Plastic waste – again and again and everywhere we come across this problem. How can we avoid plastic waste? What is the alternative? Everyone should be aware by now that plastic waste harms the environment. We at MeiLuft are also concerned with this issue. An article from the magazine “HERZ heute” edition 04/22 by Thomas Meinertz “Rettung vor der Plastikkatastrophe” describes aptly and extensively the problem of plastic waste.
It is dramatic that plastic can be recycled so far only to a very small part and the largest part (frighteningly by export into other countries, which is considered recycled!) in our oceans or under the earth lands. In this way, the plastic is left to our entire ecosystem alone and thus manages to enter the human and animal body. Not only through drinks or even food, but also through skin lotions, various cosmetic products as well as through the air. According to an Australian study, each person takes in about 5 grams of microplastic per week – the size of a check card.
Generally, plastic is divided into macroplastics (plastic bottles, bags, packaging, etc.), microplastics (tire abrasion, fine dust, fiber abrasion in textiles, etc.) and nanoplastics (smallest particles of plastic, formed during its decomposition).
We would now like to take a closer look at nanoplastics. But, wait… is that possible? Is it possible to “take a closer look” at nanoplastics? According to the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, “measuring environmental concentrations of nanoparticles is a real challenge for current analytical methods.” This is because these analyses are very costly and time-consuming. Precious time!
To make nanoplastics visible, you need an electron microscope. Therefore, we at MeiLuft have taken on this task and are developing a handy, portable and fully automated electron microscope that provides imaging, detection and categorization of particles in the range of 100 nm and smaller for analysis.
Everyone can do their part to protect our planet. We are already working on the measurement technology.
Stay healthy!
Your MeiLuft – Team