Tag Archive for 'Microplastic'

Shi et al. demonstrate that biodegradable plastics can release nanoplastics during routine use, highlighting a previously overlooked pathway of consumer exposure. Image credit: Alexas Fotos.

‘Compostable’ Coffee Cups May Shed More Plastic than the Ones They’re Meant to Replace

Aug 26, 2026 by Natali Anderson

Paper cups lined with plant-based plastic are often marketed as the eco-friendly choice at coffee shops and cafeterias. But new research by University...

Srinivasan et al. demonstrated that plant-based polysaccharides showed better microplastic removal efficiency than polyacrylamide, which is commercially used for water treatment. Image credit: Srinivasan et al., doi: 10.1021/acsomega.4c07476.

Fenugreek and Okra Extracts Remove Up To 90% of Microplastics from Water Sources, Study Shows

May 6, 2025 by News Staff

In a new study by Tarleton State University scientists, okra and/or fenugreek extracts attracted and removed up to 90% of microplastics from ocean water,...

Longitudinal cross-section showing microplastic particles inside a birch lateral root in a one-year-old birch tree after being exposed to contaminated soil for 5 months. Clockwise from top left shows cross sections using light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Arrows point to fluorescing microplastic particles. Inset in bottom right panel shows the area indicated by the arrows in the bottom left panel after enlargement. All images have been enhanced using a contrast and brightness correction. Scales are shown in the bottom right or left corner of the respective image. Image credit: Austen et al., doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152085.

Microplastic Particles Detected in Roots of Birch Trees

Feb 22, 2022 by Sergio Prostak

New research led by the Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries shows that individual microplastic particles with diameters between...