Japan finds solution to plastic! - Researchers develop material that dissolves in seawater
Researchers in Japan have developed a plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours, offering a potential solution to one of the oceans' biggest pollutants.
As strong as conventional petroleum-based materials, the new plastic, developed by the University of Tokyo, is made by combining two ionic monomers to form a salt bond that allows it to remain strong and flexible.
However, once exposed to salt and other electrolytes in seawater, the non-toxic and non-flammable plastic breaks down into its original monomers, which can be further broken down by bacteria.
"When we put it in an aqueous solution with the same salt concentration as seawater, it dissolves quickly in about two to three hours, depending on the size. Essentially the material turns back into its monomeric components," said Takuzo Aida, one of the lead researchers.
In a laboratory near Tokyo, his team demonstrated how a small piece disappeared into a container of salt water after being stirred for about an hour.
Aida said that many existing biodegradable plastics are unable to decompose well or completely as they break down, leaving behind harmful microplastics that ultimately pollute the ocean.
Pollution from plastic products is expected to triple by 2040, according to the UN Environment Programme, adding 23-37 million tonnes of waste to the world's oceans each year.
In 2020, an estimated 2.7 million tons of microplastics, fragments smaller than 5 mm in size, were released into the environment. Recent studies have highlighted the harm that microplastics cause not only to marine life, but also to the human body, as researchers found tiny pieces of this plastic in the human brain, artery walls, and other organs.
While the team has not yet detailed any plans for commercialization, Aida said their research has attracted considerable interest, including from the packaging sector.
"In Japan, almost all packaging is made of plastic, and if we can really reduce this, we can expect less environmental damage," he stressed. Currently, less than 9% of global plastic waste is successfully recycled.
European auto suppliers close factories due to China's restrictions on rare earth metal exports
A growing shortage of rare earth elements has forced several European auto parts factories to close, the European Automotive Suppliers Association (CLEPA)......
13th Pension for the Elderly - Decision approved. Around 725 thousand pensioners benefit
Pensioners in Albania will be able to benefit from a 13th pension, which aims to somewhat increase their annual income. The government has foreseen this......
How much money did we deposit through ATMs? - BoS: 13.6 billion lekë in just 3 months. ATMs with this function are also being added
Albanians are not only withdrawing more money from ATMs, but they are also choosing to deposit more money through ATMs than at physical bank counters.......
Disaster insurance, mandatory for businesses - Greece launches application. Which companies are exempt from the measure?
The joint decision of several Greek ministries on mandatory insurance of businesses against natural disasters has entered into force. The article, adopted......
How much will pensions increase by 2030? - The government will review the minimum, average and social pensions
The government plans to increase the average pension in Albania by 50% by 2030. Currently, the average old-age pension in the country, according to 2024......
ERE, 24 million lek more from regulatory payments - The entity aims to collect 392.8 million lek from 392 licensed companies
The Energy Regulatory Authority predicts an increase in revenues from regulatory fees of companies operating in the energy market. In total, this department......
The Government approves the National Work Program - 250 young people will be employed in the public administration
The Council of Ministers has approved the National Internship Program in the State Administration and other public institutions for young......
Trump "closes" the borders - Bans citizens of 12 countries from entering the US
The Trump administration signed an order suspending travel to the US for citizens from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea,......
