‘Not right now’: Key marine species turned off sex by plastic chemicals

A new study has found that chemical additives in everyday plastic might be stopping – or, at best, interrupting – the reproductive habits of a shrimp-like species that is key to the marine food chain. The findings provide a different perspective on the… Continue reading ‘Not right now’: Key marine species turned off sex by plastic chemicals

Envirocat 8.5 cleanly and quietly removes plastic waste from rivers

UK shipyard MMS has added a new member to its fleet of floating-debris collection vessels. The latest Envirocat is the first to clean up waterways without releasing engine fumes into the environment.Continue ReadingCategory: Marine, TransportTags: Plas… Continue reading Envirocat 8.5 cleanly and quietly removes plastic waste from rivers

Ocean Cleanup looks to halt flow of plastic trash from Indonesian river

The Ocean Cleanup is possibly best known for deploying huge trash collectors to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, but has also sought to prevent plastic waste from reaching the oceans. The latest Interceptor vessel will prevent around 1,000 tons of plas… Continue reading Ocean Cleanup looks to halt flow of plastic trash from Indonesian river

Robotic jellyfish can suck up ocean debris without touching it

Due to their unique way of moving through the water, jellyfish are frequently used as inspiration for soft, water-based robots. Now, researchers have discovered that the flapping propulsion system of a robotic jellyfish is not only good for movement, b… Continue reading Robotic jellyfish can suck up ocean debris without touching it

Safe upcycle of pandemic plastics creates lucrative nanotechnology

In the midst of the pandemic in 2021, we were throwing out three million face masks per minute. Scientists sounded the alarm early, but the response to cope has seen a lot end up in our waterways.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Nanotechnology, O… Continue reading Safe upcycle of pandemic plastics creates lucrative nanotechnology

“Plasticosis:” New disease in birds highlights dangers of microplastics

Scientists have described a new disease called plasticosis, which is directly caused by – you guessed it – plastic waste in the environment. While the disease has so far only been identified in the digestive tracts of seabirds, the scale of the problem… Continue reading “Plasticosis:” New disease in birds highlights dangers of microplastics

Ocean Cleanup video artfully depicts demise of Great Pacific Garbage Patch

The Ocean Cleanup has a huge task on its hands in ridding the seas of plastic waste, but a sleek new video offers a compelling look at its latest plan of attack. The animation shows massive trash-collection barriers sweeping through the Great Pacific G… Continue reading Ocean Cleanup video artfully depicts demise of Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Study shows nanoplastics can travel from plants to insects to fish

We already know that tiny waterborne plastic waste particles can enter the bodies of fish, which are then consumed by humans. New research, however, shows that such particles can enter the food chain via another route, by traveling from the land, throu… Continue reading Study shows nanoplastics can travel from plants to insects to fish

Ocean Cleanup study states Pacific Garbage Patch is mostly fishing gear

Marine plastic pollution is a major environmental problem, as exemplified by the enormous Great Pacific Garbage Patch. According to a new study conducted by the Ocean Cleanup project and Wageningen University, the majority of plastic waste in that patc… Continue reading Ocean Cleanup study states Pacific Garbage Patch is mostly fishing gear

Study reports a big reduction in plastic waste on Australian beaches

Although there’s no doubt that marine plastic waste pollution is a major environmental problem, there may be at least a small sliver of hope. According to a new study, plastic trash on Australian beaches has actually decreased by almost a third in rece… Continue reading Study reports a big reduction in plastic waste on Australian beaches