MPs from water and food samples, and from various packaging materials. Also methods were developed for studying the leachates from MPs and to characterize their toxicity, as well as for removing microplastics.

The project was implemented by the University of Eastern Finland’s interdisciplinary research group, which included chemists, physicists, food scientists, environmental scientists and toxicologists. The project was managed by the Department of Technical Physics and Pharmacy, but the research team also included experts from the Department of Environmental Science and the Department of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition. The project was financed by the Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo with the European Regional Development Fund. High-quality food and water know-how are recognized strengths of the region of Pohjois-Savo in Finland.

Publication (in Finnish):

Raninen Kaisa, Uurasjärvi Emilia, Peräniemi Sirpa, Soininen Tuomo, Vepsäläinen Jouko, Järvelä Essi, Riekkinen Kati, Karim Shahina, Selenius Mikko, Savolainen Ritva, Visuri Roosa, Koistinen Arto, Tomppo Laura. Mikromuovien analytiikan ja poistomenetelmien kehittäminen teollisuuden laadunvalvontaan. Publications of the University of Eastern Finland. Reports and Studies in Science, Forestry and Technology, 4. 2023. Available: http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-61-4999-8

The video seminar of the project (in Finnish) can be viewed: https://sites.uef.fi/map-hanke/