Microplastics

Curbing plastic pollution: The EU’s commitment to a global plastics treaty

The EU is determined to tackle plastic pollution with the final negotiations for the global treaty to start.

Eco-friendly filter can remove microplastics in water

The world's first eco-friendly filter has been developed that can remove micro-to-nano-sized microplastics in water.

The light-activated fish robot designed to collect microplastics

Researchers have invented a light-activated fish robot that "swims" around quickly and removes microplastics from the water.

Polymer physics: The possible future of global plastic use

We talk to Professor of Polymer Physics Eugene Terentjev, at the University of Cambridge, about the future of plastic.

Scientists create hydrogen-based way to recycle plastic bottles

Plastic bottles take up to 450 years to biodegrade naturally, so recycling them quickly is crucial for the environment - Northwestern University chemists may have a new strategy.

Research finds microplastics carrying pathogens into sea

Microplastics carrying pathogens into the ocean via land based parasites are affecting wildlife and human health.

Reduce air pollution from microfibres by avoiding tumble drying

Tumble drying laundry can worsen air pollution, as it releases vast amounts of possibly harmful microfibres into the air, if not coupled with more eco-friendly methods.

Microplastics found in placenta and newborns

Researchers looking at plastics’ connection with pregnancy and children's health, find that placenta can absorb nanoplastics during pregnancy, affecting babies when born.

Nanoplastics in snow: The extensive impact of plastic pollution

Plastic has been found everywhere, from plastic pollution in the oceans, to microplastics in food – researchers have now located nanoplastic particles in the snow.

Nurdles: Tiny building blocks of consumer plastics & a growing environmental health threat

Pamela Lein, University of California, Davis, explains nurdles - tiny building blocks of consumer plastics & growing environmental threat

Transforming plastic use with a circular model

New research provides a model of the global scale of plastic development, tracing where it’s produced, where it ends up, and its environmental impact.

Identifying microplastics in Antarctic seawater samples

Research has identified how microplastics are being found in the Antarctic, by testing seawater samples they found that paint and varnish are the most prominent source of microplastics in the region's sea.

Inside England’s plans to ban single-use plastics

Single-use plastics could be banned in England in the latest Government proposal to stop production and consumption of all avoidable plastic waste.

Babies consume 10 times as many microplastics as adults

In a study conducted on babies in New York, scientists found that babies contain 10 times as many microplastics as adults - raising serious questions about how exposure happens.

Scientists find “harmful chemicals” in over 75% of makeup

Scientists tested makeup across the US and Canada for harmful chemicals - they found that over 75% of products tested contained PFAS, which are "forever chemicals".

Scientists find way to turn plastic waste into jet fuel

A team of researchers at Washington State University have found a way to turn 90% of plastic waste into jet fuel within the space of an hour.

Let’s learn how to use plastic anew!

Research Professor Ali Harlin urges us to reconsider our plastic use and illustrates how the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is aiming to halve the environmental impact of plastics.

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Latest Academic Articles

The latest academic articles from key research stakeholders