Microplastic

The sludge that is created through sewage treatment processes is rich in nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen, making it an excellent source of fertilizer for agriculture. But research has found it also contains significant amounts of microplastics.

The way plastic moves through the environment is of great concern to scientists, and a first-of-a-kind study has unearthed disconcerting new information on how microplastics can carry pathogens far out to sea and endanger marine life.

Scientists are continuing to uncover the true extent of our plastic pollution problem, and the latest development in this area offers up the first evidence of plastic particles being absorbed into the human bloodstream.

If you've ever eaten okra, then you'll know that the stuff can be pretty … gooey. According to new research, that quality could allow a compound from the plant to be used in a less toxic method of removing microplastics from drinking water.

A new study has shone a light on the impacts on the aquatic environment of tire wear particles, which the authors say can have detrimental effects on marine species, including growth abnormalities and death.

Scientists in Germany are exploring an interesting solution to the problem of soils contaminated with microplastics, and have demonstrated how birch trees might be used to soak up the small plastic particles with their roots.

A new study has looked at the volume of plastics we regularly consume through food and water and how this might impact on human cells, finding that the concentrations we are exposed to can potentially have toxic effects.

Scientists have revealed a new mechanism through which an ingredient in common plastics drives up cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular disease in mice, potentially filling in some important blanks as to why similar effects have been observed in humans.

Glitter spruces up everything from makeup to craft projects, but one thing it doesn’t improve is the environment. A new biodegradable glitter swaps out the plastic and aluminum for plant-based cellulose, which can be produced at scale.

We've been hearing a lot lately about how disintegrated waterborne trash is one of the main sources of ocean microplastics pollution. A new study, however, suggests that aging maritime rope could also be making a significant contribution.

The problem of microplastics pollution is getting worse, so it's important to monitor the amount of such plastic waste currently present in the world's oceans. According to a new study, a simple sea creature may better allow scientists to do so.

Researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University have devised a method of trapping tiny plastic particles using a sticky bacterial biofilm, which they hope could find use in wastewater plants to prevent them from entering the ocean.