An important advancement in the field has been accomplished by a research team from the Institute for Laser Technology in Japan, headed by Toshihiro Somekawa. They developed a small hyperspectral imaging lidar system to identify and detect different plastics remotely. The monitoring and management of plastic pollution could be completely transformed by [...]
Plastic pollution is more than just a waste management concern; it is a global environmental crisis that threatens the Earth’s systems. Patricia Villarrubia-Gómez of the Stockholm Resilience Centre recently researched how plastics contribute to the shattering of all nine planetary boundaries. The report employs the planetary boundaries framework to show [...]
Researchers have long known that the Comamonadaceae, a common family of wastewater bacteria, can grow on the plastics present in metropolitan rivers and wastewater systems. However, until now, nothing was known about what these microorganisms do with the plastic. A pioneering study led by Northwestern University has revealed the processes [...]
Despite careful consumer attempts to separate and sort recyclables, the grim reality is that the majority of recyclable plastic bottles end up in landfills. The limits of traditional recycling technologies play a key role in this issue. Traditional recycling procedures primarily limited to the processing of type one and type two plastics, which include soda plastic bottles, bottles of water, and milk jugs. This [...]
In a groundbreaking move, the British government has finally unveiled its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for bottles and cans, aiming to tackle the mounting plastic and aluminum waste crisis. However, while hailed as a positive step by some, critics argue that the initiative falls short of expectations. In this comprehensive [...]
In an era dominated by environmental concerns, a collaborative effort between the University of Birmingham and Duke University has emerged as a beacon of hope in the battle against plastic pollution. This joint UK-U.S. research team has pioneered a revolutionary solution to one of the primary challenges faced by sustainable [...]
In an era where eco-conscious choices are becoming the norm, a groundbreaking discovery by scientists at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) is poised to change the game for straw enthusiasts. As the global movement against single-use plastics gains momentum, the demand for eco-friendly alternatives has led to [...]
Single-use plastics, including bottles, bags, and packaging materials, have become emblematic of convenience but contribute significantly to the escalating plastic waste crisis. These items, designed for short-term use, persist in the environment for centuries, creating an enduring ecological footprint. Beyond visible plastic waste, microscopic particles known as microplastics infiltrate ecosystems, [...]
