Articles tagged with Plastics
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Researchers have found tiny microplastic particles in archaeological soil samples dating back to the first century, potentially compromising preserved remains. The study suggests that preserving archaeology in situ may no longer be appropriate due to microplastic contamination.
Researchers have created a method to make fully recyclable polymers from plant cellulose, which can replace some plastics and reduce plastic pollution. The new polymers have various structures that offer different applications, including high-performance materials for optical, electronic, and biomedical uses.
A recent study by UFZ and AWI researchers found significant accumulations of plastics in the North Pacific Ocean, extending far beyond the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Microplastics were also discovered in a remote marine protected area northwest of Hawaii, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution.
Researchers developed mesoporous metal oxides on flexible materials using synergetic effect of heat and plasma at lower temperatures. The devices can withstand bending thousands of times without losing energy storage performance.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology report that global warming and plastic pollution are inextricably linked, with rising temperatures causing plastics to deteriorate more rapidly. This acceleration in plastic waste leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating climate change.
A pioneering approach produces high-performance polyamides from sugar cores derived from agricultural waste, with impressive atom efficiency and recyclability
Research reveals micro- and nanoplastics can persist in the human body for longer than previously thought, being passed on to newly formed cells during cell division. The study also suggests these tiny plastic particles may promote the spread of cancer by increasing tumor migration.
Rice University researchers have developed a new, energy-efficient process to upcycle glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) into silicon carbide, widely used in semiconductors and sandpaper. The method involves heating the mixture of GFRP and carbon to extremely high temperatures, transforming it into conductive silicon carbide.
Researchers found that boiling and filtering calcium-containing tap water can effectively remove nearly 90% of nano- and microplastics. Boiling even in soft water samples removed around 25% of NMPs, suggesting this simple method could be a game-changer for reducing human plastic consumption.
A study found that glitter's metal coating reduces light penetration, impairing photosynthesis of Large-flowered waterweed Egeria densa and affecting aquatic plant growth. The experiment showed a significant decrease in photosynthesis rates with the presence of glitter, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives.
A recent study by UNM Health Sciences researchers has found that microplastics are present in all 62 human placenta samples tested. The concentrations ranged from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue, with polyethylene being the most prevalent polymer found. The study suggests that microplastics may be linked to puzzling increases ...
Researchers have discovered microplastics and cellulose-based fibres in the intestine samples of four apex shark species caught off the coast of South East Queensland. The study found that 82% of analysed intestine samples contained microplastics, with a mean abundance of 31 particles/kg of samples.
A new study from Norway shows that only a third of fishing ropes can be recycled in a sustainable way. The researchers analyzed 15 types of rope and ranked them according to ease of recycling, highlighting the need for better waste management practices.
A team of researchers led by Prof. Yong Sik Ok proposes an innovative eight-phase methodology for analyzing microplastics in soils, addressing the lack of standardized procedures. The methodology emphasizes careful planning, processing, and analysis to ensure accuracy and precision.
New Jersey Institute of Technology chemists have developed a lab-based method to detect traces of PFAS from food packaging material, water, and soil samples in just three minutes or less. The approach, involving paper spray mass spectrometry, is 10-100 times more sensitive than current standard techniques for PFAS testing.
Researchers have identified nanoplastics in ocean water off the coasts of China, South Korea, and the US, with surprising diversity in shape and chemical composition. The tiny plastic particles, originating from consumer products, were found to be more toxic than larger plastic particles due to their small size.
The study proposes technical, legal, and economic interventions to transition the global plastics system to net zero emissions by 2050. The authors emphasize the need for concerted action across four target areas: smart materials design, waste management, recycling, and reducing future demand.
Researchers found rapid microplastic accumulation and contamination across prey organisms, with Galápagos penguins showing the highest level. The study highlights the urgent need to reduce plastic waste and protect vulnerable ecosystems.
Researchers found that microplastic particles are picked up by wind more easily than soil minerals, leading to underestimation of emissions. The study highlights an underappreciated way microplastics become airborne, affecting the environment and human health.
Chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease significantly worsen prognosis for severely burned patients. The study analyzed data from 1,193 patients and found that nearly half did not survive their burns with impaired kidney function. Researchers highlight the need to integrate these findings into burn treatment scores.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a method to manipulate the shape of materials through microscale melting and cooling, enabling autonomous shapeshifting in 3D. This technology has far-reaching implications for industries such as aerospace and architecture.
A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society estimates that chemicals in plastics contribute to various diseases and disabilities in the US, resulting in significant healthcare costs. The study found that $67 billion is attributed to phthalate exposure, while PFAS exposure leads to $22 billion in health costs.
A dry-packaged hydrating facial mask made of biobased and sustainable materials provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional sheet masks. The mask's ingredients, including plant-based polylactic acid and green tea extract, deliver moisture and nutrients while promoting antioxidant properties.
Researchers at Shinshu University propose a new chemical process to depolymerize cyclic α-substituted styrene-based vinyl polymers, resulting in the recovery of monomer precursors. This efficient recycling system can facilitate effective resource circulation and development of new plastic recycling technologies.
A new study reveals that microplastic fibers settle substantially slower than spherical particles in the atmosphere, allowing them to reach remote regions such as Arctic glaciers. The research suggests that these fibers could even reach the stratosphere, with potential implications for cloud processes and ozone depletion.
A new approach to designing plastic products with low environmental persistence could significantly reduce the environmental costs of single-use plastics. By analyzing the environmental degradation rate of different materials, researchers have identified alternative materials like cellulose diacetate and polyhydroxyalkanoates as potent...
A recent study published in Applied Spectroscopy reveals that Lake Tahoe's lakebed is contaminated with high amounts of plastic and other litter. The researchers collected 673 pieces of plastic from just a small fraction of the lake, including food containers, bottles, and toys. This data can help scientists better understand the sourc...
A team at Hokkaido University has developed a method to reuse plastic waste while improving process safety and efficiency. The approach uses common plastic materials to initiate radical chain reactions, detoxifying hazardous chemicals and reducing toxicity.
A team of experts has developed a way to convert polyethylene waste into ethylene and propionic acid through atomically dispersed metal catalysts. This method uses renewable solar energy to produce valuable chemicals with high selectivity, alleviating the need for complex separation processes.
A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that men prefer a moderately enhanced, well-proportioned appearance for their buttocks. The findings suggest that ratings from men and women were similar in terms of preferred proportions, with a focus on symmetry and avoiding a flat or protruding shape.
Researchers developed a robot prototype inspired by a snail's ability to collect food particles at the water-air interface. The device uses an undulating motion to suck in microplastics from the surface of oceans and seas.
Research on marine amphipod Echinogammarus marinus found that exposure to toxic plastic additives compromises their ability to reproduce successfully. The study, published in Environmental Pollution, tested four widely used chemicals and found that all of them reduced the overall percentage of animals that formed pairs.
A new study discovered microplastics in the placentas of Hawaiʻi mothers between 2006 and 2021, with increasing presence found each year. The researchers believe microplastics may be ingested through food or inhaling dust particles, raising concerns about their impact on fetal health.
A data analysis estimates that the annual economic cost of cigarette plastics waste is around US$26 billion, with cumulative costs reaching US$186 billion over 10 years. This environmental toll is preventable and accumulating, highlighting the need for tobacco industry accountability for marine pollution.
A team of NTU scientists found a mix of harmful microorganisms, including Labyrinthulaceae and Lyngbya, that can poison marine life. However, they also discovered potential plastic-eating bacteria, such as Muricauda and Halomonas, which could aid in plastic degradation.
Researchers establish new standards for laboratory experiments to improve PET recycling efficiency. Four engineered enzymes were tested, with LCC-ICCG outperforming the others in terms of depolymerisation rate and enzyme requirement. The study aims to accelerate the development of industrial-scale solutions for PET waste management.
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and JBEI developed a simple
Scientists have developed a new method to investigate the deposition and impact of microplastics in soil, using neutron and X-ray tomography. The technique allows for the precise location of microplastic particles and analysis of changes to soil structure, shedding light on the environmental implications of microplastic pollution.
A new technology enables the printing of complex robots with soft, elastic, and rigid materials in one go. This allows for the creation of delicate structures and parts with cavities as desired.
Researchers analyzed microplastics in mountain clouds and found they can modify particles in ways that enable them to affect cloud formation. The study also found that clouds can increase the presence of toxic metals on these particles.
An international team at DTU has increased the durability of CO2 electrolyzers, enabling the conversion of captured CO2 into valuable green chemicals like ethylene and ethanol. The breakthrough could play a significant role in the green transition by reducing global CO2 emissions
Researchers have created a new analytical method to identify and measure small microplastics in the environment. The technique combines flow cytometry with pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry to characterize and count these tiny particles, providing a more complete picture of their abundance and type.
A new polyurethane production technique using CO2 creates easily recyclable plastics with a thermoset structure, but can be reshaped by exchanges of chemical bonds. These plastics offer multiple ways of recycling materials at their end-of-life, eliminating additives.
A group of 35 scientists calls out conflicts of interest in global plastic treaty negotiations, which have hindered timely action on health and environmental issues. They recommend implementing guidelines to prevent industry influence on the UN's Science Policy Panel on chemicals, citing past examples of pollution protection dilution.
Rotifers, microscopic zooplankton found in ocean and freshwater, break down microplastics into nanoplastics. This process creates massive amounts of nanoparticles, posing unknown risks to the environment and human health.
A team of international scientists cautions that reliance on mechanical cleanup devices to address plastic pollution is ineffective and may even harm marine life. They argue that reducing plastic production and consumption is the most cost-effective way to prevent further pollution.
Researchers emphasize the need for a holistic approach to tackle plastic pollution, prioritizing 'upstream' issues such as reducing production and consumption of plastics. The treaty should prioritize early interventions, focusing on ecosystems and chemical simplification.
Researchers at University of Tokyo developed a new plastic material called VPR, which can maintain complex shapes, repair itself with heat, and biodegrade in seawater. The material has improved toughness, shape memory, and recyclability.
A Cornell University collaboration developed a model to simulate atmospheric transport of microplastic fibers, revealing flat fibers travel farther and are more prevalent than spherical ones. The research could help attribute sources of microplastic particles and inform management plans.
Producing new plastic via advanced recycling of post-use plastic reduces GHG emissions by 18-23% and fossil energy use by 65-70%. The study analyzed 2017-2021 data from eight companies and found a further 40-50% reduction when factoring in current end-of-life practices.
Researchers have developed a new protocol to test the toxicity of micro- and nano-plastics in various organisms, considering particle-specific properties and dynamic behavior. The protocol takes between 24h to 2 months and can be applied by students, academics, and industries.
Researchers at Lund University discovered that certain fungi can 'clean up' their surroundings by catching nanoplastics, reducing their toxic effects. This finding highlights the potential for fungi to mitigate soil pollution and provides hope for a more sustainable future.
Researchers at Princeton University demonstrated that ocean bursting bubbles can transport microplastics into the atmosphere, adding to evidence of plastic pollution's oceanic reach. The study projects an annual emission of around 100,000 metric tons of microplastics from the ocean.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed 3D-printed plasmonic plastic, enabling the mass production of optical sensors that can detect hydrogen gas. The composite material has unique optical properties, allowing it to filter out molecules except hydrogen, making it ideal for various applications.
Researchers detected nine types of polymers and one type of rubber in cloud water, confirming microplastics play a key role in rapid cloud formation. The presence of hydrophilic polymers in the atmosphere could lead to significant changes in ecological balance and severe loss of biodiversity.
Researchers at SLU discovered high concentrations of microplastics in Cliff Cave's water and sediment, with highest levels near the entrance and in sediment. Flooding increases microplastic transport through the cave system, depositing debris in higher abundances near the mouth.
Researchers investigated Japan's market for incorporating greener plastics to achieve carbon neutrality. They found that bioplastics have the lowest global warming potential, while recycled plastics are cheaper but with lower quality and recyclability. A robust recycling system is crucial to ensure quality assurance.
Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.
Ghana has adopted a citizen science approach to address marine plastic litter, leveraging existing data and networks to inform policies and global SDG monitoring. The initiative has become a success story, providing valuable insights for other countries to incorporate citizen science into their SDG efforts.
Researchers have genetically engineered Vibrio natriegens to produce enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in salt water. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of removing plastics from oceans and could lead to more sustainable solutions.