<p>Plastic straws have long plagued marine ecosystems, posing threats to wildlife sea creatures. Using biodegradable or compostable materials is a positive step toward reducing sea pollution. These materials break down more easily compared to traditional plastics, reducing their persistence in the environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A recent study published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry &amp; Engineering threw light on the actual lifespan of these eco-friendly options, suggesting that some commercial bioplastic or paper straws might disintegrate within eight to 20 months in coastal ocean systems.</p>

<p>Certain US regions have implemented restrictions on traditional polymers like polypropylene (PP) in drinking straws. This has spurred a rise in the use of single-use items made from paper or bioplastics.</p>

<p>The challenge lies in finding materials that maintain functionality during use but break down efficiently when disposed of in soil, freshwater, or salt water.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-extremely-rare-sight-of-dancing-aurora-curls-caught-on-camera-685833">Watch | Extremely rare sight of dancing 'aurora curls' caught on camera</a></p>

<p>Researchers, including Bryan James and Collin Ward, conducted experiments using real seawater to investigate the environmental lifetimes of different straws and to accelerate the breakdown of next-generation bioplastics.</p>

<p>In one test, inch-long pieces of straws made from various materials were suspended in large tanks with seawater flowing through them.</p>

<p>Results showed that after 16 weeks, paper, cellulose diacetate (CDA), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) straws lost 25-50 per cent&nbsp;of their initial weights, projecting full disintegration within 10, 15, and 20 months, respectively.</p>

<p>Additionally, the biofilms on the disintegrating samples contained microbes capable of metabolising diverse polymers.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-find-proof-of-at-least-9-hidden-cultural-groups-during-ice-age-europe-685805">Researchers find proof of at least 9 hidden cultural groups during Ice Age Europe</a></p>

<p>On the other hand, straws made from polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) showed no measurable weight changes, suggesting potential persistence for years in ocean water.</p>

<h2><strong>What if CDA material is changed?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The study also explored the impact of changing the CDA material's structure from solid to foam.</p>

<p>Surprisingly, the CDA foam broke down at least twice as fast as the solid version, with a prototype foam straw estimated to disintegrate in seawater in just eight months – the shortest lifetime of any material tested.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | NASA finally unlocks a canister containing precious dust samples from the asteroid Bennu</strong></p>

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<p>The findings indicated that while some bioplastic straws may not endure in ocean environments for an extended period, simple changes, such as transitioning to foam materials, could further reduce the time these materials persist in the marine ecosystem.</p>

<p>This research helped to understand the importance of informed choices in combating plastic pollution and highlighted the potential of innovative materials to make a positive impact on our environment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Plastic straws have long plagued marine ecosystems, posing threats to wildlife sea creatures. Using biodegradable or compostable materials is a positive step toward reducing sea pollution.

Plastic straws have long plagued marine ecosystems, posing threats to wildlife sea creatures. Using biodegradable or compostable materials is a positive step toward reducing sea pollution. These materials break down more easily compared to traditional plastics, reducing their persistence in the environment. A recent study published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering threw light on the actual lifespan of these eco-friendly options, suggesting that some commercial bioplastic or paper straws might disintegrate within eight to 20 months in coastal ocean systems. Certain US regions have implemented restrictions on traditional polymers like polypropylene (PP) in drinking straws. This has spurred a rise in the use of single-use items made from paper or bioplastics. The challenge lies in finding materials that maintain functionality during use but break down efficiently when disposed of in soil, freshwater, or salt water. Watch | Extremely rare sight of dancing 'aurora curls' caught on camera Researchers, including Bryan James and Collin Ward, conducted experiments using real seawater to investigate the environmental lifetimes of different straws and to accelerate the breakdown of next-generation bioplastics. In one test, inch-long pieces of straws made from various materials were suspended in large tanks with seawater flowing through them. Results showed that after 16 weeks, paper, cellulose diacetate (CDA), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) straws lost 25-50 per cent of their initial weights, projecting full disintegration within 10, 15, and 20 months, respectively. Additionally, the biofilms on the disintegrating samples contained microbes capable of metabolising diverse polymers. Also Read | Researchers find proof of at least 9 hidden cultural groups during Ice Age Europe On the other hand, straws made from polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) showed no measurable weight changes, suggesting potential persistence for years in ocean water. What if CDA material is changed? The study also explored the impact of changing the CDA material's structure from solid to foam. Surprisingly, the CDA foam broke down at least twice as fast as the solid version, with a prototype foam straw estimated to disintegrate in seawater in just eight months – the shortest lifetime of any material tested. Watch | NASA finally unlocks a canister containing precious dust samples from the asteroid Bennu × The findings indicated that while some bioplastic straws may not endure in ocean environments for an extended period, simple changes, such as transitioning to foam materials, could further reduce the time these materials persist in the marine ecosystem. This research helped to understand the importance of informed choices in combating plastic pollution and highlighted the potential of innovative materials to make a positive impact on our environment. (With inputs from agencies)

How fast do biodegradable straws really break down in Ocean? Study reveals

<p>Scientists in Japan have developed a new version of plastic which is not just stronger and stretchier than the traditional version but also partially biodegradable. Besides, it can remember complex shapes which can be restored once it is heated.</p>

<h2><strong>Sustainable plastics</strong></h2>

<p>Scientists worldwide for long have been pursuing the goal of creating an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic due to its devastating impact on the environment.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Senegal drowns in plastic</strong></p>

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<p>Now, researchers at the University of Tokyo have successfully created “sustainable plastic,” which is based on an epoxy resin vitrimer.</p>

<h2><strong>What are vitrimers?</strong></h2>

<p>Vitrimers represent a relatively recent category of plastics known for their impressive strength at low temperatures, while also possessing the unique ability to be reshaped numerous times when exposed to higher temperatures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nonetheless, they do have a notable drawback - extreme brittleness, as they cannot be stretched far before breaking.</p>

<p>To address this issue, researchers introduced a molecule called polyrotaxane into the plastic synthesis process, resulting in a novel plastic variant they've dubbed VPR, an abbreviation for "vitrimer incorporated with polyrotaxane."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/microplastics-found-in-cloud-for-first-time-researchers-sound-warning-bell-640473"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Microplastics found in cloud for first time, researchers sound warning bell</strong></a></p>

<p>At lower temperatures, VPR's robust internal chemical bonds maintain its rigid shape, but as temperatures rise, to around 150 degrees Celsius, these bonds start to recombine, allowing the material to take on different forms.</p>

<p>Moreover, when heat and a solvent are applied to VPR, it readily breaks down into its constituent components. Submerging VPR in seawater for 30 days also led to a 25 per cent biodegradation, with the polyrotaxane breaking down into a potential food source for marine life.</p>

<h2><strong>Self-healing properties</strong></h2>

<p>“VPR is over five times as resistant to breaking as a typical epoxy resin vitrimer,” said Professor Shota Ando, a project research associate at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences.</p>

<p>“It also repairs itself 15 times as fast, can recover its original memorised shape twice as fast and can be chemically recycled 10 times as fast as the typical vitrimer. It even biodegrades safely in a marine environment, which is new for this material,” Ando added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists in Japan have developed a new version of plastic which is not just stronger and stretchier than the traditional version but also partially biodegradable.

Scientists in Japan have developed a new version of plastic which is not just stronger and stretchier than the traditional version but also partially biodegradable. Besides, it can remember complex shapes which can be restored once it is heated. Sustainable plastics Scientists worldwide for long have been pursuing the goal of creating an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic due to its devastating impact on the environment. Watch: Senegal drowns in plastic × Now, researchers at the University of Tokyo have successfully created “sustainable plastic,” which is based on an epoxy resin vitrimer. What are vitrimers? Vitrimers represent a relatively recent category of plastics known for their impressive strength at low temperatures, while also possessing the unique ability to be reshaped numerous times when exposed to higher temperatures. Nonetheless, they do have a notable drawback - extreme brittleness, as they cannot be stretched far before breaking. To address this issue, researchers introduced a molecule called polyrotaxane into the plastic synthesis process, resulting in a novel plastic variant they've dubbed VPR, an abbreviation for "vitrimer incorporated with polyrotaxane." Also read: Microplastics found in cloud for first time, researchers sound warning bell At lower temperatures, VPR's robust internal chemical bonds maintain its rigid shape, but as temperatures rise, to around 150 degrees Celsius, these bonds start to recombine, allowing the material to take on different forms. Moreover, when heat and a solvent are applied to VPR, it readily breaks down into its constituent components. Submerging VPR in seawater for 30 days also led to a 25 per cent biodegradation, with the polyrotaxane breaking down into a potential food source for marine life. Self-healing properties “VPR is over five times as resistant to breaking as a typical epoxy resin vitrimer,” said Professor Shota Ando, a project research associate at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences. “It also repairs itself 15 times as fast, can recover its original memorised shape twice as fast and can be chemically recycled 10 times as fast as the typical vitrimer. It even biodegrades safely in a marine environment, which is new for this material,” Ando added. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan: Scientists develop self-healing, stronger and partially biodegradable plastic

A Ugandan startup is unpeeling the power of banana fibres, turning the usually discarded part of the yellow fruit into biodegradable handicrafts.

Ugandans turning banana wastes into useful fibres | World Of Africa

Biodegradable waste should be converted into compost which can be used to replenish the earth with the topsoil, observes Founder Trustee of Angelique Foundation Jaishree Goyal.

Video Analysis: Converting biodegradable waste into compost can help boost the green cover

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