Microplastics are plastics pieces smaller than 5mm, derived from the plastic items we use in our daily lives and broken down due to various factors, such as ultraviolet rays.
Due to their minuscule size, microplastics can be easily ingested by living creatures, including human beings, and accumulate in their bodies. They are also capable of absorbing contaminants that are hazardous to the human body. Considering such properties, multiple studies have raised concerns that the ingestion of microplastic may lead to increased risks of cancers (1,2).
1. Segovia‐Mendoza M, Nava‐Castro KE, Palacios‐Arreola MI, Garay‐Canales C, Morales‐Montor J. How microplastic components influence the immune system and impact on children health: Focus on cancer. Birth Defects Research 2020;112(17):1341–61.
2. Sharma MD, Elanjickal AI, Mankar JS, Krupadam RJ. Assessment of cancer risk of microplastics enriched with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. J Hazard Mater. 2020 Nov 5;398:122994.
From planning to report publishing, our teams at Pirika can conduct comprehensive research projects measuring the extent of microplastic pollution.
Matching a variety of client needs, our research provides in-depth data and insights for a cleaner future.
Pirika also offers partial assistance to support ongoing client research, providing expert advice, specialized analysis technology, and sampling assistance to support all kinds of microplastic research.
Rental equipment include high-quality sample collection nets (0.1mm - 0.3mm mesh), drainage gauges and motorized sampling devices (Albatross #6).
We also offer software services in data management and microplastic identification.
Pirika also provides survey implementation guides, offered remotely or in-person.
Empowering businesses and communities with the necessary technology and advice, we at Pirika are committed to lasting solutions for the environment.
As experts of waterway pollution, Pirika has developed several methods of surveying microplastic levels, with our technology being adopted by clients such as the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).
To resolve the constraints of surveying narrow waterways by boat, Pirika has developed an easy to implement survey device (patent pending).
Reference: Rapid Sampling of Suspended and Floating Microplastics
In order to prevent litter leakage, It is essential to identify the leaked items and routes. Collaborating with the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the Miyoshi Corporation, Pirika has developed technology capable of accurately identifying and tracking microplastics (patent pending).
Pirika offers customizable microplastic databases developed over an accumulation of thousands of samples and hundreds of field surveys. We can also customize our way of storage for each project and laboratory.
It is especially important to clarify the purpose of the research first, as the timing, frequenct, location, survey methodology, required accuracy, and items reported will vary depending on the purpose.
Examples of past client research include:
Pirika's sampling methods can be implemented in nearly all locations, making it possible to analyze pollution levels in a wide range of environments, from underwater (near the surface), to the muddy bottom of waterways.
We will make adjustments to the sampling process based on the project purpose. For instance, if the sampling of plastics with large density is required, we will include steps like sampling from the bottom of waterways.
For underwater sampling, water is passed throug a fine mesh net with mesh size of 0.1mm or 0.3mm. Samples will be collected from the remainings in the net.
To ensure sufficient water flow during the sampling process, the sampling method will be selected from towed/naturally drained/power drained by boat (Pirika is capable of handling all methods).
This process ensures that objects naturally found in waterways, such as organic material and gravel, do not contaminate the sample, raising the precision of the team's measurements
In addition to acid treatments and visual filtering, Pirika utilizes a hydrogen peroxide solution to remove organic contaminants, ensuring the utmost purity of its microplastic samples
Using a variety of analysis tools, including FT-IR spectrometer, microplastic sample data is recorded and stored in Pirika's own data storage system. Parameters like component, size and color of the sample were recorded as data.
While a typical microplastic survey usually focuses on determining the composition and the amount of microplastics, Pirika takes a further step and focuses on tracking down the source products of the microplastic samples and possible pathways of leakage, providing analysis that helps solve the root cause of the microplastic leakage problem.
In addition to publishing reports and presentations detailing tangible solutions, Pirika works to provide open-source pollution data and advice communities affected by microplastic pollution.
Implemented at request of the city council to inform future environmental policy, Pirika surveyed 14 river and port locations surrounding Kawasaki city, investigating the concentration of microplastic pollution in the environment.
Reference: JBpress "The Origins of Tokyo Bay's Plastic Waste Problem"
Conducted surveys in rivers, lakes and ports from 12 prefectures across the country. Of 100 locations sampled, 98 contained significant amount of microplastics, indicating that microplastic leakage is a nationwide issue. Research results were published in over 20 news media outlets.
Reference: Microplastics leakage database
Conducted surveys in 5 cities (4 countries) across Southeast Asia. Our results detected tremendous levels of microplastic concentration, considerably contributing to the pollution of the Mekong Delta.
Reference: UNEP CounterMEASURE
If you are interested in each project's detail and other projects, please contact us via "Contact"
We are searching for partners looking to use our technologies to expand and improve their operations.
Contact us from below if your team is interested in working together towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
