Award details

HOMEs under the microscope: Citizen-led characterisation Of airborne micropLAstic sources (HOME Co-LAb)

Reference	BB/V012584/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Ben Williams
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr Timothy Cox, Dr Laura De Vito, Dr Mark Hansen, Dr Kirsty Pringle, Dr Margarida Sardo, Dr Mark Taylor
Institution	University of the West of England
Department	Faculty of Environment and Technology
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	289,658
Status	Current
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/07/2021
End date	30/06/2023
Duration	24 months

Abstract

Identifying and defining the societal issue: Evidence from the sparse literature show that microplastics abound in air, from densely populated urban environments to remote environments but their origin is unknown. Indoor exposure to airborne microplastics through inhalation is a potentially significant health risk, increasing the risk of COPD. In one study, plant and plastic fibres were identified in 97% of malignant lung specimens. Without citizen science, we cannot measure this and consequently we cannot establish indicatively, the extent to which citizens are exposed. Identifying and attracting citizens: For both phases, citizens will be identified and recruited through local outreach partners, each with expertise in engaging a broad cross-section of society, including those from the most deprived communities. In Bristol, this will be via the Bristol Green Capital Partnership and in Bradford, through University of the 3rd Age and the Hackspace Foundation. Community based organisations will advertise directly to members of underrepresented communities to recruit citizen scientists. Our outreach partners will host also host stakeholder meetings to encourage dialogue, share progress and key findings enabling a better understanding of habits that affect microplastic pollution and increase likely action on this issue. They will influence wider exchange between citizens, clothing manufacturers and policy makers ensuring integration with other microplastic stakeholders across the city, including, City to Sea, Bristol Waste, UK Fashion Week, Community Based Organisations, Black & Green Ambassadors. Benefits of involvement: Understanding the distribution of airborne microplastics indoors cannot be undertaken without citizen scientists. The methods developed, applied and analysed in partnership with citizens will inform both academic and industrial outcomes, embedding their contributions in the early stages of a highly novel and societally relevant field of research.

Summary

The negative impact of plastics on the marine environment are relatively well understood, and both Stockholm and Basel Conventions aim to limit its impact, however, little attention is paid to their presence in air. Evidence from the sparse literature show that microplastics abound in air, from densely populated urban environments to remote environments such as the Arctic and fibrous microplastics predominate. Their origin is unknown. Indoor exposure to airborne microplastics through inhalation is a potentially significant health risk, increasing the risk of COPD. In one study, plant and plastic fibres were identified in 97% of malignant lung specimens. Clothing accounts for 75% of all textiles bought in the UK and is known to release significant quantities of microplastics into the watercourse when washing. We hypothesise that clothing is also releasing significant quantities into the air during drying and use. An outline of our science and engagement approach is set out below. Engagement Design: The project design allows different levels of engagement, with high engagement citizens undertaking the pilot's developmental and stress-testing Phase 1, which is intended to facilitate interaction in Phase 2 with those citizens preferring a low-engagement approach. This approach of using highly engaged citizens to create opportunities for others with low-engagement preferences is designed to allow for engagement with a broader cross-section of society and maximise sample collection. The project will evolve across two phases. Phase 1 (Pilot): The purpose of this phase is three-fold. First, collect initial microplastic samples from a range of different domestic settings; second, to test the accessibility and quality of various clip-on microscopes, and to develop the python-based automated image analysis platforms for the analysis of samples; and third, to obtain feedback from citizens on these points with a view to improving the method for a wider roll-out. Citizens will be recruited via community partner networks. Samples will also be returned to UWE for further analysis by Raman spectroscopy, a spectroscopic technique typically used to provide a molecular structural fingerprint by which molecules can be identified, to determine microplastic composition. Phase 2 (Bristol and Bradford roll-out): This phase will see the roll-out of the piloted and refined sampling, analysis and reporting approaches to the Bristol and Bradford areas. Citizens will collect data using the passive sampling and analysis approaches developed in Phase 1 and analysis will be undertaken using a bespoke image processing tool and analysed further by Raman spectroscopy. In addition, citizens will interact with industry to understand their perceptions of plastic use, clothing treatment and current behaviour patterns. These phases will be delivered across three work packages, summarised here and set out in more detail within the case for support. WP1: This work package will focus on the recruitment of citizens from a range of community groups, ensuring that participation is a positive, enjoyable and informative experience and establishing a two-way dialogue between project members and participants. WP2: Focuses on the development and implementation of the sampling and analysis approach. This work package will, with the aid of citizens, test the sampling procedures, develop an online platform for citizens to analyse their samples and allow the Raman sample preparation and analysis to be refined. The outcome from this work package will be an understanding of both particle count, shape and microplastic composition. WP3: Brings together citizens and the clothing industry, a key stakeholder in the field of airborne microplastics, through a two-way dialogue, to co-develop policy recommendations leveraging the full potential of citizen science to drive bottom-up change.

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	UKRI Citizen Science Collaborations [2020]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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