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UNSW SMaRT Centre researcher and lecturer Dr Rumana Hossain has been recognised for her work in helping to develop Australia's first ever official standard to analyse microplastics in the environment.
The release of the new Australian Standard AS ISO 24187: Principles for the analysis of microplastics present in the environment marks a significant milestone in tackling microplastic pollution, and is the result of dedicated contributions from experts, including Rumana.
She worked on the Standards Australia’s ME-009 Microplastics Committee to help shape national guidelines for analysis of microplastics: tiny plastic particles found in air, water and soil which pose a growing threat to ecosystems and human health.
While inconsistent methodologies have made it difficult to assess and mitigate their impact, the newly published standard provides a consistent, science-backed framework for analysing microplastics, ensuring accurate and comparable data across studies.
Rumana's expertise in the "science of microrecycling" and materials science and engineering contributed to the development of these principles. Her years of research at SMaRT have contributed to the ongoing development of various innovative recycling technologies, including Green SteelTM Polymer Injection Technology and MICROfactorieTM Technologies.
The implementation of this standard will benefit researchers, government agencies and industries working to understand, and ultimately, reduce microplastic pollution.
This type of work helps to bridge the gap between science and real-world impact.
Standards Australia is is a non-government, not-for-profit standards organization responsible for developing, maintaining, and promoting Australian Standards (AS) and international standards (ISO, IEC, etc.). It plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency across various industries, including environmental management, construction, engineering, and consumer products.
