Microplastics are tiny bits of plastic that are less than five millimeters long and are a common ecological pollutant.
The potential impact of these minute particles on their own, according to studies, is unknown, and it's not known how they might interact with other pollutants.
According to recent research, UV filters found in items like sunscreens may increase the toxicity of chromium metal when they are connected to microplastics.
Microplastics worsen effect of other contaminants
(Photo : Alexander Grey/Unsplash)
Microplastics may be considerably more problematic for animals, plants, and people than previously thought because they can assemble additional environmental pollutants, like heavy metals or organic compounds, on their surfaces, as per ScienceDaily.
Heavy metals can readily bond to microplastics, and this combination may be harmful to aquatic life, according to an earlier study.
However, beyond simply adhering to certain other contaminants, microplastics and the concoction of substances on them may interact, changing one another's chemical composition.
For instance, when on the surfaces of microplastics, some metals, such chromium (Cr), could adopt distinct oxidation states. Additionally, Cr(VI) is poisonous while Cr(III) is often nontoxic.
The scientists mixed UV filters of the benzophenone type with and without Cr and polystyrene microplastic particles. In the presence of a UV filter, the team discovered that microplastics may combine even more Cr.
Additionally, in the mixes including the filters, Cr's oxidation state was higher. The scientists then examined if the population of microalgae would be more environmentally harmful because of this elevated oxidation state.
The combination containing the filter molecule reduced the growth of the microalgae, indicating that Cr was now in its more hazardous state.
The researchers interpret this to suggest that microplastics may help change pollutants into a more dangerous form through an as-yet-unproven interaction.
Embracing eco-friendly packaging
Non-environmentally friendly packaging's production method is another problem it creates. In addition to being largely produced by refining crude oil, deterioration is also dangerous, as per Weavabel.
As plastic deteriorates over hundreds of years, it may also emit hazardous compounds like bisphenol A, which can interfere with animals' hormonal systems.
Reduce carbon footprint by using eco-friendly packaging. The growth of these items removes carbon from the atmosphere if the packaging is made of natural materials like bamboo or FSC-certified paper or cardboard. Using environmentally friendly packaging is the best option if you want to make your company carbon-neutral.
This indicates that the packaging will be biodegradable if it is composed of natural materials. Plastic takes hundreds or even thousands of years to biodegrade, releasing dangerous compounds along the way.
Plastic is indeed not easily biodegradable. Even compostable materials will be used in some environmentally friendly packaging, such as sustainable paper goods.
When it comes to extraction, refinement, transport, usage, and disposal, non-sustainable petrochemical resources like crude oil the primary ingredient in the majority of plastic are extremely detrimental to the environment.
All of these problems don't exist with eco-friendly packaging over time. Unhealthy compounds, including those created by plastic, are absent as it biodegrades.
Packaging that may be recycled or used again qualifies as eco-friendly in part. Encouragement of reuse extends the useful life of packaging, cutting the demand for new materials and the carbon footprint of the package even further.
If the packaging is of sufficient quality, it should be reusable for purposes such as further packaging, storage, and even arts and crafts.
Related Article: Microplastics in the Indian Ocean Easily Identified Using New Methods in Water Samples
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