Why Care About Microplastics?
Microplastic particles have been found in nearly every corner of the globe, but health effects and toxicity are only beginning to be understood. Because of their ubiquitous nature, microplastics present a challenge in both accurate sampling and source attribution. Microplastics are emerging as an environmental issue that regulators and industry will be increasingly focusing on in the coming years.
TRC has been heavily involved in tracking microplastics as an emerging contaminant for the past several years by staying up to date with ongoing research and developments regarding microplastics’ environmental distribution, monitoring regulatory actions to microplastics, studying ecological risk and exploring remedial options. TRC is also partnering with universities and other research institutions to develop cutting-edge solutions for addressing microplastics for a wide range of industries and municipalities, and have recently initiated a new project for a confidential client focused on collecting and analyzing samples for microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
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ITRC’s Microplastics Team
This guidance document was created by the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) Microplastics team that was formed in January 2021 to create a guidance document to consolidate and communicate the current state of the science for microplastics as an emerging contaminant. In addition, the ITRC team developed training to prepare environmental professionals to address the diverse challenges of microplastics.
ITRC’s team of regulators, researchers, consultants industry and the general public volunteered their time to collaborate through a variety of virtual and in-person discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions to track and understand the wide range of ongoing microplastics research, and compile it into a digestible, comprehensive guidance document. The draft guidance document was sent out for external review to a group of microplastics experts and regulators for review and comment, and their feedback was incorporated into the final document.
The following TRC staff contributed significantly to the ITRC Microplastics guidance document and associated training:
- Jenny Phillips, VP, Director of Technical Development and TRC Center of Research and Expertise (CORE), was a co-leader of the Human Health and Ecological Effects chapter of the guidance document.
- Alia Enright, Project Engineer, was a contributing writer to the Sampling and Analysis chapter of the Microplastics guidance document, developed the document’s online Sample Collection Tool, and is one of the trainers for the online training webinars.
What Does the Guidance Document Cover?
The guidance document was created to consolidate the state of the science to assist regulators and other decision makers in developing their own methodology to evaluate, regulate and respond to this emerging contaminant.
The online guidance document and associated training covers the following topics:
- Introduction to microplastics, including their sources and characteristics
- Fate, transport and environmental distribution
- Sampling and analysis
- Ecological and human health effects
- Regulations
- Mitigation, abatement and best management practices
- Data gaps and ongoing research needs
- Case studies
When Are Guidance and Training Available?
- February 23, 2023 – Microplastics technical guidance document available online
- March 7, 2023 – Online training webinars begin
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TRC Expert Services
TRC Expert Services Publié juin 20, 2022
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TRC’s Center of Research and Expertise (CORE) is a multidisciplinary team led by proven subject matter experts in over 30 specialized technical areas. Our monthly CORE newsletter shares valuable insights on emerging technologies, significant challenges and innovative solutions present in many industries across the world. Our experts also share how they use their unique skills and experience to solve client issues and support our communities and the environment.
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