Articles tagged with Plastics
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A new model developed by Newcastle University's researchers tracks the vertical movement of algae-covered microplastic particles, identifying processes that underpin their trajectories. The study shows that particle properties and algal population dynamics determine the movement of microplastics below the ocean surface.
A new chemical catalyst has been developed to efficiently produce propylene from natural gas, which is used to make polypropylene. The catalyst, made of platinum and tin nanoparticles supported by silica, can make propylene at least 10 times more efficiently than current commercial catalysts.
Researchers have engineered an enzyme to bind to and degrade plastic particles, potentially helping to resolve the issue of complete recycling of PET in industry. The enzyme, called PET2, was found to accelerate the reaction between PET's chemical components and water when positive charges were introduced on its surface.
Research reveals river plastic discharge is significantly underestimated, with microplastics at the surface lasting years instead of days. The study's findings confirm the existence of a 'missing plastic sink' but highlight the need for global action to address plastic pollution.
The study estimates global plastic emissions range from 9 to 23 million metric tons per year, with similar amounts emitted onto land yearly. Remote environments are particularly under threat as plastic debris cannot be removed by cleanups, leading to unpredictable effects on ecosystems.
A University of Houston study finds that plastic drapes can lower hypothermia rates in premature babies during PICC placement. This innovative nursing intervention shows promise in improving thermoregulation for VLBW neonates.
A study by Research Institute for Sustainability reveals that barriers to reducing plastic packaging consumption include habits, lack of knowledge, hygiene concerns, and economic factors. To achieve zero-waste shopping, cultural and infrastructural changes are necessary, including making alternative options more affordable and convenient.
UD scientists and collaborators issue an urgent call to action on plastics pollution, highlighting the need for a circular lifecycle for plastics. The team proposes new approaches to chemistry, engineering, industrial processes, policy, and global collaboration to address the crisis.
Scientists have created a way to harness discarded plant matter, such as corn stover, into ethanol and plastics with near-industrial efficiency. By helping yeast survive industrial toxins and converting toxic aldehydes into harmless compounds, the system enables low-cost production of biofuels.
Researchers developed a method to identify areas with smoother waters as indicative of microplastic presence, leveraging CYGNSS satellite data. This technique demonstrates the potential for tracking ocean microplastics from space.
A new recycling robot will use AI and computer vision to sort recyclable waste, separating soft plastics from other materials. The system aims to drastically increase soft plastic recycling in Australia, diverting millions of tonnes of waste from landfills.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a new type of joint inspired by spiders' hydraulic actuation mechanisms. The joints use electrohydraulic forces to enable robots to move rapidly and interact with various environments, making them ideal for small-scale robotic systems.
A study published in Scientific Reports demonstrates the use of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to track the elimination of plastic particles from the bodies of mice. The research reveals that most small plastic particles are eliminated within two days, with smaller particles cleared faster than larger ones.
Researchers found much higher abundances of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes on microplastics in urban than rural areas of the Beilun River. Polypropylene had the highest abundance of ARGs, increasing by 1,000 times from rural to urban areas.
A large-scale survey found that both Europeans and Australians are highly concerned about the human health impact of marine plastic pollution, ranking it as a top threat. The study suggests a need for more research into the potential impacts on human health to inform policy and decision-making.
A new study by the University of Exeter and Queensland has found that herring gull eggs contain up to six types of phthalate, potentially causing oxidative stress in chicks. The research suggests that mothers pass on phthalates and products of lipid damage through their eggs.
Researchers have designed a new type of stent that can deliver drugs directly to the gastrointestinal tract, reducing side effects. The stents use kirigami-inspired etching to temporarily lodge in tubular organs and release drugs over an extended period.
Researchers created a plant-based, sustainable material that mimics spider silk for single-use plastic replacements. The new material is strong like many common plastics and can be made at an industrial scale.
Scientists have discovered a novel way to convert post-consumer plastic into vanillin, a valuable industrial chemical. This breakthrough could boost the circular economy by turning harmful plastics into a carbon resource and promoting sustainability.
A study categorizes existing solutions for combating maritime litter, revealing a need for more developed technologies and integrated approaches. The researchers recommend defining standards for each solution to encourage further development and create a sustainable approach.
Researchers created self-propelled microrobots that can attach to and break down four common types of plastics. The microrobots lost 3% of the plastic's weight and altered its surface texture after interacting with it under visible light for seven days.
Researchers found that salt marsh sediments accumulate microplastics, with higher concentrations near urban areas and a non-linear relationship to urbanization. The study provides new insights into the impact of human plastic use on ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Bern found that most plastic waste does not end up in open ocean, but instead remains near coastlines or on beaches. The study suggests that regions with large sources of plastic waste, such as Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean, are disproportionately affected.
A $1M NSERC grant will investigate the effects of nanoplastics on nervous, immune, and reproductive systems. The research aims to understand long-term consequences of exposure to these tiny plastic fragments.
A new study reveals widespread plastic pollution in Galapagos seawater, beaches, and animals, with over 400 plastic particles found per square meter on some beaches. Microplastics were also discovered inside more than half of the marine invertebrates studied, posing a potential threat to the ecosystem.
Professor Doug Hayes has been recognized for his contributions to biocatalysis and biodegradable agricultural plastics. He is a renowned expert in molecular understanding of chemical and biochemical processes at interfaces, particularly involving bioplastics and surfactant-water-oil systems.
A new study by the University of Portsmouth has developed a method to measure microplastics in human sewage using Fenton reagent, which is faster and more cost-efficient than existing methods. This breakthrough has huge potential for standardizing plastic pollution measurement.
Researchers developed a novel method to detect and characterize nanoplastics in ocean water by using small invertebrates. The technique uses asymmetrical-flow field flow fractionation (AF4) and Raman spectroscopy to separate and identify nanoplastics, providing a more accurate measurement of these tiny plastics.
Research at Uppsala University discovered an epigenetic mechanism linking bisphenol F (BPF) exposure during fetal development to lower IQ levels in children. The study found that higher BPF levels were associated with increased DNA methylation in the GRIN2B gene, which plays a key role in neurological development.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a catalytic process to efficiently convert polyethylene to jet fuel and high-value lubricants. The process converts 90% of plastic to usable products within an hour, offering a promising approach to reducing waste plastics.
Scientists are concerned about the potential harmful effects of nanoplastics on ecosystems, but knowledge gaps hinder understanding of their risks. Research is needed to develop analytical methods and study interactions between nanoparticles and biological systems.
Researchers found high levels of lead, antimony, and copper in disposable face masks, posing a risk to human health and the environment. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations on mask production and disposal to mitigate these risks.
Research highlights the persistence of plastic waste in deep-sea environments, with potential implications for marine life and the sedimentary record. The study suggests that plastics can survive for thousands of years in ocean trenches, posing a significant challenge to mitigation efforts.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati discovered that some BPA-free drinking bottles can contain traces of BPA, a chemical linked to heart health issues. The study found that multiple cycles through the dishwasher effectively removes BPA from these bottles.
Researchers analyzed museum specimens to find that fish have been ingesting microplastics since the 1950s, with concentrations increasing over time. The study highlights the importance of natural history collections in museums and serves as a wake-up call for addressing plastic pollution.
A ship's container lost at sea resulted in printer cartridges washing up on coastlines from Florida to Norway, contaminating the environment with metals like titanium and copper. The study used social media sightings and ocean modeling tools to track the spread of the cargo, highlighting the speed and reach of ocean currents.
Researchers at FSU's Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies have developed a new virtual tool to track marine litter in the ocean. The tool provides insights into where mismanaged plastic waste is released and ends up, informing policies and regulations to mitigate its impact.
Researchers at Washington State University found that tiny plastic particles can move through the environment, evading natural obstacles like sand and organic matter. This study could help develop more efficient filters to remove microplastics from drinking water.
University of Delaware researchers report a breakthrough process that can convert hard-to-recycle plastics into usable molecules. The hydrocracking process requires less energy than other technologies and can treat various plastics, even when mixed together.
A new type of plastic, poly(diketoenamine), can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. The material's production and recycling processes are designed to be inexpensive and energy-efficient, making it commercially competitive with conventional plastics.
Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology discover a phenomenon called photoexpansion in hard plastic films, which exhibits convex deformation under UV light due to cis isomerization. The study reveals the unique deformation mechanism of bio-based polycinnamate films, offering potential for precise control of ph...
A new study suggests that microplastic ingestion by zooplankton can significantly affect the marine ecosystem's nutrient cycling and oxygen levels. Even low concentrations of microplastics can lead to a strong impact on ecosystems.
Researchers at iCOUP have developed a chemical process that breaks down polyolefins into valuable biodegradable chemicals. These chemicals can be used as surfactants, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
Biologists found that plasticisers bisphenol A and bisphenol S disrupt nerve cell communication in fish brains. They warn of similar effects on human brains, highlighting the need for alternative plasticisers.
Researchers found that 84% of atmospheric microplastics originated from road dust, while 11% came from sea spray and 5% from agricultural soil. Microplastics can re-enter the atmosphere even after settling on land or in water, highlighting a complex plastic cycle.
Researchers have developed a novel approach for injection molding transparent fused silica glass at lower temperatures. This innovative process enables the production of high-quality glass components using conventional injection molding techniques, offering improved industrial efficiency.
Researchers have developed a safer, biodegradable alternative to conventional polyurethanes using fish waste. The new material, made from fish oil and amino acids, shows promising signs of breaking down in the environment.
Researchers found that consumer resistance stems from the disruption of social practices, such as shopping, rather than individual behaviors. To overcome resistance, policy makers should focus on changing these practices, not just individual actions. The study provides a framework for designing practice-based sustainability interventions.
Researchers developed a comprehensive model to estimate lifetime microplastic exposure, accounting for variable levels from different sources and populations. The model predicts that adults can accrue an average of 50,100 microplastic particles by age 70.
The collection explores gaps in understanding microplastics' effects on ecosystems, human health, and carbon cycling. Experts call for open collaboration to develop policies and regulations for emerging contaminants.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method for producing propylene, a key component of plastics, that uses less energy. The technique, which involves the use of two catalysts, produces yields up to 30% higher than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for more energy-efficient plastics production.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory have developed a new method to break down polystyrene waste in a single step, at room temperature, and without harmful solvents. The process involves ball-milling, which generates free radicals that enable the extraction of monomeric styrene from the oligomeric radical-bearing species formed.
A new technique developed by McGill University scientists can detect ultra-trace quantities of plastics in various environmental samples, including snow, water, and soil. The technique allows for more accurate analysis of micro- and nano-plastics, shedding light on the widespread impact of plastic pollution on human health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a vast amount of plastic waste, including face-masks and gloves, that are now part of the archaeological record. Archaeologists argue that studying this material culture can inform policy decisions to tackle environmental pollution.
The ACS Spring 2021 meeting will feature nearly 9,000 presentations on various subjects including COVID-19 lessons learned, health and medicine, renewable energy and fuels, sustainability, and more. Keynote speakers will focus on cutting-edge developments in bio-based plastics, machine biology, and Macromolecular Chemistry.
The UMass Lowell project aims to create new uses for plastic waste and improve recycling of plastic films from industrial and consumer goods. Researchers will develop innovative plastics-processing technologies to support manufacturers across the country.
Researchers have shown experimentally that most nanoplastics in estuarine waters clump, forming larger clusters that settle or stick to solid objects. This could mean that estuaries filter out nanoplastics before they enter the ocean.
Researchers have developed a superamphiphilic vitrimer epoxy resin membrane that can separate water and oil, making it an effective solution for cleaning up oil spills. The membrane is fully recyclable and can be depolymerized and reused after being clogged by pollutants.
Scientists found microplastics ranging from two-hundredths of an inch to less than a tenth of an inch long, with polyethylene being the most commonly observed polymer. The study suggests stormwater could be an important source of plastic pollution in oceans and waters.
A study by researchers at the University of Bologna found that sea turtles have high levels of plastic debris in their faeces, which can alter their gut microbiota and compromise their health. The Adriatic Sea is a major hotspot for marine pollution, with over 10 million tons of plastic entering the oceans every year.