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Tannins: A possible answer to microplastic pollution?

Envirotec Magazine

Scientists at UBC’s BioProducts Institute find that if you add tannins to a layer of wood dust, you can create a filter that traps virtually all microplastic particles present in water, according to recently reported research. When tested in mouse models, the process was proved to prevent the accumulation of microplastics in the organs.

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Graphene-based packaging presented as first truly biodegradeable and compostable alternative to plastic

Envirotec Magazine

UK biotech company Toraphene says it is preparing to unveil the world’s first truly biodegradable, compostable and commercially viable alternative to plastic packaging. It’s because they need specific manmade conditions to biodegrade, and many degrade into microplastics, which contaminate our oceans and food chain for centuries”.

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Study: Microplastics found in 90 per cent of leading cosmetics products

Business Green

Consumer goods giants continue to face growing scrutiny over their reliance on plastics in their packaging, with fresh research published yesterday having found microplastics in products manufactured by almost 90 per cent of the top-selling cosmetics brands.

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How do you tackle microplastics? Start with your washing machine.

Grist

As environmental challenges go, microfiber pollution has come from practically out of nowhere. By one estimate , they account for as much as one-third of all microplastics released to the ocean. There is also limited knowledge about how much microfiber pollution comes from the developing world, where most people wash by hand. (A

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Industry first claimed for “fully recyclable crisp packet”

Envirotec Magazine

Furthermore, if unintentionally released into the natural environment, Hydropol – which is non-toxic and marine safe – will dissolve and subsequently biodegrade. It does not break down into harmful microplastics, so it still has a safe end-of-life even if it is not disposed of as intended.

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Ocean Conservation: Microplastics in the Food Chain

Green Tech Challenge

Not only do new plastic waste deposits still make it into the ecosystem, but because plastic is not biodegradable, it will take decades to rehabilitate … Ocean Conservation: Microplastics in the Food Chain Read More » The post Ocean Conservation: Microplastics in the Food Chain appeared first on GREENTECH CHALLENGE.

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Microplastics accelerate cell death at 3 times the normal rate, study says

AGreenLiving

Researchers from the University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht recently announced that cells exposed to microplastics experience cell death three times faster than those that are not. With microplastic pollution everywhere, the findings are sobering. The term microplastics has steadily crept into contemporary literature.