University of Queensland study finds paper cups release microplastics
Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered that disposable paper cups release millions of microplastic and nanoparticle particles when used with hot liquids. These cups typically use a thin plastic lining to provide water resistance and structural integrity.
The study compared two types of linings: polyethylene (PE), a fossil fuel-derived material, and polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable alternative. Findings indicate that both materials release significant amounts of plastic at the micro and nano scales when exposed to heat.
Surprisingly, the biodegradable PLA coatings released approximately 12 times more particle mass than the PE coatings. Specifically, researchers detected roughly 4.3 million nanoparticles per milliliter in PLA-coated cups, compared to 2.7 million particles per milliliter in PE-coated cups.
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What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Both polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) coatings release plastic particles. www.diariodemallorca.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.eldia.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] PLA-coated cups released about 4.3 million nanoparticles per milliliter. www.diariodemallorca.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.eldia.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] PLA-coated cups release approximately 12 times more particle mass than PE-coated cups. www.diariodemallorca.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.eldia.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] Disposable paper cups release millions of microplastic particles when filled with hot liquids. www.diariodemallorca.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.eldia.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] PE-coated cups released about 2.7 million particles per milliliter. www.diariodemallorca.es · www.farodevigo.es · www.eldia.es