Embedding citizens within airborne microplastic and microfibre research

Williams, Ben; De Vito, Laura; Margarida Sardo, Ana; Pringle, Kirsty; Hansen, Mark; Taylor, Mark; Lamb-Riddell, Kathryn; Laggan, Sophie; Cox, Tim; Radford, Freya; Hayes, Enda

Abstract

Microplastics are ubiquitous in our environment but their presence in air is less well understood. Homes are likely a key source of airborne microplastics and microfibres to the environment owing to the frequent use and storage of plastics and textiles within them. Studying their presence, concentration and distribution in these environments is difficult without the participation of citizens due to accessibility challenges. Few studies have examined the intricacies of the prevalence of indoor microplastics and microfibres or the link between indoor exposure and behavioural and regulatory approaches that could reduce their concentrations. The application of a quintuple innovation helix framework, within which a co-creative citizen science research methodology is applied, provides an opportunity for citizens to shape the scientific method, ensuring that methods are accessible and appropriate for widespread use and designed by the citizen, for the citizen. Exploring behaviours and motivations in plastic and textile use by citizens with industry may reduce the generation of these particles. Future studies should consider the importance of citizen inclusion when designing research strategies for measuring and reducing microplastic concentrations in homes, enabling a nuanced understanding of their generation and distribution, facilitating the development of appropriate behavioural, industrial and regulatory messaging and mitigative measures.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 29, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jul 10, 2023
• Publication Date: Jul 10, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jul 7, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 3, 2023
• Journal: Cambridge Prisms: Plastics
• Electronic ISSN: 2755-094X
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 1
• Issue: e11
• Pages: 1-5
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/plc.2023.11
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10910105
• Publisher URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/cambridge-prisms-plastics