Issue Sonic Sweep

Summary

Sonic Sweep asks whether ultrasound could clear microplastics from oceans and lakes. Ultrasonic waves would offer a chemical-free, scalable way to pull microplastics out of water, leading to cleaner seas and safer drinking water. Plastic production and waste doubled between 2000 and 2019 and are forecast to more than double again by 2040 and triple by 2060. Microplastics have been found in over 1,300 species including humans and are linked to immune disturbances, inflammation and vascular disease, with people estimated to ingest up to 52,000 particles a year and up to 121,000 when inhalation is included. Because plastics can only be broken down and never destroyed, exposure is nearly constant, and the approach still faces high energy use, limited impact, scaling problems and the cost of removing the collected waste.