Detecting microplastics first step in assessing environmental harm

Biomedical and optics researchers at the University of Rochester are working to better understand the prevalence of microplastics in drinking water and their potential impacts on human health. They are collaborating with SiMPore, a company that uses nanomembrane technology, which was initially developed at the University, to devise ways to quickly filter and identify particles of plastic that are 5 millimeters or smaller in size in drinking water samples.