Plastic waste is a big problem. It doesn't just sit there; it releases hidden toxins that stick around for a long time. But there's some good news! Scientists found that tiny bits of iron in nature can help break down these toxins. These iron bits are like tiny helpers. They speed up the process of breaking down harmful chemicals found in plastics. These chemicals, ...
Plastic waste in farms is a big problem. It often carries fire retardants, which are chemicals used to stop things from burning. These chemicals can stick to the plastic and cause harm to the environment. But how exactly do they stick? And what makes them stick more or less? Scientists looked at two types of plastic: PVC and PS. They found that the stickiness of the...
Sea turtles in Sicily are facing a big problem: plastic. Over seven years, researchers found that nearly 30% of the sea turtles they studied had eaten plastic and other trash. This isn't just a small issue. It's a growing concern that affects turtles of all ages and sizes. The study looked at both living and dead turtles. They found that the amount and type of plast...
Driftwood is everywhere along coastlines, but its role in trapping trash is often overlooked. A recent study looked at seven beaches in the central Caribbean coast of Colombia to see how driftwood affects litter buildup. Researchers counted and sorted over 12, 000 items, including nearly 4, 000 pieces of driftwood and over 8, 000 pieces of litter. Most of the litter ...
India's farms are facing a silent threat: microplastics. These tiny plastic bits are sneaking into the soil and messing with crops. But how much do farmers know about this issue? A recent study took a closer look at what Indian farmers think about microplastic pollution. Researchers talked to 310 farmers from different parts of the country. They found that most farm...
Plastic waste is a huge problem for our oceans and the birds that call them home. One young person from Holmdel is taking action to change this. Emma Lynn is a 16-year-old student who has always been passionate about nature. She grew up exploring the outdoors and helping to keep it clean. She noticed a lot of plastic trash on local beaches, which inspired her to do s...
Microplastics (MPs) are tiny plastic bits that are everywhere. They come from many sources like synthetic clothes, car tires, and plastic trash. These tiny particles are a big problem. They can soak up harmful chemicals and carry them around. This can mess up the environment and even harm people. MPs can get into the food chain and cause serious health issues. They c...
China is a massive player in the plastic industry, but there's a lot more to the story than just the usual suspects like PE and PP. There are 12 types of non-commodity plastics that don't get as much attention. These plastics are tricky to define and track, making it hard to figure out how much is made, used, and what happens to them at the end of their life. This...
Imagine if the ocean had a superpower against plastic, Seagrass does not look fancy, but it could be the ocean's best ally against our plastic problem. Microplastic pollution is a massive headache for our environment and it's expected to get even worse if left unchecked Microplastic pollution is a massive problem that's expected to get even worse if we dont do anyt...
The news just in is that drinking straws are going to make a comeback at government offices in the U. S. It was announced from a post on a website that the previous plan to have them removed by 2035 is now no longer happening. The government had plans to get rid of all single-use plastics, but the person in charge of the country has different feelings about...