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Using microbes to remove microplastics

Envirotec Magazine

Researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University have developed a seemingly new technique to trap and recover microplastics. The method uses bacterial biofilms, a sticky substance created by micro-organisms, to trap microplastic particles. In bioreactors, this makes the microplastics more convenient to collect, according to Liu.

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

Grist

By one estimate , they account for as much as one-third of all microplastics released to the ocean. Research has yet to establish just what this means for human and planetary health. This story was originally published by Grist with the headline How do you tackle microplastics? This year U.S. Start with your washing machine.

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Using ‘recycled plastic’ in construction materials may not be a great idea after all

Grist

Last month, the American Chemistry Council, a petrochemical industry trade group, sent out a newsletter highlighting a major new report on what it presented as a promising solution to the plastic pollution crisis: using “recycled” plastic in construction materials. Infrastructure “is not just a dumping ground for plastic waste,” Dzombak said.

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Ocean Conservation: Microplastics in the Food Chain

Green Tech Challenge

In recent years, concern has risen about the effect plastic waste could have on human health. More specifically, microplastic. Mussels, tuna, sardines, sea bream, hake, you name it; all contain an amount of microplastics consumed while in the sea. How do Microplastics come about? All of these are secondary microplastics.

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Why the Oil and Chemical Lobby Is Taking Aim at New York’s Plastic Waste Bill

DeSmogBlog

The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act would dramatically cut the amount and toxicity of plastic garbage New Yorkers throw away by targeting the source. The ACC is fighting to weaken the bill , which it claims is “ overly restrictive ” in its definitions of toxic substances and recycling.

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Ethical Fashion: 3 Things To Know About Sustainable Clothing Printing

The Environmental Blog

This includes using recyclable fabrics and has a minimal impact on the environment. Also, the fabrics assessed must have a little-to-no effect on farming, soil, natural habitats, greenhouse gas emissions, and water and microplastic pollution. Recycled And Treated Water.

Ethics 195
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Washing machine filter captures microplastic without the need for disposables

Envirotec Magazine

Bristol based microplastic technology company Matter is launching Gulp, “the first sustainable, long-lasting washing machine microfibre filter” on Kickstarter from 11 October. and recycling of microplastics, and says it is focused on “cradle-to-cradle solutions”, with a mission to stop microplastic pollution at source.