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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

2 clusters · 3 sources · 29 days · First seen · Last updated

Plastic pollution and mitigation technologies

Overview

Developments in addressing plastic and microplastic pollution involve both technological innovations and shifts in agricultural practices.

Researchers are utilizing dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma technology to coat cellulosic nanofibril (CNF) films, enhancing moisture resistance to allow plant-based fibers to replace petroleum-based packaging. Additionally, new plant-based materials, such as ‘Eco Purge’, have been developed to decompose while simultaneously breaking down existing microplastics in soil and water.

In the agricultural sector, the use of plastics presents a conflict between environmental contamination and food preservation. While plastic containers and soil covers contribute to microplastic pollution in soil and water, ‘plasticulture’—including protective films, hail nets, and specialized containers—is used to reduce food waste by protecting crops from pests, weather, and disease.

Entities

BiOrbic · North Carolina State University · Arya Satheesh · The Earth Prize · Braskem

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Plastic usage in agriculture and gardening

    Plastic is used both as a gardening material that can cause microplastic pollution and as a vital agricultural tool to protect crops and reduce food waste through plasticulture.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    New plant-based technologies aim to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution

    New advancements in plant-based materials, including plasma-treated cellulose films and a microplastic-decomposing bioplastic called Eco Purge, aim to reduce global plastic pollution.

Sources

atarde.com.br · catracalivre.com.br · thenextavenue.com