Finding viable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics and microplastics has never been more important. New research shows that their plant-based polymers biodegrade -- even at the microplastic level -- in under seven months.
Microplastics are tiny, nearly indestructible fragments shed from everyday plastic products. As we learn more about microplastics, the news keeps getting worse. Already well-documented in our oceans and soil, we're now discovering them in the unlikeliest of places: our arteries, lungs and even placentas. Microplastics can take anywhere from 100 to 1,000 years to break down and, in the meantime, our planet and bodies are becoming more polluted with these materials every day.
The first tool was a respirometer. When the microbes break down compost material, they release carbon dioxide , which the respirometer measures. These results were compared to the breakdown of cellulose, which is considered the industry standard of 100% biodegradability. The plant-based polymer matched the cellulose at almost one hundred percent.
"When we started this work, we were told it was impossible," stated Burkart."Now we see a different reality. There's a lot of work to be done, but we want to give people hope. ItFull list of authors: Robert S. Pomeroy, Michael D. Burkart, Steven P. Mayfield , Marco N. Allemann, Marissa Tessman, Jaysen Reindel, Gordon B. Scofield, Payton Evans, Ryan Simkovsky .
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Grown-ish' Final Season: Old and New Faces Say Goodbye in New Trailer (Exclusive)ET is exclusively debuting the trailer for Freeform's sixth and final season of 'Grown-ish,' premiering March 27.
Read more »
New Yorkers say quality of life, safety have declined in recent years, according to new surveyNew Yorkers are feeling less positive, not very safe, and unsatisfied with most city services, according to the new survey.
Read more »
Elephant seals, once nearly extinct, are finding new places to call homeOnce thought extinct, expanding populations are headed north to new sites in Humboldt County, even British Columbia.
Read more »
Luke Hemmings Talks New Solo Song ‘Shakes,’ Finding His Own Sound & MoreLuke Hemmings talks about his new solo song 'Shakes,' stepping out on his own as an artists, finding his own solo sound, feeling nervous about performing on his own for the first time, what he wants fans to learn about him from this new solo project, whether the 5sos guys have heard his new solo songs and...
Read more »
Finding new physics in debris from colliding neutron starsNeutron star mergers are a treasure trove for new physics signals, with implications for determining the true nature of dark matter, according to physicists.
Read more »
Finding Unique Gifts in New York CityExploring the options for finding unique gifts in New York City amidst the rise of online shopping and mega chains.
Read more »