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Microplastics – News and Features

Plastic clumping together in blue ocean water.
News

Large Amounts of Plastic Are Accumulating in the Ocean, Even Outside the Notorious “Garbage Patch”

A new study has revealed the extent of the spread of plastic across the North Pacific ocean, finding large quantities outside of the notorious "garbage patch".
A seagull walking along the top of a wooden fence.
News

97% of Antarctic Seabirds Have Ingested Microplastic

A new review of seabird studies suggests that the vast majority of arctic and antarctic seabirds have ingested microplastic particles.
Microplastics in the ocean.
News

New Technology Can Remove Microplastics From Water With 94% Efficiency

University of Waterloo researchers have created a new technology that can remove harmful microplastics from contaminated water with 94 per cent efficiency.
Small plastic fragments.
News

Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Body Are Passed On During Cell Division

Micro- and nanoplastic particles remain in cells for much longer than previously thought, and can be passed from cell to cell during division, shows new research.
A copper-metal kettle whistling out steam on a gas stove
News

Concerned About Microplastics in Your Water? Consider Boiling It First

A new study has found that boiling water traps microplastic particles inside the limescale deposits that build up on a kettle’s inner surfaces, reducing a person's exposure to microplastics.
A woman folds laundry.
News

Washing Clothes Releases More Than Just Microplastics

Some of the supposed nanoplastics released during textile washing are not nanoplastics at all, but are actually clumps of water-insoluble oligomer molecules. The toxicity of these compounds is not known.
A collection of tyres.
News

New Method Detects Tire Toxins in Rivers

Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) have developed a robust method for detecting whether a toxic chemical used in car tyres is present in rivers, streams and lakes, and measuring its concentrations.
Plastic straws turn into smaller and smaller pieces.
News

Study Finds Microplastics in Every Human Placenta Tested

A new study has found microplastics in every human placenta the researchers tested, raising concern about the effect of environmental microplastics on human health.
A mug of tea.
Article

From PFAS to Microplastics, What Might Be Leaking Out of Your Teabag?

Depending on the brand, your favorite cup of tea could be contaminated with billions of microplastics and/or traces of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Fish swimming in microplastics.
News

Scientists Develop Eco-Friendly “Magnet” To Battle Microplastics

A multi-college study will help rid waters of harmful plastics, resulting in a transformative pathway for decreasing pollution in the world’s aquatic ecosystem.
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