Articles tagged with Plastics
California's decision to add microplastics to its Candidate Chemicals List marks a significant step towards regulating plastic pollution. The move is part of the state's decade-long regulatory approach, which has also included banning plastic microbeads in cosmetics.
Researchers have found 'plasticorals', coral rubble fused with plastic, on the shores of vulnerable coral reefs in Okinawa, Japan. This discovery highlights a potential threat to critical marine environments, as plastic pollution can disrupt coral propagation and harbor coral pathogens.
A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Sandia National Laboratories has developed a simple method for breaking down durable plastics that currently have no practical recycling method. The approach uses less energy and produces less waste than incineration, while allowing for the full recovery of valuable fibers.
Researchers have developed an enzyme that can break down polyurethane in shoe foams, a significant step towards recycling plastic waste. The enzyme, based on a bacterium found in compost, can degrade polyurethane at lower temperatures and pressures than current recycling technologies.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed degradable polymers with a new molecular architecture that combines strength, toughness, flexibility, and oxygen-blocking properties. The findings have implications for food packaging, which could lead to more sustainable and durable materials.
Researchers found altered gene expression in wharf roach guts after consuming expanded polystyrene, but no significant impact on lifespan. The gut microbiome showed little change, but rare microbes were detected in EPS-fed specimens. This highlights the need to manage EPS waste carefully and prioritize coastal cleanup efforts.
Researchers found that patients with lung cancer had more detectable microplastics and higher microplastic burdens in their lung wash and tissue samples. The study suggests a link between microplastics and lung disease, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common types of plastic.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have designed two types of degradable adhesives: one made from lipoic acid that outperforms duct tape, and another with a bottlebrush polymer that is four times stronger. Both can be broken down into their original components within minutes, making them ideal for recyclable applications.
Researchers propose a mandatory measurement and reporting component for the UN's plastics treaty to track plastic production, use, disposal, and pollution. The system would standardize labeling, measurement practices, and repository establishment, enabling countries to report detailed data on plastics from cradle to grave.
A research team from Chiba University developed a flexible bio-based plastic that can be chemically converted into fertilizer after use, improving environmental sustainability. The plasticizer improves the flexibility of the plastic, increasing its potential for future applications.
Biodegradable plastics can be made tougher and more break down at a controlled rate by adjusting the size of movable molecular crosslinks. This study uses a biodegradable polymer called polycaprolactone and upcycles an industrial by-product into a supramolecular material.
Microplastics have been found throughout a protected Florida wetland, with concentrations highest along waterways. The study reveals that water movement plays a crucial role in transporting and concentrating microplastics within the ecosystem.
A team of scientists has developed a technology to turn plastic and agricultural waste into edible proteins and flavoring molecules using microbes. The researchers have created a treat from trash called µBites, which are safe to eat and have received high marks on aroma.
A new study estimates that decommissioning subsea oil and gas pipelines could release 4.5 to 500 tonnes of microplastics into the North Sea each year. The research highlights the potential environmental risks of legacy plastics and recommends integrating environmental consequences into decommissioning decision-making.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a novel polymer that can be heated to 90°C, turning it into a gas, which then spontaneously reforms into the original polymer. This breakthrough could simplify polymer processing and recycling, eliminating complex steps.
A recent study reveals that marine microplastics can persist and leach chemicals from plastic additives even after fragmentation. Chemicals such as antioxidants, plasticizers, and flame retardants were detected in both microplastics and larger plastic debris collected around Japan.
Researchers at Virginia Tech develop process to strip chlorine from PVC and produce synthetic lubricant-based oils. The new method converts discarded PVC into a key lubricant ingredient, offering a potential solution to two environmental challenges: recycling difficult-to-process plastics and producing valuable industrial materials.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers converts polyvinyl chloride waste into high-performance lubricants with exceptional energy-saving potential. The discovery could address growing plastic waste challenges while advancing lubrication technologies.
Researchers report reductions of up to 75.8% in perfluorinated compounds after plasmapheresis treatment, while microplastics decrease in four out of four patients. The exact mechanism behind this effect is still unclear and requires further investigation.
A new white paper highlights the risks of microplastics in supply chains and environments, with primary and secondary microplastics found in various products. Businesses are urged to take proactive measures to manage their microplastic exposure, including monitoring, circular business models, and recycled-content products.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that polyethylene microplastic increases signs of fatty liver disease and exacerbates the condition when paired with a diet high in fat, fructose, and cholesterol. The study suggests environmental exposures and dietary habits work together to accelerate liver damage.
Researchers found that polyethylene microplastics modify as they age in soil, but these changes have little effect on how they interact with various organic contaminants. The study suggests the soil itself, not the plastic, remains the main factor influencing the environmental fate of these chemicals.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a catalytic process to transform carbon dioxide into recyclable, high-performance materials. These new materials can replace today's plastics in many situations and feature sought-after characteristics such as high mechanical strength and flexibility. The foundational building blo...
Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed a new strategy to accelerate the breakdown of compostable PLA plastics under everyday composting conditions. The addition of a trace amount of 2-sulfobenzoic acid cyclic anhydride (SAn) dramatically enhances their hydrolytic degradation, making them more suitable for home composting.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a method to restore the mechanical strength of degraded polybutylene terephthalate by repairing molecular chains with a chain extender. The technique recovers plastic tensile strength to nearly that of virgin material, enabling high-performance plastics to be reused instead of discarded.
Researchers introduce 'plantymers', plastics that break down naturally in the environment, addressing traditional plastic drawbacks. Plantymers are strong enough to compete with fossil-based plastics, making them suitable for fruit packaging and other applications.
A study found that the gut microbiota of Helicoverpa armigera caterpillars harbors fungi with the potential to degrade expanded polystyrene. Four fungi were isolated and demonstrated to break down polystyrene using scanning electron microscopy analysis.
Researchers at Hasanuddin University developed a biodegradable plastic film with oxygen-scavenging properties, using cellulose from fermented coconut water to improve strength and functionality. The film breaks down quickly in soil, but maintaining flexibility and barrier performance remains a challenge.
Researchers at Lancaster University have discovered nanoplastics in remote soils of Antarctica, raising concerns about plastic pollution's global reach. The finding highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic emissions and improved waste management practices.
An international team of scientists developed a novel, catalyst-free plastic recycling process that uses only water and oxygen to convert various types of plastic waste into high-value organic acids. The method achieved near-complete conversion with minimal environmental impact.
Reducing carbon dioxide concentration improves microbial production of biodegradable plastic, such as poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate]. Lower CO2 levels trigger adaptive cellular responses that enhance carbon utilization efficiency.
Patients who suffered a serious heart attack had higher levels of micro and nanoplastics in their blood compared to those with chronic ischemic heart disease and normal coronary arteries. The study also revealed that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution and smokers had higher levels of microplastics in their blood.
A team of researchers has developed a new chemical approach that converts a mixture of the three most common plastics directly into high-purity hydrogen fuel at temperatures far below conventional gasification. The process locks carbon dioxide away as a solid mineral without releasing the greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.
Japanese researchers have developed a catalyst that selectively degrades polyurethane in mixed plastic waste, allowing for the separation and chemical recycling of complex materials. The breakthrough opens up new possibilities for waste management, particularly in industries such as end-of-life vehicle recycling and mattress disposal.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new method for removing microplastics from wastewater, achieving removal rates of more than 90% through the use of microbubbles and nanobubbles. The approach is simple to implement and significantly increases plastic removal during primary treatment.
A Korea University study reveals that reusable beverage systems can deliver significant environmental benefits when paired with efficient washing technologies. The research finds that automatic tumbler washers can maximize sustainability, while manually washed tumblers have the highest impacts among reusable options.
A team of Penn State researchers has converted waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into highly ordered synthetic graphite, a crystalline form of carbon. The formed graphite exhibited large, well-ordered crystallites, indicating a highly organized crystal structure, which is suitable for high-quality anode materials in battery research.
A novel supramolecular film with switchable structural and adhesive functions has been developed, exceeding industry standards for wood adhesion. The film's unique structure retains strength in wet conditions and demonstrates high-performance bonding to wood substrates.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have successfully demonstrated a scalable approach to solar-powered plastic recycling, converting plastic waste into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals in outdoor conditions. The technology uses a simple spray-coating method to produce photocatalyst materials and reactors ...
Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered a way to make thermally insulative plastics by limiting heat-carrying vibrational channels, reducing thermal conductivity by 17% while maintaining flame-retardant behavior. This new design framework has promising applications in lightweight insulation materials and advanced building materials.
Researchers developed a PLA additive that enhances biodegradability without compromising strength or transparency. The modification process improves composting efficiency, making it feasible for home composting bins.
The study found that gestational exposure to 10 classes of priority chemicals was associated with differences in gestational age at birth and lower birth weight-for-gestational age z scores. Reducing exposure to these chemicals could promote healthy deliveries and better child outcomes.
Natural waters slow down nature's cleanup process by shielding plastics from sunlight and microbes, according to a new study. The chemical makeup of natural waters, especially combinations of salt and organic matter, significantly delays the breakdown of polystyrene plastic.
Researchers developed a mathematical formula to estimate microplastic mass and size concentrations from limited data, enabling more efficient surveys. The new approach allows for the estimation of small microplastics often overlooked in field surveys, which can help track pollution sources and trends.
A University of Cincinnati research team will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the body and affect cardiovascular health, with a focus on potential toxicity and worsening outcomes after a heart attack. The five-year study aims to advance understanding of microplastic impact on heart diseases.
A European research team is developing bacteria that can produce important chemical base materials from sustainable methanol, aiming to replace fossil resources in the chemical industry. The goal is to make chemical production more sustainable without jeopardizing food security.
Emerging biocatalytic strategies for plastic depolymerization leverage AI-enabled enzyme design and multi-enzyme cascades to enhance sustainable recycling. Researchers develop novel biocatalysts through de novo design, overcoming constraints with structural similarity to natural hydrolases.
Researchers have developed a chemical upcycling method that converts existing plastics into new materials with rapidly degrading properties. This process has the potential to tackle global plastic pollution issues by replacing non-biodegradable plastics.
Researchers developed a universal compounding technology to integrate up to 59% of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices, improving material performance. The resulting CNT superplastics exhibit excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.
Researchers found that aerobic exercise counteracted oxidative stress and inflammation caused by nanoplastics in female zebrafish. Exercise also improved neuroendocrine health by altering gut microbe balances.
Researchers developed Cel-T plastic, a novel cellulose-based supramolecular plastic with high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and versatile shapeability. The material combines the strengths of polylactic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, and polyethylene terephthalate.
A global study of marine litter has identified food and beverage plastics as the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with plastic packaging, caps, and bottles dominating shoreline debris worldwide. The research highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic production and more efficient waste management practices.
Researchers develop bond-centric framework to selectively activate C-H and C-C bonds in biomass and plastics for sustainable valorization. The review proposes a roadmap for industrialization, focusing on precise bond discrimination, high solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiencies, and hybrid systems.
Additives in plastics represent a major understudied frontier in recycling science. Mainstream recycling technologies face distinct challenges with additives, including gradual accumulation of unwanted compounds and limited detection methods.
Researchers create tandem catalytic strategy to efficiently upcycle polyethylene into aromatic chemicals without precious metals or external hydrogen acceptors. The process achieves high aromatics yield and demonstrates excellent stability, offering a promising solution for managing plastic pollution and reducing fossil resource reliance.
A new study found that nearly every person in the US has multiple man-made chemicals, known as PFAS, in their system. The study examined over 10,500 samples and found that 98.8% contained at least one PFAS, with many carrying multiple types.
A study finds microplastics in the human brain associated with increased risk of stroke and dementia. Apheresis, a medical treatment, is proposed as a potential removal method for microplastics from the body.
Researchers have developed a non-toxic, stretchy hemp-derived thermoplastic that can extend up to 1,600% of its size. The material has a high glass transition temperature, making it suitable for producing transparent plastic films, coatings, and other common materials currently made from petroleum-based materials.
A new strategy has created 'living plastics' that self-destruct on command, using activatable microbes to break down material within a week. The breakthrough could lead to the development of triggerable spores in water to tackle plastic pollution.
Researchers develop solar-powered technology to convert plastic waste into valuable fuels, including hydrogen and syngas, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and addressing pollution challenges.