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"Fish-inspired filter removes 99% of microplastics from washing machine wastewater"
#Microplastics #Plastic #Plastics

Fish-inspired filter removes 99% of microplastics from washing machine wastewater
Wastewater from washing machines is considered a major source of microplastics—tiny plastic particles that are suspected of harming human and animal health. Researchers at the University of Bonn have now developed a filter to curb this problem. Their invention was inspired by the gill arch system in fish.

"Oceans struggle to absorb Earth's carbon dioxide as microplastics invade their waters"
#Oceans #Microplastics #Plastic

Oceans struggle to absorb Earth's carbon dioxide as microplastics invade their waters
A new study reveals that microplastics are impairing the oceans' ability to absorb carbon dioxide, a process scientists find crucial for regulating Earth's temperature.

"Another threat to reefs: Microplastic chemicals may harm coral reproduction"
#CoralReef #Microplastics #Plastic

Another threat to reefs: Microplastic chemicals may harm coral reproduction
As the sliver of a new moon shines over Kāneʻohe Bay, Oʻahu, millions of tiny orbs ascend from a reef and swirl in the water column. These spheres are bundles of coral eggs and sperm responding to lunar cycles and chemical cues in the water that tell them when to fertilize and where to settle […]

"Scientists trace microplastics in fertilizer from fields to the beach"
#Plastic #Plastics #Microplastics

Scientists trace microplastics in fertilizer from fields to the beach
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have studied how polymer-coated fertilizer (PCF) applied to fields ends up on beaches and in the sea. They studied PCF deposits on beaches around Japan, finding that only 0.2% of used PCFs are washed into rivers and returned to the coastline. When there are canals connecting fields to the sea, this rises to 28%.

"Cutting-Edge Plant-Based Plastic Bag Dissolves In Seawater Leaving No Microplastics"
#Microplastics #Plastic #Plastics

Cutting-Edge Plant-Based Plastic Bag Dissolves In Seawater Leaving No Microplastics
A team of researchers has demonstrated a cutting-edge plant-based plastic bag that can dissolve in water without producing microplastics

"Microplastics found in rural woodland at higher levels than in city centers"
#Microplastics #Plastic #Plastics

Microplastics found in rural woodland at higher levels than in city centers
Air-polluting microplastics have been found in rural environments in greater quantities than in urban locations, researchers say. Scientists led by the University of Leeds detected up to 500 microscopic particles of plastic per square meter per day in an area of woodland during the three-month study—almost twice as much as in a sample collected in a city center. The findings are published in the journal Environmental Pollution.

"Tiny Fiddler crabs are hoovering up and breaking down microplastics, study finds"
#Crabs #Plastic #Plastics #Microplastics

Fiddler crabs are hoovering up and breaking down microplastics - study
Despite being the size of a Post-It note, these tiny fiddler crabs can ingest and break down microplastic particles, researchers say.

"Crickets munch on microplastics—especially if they have a big mouth"
#Crickets #Animals #Plastic #Microplastics

Crickets munch on microplastics—especially if they have a big mouth
To a human, microplastics are very small at less than 5 millimeters (mm) wide. But to an insect, microplastics might be the same size as the food they usually eat. Researchers reporting in the journal Environmental Science & Technology have shown that crickets can and will consume polyethylene microplastics if their mouth is larger than the plastic particle. The study suggests that crickets—and likely many other insects—cannot distinguish plastic from food.

"Surprising number of foods contain microplastics. Here’s how to reduce the amount you consume"
#Plastic #Plastics #Microplastics

Surprising number of foods contain microplastics. Here’s how to reduce the amount you consume
Microwaving food in glass containers is a good idea to prevent microplastics leaching into your food.

"One-Third of Pacific Island Fish Contaminated With Microplastics"
#Microplastics #Plastic #Plastics #Fish

One-Third of Pacific Island Fish Contaminated With Microplastics - Inside Climate News
From the coral-covered coastlines of Tonga to the remote sandy atolls of Tuvalu, microscopic synthetic fibers are infiltrating the region’s species and food systems. One-third of fish living in Pacific island waters—like Fiji’s thumbprint emperor or Vanuatu’s dash-and-dot goatfish—are contaminated with microplastics, according to data published Wednesday by researchers at the University of the South […]

"Takeaway coffee cups release thousands of microplastic particles, research reveals"
#Plastic #Plastics #Microplastics

Takeaway coffee cups release thousands of microplastic particles, research reveals
It's 7:45am. You grab a takeout coffee from your local café, wrap your hands around the warm cup, take a sip, and head to the office.