Why Care About Microplastics?
Microplastic particles have been found in nearly every corner of the globe, but health effects and toxicity are only beginning to be understood. Because of their ubiquitous nature, microplastics present a challenge in both accurate sampling and source attribution. Microplastics are emerging as an environmental issue that regulators and industry will be increasingly focusing on in the coming years.
TRC has been heavily involved in tracking microplastics as an emerging contaminant for the past several years by staying up to date with ongoing research and developments regarding microplastics’ environmental distribution, monitoring regulatory actions to microplastics, studying ecological risk and exploring remedial options. TRC is also partnering with universities and other research institutions to develop cutting-edge solutions for addressing microplastics for a wide range of industries and municipalities, and have recently initiated a new project for a confidential client focused on collecting and analyzing samples for microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
ITRC’s Microplastics Team
This guidance document was created by the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) Microplastics team that was formed in January 2021 to create a guidance document to consolidate and communicate the current state of the science for microplastics as an emerging contaminant. In addition, the ITRC team developed training to prepare environmental professionals to address the diverse challenges of microplastics.
ITRC’s team of regulators, researchers, consultants industry and the general public volunteered their time to collaborate through a variety of virtual and in-person discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions to track and understand the wide range of ongoing microplastics research, and compile it into a digestible, comprehensive guidance document. The draft guidance document was sent out for external review to a group of microplastics experts and regulators for review and comment, and their feedback was incorporated into the final document.
The following TRC staff contributed significantly to the ITRC Microplastics guidance document and associated training:
- Jenny Phillips, VP, Director of Technical Development and TRC Center of Research and Expertise (CORE), was a co-leader of the Human Health and Ecological Effects chapter of the guidance document.
- Alia Enright, Project Engineer, was a contributing writer to the Sampling and Analysis chapter of the Microplastics guidance document, developed the document’s online Sample Collection Tool, and is one of the trainers for the online training webinars.
What Does the Guidance Document Cover?
The guidance document was created to consolidate the state of the science to assist regulators and other decision makers in developing their own methodology to evaluate, regulate and respond to this emerging contaminant.
The online guidance document and associated training covers the following topics:
- Introduction to microplastics, including their sources and characteristics
- Fate, transport and environmental distribution
- Sampling and analysis
- Ecological and human health effects
- Regulations
- Mitigation, abatement and best management practices
- Data gaps and ongoing research needs
- Case studies
When Are Guidance and Training Available?
- February 23, 2023 – Microplastics technical guidance document available online
- March 7, 2023 – Online training webinars begin
Related Materials
TRC Expert Services
TRC Expert Services Published June 20, 2022
Learn More From Our Technical Experts
TRC’s Center of Research and Expertise (CORE) is a multidisciplinary team led by proven subject matter experts in over 30 specialized technical areas. Our monthly CORE newsletter shares valuable insights on emerging technologies, significant challenges and innovative solutions present in many industries across the world. Our experts also share how they use their unique skills and experience to solve client issues and support our communities and the environment.
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
TDU Webinar- Bioventing Residual LNAPL Plumes
August 27, 2024
TRC’s expert discusses the basics of hydrocarbon bioventing and bioventing system and well design. Two case studies are also provided to demonstrate examples of bioventing source remediation and the installation of a bioventing system at a refinery and a bulk fuel farm.
Microplastics ITRC Guidance Document and Training Available Soon!
February 23, 2023
Microplastic particles have been found in nearly every corner of the globe, but health effects and toxicity are only beginning to be understood. Because of their ubiquitous nature, microplastics present a challenge in both accurate sampling and source attribution. Microplastics are emerging as an environmental issue that regulators and industry will be increasingly focusing on in the coming years.
Odor Evaluation Services
February 23, 2023
TRC is nationally recognized as an expert in the field of odor measurement, identification, modeling and control engineering. This presentation includes an overview of odor properties, odor evaluation, modeling and odor thresholds and outlines the four sensory properties: detectability, intensity, character and hedonic tone.
EPA Announces $2 Billion in Funding to Address Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water
February 14, 2023
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan announced $2 Billion in infrastructure funding to help the nation’s rural water supplies.
Metals 101
February 8, 2023
Metals are naturally occurring elements in the Earth’s crust that enter the environment through natural processes. They can be found in groundwater, soil and sediment. The trophic transfer of these elements in aquatic and terrestrial food chains has important implications for wildlife and human health.
Biotic and Abiotic Reduction to Achieve Groundwater Compliance at CCR Sites
November 22, 2022
TRC conducted two case studies to test different EA strategies. In both studies, chemical and biological reduction to stabilize metals at former CCR sites were evaluated.
Implementing bioremediation at environmental cleanup sites: TRC experts weigh in at leading industry conference
May 17, 2021
TRC experts make several presentations at the Battelle conference about innovative approaches they have developed for implementing and monitoring bioremediation and the use of naturally-occurring or deliberately-introduced micro-organisms to break down environmental pollutants.
Iron sulfide: The “miracle mineral” in environmental remediation
April 26, 2021
Whether it’s treating an arsenic spill at a railroad site in Wisconsin or releases of chromium and other metals or metal-cleaning solvents at manufacturing sites in California, New Jersey, and South Carolina, a mineral marrying iron and sulfur -iron sulfide- is emerging as a powerful and versatile tool in the environmental remediation toolbox.
TRC Awarded a Yahara WINS Grant
August 28, 2020
TRC was recently awarded a Yahara WINS grant to develop a pilot scale simple aeration method for removing phosphorous from the discharge of manure digesters. The grant application was developed and submitted by: Bob Stanforth, Alyssa Sellwood, Mike Ursin, Ted O’Connell, Ken Quinn, and John Rice, who are members of multiple TRC CORE teams.
Ecological Risk of PFAS from AFFF-Impacted Sites
June 30, 2020
The facts on evaluating exposure to wildlife
