Le microplastiche - Superquark 10/07/2022

Summary

This video explores the pervasive problem of plastic pollution, highlighting the discovery of plastic manipulation by Giulio Natta, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 70 years ago. The script reveals the overwhelming presence of plastic in our daily lives and its non-biodegradable nature, which leads to significant environmental harm. Focus is placed on the microplastic crisis, with specific attention to the research conducted at Lake Bracciano, Italy. Through studies, scientists monitor the presence of microplastics in water sources, revealing the alarming consequences for marine life and the potential long-term impact on ecosystems.

Takeaways

• 😀 Giulio Natta won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 70 years ago for his discovery of manipulating polymers, which led to the invention of plastic.
• 😀 Plastic is inexpensive and ubiquitous, found in everyday items like phones, glasses, shoes, and clothing.
• 😀 The major issue with plastic is its non-biodegradability, leading to concerns about its long-term environmental impact.
• 😀 After cement and steel, plastic is the most used material globally, with over 8 billion tons of plastic on Earth.
• 😀 79% of plastic waste ends up in landfills or is abandoned, with the rest being burned or recycled.
• 😀 Plastic waste often ends up in the oceans, posing a serious threat to marine life, including turtles, as seen in Lampedusa's turtle recovery center.
• 😀 Plastic breaks down into microplastics, which range from 5 mm to a micron and are dispersed by water and wind across the globe.
• 😀 Microplastics are found in freshwater bodies such as the Lago di Bracciano, which is being monitored for plastic contamination as part of a European research project.
• 😀 The LIFE Blu project is dedicated to measuring microplastic contamination in drinking water sources and establishing monitoring protocols for lakes.
• 😀 Everyday human actions, such as opening snack packages or smoking, contribute to the accumulation of microplastics in the environment.
• 😀 Microplastic samples collected from the lake are analyzed in the lab, where they are counted and studied for their environmental and toxicological impact.

Q & A

Who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 70 years ago and for what discovery?

Giulio Natta won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 70 years ago for discovering how to manipulate polymers, essentially inventing plastic.

Why is plastic a problem for the environment?

Plastic is a problem because it is not biodegradable and accumulates in the environment, often ending up in oceans, rivers, and lakes, where it harms marine life.

What percentage of plastic waste is recycled, and what happens to the rest?

Only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, 12% is burned in incinerators, and the remaining 79% ends up in landfills or is abandoned, often finding its way into the oceans.

What are microplastics, and why are they a concern?

Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic, ranging from 5mm to a micron, which degrade quickly due to sunlight and weathering. They pose a threat because they can accumulate in ecosystems and enter the food chain.

Where is the Lake of Bracciano, and why is it important for research on microplastics?

Lake Bracciano is the largest freshwater reserve in central Italy, and it is being studied as part of a European research project to measure microplastic levels in drinking water sources.

What is the purpose of the 'Life Blu' research project?

The 'Life Blu' project aims to measure microplastic contamination in water sources, specifically in lakes, and develop standardized protocols for monitoring water quality.

How are microplastics collected in Lake Bracciano during the study?

Researchers use specialized nets, referred to as 'manta,' to filter water at different depths and collect plastic particles as small as a few millimeters.

What challenges are faced when studying microplastic pollution in Lake Bracciano?

One challenge is that Lake Bracciano is a closed system with no tributaries, so the microplastics could come from human activity, including littering, and could be dispersed by wind and water currents.

What are the potential dangers of microplastics to ecosystems and human health?

Microplastics can absorb toxic chemicals and pathogens, amplifying pollution. These particles enter the food chain, potentially affecting both aquatic life and humans who consume contaminated water or seafood.

What is the current status of research on microplastics' effects on ecosystems?

Research is ongoing, with scientists focusing on identifying the composition of microplastics and studying their effects on living organisms. The long-term consequences are still uncertain.