Articles tagged with Plastics
Researchers discovered that stream discharge, benthic algae presence, and substrate characteristics increase microplastic retention. High levels of algae and larger stream substrates trap microplastics, while rapid discharge events resuspend them.
A recent study reveals that only 9.5% of plastic materials produced globally in 2022 were made from recycled materials, with the majority coming from fossil fuels. The study also highlights a significant increase in plastic waste disposal by incineration and regional differences in plastic consumption.
Researchers found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva, potentially leading to ingestion. Synthetic and natural gums had similar amounts of microplastics released, with the most abundant polymers being polyolefins.
Researchers at KAIST have successfully developed an eco-friendly, bio-based plastic that combines the advantages of PET and nylon. The new material was produced through microbial fermentation and exhibited characteristics similar to high-density polyethylene, making it strong and durable enough for industrial use.
Countries are urged to update their National Determined Contribution plans to address plastic waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The team suggests specific goals, such as cutting plastic production and incentivizing sustainable manufacturing.
A study of over 97 citizen scientists found that coastal areas have significantly more litter than inland locations, with urban areas consistently exhibiting more litter than rural areas. The research highlights the need for tailored waste management strategies to address regional differences in litter patterns.
Researchers have discovered alarming levels of microplastics in human brain tissue, with concentrations 3-5 times higher in individuals with dementia diagnoses. The study highlights the need for large-scale human studies to determine dose-response relationships between microplastic exposure and chronic health outcomes.
Researchers are calling for a reduction in toxic chemicals used in plastics manufacturing and a complete ban of hazardous chemicals. The study highlights the need for improved reporting, transparency, and regulation of chemicals throughout the plastics life cycle.
Research by University of Missouri researchers uncovers microplastic pollution generated by polymer-coated fertilizers, threatening human and animal health. The study suggests biodegradable alternatives and effective stormwater management to mitigate the risks associated with PC-CRFs.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing a lightweight, flexible robotic arm that enables wheelchair users to safely grasp and carry objects out of reach. The project builds on origami-inspired designs and novel fabrication methods for modules made of lightweight plastics, 3D printed components, and sensors.
Researchers discovered that many marine fungi isolated from Hawai'i's nearshore environment have the ability to degrade plastic. The team then conditioned these fungi to consume polyurethane and other types of plastics more efficiently. By studying their adaptability, scientists hope to develop new solutions for cleaning up oceans.
Researchers detect nanoplastic particles on glaciers in France, Italy, and Switzerland, suggesting sea pollution as the source. The concentrations of nanoplastics varied between locations, with wind direction affecting their accumulation.
Researchers have developed a novel solid catalyst to efficiently reclaim materials from epoxy products, including carbon fibers and glass fibers. The process uses lower temperatures than traditional methods, reducing energy requirements and making the recovery of materials more environmentally friendly.
A £1 million grant-funded project aims to advance production of next-generation, paper-based packaging for liquids. Researchers will develop novel coating processes, mechanistic modelling, computer vision, and AI to create 'dry' spray coatings that are food-safe, degradable, and environmentally friendly.
Researchers developed a recyclable alternative to thermosets, making materials like car tires and hip joints more environmentally friendly. The new material, made from dihydrofuran, can be easily recycled and degrades naturally over time.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a low-carbon system that transforms materials like plastics and agricultural waste into syngas, producing high-quality chemicals and fuels. The technology achieves a purity of around 90% in a process that takes only a few minutes.
A new process converts polycotton textile waste into glucose, a key bio-based feedstock, and separates polyester fibers for reprocessing. The technique is scalable and cost-effective, offering a viable solution to textile waste recycling.
A report by the Consortium for Children's Environmental Health calls for new laws to test chemicals for safety and toxicity before they enter markets. The authors propose a more precautionary approach to prioritize health protection over unconstrained production of synthetic chemicals and plastics.
Researchers estimate that human-made products store around 400 million tons of fossil carbon annually, equivalent to 9% of extracted fossil carbon. Recycling and increasing product lifetime can help reduce waste streams, while enacting policies to minimize landfill discharge is crucial.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have assessed the technical feasibility of automatically separating marine plastic waste from urban recycling. They found that PET plastic bottles of marine and urban origin can be separated with high effectiveness using an optical separation system.
A new study found that mealworms can ingest and absorb microplastics when fed a realistic diet, gaining weight in the process. The insects' digestive mechanisms hold potential for breaking down microplastics, offering a novel approach to addressing plastic pollution.
Researchers observed microfiber plastics tumbling, rolling, and getting stuck in soil particles, revealing slow movement and potential trapping. The study improves understanding of exposure risks and possible health impacts of widespread plastic pollutants.
A new study suggests that addressing plastic pollution could play a critical role in lowering breast cancer rates. Researchers identified nearly half of the chemicals linked to breast cancer risk as being used in plastics, including 175 potential carcinogens that should be prioritized for regulatory action.
Researchers have developed a method to convert black polystyrene waste into reusable starting materials using sunlight or white LEDs. The technique involves adding carbon black and exposing the mixture to high-intensity light, resulting in efficient breakdown of polymer bonds.
Research highlights knowledge gaps in plastics' effects on climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. Scientists found only a few studies addressing impacts on climate change and biodiversity, while the majority focus on environmental pollution.
Researchers developed a new durable plastic that breaks down in seawater, reducing microplastic pollution. The material is strong, non-toxic, and customizable for various applications.
University of Delaware researchers develop a method to remove toxic particles from tires by upgrading a molecule that provides UV protection into safe chemicals. The leftover crumb rubber can be recycled using classic plastic recycling methods or converted into aromatics and carbon black.
Greg Liu has developed a revolutionary way to convert certain plastics into soaps, detergents, lubricants, and other products through thermolysis. The process breaks down polypropylene and polyethylene molecules into chemical compounds, leaving minimal residual solids and usable oil.
Researchers found high levels of contamination on Perequê Beach in Guarujá, Brazil, with plastic and cigarette butts predominating. The study, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, highlights the need for public policies to mitigate litter and protect marine ecosystems.
Research reveals UK households are 'wishcycling' instead of recycling due to confusing product labels and differing recycling facilities. The study recommends standardization of bin collection services and uniform labelling to make recycling more effective for consumers.
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
Researchers developed a new process to create high-performance polymer blends with improved mechanical properties. The process forms stable nanocrystalline layers at the interfaces between different polymer phases, enhancing the transfer of mechanical stresses and increasing tensile properties.
Researchers have designed a paper-aluminum laminate that could replace plastic layers in protective packaging, providing a more sustainable option. The material's mechanical properties were compared to conventional polyethylene-aluminum laminates and found to be nearly identical.
Researchers from Osaka University have developed tough biodegradable plastics with movable cyclodextrin crosslinks, which improve both durability and degradation capabilities. The new polymers can be broken down by enzymes into useful precursor molecules, reducing waste generation.
A new study by UC Davis engineers and economists finds that producing materials like steel, plastics, and cement inflicts $79 billion a year on the global climate. The team calculated climate costs using the Environmental Protection Agency's Social Cost of Carbon standard.
Researchers at WVU have developed microwave technology to recover propylene from polypropylene waste, which can be reused in new plastics or products. The process uses precise control and lower temperatures than traditional methods, offering energy efficiency and reduced emissions.
Researchers at National University of Singapore develop a straightforward method to convert common chemicals into valuable alkenes using light. The new method simplifies the production of alkenes from abundant feedstock chemicals, enabling the creation of complex bioactive molecules.
A Rutgers Health study reveals that micro- and nanoplastic particles remain in rat offspring's organs long after birth, raising concerns for human health. The findings could lead to greater regulation of plastics with reduced toxicity.
Research suggests that plants can be used as an eco-friendly tool to collect and degrade plastic particles in natural ecosystems. Various plants have been found to absorb or adsorb micro- and nanoparticles through their roots or leaves, making them suitable for use as filters in wetlands or along highways.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a way to make tough, chemically recyclable polymers without compromising on heat and chemical resistance. This breakthrough could hugely expand the uses of chemically recyclable polymers.
Researchers at Rice University have developed adhesive bacteria and proteins that can help efficiently decompose PET, a notoriously resistant type of plastic. The engineered microbes demonstrate a 400-fold increase in adhesion to PET surfaces, making them a potential solution for tackling plastic pollution.
A new study reveals high levels of airborne plasticizers in Southern California, including phthalates known to cause reproductive harm and cancer. The study uses silicone wristbands to track exposure to these chemicals, finding that daily levels are both high and persistent.
Researchers at Lund University found that grazing zooplankton and phytoplankton diatoms are severely impacted by nanoplastic particles, while cyanobacteria remain unaffected. The study's findings have significant implications for food chains and ecosystem processes.
Researchers have identified nearly 200 potential breast carcinogens in food contact materials, including plastics and paper, highlighting widespread exposure despite existing regulation. The findings emphasize the need for stronger preventative measures to reduce these chemicals in everyday products.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that reducing plastic waste entering oceans by 32% by 2035 would result in more than 50% less plastic in the oceans by 2050. The study aims to provide a clear numerical target for global efforts to tackle marine plastic pollution.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new catalyst that efficiently converts a derivative of glycerol into bio-based propylene, contributing to sustainable chemical production. The catalyst enables the selective reduction of allyl alcohol to propylene with high efficiency using renewable energy sources.
The project aims to create a Great Lakes-focused microplastic action network using proven reduction strategies and new tools. It will empower communities to identify local pollution sources and mitigate microplastic pollution at a local level.
Researchers have discovered microplastics in all three parts of coral anatomy, including surface mucus, tissue, and skeleton. This finding may explain the 'missing plastic problem' and suggests that corals could be sequestering plastic waste from the ocean.
A new USDA-funded research grant supports the development of sustainable, biodegradable mulch films that can provide nutrients to crops while reducing plastic pollution. The project aims to create durable and effective films that can be used for years without harming the environment.
A new report by international experts urges a collective approach to tackle plastic pollution, citing over 7,000 research studies on microplastics. The need for global reduction in plastic production and emission of microplastic particles is emphasized to avoid irreversible environmental damage.
Researchers from Zhejiang University have developed a hybrid laser direct writing technique that enables the creation of functional copper interconnects and carbon-based sensors within a single integrated system. The process allows for real-time temperature monitoring over extended periods, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
A new chemical process can vaporize plastics, reducing waste and creating hydrocarbon building blocks for new plastics. The catalytic process efficiently degrades a mix of post-consumer plastic waste, bringing closer a circular economy for many throwaway plastics.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed polyethylene rafts that are about five times more durable than traditional bamboo rafts used in oyster farming. The new rafts are designed to be affordable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, reducing damage from typhoons.
A recent study published in Eco-Environment & Health explores the potential of phytoremediation to alleviate micro/nanoplastic pollution. The research identifies possible mechanisms and technological pathways for phytoremediation to combat plastic pollution, potentially delivering a sustainable solution.
A research team from Aarhus University has found a method to recycle polyurethane foam into its original components, polyol and isocyanate. The new process recovers up to 82 weight percent of the material, making it possible to reuse them as raw materials in new PUR products.
Researchers developed a faster and more precise method to separate particles in fluids, enabling quicker sorting of cells in blood samples and removal of pollutants in water. The improved technique uses specially engineered channels and high polymer concentrations to guide particles and increase accuracy.
Research published in ACS Environmental Science & Technology found that freezing can alter microplastics' sink-or-swim tendencies, with some polymers becoming larger and more buoyant after thawing. This could accelerate the accumulation of microplastics in freshwater lake or river sediments.
Research published in Nature Communications found an association between prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and autism in boys. The study suggests that BPA may disrupt hormone-controlled male fetal brain development, leading to autism symptoms.
A new study found that microplastics impact plant reproduction, while seawater flooding causes greater tissue death in coastal plants. Combining both stressors amplifies threats to ecosystem wellbeing.
Researchers develop new method to combine thermal degradation of olive pomace and plastic waste, generating valuable products like biofuels and reducing pollution. The process is efficient, producing less energy and fewer polluting gases than separate pyrolysis.