A multidisciplinary team of scientists conducted a comprehensive study to understand the sources and sinks of plastic debris in the Southern North Sea. Local citizen scientists played a crucial role in tracking the distribution pathways of plastic particles, revealing that two-thirds were washed ashore within 25km of their release site.
A new study reveals that diverting streams and rivers for irrigation can significantly extend the time microplastics spend in river catchments. Researchers found a strong link between urbanisation and microplastic concentrations, with microplastic loads increasing downstream of more urbanised areas.
A University of Virginia-led study challenges traditional understanding of associative polymers' behavior, revealing that reversible bonds slow down polymer movement without creating a rubbery network. This discovery has implications for materials used in sustainability, health, and engineering applications.
A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that cutting boards made of plastic and wood can release tens of millions of microparticles when chopped, which may have negative health impacts if ingested. The researchers estimated that polyethylene microplastics could produce 14 to 71 million particles per year.
A new study emphasizes the need for a more precise definition of circularity beyond metrics and indicators. The researchers propose a product-centric circularity scorecard that captures aspects of a product's environmental sustainability, focusing on production, use, and end-of-life.
A combination of microneedling and cupping therapies has been found to significantly improve skin thickness and increase collagen levels in a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The experimental study examined the effects of adding cupping therapy to microneedling on skin regeneration and scar healing.
A study by McGill University found that microplastic pollution alters the gut microbiomes of seabirds, increasing pathogens and antibiotic-resistant microbes. The research warns humans to be wary of microplastics in their environment and food, as they can also impact human health.
A new camera technology developed by Aarhus University and Newtec Engineering A/S aims to make it easier to recycle plastic materials. The technology uses hyperspectral imaging to analyze the chemical composition of plastic waste, allowing for the removal of unwanted additives that may be banned or harmful.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a new way to make 'green' polymers from low-cost building blocks using just a small amount of electricity. The reaction is fast, occurs at room temperature, and can be recycled into its constituent building blocks in high yield.
Researchers discovered Vibrio pathogens can stick to microplastics, adapting to plastic, and have aggressive behavior, forming biofilms and causing infections. The study highlights the risks of Sargassum-plastic marine debris interactions, with potential for opportunistic pathogens and disease transmission.
A study by the University of Bonn found that paper-based packaging received significantly better environmental scores than bioplastics, but respondents were skeptical about its practicality. Meanwhile, conventional plastic packaging scored worst on eco-friendliness.
Researchers develop a method to estimate the age of microplastics in the ocean, finding that nearshore microplastics range from 0 to 5 years old while offshore microplastics range from 1 to 3 years old. The study provides insights into how microplastics are generated and spread in the environment.
A recent study led by Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and University of Leipzig reveals the molecular level details of PET degradation by polyester hydrolases. The research shows that only two PET subunits are needed for the enzyme to cut the polymer, and it can 'walk' along the chain to move from one cut to the other.
Researchers developed a biocide-coated polymer that effectively kills MRSA, Covid-19, and resistant bacteria, reducing hospital-acquired infections. The new material can be added to plastic products during manufacture or used as a spray, offering an effective solution to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new procedure, SCRIBE, that enables precise printing of microdevices into existing materials. The technique uses multiphoton lithography to selectively modify regions of the material's interior and manufacture custom small-scale optical devices.
Researchers used computer modeling to simulate the movement of lightweight plastic particles in the Mediterranean Sea. Their results suggest that these particles can drift up to 175 miles laterally from their point of origin before sinking. This discovery highlights the potential for long-distance interactions between plastic waste and...
A community science survey reveals an abundance of floating sea creatures in the North Pacific Garbage Patch, including jellyfish, snails, and crustaceans. The study found a positive correlation between plastic waste and three groups of sea creatures, highlighting the complex relationships within this ecosystem.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that cigarette filters contain thousands of toxic chemicals and microplastic fibers, which are lethal to aquatic larvae. The researchers urge a complete ban on filters to prevent hazardous waste from entering the environment.
Researchers in Brazil and UK develop process to recycle plastic from used coffee pods into conductive and non-conductive filaments. The filaments have various applications, including sensors and machinery parts.
A Texas A¼M researcher has received a $3M NSF grant to test 3D printing living matter for substituting petroleum-based plastics in packaging, furniture and construction industries. The project aims to create locally available materials that can generate domestic jobs.
A model sailing boat representing a key part of the Flipflopi project, which recovered 135 tonnes of post-consumer plastics, is on a global tour to highlight plastic pollution and its impact. The exhibition aims to inspire communities, governments, and businesses to take action against environmental pollution.
A Rutgers University study finds that inhaling plastic particles can disrupt sex hormones in female lab rats, leading to impaired vascular function and decreased reproductive hormone levels. The researchers used a commercially available food-grade nylon powder and aerosolized it for the rats to breathe in.
A new study explores the effects of ocean-surface macroplastic removal on sea surface ecosystems, finding that impacts depend on neuston life histories. The research emphasizes the importance of strong science and governance to mitigate risks to high seas ecosystems.
Researchers at Colorado State University have created a new chemical strategy to deliver universal dynamic crosslinkers into mixed plastic streams, transforming them into viable new polymers that can be turned into higher-value materials. The method makes post-consumer plastics usable as a new kind of material with useful properties.
Researchers have developed enzymes that can efficiently break down plastic, reducing its environmental impact. However, over-reliance on these technologies may not address the root issue of excessive plastic production.
Research reveals that Arctic ice algae, Melosira arctica, contain ten times more microplastic particles than surrounding seawater. The clumps of dead algae transport plastic pollutants quickly into the deep sea, posing a threat to creatures that feed on them.
Researchers discovered that coastal marine invertebrates can survive and reproduce on floating plastic debris in the open ocean. This finding suggests a rapid shift in biogeographical boundaries due to floating plastic pollution.
Researchers at Shinshu University developed a microfluidic device using acoustic focusing to collect microplastics from water. The device achieved a 105-fold enrichment of MPs, making it an efficient solution for removing microplastics from laundry and industrial wastewater.
Researchers at the University of Stirling found that microplastics can transport harmful bacteria from wastewater to beaches in Scotland. The study suggests that these bacteria can survive for up to 7 days on beach sand and show resistance to common antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new epoxy resin monomer based on isosorbide, a substance produced from glucose, to reduce contact allergies. The new monomer is far less allergenic and not based on Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor.
Researchers have created a sturdy, lightweight material that disintegrates on-demand, using sugar and wood-derived powders. The material's strength was doubled with natural additives, making it harder than plastics but still lightweight.
Researchers found that black and turkey vultures ingest more plastic in landscapes with more developed landcover and higher densities of commercial food providers. They may eat plastic thinking it's nutritious bone fragments or intentionally to collect bulk for vomiting up indigestible parts of carrion.
The latest issue of PLOS Biology features a special collection on biology-based solutions to reduce plastic pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and produce food or energy more sustainably. Insect enzymes may degrade plastic waste, while photosynthetic algae can capture CO2 produced by industrial applications.
Researchers at KAIST have developed a hybrid system that combines electrochemical CO2 conversion with microbial bioconversion to produce bioplastics. The system resulted in the world's highest productivity, producing up to 83% of cell dry weight as bioplastic from CO2.
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have made a breakthrough in understanding how macrophages recognize microplastics, discovering an interaction between aromatic rings that drives this process. The study suggests that while microplastics may not induce acute inflammation, chronic exposure could lead to autoimmune diseases.
A team of researchers has created a two-stage device that uses acoustic forces to aggregate and remove microplastics from water samples. The device, made with steel tubes and pulsing sound waves, can remove over 70% of small plastics and 82% of large ones, making it a promising solution for removing microplastics from waterways.
A new study suggests that acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), a leading phthalate alternative, can disrupt neuron-like cells and interfere with the growth and maintenance of neurons. The findings indicate that ATBC could harm brain development and health.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that microplastic pollution reduces energy production in microscopic creatures like Paramecium bursaria. The microorganisms rely on algae for energy through photosynthesis, but severe contamination can lead to a 50% decline in net photosynthesis.
Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a closed-loop recycling process for polymers using microparticles, resulting in fully recyclable films with high mechanical stability and fracture energy. The strategy enables the reuse of polymer materials, reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution.
Researchers from China and Singapore study the radiative properties of polyamide-12, a common marine microplastic pollutant. They found that most of the incident radiation is scattered by PA12 particles, affecting ocean light transmission and marine ecology.
The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health issues a sweeping new report highlighting the far-reaching health hazards of plastics across their life cycle. The report examines the economic, health, environmental, and social costs associated with plastics from extraction to end states.
Researchers develop AI-designed synthetic polymers that mimic specific functions of natural proteins, working as well as the real protein and easier to synthesize. The polymers could be a game-changer for biomedical applications, including drug delivery and photosynthesis.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a new catalyst that converts plastic and biomass into organosilane compounds. The hybrid gold nanoparticle catalyst on zirconium oxide support enables mild conditions for the reaction, reducing environmental burden.
A new study from McGill University reveals that every day Canadians are exposed to Bisphenol S (BPS) in fresh foods due to chemical migration from packaging materials. High concentrations of BPS were found on thermal food labels, exceeding the European Union's regulatory limit.
Experts call for a legally-binding treaty to govern Earth's orbit, citing the growing threat of satellite debris. With an expected 60,000 satellites in orbit by 2030, scientists warn that large parts of space could become unusable if action is not taken immediately.
A study reveals a rapid increase in ocean plastics since 2005, with an estimated 170 trillion plastic particles in the world's oceans by 2019. The researchers predict that without policy changes, plastic pollution will accelerate sixfold by 2040.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 8, 2023
Researchers at Leipzig University discovered that nanoplastics from PET particles accumulate in organs and cause liver function impairment, oxidative stress, and behavioral abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. The study provides insight into the toxicity pathways induced by PET nanoplastics.
The study highlights the complexity of microplastics as a pollutant, affecting sea animals' feeding behavior, reproductive outputs, and causing developmental anomalies. Researchers call for more research into plastic contamination and synthetic additives to understand and prevent further environmental health problems.
A new study reveals that fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic containers can leach PFAS into food, particularly when exposed to temperature changes. The research highlights the potential for significant exposure to hazardous chemicals linked to various health issues.
Researchers have developed a new type of bioplastic film that can be rolled into a straw without getting soggy. The bioplastic, made from natural materials like lignin and starch, is stronger than plastic and can break down when no longer needed.
Chung-Ang University researchers develop a novel flexible supercapacitor platform with vertically integrated gold electrodes in a single sheet of paper. The design shows low electrical resistance, high foldability, and good mechanical strength, making it suitable for wearable devices.
A team of NYU Abu Dhabi researchers has developed a highly-efficient, organic solvent-free method to convert polyethylene-based plastic bags and polypropylene-based surgical masks into carbon dots. The process can upcycle single-use plastics contaminated with organic waste, reducing harm to ecosystems.
A new study suggests that a sustainable plastics economy is possible by increasing recycling rates to 74% and using innovative production methods, such as carbon capture and utilization. This would require a fundamental shift in the way plastics are produced, consumed, and disposed of.
TUS researchers develop novel method to create multi-walled CNT wiring on plastic films under ambient conditions, enabling flexible devices and energy conversion devices. The proposed method produces high-quality wires with varying resistance values.
Researchers propose a novel approach to analyzing microplastic particles, highlighting the importance of particle size and shape in determining environmental impact. Studies show that even samples with similar numbers of particles can have varying levels of plastic pollution based on mass, volume, and specific surface area.
Researchers have developed a novel process that converts plastic waste into liquid gasoline-like fuel at low temperatures, eliminating unwanted byproducts. The innovative method uses alkylation catalysts and combines cracking and reaction steps in a single vessel, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
A new zirconia-based catalyst can break down polyolefin plastics into new, useful products, reducing plastic waste and recovering value. The catalyst is made of earth-abundant materials and demonstrates high selectivity and activity.
Researchers have developed a method to transform lignin, a biopolymer found in biomass, into chemically recyclable plastics using light. This breakthrough could advance the circular plastic economy by producing next-generation materials with reduced waste.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a new technique using the 'flash Joule' method to transform plastic waste into high-value carbon nanotubes and hybrid nanomaterials. This process is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for recycling plastic waste.
A team of A*STAR scientists has successfully upcycled waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic into polymer electrolytes, key components for safer lithium-ion batteries. The study achieved room temperature conductivity comparable to existing commercial systems and showed promising performance in repeatedly charged and discharged ...