Articles tagged with Plastics
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A shift in beverage sales towards medium-sized plastic bottles could reduce PET waste by 1% each year, resulting in a potential reduction of 9,052 tonnes. Medium-sized bottles with capacities above 2,265 milliliters deliver the highest volume of beverage for the lowest packaging weight.
Researchers find most plastic particles in water samples come from marine paints, with PVC and acrylates dominating the composition. The team's findings suggest thousands of tonnes of paint end up in the marine environment every year, posing potential environmental risks.
Researchers identified 126 substances that can harm children's health, including phthalates, flame retardants, and fragrances. The study recommends prioritizing phase-out of these chemicals and developing benchmarks for safe use in toy materials.
Scientists have discovered rare metals in 24 of 31 products tested, including single-use food packaging and children's toys. The study suggests REEs are ubiquitous and pervasive contaminants of consumer plastics.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have created a more energy-efficient chemical recycling method for polyethylene-like plastics, recovering around 96% of the starting material. The new process uses 'breaking-points' to deconstruct molecular chains into smaller building blocks, making it suitable for 3D printing applications.
A study by scientists from Incheon National University reveals that microplastics in agricultural soil can affect soil quality, plant physiology, and even the environment. The researchers found that different shapes of MPs dominate various agricultural practices, highlighting the need for efficient management strategies to reduce the t...
A new study in Frontiers in Communication demonstrates the impact of subtle messaging and cues on encouraging people to show socially desirable behaviors. Travelers were more likely to demonstrate environmentally conscious actions when given a 'nudge' towards the desirable action, whether framed positively or negatively.
A new study from the University of Kansas explores how older environmentally-minded individuals consider death care and their chances of choosing eco-friendly burials. Despite growing awareness of green burials, many participants expressed uncertainty about the practice due to societal and cultural pressures.
The global COVID19 pandemic may be an opportunity to rethink sustainable tourism's impact on Mediterranean beaches. Researchers found that 80% of marine litter comes from tourists' activities, generating huge amounts of microplastics.
Researchers at the University of Groningen and ECUST have developed a way to produce polymers from lipoic acid, which can be easily depolymerized under mild conditions. The process recovers 87% of monomers in their pure form, enabling fully recyclable plastics.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a benchmark system to assess the environmental impact of plastics production in the US. The study provides data on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for 18 types of plastics, allowing researchers to compare their designs with current manufacturing practices.
A recent study published in Microplastics and Nanoplastics journal concludes that marine litter in coastal systems has remained constant since 2019, with some components showing a decrease. The steady state scenario raises questions about the transfer of plastic litter to remote areas or degradation into smaller fragments.
A new method uses ruthenium-carbon catalysts to convert polyolefins into fuels and chemical feedstock, with over 90% conversion rate at lower temperatures. The process can produce natural gas and liquid alkanes, potentially reducing post-consumer waste in landfills.
This study by Guangfa Zhong and Xiaotong Peng presents novel findings on the distribution patterns and dispersion mechanisms of deep-sea plastic waste in a submarined canyon. Plastic litter items are highly heterogeneously distributed, with most occurring in longitudinal litter piles.
A new study published in Science of the Total Environment reveals mangroves are significantly impacted by plastic pollution from rivers, with 54% of habitats within 20km of a polluting river. River deltas receive 52% of plastic pollution, while rocky shores receive only 6%
A Princeton University team has discovered a new polybutadiene molecule that can be depolymerized under certain conditions, enabling the creation of chemically recyclable plastics. The material, named (1,n'-divinyl)oligocyclobutane, exhibits intriguing properties such as telechelic functionality, thermal stability, and high crystallinity.
In a study of local rivers, researchers discovered that litter provides the largest and most stable habitat for invertebrates, supporting diverse communities. The findings have important implications for river management, including clean-up events and introducing alternative habitats.
Researchers found significant accumulation of PVC and polystyrene in seagrass sediments since the 1930s, indicating a dramatic increase since the 1970s. This pollution can potentially lead to microplastic exposure for animals grazing on or living in the sediment.
A comprehensive LCA study shows that reprocessed medical devices are environmentally superior to original products in 13 of 16 categories. Reprocessing advances the circular economy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to half, aligning with the UN Sustainability Goals and EU Medical Device Regulation.
Researchers have developed a new method for recycling plastic waste using mechanochemical ball milling and vapor-assisted aging, achieving up to 99% conversion of PET into monomers. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly reduce plastic pollution and create sustainable processes for producing valuable chemicals.
Researchers developed degradable, cargo-bearing polymers from xylose-based monomers that can be hydrolyzed to release useful molecules. The polymers' linkages determine their degradation rate, producing pyrroles or furans.
Researchers estimate that the Ganges Brahmaputra Meghna River Basin releases 1-3 billion microplastics daily. The study found most microplastics were fibres from clothing materials like rayon and acrylic.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that Posidonia oceanica seagrass can trap and remove significant amounts of plastic materials from coastal areas. Researchers estimate that up to 867 million plastics could be caught per year, with a density of 1,470 plastics per kilogram of plant fibre.
Researchers found high levels of plastic debris trapped in seagrass litter and fibers, suggesting that seagrass meadows can facilitate marine plastic removal from the sea. The study estimates that Mediterranean seagrass meadows may trap up to 867 million plastic items each year.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a technique to convert pyrolyzed plastic ash into turbostratic graphene flakes, which can be added to materials like polyvinyl alcohol films and Portland cement to improve their compressive strength and resistance to water. The process has the potential to reduce energy use and cut pollutan...
Bath scientists and industry partners are developing a way to chemically break down mixtures of plastics into their constituent molecules, enabling more efficient recycling. The team is also exploring automation of the process to enhance efficiency.
Researchers from Osaka City University have successfully recycled a type of plastic found in everyday items into liquid fuels and wax using a novel catalyst process. The process, which requires temperatures as low as 473 degrees Kelvin, produces a 92% yield of useful materials.
A new study has found small microplastics in the ocean surrounding Okinawa, with over 75% made from polyethylene. The plastics correlated more with population density than industrialized areas, highlighting potential leaching from fishing equipment and road dust.
Researchers at Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a method to create a sorbent from plastic waste that can remove imidacloprid, a widely used insecticide, from water. The sorbent, made from metal-organic frameworks, has been shown to be effective in removing up to 15 grams of insecticide per liter of water.
A new study reveals that mussels, oysters, and scallops have the highest levels of microplastic contamination among seafood. The research found an average microplastic content of 0-10.5 microplastics per gram in molluscs, highlighting the need for standardised methods to measure microplastic contamination.
A study at the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals microplastics are swept up into the atmosphere and carried on the wind to remote parts of the ocean. The findings suggest these minuscule fragments can harm marine environment and affect human health through the food chain.
A revised study verifies that nanoplastics affect the composition and diversity of our intestinal microbiome, causing damage to human health. Alterations in the gut microbiome lead to changes in immune, endocrine, and nervous systems.
Researchers found that four commonly consumed mussel species globally contained microplastic particles, with varying levels of contamination. The study reveals the widespread presence of microplastics in mussels worldwide, including those from the North Atlantic and South Pacific regions.
Researchers at UC Berkeley develop a new catalytic process converting polyethylene plastic into high-value adhesives, enhancing its stickiness without compromising other traits. This breakthrough could change the economics of turning waste into valuable products.
A team from the University of Cambridge has created an affordable solution for assessing the proper fit of N95 and similar sealing masks, utilizing a simple home aroma diffuser and large plastic bag. This setup can perform similarly to commercial qualitative fit-testing solutions without the high costs associated with them.
Research studies have found that 3D printer emissions can cause moderate toxicity in human lung cells and minimal toxicity in rats. The emitted particles can affect indoor air quality and public health, particularly for children who are more susceptible to the effects of these emissions.
WSU researchers have developed an origami-inspired fuel bladder that can be squeezed at least 100 times without breaking or leaking under cold conditions. This breakthrough solves a key challenge in space travel, enabling larger and longer-duration missions.
Researchers find that styrene oligomers (SOs) dilute in water at different rates, with lighter molecules leaching out more readily. The study suggests using a ratio of SO dimers and trimers to identify the source of contamination and estimate bioavailable fractions.
Researchers have developed a new one-step polymerization method to label and track nano-plastics, allowing for the investigation of their behavior in simulated lab environments. This breakthrough could help fill the knowledge gap on the effects and behavior of nano-plastics in the environment.
Researchers found 27 plastic items per square meter in mangroves, with plastics buried up to 35cm deep. Mangroves' resilience is threatened as trees suffocate when half of the forest floor is covered in plastic.
A new report reveals widespread ocean pollution poses significant human health risks, affecting 3 billion people. The study recommends banning coal combustion and single-use plastics to mitigate these impacts.
Researchers from the University of Exeter and ZSL used GPS and satellite tags in plastic bottles to track plastic pollution in the Ganges river and Bay of Bengal. The study found that plastic pollution can travel thousands of kilometers in just a few months, with some bottles traveling up to 2,845km in 94 days.
A new study successfully tracks 'bottle tags' through the Ganges River system and into the Bay of Bengal, revealing how plastic pollution moves through rivers. The tracking method uses reclaimed bottles with custom-designed electronics, allowing for detailed insights into river transport of plastic pollution.
New research finds that plastics in seawater can cause deformities and developmental problems in sea urchin larvae due to chemical leaching. The study highlights the importance of reducing plastic pollution and finding alternatives to replace harmful additives.
Researchers discovered microplastics in Pacific razor clams from Washington's Olympic Coast, with an average of seven pieces per clam. Thoroughly cleaning clams reduced microplastic content by half.
Entanglement in waste fishing gear poses a significant threat to Ganges River wildlife, including critically endangered species like the three-striped roofed turtle and Ganges river dolphin. The study highlights the need for recycling systems and awareness-raising initiatives to mitigate plastic pollution.
Researchers analyzed soil and sheep feces samples to determine contamination levels of microplastics in Murcia's agricultural soils. They found 100% soil samples contained microplastics, as well as 92% of sheep feces samples, highlighting the ingestion of plastics by livestock.
The University of Oklahoma faculty member will explore innovative ways to break down various types of plastic, including multi-layered packaging, to increase recyclability. The research aims to design catalysts that target impurities, producing a pure stream of higher value material.
Researchers found substantial quantities of polyester, acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene fibres in snow samples from Mount Everest. The high-altitude discovery suggests microplastics could have been transported from lower altitudes by extreme winds or fragmented during expeditions.
Engineers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a method for reclaiming polymers in multilayer plastics using solvents. The STRAP process uses thermodynamic calculations to separate polymers and has the potential to close the recycling loop.
Scientists at Swansea University have developed a way to extract carbon atoms from waste plastics and turn them into carbon nanotube format for transmitting electricity. The project aims to create long-range electricity transmission materials from waste plastics, advancing global energy sustainability.
Researchers discovered microplastics on Mount Everest, with highest concentrations near Base Camp but also found high-altitude samples below the summit. The study suggests that high-performance outdoor clothing is a major source of pollution.
A Brazilian company developed a plastic film that eliminates 79.9% of SARS-CoV-2 particles in three minutes and 99.99% in up to 15 minutes, making it a promising material for food packaging protection against the novel coronavirus. The film contains silver and silica nanoparticles and has been successfully tested in laboratory settings.
The four-year project will map the sources of plastic waste, investigate its effects and generate solutions to reduce waste. Researchers will work with governments, businesses and communities to co-design effective ways to cut plastic pollution.
The UKRI programme aims to improve understanding of plastic pollution impacts and develop solutions for cleaner environments. Researchers will investigate various aspects of plastic waste, including its effects on agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, and waste management practices.
The book Mare Plasticum delves into the devastating effects of plastics and microplastics on marine environments. It aims to change society's consciousness towards more responsible behavior, highlighting urgent need for action.
Researchers at USTC develop materials with a hierarchical structure similar to nacre, exhibiting excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability. The new materials outperform conventional plastics in terms of strength and toughness, making them a promising alternative for plastic replacement.
A new study found that plastic bottles colonize with diverse bacterial communities, while elevated CO2 levels negatively impact certain species. Researchers warn of the increasing threat posed by plastics and ocean acidification to marine biodiversity.
A team of engineers at Polytechnique Montréal has created a fabric using additive manufacturing that absorbs up to 96% of impact energy without breaking. The innovative design, inspired by spider webs, can be incorporated into glass panels to prevent shattering on impact.
A new study reveals the United States is a top source of plastic pollution in coastal environments, contributing up to 2.25 million metric tons of plastics. The country's high plastic waste generation and lack of effective recycling practices are major contributors to this problem.