Microplastics – News and Features

Researchers in Missouri have found high concentrations of microplastic in Cliff Cave, a cave system in Saint Louis County that has been closed off to visitors for the past 30 years. The extent of the microplastic contamination is detailed in two new research papers, published in Science of the Total Environment and Water Research.

Plastic waste that accumulates on land eventually ends up in the ocean as microplastics. However, it is now speculated that microplastics are also present in the atmosphere, contained in clouds.

Significant quantities of microplastic particles are being trapped in riverbed sediments or carried through the air along major river systems. Research found about 41 microplastic particles per square metre per day settled from the atmosphere.

It is impossible to imagine modern agriculture without plastics. 12 million tonnes are used every year. But what about the consequences for the environment? An international team of authors addresses this question in a recent study.

Non-targeted analysis (NTA) is an emerging field of analytical science that aims to identify all chemicals around us. According to a meta-analysis of NTA results published over the past six years, it is estimated that less than 2% of all chemicals have been identified.

For the first time, researchers have genetically modified common silkworms to produce full-length spider silk proteins. Such proteins can be used to produce fibers that are six times tougher than the Kevlar fiber used in bulletproof vests.

Researchers have genetically engineered a marine microorganism to break down plastic in salt water. Specifically, the modified organism can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic used in everything from water bottles to clothing.

A new study has identified what may be a novel biological approach for removing extremely small and potentially dangerous plastic particles from water.

A new study showed that in stormwater runoff during rain approximately 19 out of every 20 microplastics collected were tyre wear particles with anywhere from 2 to 59 particles per litre of water.

According to murine research, microplastic exposure induced both behavioral changes and alterations in immune markers in liver and brain tissues. The exposed mice also began exhibiting behaviors akin to dementia in humans.