Microplastics, tiny particles smaller than 1 mm, are everywhere. They come from factories making plastic and from bigger plastic waste breaking down over time. These tiny bits of plastic behave differently in the environment because of their small size and unique surface chemistry. Think of it like how a tiny droplet of water behaves differently than a big wave. The ...
Marmara is what we call the sea that connects Europe and Asia. It has become really polluted with plastics, specifically tiny pieces known as microplastics. Microplastics are a growing concern for marine life. Researchers have delved into this dirty issue, analyzing the pollution in the Gulf of Bandarma, which is part of Marmara. Marine life, such as mussels, oysters...
Microplastics are everywhere. In the water we drink, the food we eat, and even in our bodies. A 14-year-old discovered something alarming related to these tiny particles during a science project. She wondered what microplastics might do to our immune cells, so she did an experiment. It was discovered that her hypothesis was correct. This young scientist, with the he...
Imagine tiny plastic particles, invisible to the naked eye, lurking in our soil. These micro- and nanoplastics are becoming a significant concern. Scientists are diving deep into understanding their impact on the environment. It's a new frontier in research, filled with knowledge gaps and challenges. Let's zoom in on the problem. Microplastics are pieces of plastic ...
Did you know tiny plastic bits, called microplastics, are all over our rivers and streams? Scientists wanted to understand how these microplastics move near the bottom of these waterways. They used a special tool called particle tracking velocimetry to watch four types of microplastics move in a lab setup that mimicked real rivers. They found that these tiny plastics...
You might not think about it when you're looking at a microscope slide, but making histology slides can release tiny plastic particles into the environment. These microplastics (MPs) are showing up in every corner of the earth, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains. And guess what? They're not good for our health. Scientists are finding out that these tin...
Imagine what happens when you toss a disposable face mask into a landfill. Scientists have been looking into this, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in mask use. They found that these masks can break down over time, releasing tiny pieces called microplastics and harmful chemicals into the environment. They mimicked the breakdown process by exposi...
As the world shifts towards using more biodegradable and bio-based plastics, it's crucial to understand how these tiny pieces, known as microplastics, affect plants and animals. Plant lovers, beware! High doses of polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics can cut down on nitrogen and biomass in plants and even mess with the way plants absorb heavy metals. Mix PLA with poly...
Imagine tiny plastic particles, smaller than a grain of sand, scattered throughout the soil. These microplastics, or MPs, are becoming a big issue worldwide. Soil is like a long-term storage box for MPs because they find their way in through various routes and take a long time to break down. It's important to understand how these MPs affect soil creatures and how the...
Ever heard of tiny plastic bits floating in the air? Surprisingly, they're everywhere! From worn-out tires to decomposing trash, these microplastics are making their way into our bodies. Recent research suggests they might be behind some serious health issues like infertility, colon cancer, and breathing problems. These microplastics are smaller than a grain of rice ...