Ocean plastics

A study has found that mussels that aggregate into reef structures may be far more susceptible to the dangers of plastic pollution

Environment

Mussels that clump together in reefs may ingest triple the plastic

A new study has revealed the dangers plastic pollution poses to blue mussels, with researchers finding they may ingest three times as much plastic when clumped together in the reef structures commonly seen in nature.

Researchers have uncovered more evidence of the magnitude of the plastic waste problem in the ocean

Environment

Scientist unearth record amount of microplastics on the seafloor

Researchers working to trace the path of plastic waste through the marine environment have discovered the highest concentration of microplastics ever recorded on the seafloor, the result of deep-sea currents that act like conveyor belts for our trash.

Environment

New type of marine plastic degrades quickly under ultraviolet light

Scientists at Cornell University have been working on more environmentally friendly forms of plastic for the fishing industry, and have come up with a new plastic material that can break down much more quickly when exposed to UV light.

New research has found a species of lobster that grinds plastic waste into smaller microplastic particles

Environment

Lobsters found to grind plastics down into "secondary microplastics"

A new study by scientists in Italy has shone a light on the way lobsters digest plastic particles, finding that their stomach actually grinds them up into tiny fragments that can pose a risk to smaller creatures in the food chain.

A new study has calculated the typical size of plastic waste different animals are able to consume

Environment

Study calculates the size of plastic waste marine animals can stomach

Scientists at Cardiff University have come up with a way of estimating the maximum size of plastic pieces different marine creatures can consume, which could help assess the risks different types of waste pose to species around the globe

A microscope image showing how a sheet of the plastic biodegrades in seawater – the material was developed in partnership with Japanese company Nihon Shokuhin Kako

Environment

Plant-based plastic biodegrades in the ocean

Whether it's entangling marine animals or forming giant floating "garbage patches," oceanic plastic waste is a huge problem. There may be new hope however, in the form of what is claimed to be a better type of marine-biodegradable plastic.

Researchers have found that Japanese medaka fish subjected to high amount of microplastic fibers experience serious effects to their reproductive and respiratory systems

Environment

Microplastics found to cause aneurysms, reproductive changes in fish

Looking to learn more about the damage plastic waste causes marine animals, scientists have found that fish subjected to high concentrations of microplastic fibers can experience profound changes to their respiratory and reproductive systems.

The Interceptor is capable of pulling out 50,000 kg (110,200 lb) of trash each day

Environment

Ocean Cleanup takes on rivers of plastic with "The Interceptor"

With its huge barriers now successfully collecting trash from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the Ocean Cleanup Project is heading upstream to tackle the issue closer to the source with "The Interceptor," a system to pull waste from rivers.

The Ocean Cleanup's prototype System 001/B has now started capturing plastic waste from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Environment

Ocean Cleanup starts harvesting plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

After years in development, the Ocean Cleanup has today announced that its prototype is capturing plastic debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

After a sizeable stint on the sidelines, The Ocean Cleanup Project is bouncing back into action

Environment

Take two: Upgraded Ocean Cleanup barrier returns to take on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

After a stint on the sidelines, The Ocean Cleanup Project is bouncing back into action following a few upgrades, with the team now hopeful it has a system better equipped to take on the massive task of plastic pollution in the ocean.

Chemicals that leach out of plastic rubbish were found to impair the growth of bacteria in the ocean responsible for producing a large volume of the oxygen in our atmosphere

Science

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

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.

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

Environment

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

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.