Rivers play host to an abundance of life, provide the water needed by growing human populations, and are vital transport routeways. Now imagine microscopic pieces of plastic and traces of pharmaceutical waste silently infiltrating these waters, accumulating in fish and wildlife, and eventually, in humans.
Such is the reality uncovered by a research team led by Professor Chris Gibbins, Professor Ting Kang Nee, and Associate Professor Dr Sivathass Bannir Selvam. Their work has shed light on the hidden dangers of so called ‘novel contaminants’ – overlooked pollutants that are now recognised as significant threats to aquatic organisms and public health.
“The findings were alarming. We found microplastics everywhere - in river water, in insects and in the fish we eat,” explained Professor Gibbins. “On top of understanding how badly our rivers are contaminated with these pollutants, our priority is to find practical ways to remove them.”
From their research, the team developed an innovative, sustainable filtration system that is designed to capture plastic microfibres from wastewater (e.g., washing machines) before they reach rivers. If scaled up in application, this technology could dramatically reduce plastic pollution from households and industry.
Meanwhile, Professor Ting investigates the human effects of microplastics, revealing alarming links to inflammation and health risks. “These tiny particles aren’t harmless. On the contrary, they have adverse health effects, and greater understanding of this would encourage stronger environmental and health policies,” says Professor Ting.
Together, this trio embodies a mission of impactful, interdisciplinary research, aligned with strategic priorities in sustainability, health, and environmental stewardship. The optimal time for action to safeguard Malaysia’s natural resources and public wellbeing is now.
More than pollution, their work is about ensuring a healthier, cleaner future for generations to come, through greater partnerships, dialogue, and awareness campaigns.
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Professor Chris Gibbins
Professor Kang Nee Ting
Associate Professor Dr Sivathass Bannir Selvam
School/Faculty
School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Engineering
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Emerging contaminants, microplastics, pharmaceutical waste, water pollution, aquatic organisms, public health, water security
Year
2020 - 2024