Articles tagged with Plastics
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A recent study found that microplastics in agricultural soils can cause a decrease in germination rate and changes to seed production, which could have negative consequences for food production. The presence of microplastics also alters soil characteristics such as its structure and microbial communities.
Researchers at the University of Turku have developed a new type of supramolecular plastic that is comparable to conventional polymers in terms of mechanical properties. The material decomposes easily and can be reused, making it a promising alternative for sustainable development.
Researchers developed a new enzyme that can degrade poly(ethylene) terephthalate (PET), a common plastic used in bottles. The enzyme, HotPETase, is thermostable and selectively breaks down PET, offering a potential solution to the global plastic waste challenge.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new and inexpensive way to recycle polyurethane (PU) plastic by breaking it down into its original components. The method uses a simple chemical reaction involving alcohol, caustic potash, and an autoclave, making it cheaper and more scalable than previous methods.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science develop a method to determine the number of samples required for accurate assessment of microplastic contamination in urban rivers. The study found that at high MP concentrations, two replicate samples are sufficient to measure MP concentrations accurately.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new technique for creating polymers with controlled molecular weight and high optical activity. The discovery uses a combination of living cationic polymerization and asymmetric cationic polymerization, resulting in optically active polymers with unique properties.
Researchers have identified 12 marine species as potential bioindicators for monitoring plastic pollution in the North Pacific Ocean. These species, including Pacific oyster and long-nosed lancetfish, can help assess the extent of plastic pollution and inform effective reduction measures.
The study investigated the effects of combined endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on liver function and metabolic homeostasis in mice models. Significant changes were observed at high EDC exposure levels, including liver weight increase, lipid buildup, and elevated blood glucose levels.
Researchers have centralized over 300 key figures in the Human Impacts Database, providing information on global plastic production, standing livestock population, and sea level rise. The database aims to promote collective quantitative literacy of the Anthropocene.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new catalyst to improve butane conversion into butadiene, increasing efficiency and reducing byproducts. The breakthrough could make butadiene production more commercially viable and address the growing demand-supply imbalance.
A study found that certain bacteria grow more efficiently on plastic bags than leaves and twigs, breaking down carbon compounds in the process. The bacteria's growth is stimulated by plastic pollution, which primes them for rapid breakdown of other natural carbon compounds.
A Rutgers researcher contributed to a National Institutes of Health study confirming a link between phthalate exposure and increased risk of preterm birth. The study examined data from 6,045 pregnant women in the U.S., finding that higher concentrations of phthalate metabolites were associated with slightly higher odds of preterm birth.
A team of scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has designed a new material system to overcome the challenges of mixed-plastic recycling. They created customized polydiketoenamine (PDK) plastics that can be recycled efficiently and indefinitely, providing a low-carbon manufacturing solution for plastic products.
A long-term study on plastic degradation in oceans reveals significant differences between beach and shipwreck samples. Researchers found that beach-dried plastic pellets had undergone extensive degradation, while those trapped in the wreck showed minimal signs of aging.
A study by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment found that micro- and nanoplastics can be taken up by human cells, particularly those in the small intestine and liver. The absorption of these particles is influenced by their size and chemical properties.
Researchers discovered microplastics in Palau's coral reefs, despite their pristine nature, raising concerns about the impact on marine life. The study highlights the pervasive presence of plastic pollution in even the most protected ecosystems.
A team of WVU researchers has developed a biodegradable composite material using cotton fibers from recycled mattresses, with the goal of replacing single-use plastics. The new material will be created through 3D printing and can be used to produce various consumer products, such as beverage straws and disposable packaging.
Researchers found traces of plastics in over half of the species examined, including polyester, polyethylene, and polynorbornene. Four out of seven species, such as European hedgehogs and field voles, were identified as 'plastic positive', highlighting potential impacts on conservation status.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a thermochemical recycling method that produces gas containing carbon atoms from mixed waste, which can be used to create new plastic products. The process eliminates the need for fossil raw materials and achieves negative emissions.
Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a new method to remove nanoplastics from water using apples and pectin. The study found that the method was able to remove 95% of nanoplastics in just 24 hours.
Scientists have developed a biomass-derived plastic similar to PET that meets the criteria for replacing several current plastics. The new plastic can be produced in one step using inexpensive chemicals and retains its sugar structure, making it easy to degrade.
Researchers find that microplastics impede internal activity of seeds during germination, leading to stunted growth. The study used a novel technique called biospeckle optical coherence tomography (bOCT) to demonstrate the effects of polyethylene microplastics on lentil seedlings.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a simple process to upcycle ABS, a popular thermoplastic used in everyday objects, into a more robust material compatible with industry 3D-printing methods. The upcycled version boasts enhanced strength, toughness and chemical resistance.
Researchers develop crosslinked polymers that can be triggered to degrade by light, offering a promising approach for producing sustainable plastics. The method uses a vanillin derivative and recovers up to 60% of the monomers without loss of quality.
Researchers found that chemical pre-treatment can help microorganisms break down plastics more quickly. The process makes carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen from the plastic's molecular structure more accessible for bacteria to use as food.
A recent study has found that ocean plastic may be a source of novel antibiotics, with researchers isolating five antibiotic-producing bacteria from plastic debris. The isolated bacteria showed promise against commonly used and resistant bacterial strains, providing hope for an alternative solution to the growing antibiotic crisis.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a photosynthesis-inspired process to convert acetylene into ethylene, a key ingredient in plastics. The new method uses visible light and water instead of high temperatures, flammable hydrogen, and expensive metals, achieving nearly 100% selectivity for ethylene.
A study by researchers at the University of Oldenburg found that spider webs are contaminated with varying levels of microplastic particles, including PET and PVC. The team discovered that the amount of plastic particles in the webs depends on location, with roads having high traffic volumes producing more microplastics.
Researchers investigate microplastic risks using nanotoxicology lessons, standardizing particles for reproducible studies. Scientists aim to replicate real-world situations in lab simulations to understand human gut and lung cell effects.
A team of researchers has developed a unique catalyst that breaks down plastics into valuable molecules at an increased rate without sacrificing desirable product chains. The catalyst's activity and selectivity can be independently controlled, allowing for faster and more efficient plastic upcycling processes.
Researchers at the University of Bath developed a way to make PLA plastics more degradable in natural environments by incorporating sugar molecules. This technology can degrade 40% of the plastic within six hours of exposure to UV light, making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
Scientists create a bendable organic LED with a mica backing that produces soft, warm light similar to candlelight, with minimal blue wavelength emissions. This device offers a potential solution for sleep-friendly lighting alternatives.
Researchers have developed a new degradable polymer material with improved biodegradability, outperforming existing bioplastics like PLA or PCL. The material can degrade by over 70% in a week, making it suitable for applications such as thermosensitive nanoparticles for medicine administration.
Research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology finds that 98% of ocean plastic is buried in the seafloor, with coastal habitats like mangroves also significant sink sites. The discovery resolves a mystery and has significant implications for human health and UN Sustainable Goal 14.
Environmental advocates argue that chemical recycling doesn't eliminate single-use plastics, which remain a significant pollution concern. The Biden administration is seeking comment on exempting industry processes from Clean Air Act regulations, amid growing state legislation encouraging advanced recycling.
Researchers at NIMS developed a new material processing technique inspired by kirigami to enhance local cooling/heating performance in plastics. This technology may be used to develop thermal management technologies in flexible electronics.
Researchers at Universities of Cologne and Bayreuth found that flooding frequency and topography determine the abundance of microplastics in an alluvial Rhine soil. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, revealed that microplastics can accumulate in floodplains and be transported into deeper soil layers.
A recent study found that microplastics are abundant in borehole drinking water and sediments in Lagos, Nigeria. Areas with high industrial activity had higher levels of microplastics than areas with less industrial activity and lower population densities.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a waterproof coating called Choetsu that adds strength to paper, making it a viable alternative to plastic. The coating, made from safe and low-cost chemicals, also has photocatalytic activity, protecting against dirt and bacteria.
Researchers estimate that by 2040, up to 80 million metric tons of plastic will be annually released into the ocean. The study reveals that wind transport contributes significantly to plastic particle distribution in remote regions. Integrating microplastic into air pollution measurements is crucial for better understanding its effects.
A new NIH-funded study will investigate the effects of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) on infant and childhood immunity, filling a knowledge gap in SVOC health impacts. The research aims to identify specific SVOCs or mixtures that impair immune function, which could lead to new preventive measures and interventions.
Researchers have discovered a zirconium-based metal–organic framework material that catalyzes the degradation of PET into its monomers. This process can be reused to make high-value PET products, enabling the development of a circular economy. The catalyst breaks down PET waste at 260°C with yields up to 98%
An international group of scientists calls for regulating and phasing out the production of new plastics to reduce plastic pollution. Gradually cutting production is expected to bring numerous societal, environmental, and economic benefits, including boosting recycled plastics' value and helping tackle climate change.
Researchers have found a group of deep-sea bacteria that stick to plastic, allowing them to 'hitchhike' across the ocean and potentially enhancing microbial connectivity. These bacteria were discovered in the North-East Atlantic and include strains previously isolated from shipwrecks and extreme environments.
A research team from the University of Bayreuth investigated the progressive degradation of low-density polyethylene in the environment. They found that isolated nanoplastic particles are rare and instead aggregate rapidly to larger colloidal systems, preventing individual nanoparticles from being freely available.
Researchers developed an enzyme that can break down plastic waste in hours, making it a promising solution for the world's plastic problem. The enzyme, called FAST-PETase, has the potential to revolutionize recycling and reduce global landfill waste by billions of tons.
A recent study found that microplastics in the ocean can carry land-based parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia, which can infect humans and animals. The researchers used laboratory experiments to test whether these pathogens could associate with plastics in seawater.
A group of researchers from Harvard University developed a novel technique to print entire volumes without support structures, eliminating the limitations of traditional layer-by-layer approach. By using an upconversion process and nano capsules, they create self-supporting resin that hardens in three dimensions.
A new study found that nylon cooking bags and plastic-lined cups can release trillions of nanometer-sized particles into each liter of water they come into contact with. The levels of these particles are below regulatory limits for consumption, but still pose a potential health risk.
Researchers analyzed food-grade nylon bags and single-use beverage cups, finding that they release trillions of nanoparticles per liter when exposed to hot water. The average size of these nanoparticles was between 30-80 nanometers, with concentrations seven times higher from nylon bags than from beverage cups.
A new report from Oak Ridge National Laboratory identifies supply chain must-haves for maintaining the pivotal role of hydropower in decarbonizing the nation's grid. The report also highlights advances in safer battery technologies and innovative electron microscopy techniques for imaging lithium in energy storage materials.
A novel method developed by the University of Tsukuba uses drones and machine learning to estimate the amount of plastic litter in rivers. The approach combines high-resolution optical and thermal images, resulting in more accurate estimates than other methods.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a stable and selective catalyst for breaking down polyester-based plastics into their component parts. The method uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and requires only three components: plastic, hydrogen, and the catalyst.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to use light and oxygen to upcycle polystyrene into benzoic acid, a product stocked in chemistry labs and used in various products. The process is mild, climate-friendly, and scalable to commercial waste streams.
A new study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety reveals that microplastics in the Cauvery River may be causing growth defects in fish, including skeletal deformities and DNA damage. The study found that pollutants from slow-flowing and stagnant sites caused significant harm to zebrafish embryos.
Researchers exposed female mice to DiNP doses simulating occupational and infant exposure, finding inflammation, tissue damage, and altered gut microbiota. The study highlights the need for further research into long-term effects of DiNP on colon health.
Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a new method using pyrolysis to convert challenging plastic waste into hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. The converted energy could power up to 1,000 five-room apartments for a year.
Researchers found that earthworms prefer soils with bioplastic particles and digest them differently than petroleum-derived plastics. The worms can break down bioplastics like polylactic acid into smaller fragments, which are then excreted slowly.
A recent study reveals alarming levels of plastic pollution in the Arctic Ocean, affecting ecosystems and potentially exacerbating climate change. Plastic debris from rivers, air, and shipping has reached all spheres of the Arctic, including the seafloor, remote beaches, and even ice and snow.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to turn treated plastic waste into an effective carbon dioxide sorbent, capable of removing CO2 from flue gas streams. The process involves heating plastic waste in the presence of potassium acetate, producing particles with nanometer-scale pores that trap CO2 molecules.