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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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%
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.