Microplastic “Hotspots” Identified in Long Island
Forensic and environmental specialists have collaborated to create a new scientific technique for identifying microplastic pollution ‘hotspots’ in open waters. The technique was tested in…
Microplastics News
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in diameter, originating from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic debris, synthetic textiles, and industrial processes. These minuscule pollutants have become a pervasive environmental issue, infiltrating marine and freshwater systems worldwide. Microplastics pose significant ecological risks as they are readily ingested by aquatic and terrestrial organisms, potentially leading to physical and chemical harm. Moreover, they can absorb and transport toxic chemicals, acting as carriers of pollutants across ecosystems. The widespread presence and persistence of microplastics have prompted increasing scientific research and regulatory scrutiny to assess their impact on the environment and human health.
Scientists Discover That Toxic Compounds in Everyday Products Are Disrupting Vital Human Proteins
UTEP study reveals that both nanoplastics and forever chemicals modify crucial proteins in breast milk and infant formulas. Researchers at The University of Texas at…
Startling: Humans Are Absorbing Microplastics, and It Is Increasing Our Risk of Cancer, Diabetes, and Heart Disease
Rising levels of micro- and nanoplastics are potentially increasing the risk of serious health conditions like cancer and diabetes, prompting calls for comprehensive global research…
Common Household Cleaning Product Found To Release Trillions of Microplastic Fibers
Melamine sponges release trillions of microplastic fibers monthly, posing environmental risks. Making denser sponges and using alternative cleaning methods are recommended solutions. If you’ve ever…
Invisible Invaders: How Microplastics Sneak Into Your Brain
University of New Mexico researchers have identified that microplastics, once ingested, can migrate from the gut to organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain,…
Plastic Invasion: Microplastics Found Lodged in Human and Dog Testicular Tissue
University of New Mexico researchers found microplastics in human and canine testicular tissues, raising concerns about reproductive health. The study discovered 12 types of microplastics,…
New Plant-Based Plastic Releases 9 Times Less Microplastics
Recent research shows that plant-based plastics release far fewer microplastics than traditional plastics in marine environments, suggesting they could be a more environmentally friendly option….
Microrobots Swarm the Seas, Capturing Microplastics and Bacteria [Video]
Researchers have developed microrobots capable of removing microplastics and bacteria from water, addressing the dual threat of pollution and disease spread in aquatic environments. When…
Breaking the Skin Barrier: Scientists Discover New Health Risks of Microplastics
New research indicates that toxic chemicals added to plastic materials for flame resistance can enter the body through the skin by contact with microplastics. The…
Scientists Have Discovered the First Evidence of Microplastic Contamination in Archaeological Soil Samples
For the first time, evidence of microplastic pollution has been identified in archaeological soil samples by researchers. The team discovered tiny microplastic particles in deposits…
Antarctic Pollution Crisis: Microplastics Found To Be a Greater Threat Than Known
It’s not the first study on microplastics in Antarctica that researchers from the University of Basel and the Alfred-Wegener Institute (AWI) have conducted. However, data…
Revolutionary Plant-Based Polymers Promise To Break the Microplastic Cycle
A new study indicates that plant-based polymers can degrade within a seven-month period. Microplastics are tiny, nearly indestructible fragments shed from everyday plastic products. As…
Unseen Hazard: The Invisible World of Plastics and Oligomers in Your Laundry
Oligomers are released from polyester textiles. Plastic household items and clothing made of synthetic fibers release microplastics: particles less than five millimetres in size that…
Want Fewer Microplastics in Your Tap Water? Try This Simple Tip
Nano- and microplastics are seemingly everywhere — water, soil, and the air. While many creative strategies have been attempted to get rid of these plastic…
New Study: The Ocean Is Emitting Millions of Pounds of Plastic Into the Atmosphere
A new study quantifies how much microplastic is sent into the air from ocean spray. When sea bubbles pop, they launch tiny particles, like salt…
Unexpected Invader – Scientists Discover Microplastics in Human Heart Tissues
Everywhere scientists have searched for microplastics, they have discovered their presence— in our food, water, air, and even some human body parts. However, the examination…
Plastic Rainfall: The Hidden Microplastics Clouding Our Skies
Researchers from Japan examine the presence of microplastics in cloud water and their contribution to climate change. Plastic particles less than 5 mm in size…
Microplastics From Tires Are Polluting Our Waterways
A recent study led by Griffith University revealed that urban stormwater particles from tire wear were the most prevalent microplastic Published in Environmental Science &…