Microplastics may cause biological damage through chemical reactivity

A study published in the journal Nature suggests that microplastics may not be chemically inert as previously assumed. Researchers from Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley, have found that when microplastics come into contact with water, they can trigger chemical reactions that produce highly reactive molecules.

Specifically, the interaction at the boundary where plastic meets water can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), also known as free radicals. These unstable molecules have the potential to cause biological damage by attacking cells, proteins, and DNA, potentially leading to inflammation and oxidative stress within the human body.

In a separate effort to address plastic pollution, scientists at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science are developing supramolecular sea-friendly plastics. Unlike traditional biodegradable plastics that can still break down into harmful microplastics, this new material is designed to dissolve into its original building blocks, aiming to reduce environmental impact and improve soil fertility.