New Atlas

Science Audio available

Alarming study finds plastic ocean pollution harms bacteria that produce the oxygen we breathe

Rich Haridy May 14, 2019

A new study is raising concerns over the effects of plastic pollution in our oceans. For the first time researchers investigated how a common ocean bacteria, responsible for producing over 10 percent of oxygen in the atmosphere, is impaired by chemicals that can leach out of plastic products.

Chemicals that leach out of plastic rubbish were found to impair the growth of bacteria in ...

Environment

Ocean Cleanup Project drags its fractured plastic-catching barrier in for repairs

Nick Lavars January 2, 2019

Things aren't exactly going to plan for the Ocean Cleanup Project. Inspections of the approximately 600-meter-long barrier have uncovered a problematic break in the chain, prompting a return to shore for repairs.

Despite the latest setback, CEO Boyan Slat is adamant this is a speed hump rather than ...

Environment

Ocean Cleanup Project struggles to get its system up to speed

Nick Lavars December 6, 2018

Around six weeks have passed since the Ocean Cleanup Project installed its trash-catching system in the Pacific, and it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for the huge floating barrier so far. The team reports that attempts to overcome some initial teething problems haven’t exactly gone to plan

Dubbed Wilson, the Ocean Cleanup Project’s first barrier is designed to work like a giant plastic-eating ...

Environment Audio available

The Ocean Cleanup Project moves to fix leaks in its first plastic-catching system

Nick Lavars November 20, 2018

With the Ocean Cleanup Project's first system entering service in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch one month ago, there are some good signs and some bad, including an apparent inability of the huge floating barrier to retain plastic trash for very long after it is caught.

The Ocean Cleanup Project has encountered a few teething problems