Clean Technology (청정기술)

The Korean Society of Clean Technology (한국청정기술학회)
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Current Status and Management of Nanoplastics Exposed in Environment

환경 중 노출되는 나노플라스틱의 현황 및 관리실태

  • Ha-neul Park (Department of Chemical Engineering, Kwangwoon University) ;
  • Jeonggue Park (Division for Environmental Health, Sustainability Strategy Research Group, Korea Environment Institute) ;
  • Younghun Kim (Department of Chemical Engineering, Kwangwoon University)
  • 박하늘 (광운대학교 화학공학과) ;
  • 박정규 (한국환경연구원 지속가능전략연구본부 환경보건연구실) ;
  • 김영훈 (광운대학교 화학공학과)
  • Received : 2024.01.08
  • Accepted : 2024.02.23
  • Published : 2024.03.31
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Abstract

Nanoplastics (NP) exhibit distinct material properties compared to microplastics (MP), necessitating their separate recognition. Review of research outcomes and policy documents on NP reveals that most policy frameworks predominantly define MPs as solid synthetic polymer materials measuring 5 mm or less, but do not distinguish them from NP. However, recent revisions in regulations by the EU classify NPs as particles that range in size from 1 to 1,000 nm, as confirmed by some academic studies. Research on NPs often relies on experimental investigations centered around water systems, with a focus on high-concentration experimental conditions using spherical polystyrene-based NPs in behavior and impact studies. Notably, the environmental behavior characteristics of NP show differences in influence depending on the NP type, emphasizing the need for field simulation research. These challenges are mirrored in Korean society, so it is necessary to redefine NP to be distinct from MP in both research and policy. This study aimed to assess the current state of NP management globally and domestically and highlight policy considerations and issues in the existing response to NP. Upon comprehensive review, it becomes apparent that reaching an international agreement on MP faces methodological limitations, which could potentially burden efforts to precisely define NP size. Therefore, referencing the EU's recent regulatory revisions is crucial in domestic policy. Specific adjustments should commence from the MP concept through insights from the domestic industry, guidance from the academic community, and thorough discussions to ensure social acceptance.

나노플라스틱(NP)은 마이크로플라스틱(MP)에 비해 뚜렷한 물질적 특성을 나타내므로 별도의 관리 인식이 필요하다. NP에 관한 연구 결과와 정책 문서를 검토한 결과, 대부분의 정책 프레임워크는 MP를 NP와 구별하지 않고 주로 5 mm 이하 크기의 고체 합성 고분자 물질로 정의하고 있다. 그러나 최근 EU REACH 규정 개정에 따르면, MP를 5 mm ~ 100 nm로 정의함으로써 100 nm 보다 작은 크기를 NP로 구분하여 인식하고 있음이 나타난다. NP에 대한 연구는 종종 환경 거동 및 생물체 영향 연구에서 구형 폴리스티렌 기반 NP를 사용하는 고농도 실험 조건에 중점을 두고 수계를 중심으로 한 실험 조사에 치우쳐져 있다. 특히, NP 연구에서 환경 거동 특성은 NP 유형에 따라 영향의 차이를 보여 현장 모사가 필요하다. 이러한 경향은 국내 MP 연구와 환경 정책 모두에서 MP와는 다른 NP 개념을 재정의할 필요를 뒷받침한다. 이에 본 연구는 국내외 NP 관리 현황을 평가하고, NP에 대한 기존 대응의 문제점과 정책 고려 사항을 조명하는 것을 목표로 하였다. 포괄적인 검토를 통해 MP에 대한 국제 합의에 도달하는 것은 방법론적 한계에 직면하고 잠재적으로 NP 규모를 정확하게 정의하려는 노력에 부담이 된다는 것이 분명해졌다. 따라서 국내 정책 영역에서는 EU의 최근 규제 개정을 참고하는 것이 중요하며, NP를 포함한 MP의 정의에 관한 구체적인 조정이 필요하며, 산업계 및 학계의 노력을 통해 정책적 수용이 이루어지도록 해야 할 것이다.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 논문은 국가과학기술연구회의 창의형 융합연구사업(과제번호: CAP20023-000)의 지원을 받아 한국환경연구원이 수행한 "2차 미세플라스틱 환경오염 문제해결을 위한 융합 솔루션 개발[2022-106(R)]" 사업의 연구결과로 작성되었습니다.

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