A Plastic That Fully Decomposes In Soil And Seawater
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Plastic pollution is one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. A large portion of the 400 million tons of plastic produced annually ends up in landfills or the ocean. Unlike organic waste, plastic never decomposes. Instead, it breaks down into tiny pieces called microplastics. These particles contaminate water, soil, and air, harming marine life, livestock, and even humans.
A team of Japanese scientists hopes to solve the problem with a new plastic that fully degrades in soil or seawater.
Researchers at Japan’s RIKEN institute set out to create this material with two main goals. They wanted it to be strong and versatile, while also breaking down in soil and seawater without leaving any microplastics behind. To achieve this, the scientists developed a special polymer with weaker molecular bonds than traditional plastic. These bonds break more easily, allowing the material to fully biodegrade in natural settings.
Think of it as the difference between a rock and a sugar cube. Regular plastic behaves like a rock. While it may break into smaller pieces, it never truly disappears. This new material, however, dissolves like a sugar cube in water, leaving nothing harmful behind.
In tests, the new plastic began breaking down within hours in seawater. It also fully decomposed in soil within ten days. As it broke down, it even released nutrients that could help plants grow.
The findings were published in the journal Science on November 21, 2024. The team now faces the challenge of increasing production and making the plastic affordable for everyday use. If they succeed, it could replace traditional plastic in everything from 3D printing to medical devices and consumer goods.
Resources: BBC.co.uk, ZMEscience.com, Scienceblog.com
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43 Comments
1_that_one_guyabout 2 monthsThe video made me concerned. But this is awesome that plastics can dissolve now hopefully this will used in fast food chains soon.- masuwenywuku3 monthsMy students feel excited for then new plastic, and want the scientist to hurry up increasing production and making it affordable! Thanks for the good read! -Mrs. S's language therapy group
rjm20163 monthsits very sad that fish poluted then dies then another its get poluted then the fish that we eat are making US sick 😭😭 i wish the world was not like this🙅
jesuslovesyou4 monthsA lot of people eat fish, this could hurt America’s economy.😢- jesuslovesyou4 monthsWe humans can be so selfish
hermionegrant4 months😶 It's just so sad that animals have to die from pollution that humans have caused.
lowtap3rfad34 monthsI feel bad for the sea creatures like orca sharks
preppyvibes4 monthsI feel really bad for the sea creatures- alucason314 monthsdisgusting poor sea animals :(
- alucason314 monthstoo much trash!