MICROPLASTICS IN PAPHOS DRINKING WATER - DETECTION AND CONCERNS - Pafos Press 20/3
In recent years, the term “microplastics” has been appearing more and more frequently in scientific research, news and environmental discussions. It is an issue that does not only concern the seas and oceans, but also directly affects our daily lives, even the water we drink. The research carried out at Agios Neophytos Lyceum aimed to examine the presence of microplastics in Paphos drinking water and to highlight the need for environmental awareness.
What are microplastics and where are they found?
Microplastics are extremely small particles of plastic, with a size that usually ranges from 0.1 micrometers to 5 millimeters. Particles smaller than 0.1 micrometers are called nanoplastics. They are mainly created by the breakdown of larger plastic objects, known as macroplastics, but are also deliberately used for industrial or commercial use, such as in cosmetics and detergents.
Due to their tiny size, they are easily transported through air and water, making their removal from the environment particularly difficult. They have been detected in the air we breathe, the water we drink and have already entered the food chain. Scientific studies have detected microplastics in human lungs, placenta, blood and recently in the brain.
How do they affect us?
The presence of microplastics is not limited to the natural environment but also extends to the human body. As they enter the food chain, their consumption becomes almost inevitable. Long-term exposure may be associated with inflammation, toxic effects and a general burden on health. Their potential effects on human health include hormonal disruptions, organ dysfunction and negative effects on the immune system. Most importantly, however, it is an invisible pollutant — we cannot see it with the naked eye, which makes the problem even more worrying.
The research at our school
In order to understand the local dimension of the problem, students and teachers of Agios Neophytos Lyceum conducted a research to detect microplastics in drinking water filters from various areas of Paphos.
Methodology for Analyzing Samples for Microplastic Detection and Results
To conduct the research, initially used water filters were collected from students, teachers and water filter companies. The membranes were then stained with a special fluorescent dye (Nile Red), which has the property of adhering to plastic particles. Finally, fluorescence detection was carried out using a fluorescence stereoscope “Glowscope” which was constructed by a group of students by making modifications to the simple stereoscope of the biology laboratory. (Figure 1). The resulting data were recorded and analyzed in order to draw the corresponding conclusions.
Figure 1: Methodology diagram for the detection of microplastics in drinking water filters.
The results showed the presence of microplastics in all drinking water filters tested. (Figure 2). Most samples came from Central Paphos (13 samples) while the remaining areas ranged from one to four. However, microplastics were detected in filters from all communities of Paphos, suggesting that the phenomenon is not limited to a single area. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the extent of the problem.
Figure 2: Detection of microplastics in water filters. Microplastics fluorescing under the Glowscope (left) and quantification of the samples (right).
Our research continues with the aim of collecting more samples, statistically analyzing the data and comparing different water sources, in order to draw safer and more documented conclusions. These findings demonstrate that the problem is not theoretical or distant – it is present and local.
How can we address the problem?
Tackling microplastics requires a combined effort from the state and citizens. Some key measures include:
Reducing the use of single-use plastics and proper recycling with proper waste sorting. At the same time, choosing products that do not contain microplastics is important, as well as improving wastewater treatment systems. In addition, beach and public space cleanups contribute significantly to reducing pollution, while educating and informing students, residents and tourists about the problem of microplastics is particularly important.
Change does not come only through laws and regulations, but mainly through changing mindsets and daily habits. Microplastics are a global problem with local impacts; that is why the solution starts with each of us.
Our research proves that scientific curiosity and environmental awareness can coexist in the school community, contributing, making a significant contribution to understanding and addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
Student group:
Dimitris Koupparis B3
Leonidas Fylaktou B3
Petros Chrysostomou B5
Professor in charge: Panagiota Stylianou, MSc, PhD
Bibliography:
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Accumulation and fragmentation of plastic debris in global environments. Barnes DK et al.Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. (2009).
White and wonderful? Microplastics prevail in snow from the Alps to the Arctic. Melanie Bergman et al. Sciences Advances. (2019).
Microplastics contaminate the deepest part of the world's ocean. Peng et al. Geochem. Persp. Let. (2018).
Microplastics in shrimps: a study from the trawling grounds of north eastern part of Arabian Sea. Environmental Science and Pollution. (2021).
Shrimp and microplastics: A case study with the Atlantic ditch shrimpPalaemon varians. ReinhardSaborowski et al., Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, (2022).
A rapid-screening approach to detect and quantify microplastics based on fluorescent tagging with Nile Red. Thomas Maes et al. Scientific reports. (2017).
Inexpensive adaptations of basic microscopes for the identification of microplastic contamination using polarization and Nile Red fluorescence detection. Amelia B. Labbe et al. J. Chem. Educ. (2020).
