New Ocean-Safe Plastic Developed to Combat Pollution and Save Marine Life
Scientists have developed an environmentally friendly plastic that dissolves in seawater, offering a promising solution to the rampant plastic pollution in our oceans. The research, conducted by Japan’s RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, was published in Science on Nov. 21, 2024.
Plastic pollution is a major environmental crisis, with an estimated 171 trillion microplastic particles floating in oceans and up to 11 million tons of plastic waste accumulating on the seabed. Marine animals often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to fatal consequences. Research shows that the plastic fragments’ resemblance to food, both in shape and smell, causes sea turtles and other marine life to ingest them.
Unlike previously developed biodegradable plastics, which do not dissolve in seawater, the new material is durable and water-soluble. The RIKEN team used inexpensive, biodegradable substances ? sodium hexametaphosphate, a food additive, and guanidinium, commonly used in agriculture ? to create this new plastic. The two compounds form a strong yet reversible bond that remains stable unless exposed to seawater, upon which it dissolves and leaves no harmful residue.
The new plastic is also recyclable. In tests, scientists could recover up to 91 percent of sodium hexametaphosphate and 82 percent of guanidinium as powder. Additionally, it breaks down in soil within 10 days, releasing nutrients beneficial for plants.
J.K. Park Staff Reporter junior/1735885743/1613368089
1. What did scientists create to help with ocean pollution?
2. Why is plastic harmful to marine life?
3. How does the new plastic dissolve?
4. What are the two substances used to create the new plastic?
1. Do you think it’s important to protect the oceans? Why?
2. Have you ever seen plastic waste in the ocean or in nature?
3. What do you do to help reduce plastic pollution?
4. How would you feel if you saw a sea turtle eating plastic?
Scientists have developed an environmentally friendly plastic that dissolves in seawater, offering a promising solution to the rampant plastic pollution in our oceans. The research, conducted by Japan’s RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, was published in Science on Nov. 21, 2024.
