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plastics

An image of the Sonnblick Observatory with snow
Posted inNews

The Alps Are Dusted with Nanoplastics

by Stacy Kish 30 March 20228 August 2022

A new study finds the lofted pollutants came from major European cities, but further study is required to fully understand the plastics’ transport and deposition processes.

Colorized scanning electron micrograph of a macrophage
Posted inNews

Microplastics Morph Cell Metabolism

by Alka Tripathy-Lang 24 November 20214 October 2022

Microplastics get into our bodies, potentially altering how certain cells convert sugar into energy, especially in the gut. Continued ingestion could cause chronic problems.

Plastic debris and other litter lines a creek shore in front of a partially constructed building
Posted inFeatures

Cameroon’s Mangrove Forests Are Choking on Plastics

by H. Ali, E. Atekwana, N. I. Konfor, D. Fregoso-Sanchez and G. C. N. Youaleu 21 April 20215 November 2021

Rapid urbanization and insufficient waste management are threatening the environmentally and culturally vital Wouri Estuary. Solutions are needed to save these and other mangroves around the world.

Tents set up on a snow and ice field in Aurora Basin North, East Antarctica
Posted inOpinions

Microplastics’ Hidden Contribution to Snow Melting

by J. Ming and F. Wang 8 March 20214 October 2021

Microplastic particles, present everywhere on the planet, may complicate assessments of black carbon’s role in the melting of snow and of its contributions to Earth’s radiative balance.

Imagen mostrando bolsas y otros restos de plástico flotando en el océano.
Posted inResearch Spotlights

Rastreando cómo se mueve el plástico en el océano costero

Kate Wheeling, freelance science writer by Kate Wheeling 3 March 202124 February 2023

Investigadores utilizaron un tanque de olas para estudiar el movimiento de partículas de plástico de forma experimental y comprender el papel de la densidad de partículas en el comportamiento de deriva.

Plastic debris floats near the ocean surface, as seen from underwater
Posted inResearch Spotlights

Tracking How Plastic Moves in the Coastal Ocean

Kate Wheeling, freelance science writer by Kate Wheeling 21 December 20203 November 2021

Researchers used a wave tank to study the movement of plastic particles experimentally and to understand the role of particle density in drift behavior.

Men on the deck of a research vessel collect samples from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Posted inNews

Below the Great Pacific Garbage Patch: More Garbage

Mara Johnson-Groh, Science Writer by Mara Johnson-Groh 4 June 20201 February 2023

New research is finding there’s more to marine debris than just what appears near the ocean surface, including tons of microplastics extending hundreds of meters into the deep.

Empty potato chip bag
Posted inNews

Tear, Don’t Cut, to Reduce Microplastics

Katherine Kornei, Science Writer by Katherine Kornei 29 April 202013 March 2023

Laboratory experiments reveal the numbers and types of microplastics produced by tearing, scissoring, and cutting everyday items.

Beach strewn with plastic and glass debris
Posted inNews

Bill Calls for Dramatically Cutting Plastic Pollution

by Randy Showstack 11 February 20204 February 2022

With just 8% of plastic waste in the United States currently being recycled, the bill aims to set up an effective plastic recycling program and limit single-use plastic.

Young woman holds a sieve filled with microplastics on the beach
Posted inNews

Mixed Reviews for Bill to Curb Ocean Plastics Pollution

by Randy Showstack 13 November 20193 November 2021

Although the Save Our Seas supporters include industry and the Ocean Conservancy, some environmental groups say the legislation won’t solve the problem.

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