Articles tagged with "plastic-pollution"
Wood-pulp plastic dissolves in seawater without forming microplastics
Researchers at Japan’s RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, led by Takuzo Aida, have developed a novel plant-based plastic made from cellulose that dissolves rapidly in seawater without forming harmful microplastics. Unlike many biodegradable plastics that degrade slowly or fragment into microplastics, this new material combines durability and flexibility during use with fast decomposition in natural marine environments. The plastic, termed CMCSP, leverages a cross-linked network formed by negatively charged carboxymethyl cellulose (a wood-pulp derivative) and positively charged polyethylene-imine guanidinium ions. Saltwater disrupts these salt bridges, triggering the plastic’s breakdown, while a protective coating can prevent premature degradation. To overcome initial brittleness, the team incorporated choline chloride, an FDA-approved food additive, as a plasticizer, allowing the material’s flexibility to be finely tuned—from rigid and glass-like to stretchable up to 130% of its length. The resulting plastic is transparent, strong, and
materialsbiodegradable-plasticscellulosesustainable-materialsplastic-pollutionmarine-environmentpolymer-scienceCrystal power: iron minerals tear through plastic pollutants
Scientists led by Prof. Chuanjia Jiang at Nankai University have discovered that the crystal structure of natural iron oxyhydroxide nanominerals significantly influences the breakdown rate of organophosphate esters (OPEs), toxic chemical additives used in plastics. These additives, which act as flame retardants and softeners, are widespread pollutants suspected of disrupting endocrine systems in humans and animals. The study tested three common iron minerals—goethite, akaganeite, and lepidocrocite—using a model compound to assess their catalytic efficiency in hydrolyzing OPEs. Lepidocrocite was found to be the most effective catalyst due to its surface iron atoms generating strong electric fields that facilitate pollutant degradation, while akaganeite bound pollutants more tightly but was less reactive. This research highlights that the nanoscale crystal structure of iron minerals determines their catalytic activity in breaking down plastic additives, a process naturally occurring in soils and sediments worldwide. The findings suggest that
materialsiron-mineralsnanomineralsplastic-pollutionenvironmental-catalysispollutant-degradationnanotechnologyMicroplastics linked to gut changes, raise depression and cancer risk
A recent study led by Austria’s Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed) has demonstrated that microplastics—plastic particles smaller than 5mm—can alter the human gut microbiome in ways linked to serious health conditions such as depression and colorectal cancer. Using ex vivo gut microbiome cultures derived from stool samples of five healthy volunteers, researchers exposed these cultures to five common types of microplastics at concentrations ranging from typical human exposure to higher doses. While total bacterial counts remained stable, the microplastics caused a drop in pH, indicating altered bacterial metabolism, and induced shifts in the composition of key bacterial families within the gut, particularly those in the Bacillota phylum, which plays a crucial role in digestion and gut health. These bacterial changes corresponded with altered levels of metabolic compounds like valeric acid and lactic acid, suggesting that microplastics may interfere chemically or physically with bacterial processes, possibly by providing new niches through biofilm formation. The observed microbiome alterations
materialsmicroplasticsgut-microbiomehuman-healthenvironmental-impactplastic-pollutionmicrobiologyTwo-Thirds Of River Trash Is Plastic (Research) - CleanTechnica
A recent study from the University of California–Santa Barbara highlights the alarming extent of plastic pollution in rivers worldwide, estimating that 1.95 million metric tons of plastic—equivalent to the weight of 5.3 Empire State Buildings—flow through rivers annually. This plastic originates primarily from mismanaged waste, including littering, illegal dumping, and leakage from inadequately controlled landfills. Much of this waste is mobilized by rain and wind, traveling from distant locations through urban drainage systems into rivers. The research emphasizes that nearly all everyday plastics are derived from fossil fuels, and only about 10% of plastic waste is recycled globally, underscoring significant gaps in waste management infrastructure. The study also discusses the environmental and human health impacts of riverine plastic pollution. Plastic debris harms river ecosystems by entangling and poisoning wildlife, smothering habitats, and transporting invasive species and pathogens. It also poses risks to human communities by contaminating food sources with microplastics, blocking drainage systems which
materialsplastic-pollutionwaste-managementrecyclingfossil-fuelsenvironmental-researchriver-pollutionIt's Time To Divest From Plastic — Ceramics Are One Viable Alternative - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the ongoing global efforts to address the plastic pollution crisis through a landmark United Nations treaty, with negotiations taking place in Geneva and set to conclude by August 2025. Despite broad international recognition of plastic pollution's harmful effects—including cancer, hormone disruption, and environmental contamination—progress is hindered by opposition from major plastic-producing countries like Saudi Arabia and the United States. While 175 nations agreed in 2022 to create a legally binding treaty targeting the entire plastic lifecycle, disagreements remain over production limits and chemical additives. Greenpeace advocates for a 75% reduction in plastic production by 2040, emphasizing that recycling alone is insufficient to solve the problem. Amid these challenges, the article highlights innovative alternatives to plastic, focusing on GaeaStar, a company producing ceramic cups as a sustainable substitute for single-use plastic drinkware. Made from natural materials like clay, salt, and water, these cups are reusable, inert, and free from harmful chemical leaching. GaeaStar’s products combine
materialsplastic-alternativesceramicsenvironmental-sustainabilityplastic-pollutionrecyclingsustainable-materialsPlastics cost world $1.5 trillion in health damages yearly: Report
A recent expert review highlights the escalating global health crisis caused by plastics, estimating that plastic-related diseases cost the world at least $1.5 trillion annually. Since 1950, plastic production has surged over 200 times and is projected to nearly triple by 2060, driven largely by single-use items like fast-food containers and beverage bottles. The report emphasizes that plastics pose dangers at every stage—from fossil fuel extraction and production to waste disposal—contributing to air pollution, toxic chemical exposure, and microplastic contamination in humans. Plastic pollution also facilitates disease spread by creating mosquito breeding grounds in littered waste. The environmental impact is severe, with over 8.8 billion US tons of plastic waste polluting ecosystems worldwide, from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench, and less than 10% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. The report calls for urgent international action, particularly as over 100 countries push for a legally binding global plastics treaty to cap production, though opposition remains from oil
materialsplastic-pollutionhealth-impactenvironmental-crisisplastic-productionrecycling-challengesglobal-plastics-treatyThe Ocean Cleanup & Kia Support Guatemala with Initiative to Stop Plastic Pollution From Reaching the World’s Oceans - CleanTechnica
The Ocean Cleanup and Kia have partnered with the Guatemalan government and local organizations to prevent approximately 20,000 tons of plastic waste carried annually by the Motagua and Las Vacas rivers from reaching the Caribbean Sea. This initiative involves deploying two advanced floating trash capture systems—Interceptor 006 and the larger Interceptor 021—to intercept and remove plastic debris before it pollutes marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Honduras, a highly biodiverse area. Since installation, these systems have extracted over 23,000 tons of waste, demonstrating a significant local effort with global environmental implications. Kia’s collaboration with The Ocean Cleanup, established in 2022, aligns with its sustainability goals, including increasing the use of recycled plastics in its vehicles. Beyond supporting ocean cleanup efforts like those in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Kia aids in logistical, financial, and advocacy aspects of the project. Captured plastics are sorted for recycling or repurposing, with some transformed into consumer products such as limited-edition vinyl records
energysustainabilityplastic-pollutionenvironmental-technologyocean-cleanuprecycled-materialswaste-managementYou may be inhaling 68,000 microplastics a day inside your home
A recent study by French scientists reveals that people may be inhaling up to 68,000 microplastic particles daily inside their homes and cars, far exceeding previous estimates. Using advanced Raman spectroscopy, researchers detected plastic particles predominantly smaller than 10 micrometers—tiny enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially enter the bloodstream. These microplastics originate from the degradation of common household items such as carpets, curtains, paint, textiles, and especially car interiors, which contain numerous plastic-based materials that shed particles due to heat, friction, and sunlight exposure. The study highlights a significant but overlooked source of microplastic pollution: indoor air, where people spend about 90% of their time. Unlike prior research focused on oceans or outdoor environments, this work emphasizes the intimate exposure risks within everyday living spaces. The health implications are concerning, as inhaled microplastics may cause respiratory inflammation and carry toxic additives like bisphenol A and phthalates, which are linked to various health problems including endocrine
materialsmicroplasticsindoor-air-pollutionplastic-pollutionhealth-risksenvironmental-scienceair-qualityLet's Consider A Couple Of Workable Solutions To The Plastic Crisis - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica addresses the ongoing global plastic crisis, focusing particularly on plastic bag pollution and microplastics. It highlights how plastic bags, due to their lightweight and widespread use, pose significant environmental threats by harming wildlife and eventually breaking down into microplastics that enter ecosystems and human bodies. The article references a June 2025 Science study that analyzed data from over 45,000 shoreline cleanups to evaluate the effectiveness of plastic bag policies worldwide. The study found that full bans and fees on plastic bags lead to a substantial reduction—between 25% and 47%—in plastic bag litter on beaches compared to areas without such policies. State-level policies were especially effective, and these measures also correlated with a 30-37% decrease in wildlife entanglement incidents. Beyond plastic bags, the article touches on the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution across various environments, including aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric habitats. Microplastics are closely tied to human activity and pose increasing health risks
materialsplastic-pollutionenvironmental-policymicroplasticswaste-reductionsustainabilityplastic-bag-bansNew solar-powered robot to clean up waste on Canada's beach parks
The article introduces BeBot, a new solar-powered, remote-controlled robot designed to clean beach parks in Ontario by sifting sand to remove debris such as plastic, metal, and glass. Developed through a partnership between the environmental nonprofit Pollution Probe and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, BeBot can clean up to 32,000 square feet per hour and operate for eight hours continuously. Its primary goal is to capture larger plastic waste before it breaks down into harmful microplastics that threaten aquatic wildlife and potentially enter human food chains. BeBot also collects data on the types and sources of plastic pollution, which can inform future policies and consumer behaviors. BeBot’s deployment began at Lake Simcoe’s Sibbald Point Provincial Park and will continue through several other provincial parks along the Great Lakes, including locations on Lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Beyond its cleanup function, BeBot serves as a visible educational tool, engaging the public in conversations about plastic pollution and environmental responsibility. This
robotsolar-powered-robotenvironmental-cleanupplastic-pollutionmicroplastics-preventionautonomous-cleaningbeach-robotWorld Environment Day Calls On You To #BeatPlasticPollution - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the urgent call by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) for global action to #BeatPlasticPollution, the theme of World Environment Day 2025. It emphasizes the critical importance of addressing the full lifecycle of plastics—from production to disposal—rather than relying solely on recycling. With over 460 million tons of plastic produced annually, plastics and microplastics have become pervasive pollutants, infiltrating terrestrial and marine ecosystems, soils, the atmosphere, and even human bodies, including lungs, blood, and fetuses. This widespread contamination poses serious threats to human health, planetary ecosystems, and economic stability. The article also notes that plastics contribute significantly to carbon emissions and are filling oceans, harming marine life and coastal communities. South Korea, the 2025 World Environment Day host, is identified as the fourth largest producer of plastic polymers globally, underscoring the challenge of plastic pollution even among environmentally engaged nations. The article draws attention to the prevalence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, which constitute about 50% of microplastics in wastewater and 12% of global solid waste, highlighting ongoing research into biodegradation methods. Looking ahead, plastic production is projected to triple by 2060 unless decisive global measures are taken. A key upcoming event is the August 2025 vote in Geneva on a global plastics treaty aimed at banning certain plastics, though progress faces resistance from petrochemical-producing countries. Advocates stress the need to “turn off the plastics tap” and implement systemic changes to reduce plastic pollution worldwide.
materialsplastic-pollutionmicroplasticscircular-economysustainable-materialsenvironmental-impactpolymer-production