Microplastics – News and Features

Researchers at WSU directly observed microplastic fibers’ movement in soil, finding they tumble, roll, and often get trapped. The study highlights their slower movement compared to microbeads and the challenges of tracking them.

Researchers at RIKEN have developed a biodegradable plastic that dissolves in seawater, preventing microplastic pollution. The material, made from ionic monomers forming salt bridges, is as strong as conventional plastics.

Nanoplastics found in indoor air can bind to antibiotics like tetracycline, reducing their effectiveness and potentially fostering antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A study highlights health risks from plastics like nylon.

University of Delaware researchers developed a chemical process to remove toxic 6PPD from end-of-life tires. The method converts tires into safe products like carbon black and aromatics, enabling recycling for practical applications.

A CSU-led study mapped microbiomes in rivers covering 90% of U.S. watersheds, showing microbes’ roles in nutrient flow and contaminant processing. Findings support the River Continuum Concept and reveal predictable microbial behaviors.

Study shows wastewater treatment plants remove 99% of microplastics and some PFAS from water, but these contaminants accumulate in biosolids, which are often spread on farmland. Researchers highlight the need to stop producing microplastics and PFAS.

New research has shown that nanoplastics that enter the body can impair the effect of antibiotic treatment, leading to antibiotic resistance.

A study from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences shows that microplastic biofilms in wastewater treatment plants can harbor pathogens like E. coli and norovirus, even after treatment. These biofilms protect pathogens from removal processes.

Researchers at icipe have discovered that lesser mealworms, native to Africa, can consume and break down polystyrene, aided by gut bacteria that help digest the plastic. This discovery may advance efforts to reduce plastic waste.

A study from Penn State reveals that microplastics can act as ice nucleating particles (INPs) in clouds, promoting ice crystal formation at higher temperatures. This mechanism suggests a role for microplastics in altering precipitation patterns.