Consumers are bewildered. And news about the quantity of plastic particles in the water, including mineral water, is a matter of real concern, even though the scientific world is divided about the effects on human health. An open discussion that from 23 to 26 October will be among the topics discussed by the experts at Watec 2019, the Cremona event that places water at the centre of the debate.

Increasing the confusion and raising false expectations is the question of “bio-based” plastics (those made at least partly from organic materials) and “biodegradable” plastics.

The problem? Not all “bioplastics” are actually biodegradable and so we could soon find them in the water again.

This is the case of polylactic acid (PLA), a material made by processing corn, sugar cane or potatoes and used to produce the plastic bags we use for shopping.

To be truly biodegraded, PLA needs temperatures above 58 °C and scientists seriously doubt the process can take place in the rivers or the sea.

That’s why municipal wastewater treatment companies are starting to tackle the topic of micro/nanoplastics trying to understand the impact of the problem and the best plant solutions to solve it.

Come to Watec Italy and we’ll talk about it. For the time being, stay tuned.

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