Articles tagged with Plastics
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.
Researchers create process to recycle polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene plastics into chemical ingredients useful for energy storage. The new method uses LEDs and a catalyst, reducing greenhouse emissions compared to traditional recycling processes.
A new study found that green nudges on a Chinese food-delivery platform increased the share of no-cutlery orders by 648 percent, saving over 3.26 million metric tons of plastic waste annually. The platform's rewards system, which included redeemable points for planting trees, was instrumental in changing consumer behavior.
Researchers warn that microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural soils could contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria entering the food chain. This phenomenon is not well known, but studies suggest that plastics can act as vectors for transmitting pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a fully recyclable, flame-retardant epoxy resin-based plastic. The new material retains excellent thermomechanical properties while being reshaped like a thermoplast due to the addition of a special phosphonate ester molecule.
A study by Diamond Light Source reveals that mixtures of Zn-aggregates/micro-polymers leach out from commercial products containing Zinc Oxide, harming aquatic life. Microplastics can carry zinc particles, which can be ingested by fish and other organisms.
A team of researchers has determined that microplastic particles are present in the marine atmosphere, even in remote parts of the world. The study found that different types of plastics, including polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, were detected in air samples collected from various sites along the Norwegian coast.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that nearly all wristbands (95%) are contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E. coli and staphylococcus. The study suggests using metal types like gold and silver, which had little to no bacteria, and recommends regular sanitizing of wristbands, especially after gym activities.
Researchers investigate how exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics may increase atherosclerosis and CVD risk, particularly in children. The study aims to establish a novel therapeutic target for chemical-induced CVD and explore gene-EDC interactions.
A new recycling method reduces emissions by 60% and opens the door to reusing materials like plastic film, multilayer materials, and colored plastics. The technique recovers olefins from pyrolysis oil and uses them in a chemical process to convert into aldehydes and industrial alcohols.
A team of researchers at Virginia Tech has developed a new method for upcycling plastics into high-value chemicals used in soap production. By heating and cooling polyethylene, they break down the long carbon chains into short-chain waxes that can be converted into fatty acids and soap.
A study by Duke University researchers has found microplastics in the fats and lungs of two-thirds of marine mammals, suggesting that ingested plastics can travel into tissues. The presence of polymer particles and fibers in whales' fat and organs may cause harm, including hormone disruption.
A pilot study reveals microplastics in heart tissue samples from patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with evidence suggesting direct introduction during procedures. The findings suggest various microplastics can accumulate and persist in the heart's innermost tissues.
A £1.75m project led by Professor Chenyu Du aims to develop new processes for recovering polyester and cellulose from mixed cotton and polyester fibres. The goal is to create a roadmap towards net-zero for the textiles industry, reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling rates.
A team of researchers at the University of Florida has developed a new method for recycling plastics that promises to reduce energy requirements without sacrificing quality. This breakthrough approach uses chemical recycling and depolymerization, which can produce recycled plastic with similar or better properties than the original mat...
A breakthrough solution has been discovered to recycle blended fabrics like polyester/cotton using a simple technique involving heat, non-toxic solvent, and household ingredient. This environmentally friendly approach can recover cotton on a scale of hundreds of grams while preserving the plastic component.
Researchers developed a precise crosslinking method to impart elastic recovery to ferroelectric materials. The new material combines elasticity with high crystallinity, offering broad application prospects in wearable electronics and smart healthcare.
The seventh cohort of Innovation Crossroads aims to develop transformative energy technologies. Cohort 7 fellows are creating innovative solutions for plastic waste recycling, energy storage, and wind turbine blade production.
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a simple chemistry method to recycle polyurethane foam from old mattresses, extracting its main components and reusing them as raw materials. The process has been repeated several times, replacing up to 64% of the mattress without impairing quality.
A new method called Degradation Upcycling (Deg-Up) recovers aromatic chemicals from polystyrene waste in a two-step process. This approach produces valuable chemicals for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, offering a circular plastics economy solution.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have developed a biodegradable mineral plastic with self-healing properties, replacing polyacrylic acid with sustainable polyglutamic acid. The new material retains its positive properties and has been shown to degrade in just 32 days using microorganisms from forest soils.
Researchers successfully engineered microbes to produce biological alternatives for the starting ingredients in poly(diketoenamine), an infinitely recyclable plastic. This breakthrough creates a bio-based material with improved properties and reduced costs, offering a sustainable solution to the plastic waste problem.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have detected the elusive ethyl radical intermediate in the ethane pyrolysis reaction, a key driver of chemical reactions in the plastics and natural gas industries. This discovery could lead to more efficient production of plastics and other chemicals with reduced byproducts and pollution.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed an automated analysis method for identifying and quantifying microplastics. The new process uses Raman microspectroscopy to analyze plastic particles directly, allowing for quick and reliable detection of their size, shape, and composition.
Researchers found fungi can effectively degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic without wood present. In the absence of wood, fungal biodeterioration of LDPE increased, suggesting a potential natural method for plastic waste management.
A new method for polyurethane synthesis without isocyanates was developed by Kobe University and AGC Inc. using fluorinated compounds, enabling the creation of highly elastic, wear-resistant, and durable polyurethanes with improved environmental sustainability.
Researchers recruited tourists to collect sediment samples on remote Arctic beaches, finding a higher-than-expected level of microplastic pollution. The study identified two specific sources of plastic pollution: polypropylene fibers from fishing nets and polyester-epoxide particles from ship color coatings.
Exposure to plastic particles from microwaved baby food containers can be deadly, with up to 75% of cultured kidney cells dying after two days. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln study found that polypropylene containers release 1,000 times more nanoplastics than microplastics.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a measurement method to detect individual nanoplastic particles, orders of magnitude faster than previous techniques. The new technique uses Raman scattering and an extremely fine gold grid to amplify the light signal, allowing for rapid detection even at low concentrations.
A USTC research team introduces a novel dehydroaromatisation and hydrogenolysis tandem strategy to convert HDPE plastics into cyclic hydrocarbons without solvents or hydrogen. The method guarantees the continuity and stability of the catalytic reaction, making it suitable for various polyethylene plastics.
Researchers found microplastics in all studied lakes and reservoirs, with higher concentrations in densely populated areas. Human interaction with lakes is the biggest contributing factor to microplastic contamination.
Researchers found that micro- and meso-plastics accumulate heavy metals, with copper and chromium being prominent contaminants. The study reveals how surface features like holes, biofilms, and mineral crystals facilitate the collection of pollutants on plastic particles.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new way to recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic using electricity and chemical reactions. In small-scale lab experiments, PET was broken down into its basic building blocks, which can be recovered and potentially reused to make new plastic bottles.
A study has revealed that a quarter of all plastics potentially encountered by petrel species are in remote international waters, posing a significant threat to their survival. The research highlights the need for international cooperation to address plastic pollution in the world's oceans.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a solar-powered reactor that captures CO2 from industrial processes or directly from the air and converts it into sustainable fuels. The technology also uses plastic waste, converting it into glycolic acid and other valuable chemical products.
Researchers developed an automated method to detect and count microplastics in contact lenses, finding that lenses with shorter lifetimes shed more microplastics when exposed to sunlight. The study estimates that over 90,000 microplastic particles per year could be shed from some lenses if worn for 10 hours a day.
Researchers have discovered that microplastics can accumulate in the nasal cavity and oropharynx, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases. The study's findings highlight the importance of awareness about microplastic exposure and its potential health impacts.
Research found that microplastics can increase sand temperature, potentially altering sea turtle sex ratios and hatchling success. Concentrations of up to 30% microplastic had the greatest impact, with temperatures rising by 0.58 degrees Celsius.
Chronic exposure to low levels of contaminant metals through household items, air, water, soil, and food increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Monitoring environmental metal levels and testing for exposure are key steps to implement public health initiatives.
Researchers developed a model to predict microplastic concentrations in Swiss waters, finding that around half of the microplastics remain in the country. The Rhine river near Basel has the highest concentration of microplastics, with major cities contributing significantly to pollution.
Scientists have developed a technique for applying liquid metal to surfaces that don't easily bond with it, using force-responsive adhesion. The method allows for the creation of electronic 'smart devices' from everyday materials like paper and plastic.