Latest news with #oceanpollution
The Independent
14 hours ago
- Science
- The Independent
This new plastic can dissolve within hours
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new type of plastic that dissolves quickly in saltwater or moist soil, potentially reducing ocean pollution. The new material can disintegrate within hours in saltwater or soil without leaving harmful microplastics, according to a study published in the journal Science. The plastic maintains the strength of traditional petroleum-based plastic but breaks down into its original components when exposed to salt, which are then digested by naturally occurring bacteria. Researchers are developing coatings to allow the dissoluble plastic to be used in packaging and other everyday applications, with interest already expressed by the packaging industry. The plastic alternative is non-toxic, non-flammable, and emits no carbon dioxide as it breaks down, but challenges remain in scaling it for wider commercial use.
The Independent
14 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
New plastic that dissolves in seawater raises hopes for tackling ocean pollution
Scientists in Japan have developed a new type of plastic that dissolves quickly in seawater, offering a potential breakthrough in the fight against ocean pollution. The material, created by researchers at the University of Tokyo, is being described as the fastest-degrading plastic of its kind. The researchers say it can vanish within hours in saltwater or soil without leaving behind harmful microplastics. Plastic pollution has emerged as a major health hazard, with microplastics now found in human organs and even brain and bloodstream. The UN has warned that plastic waste entering the oceans could triple by 2040 unless urgent action is taken. While recycling rates remain dismally low, especially for single-use plastics, scientists and innovators are racing to develop alternative materials that break down more easily or bypass the problem altogether. In a laboratory demonstration, a small piece of the material disintegrated in a tub of seawater after only an hour of stirring, according to a study published in the journal Science. Scientists say the material maintains the strength of traditional petroleum-based plastic, but, when exposed to salt, breaks down into its original components, which are then digested by naturally occurring bacteria. The breakthrough comes at a time when plastic waste continues to flood the world's oceans. Global plastic pollution is estimated to triple by 2040, with the UN Environment Programme warning that up to 37 million tonnes of waste could enter marine ecosystems each year. The innovation was announced ahead of the World Environment Day on 5 June as countries prepare for the next round of negotiations on a global plastics treaty in August, after failing to agree a deal in December. While the dissoluble plastic is not yet commercially available, the researchers are working on developing coatings that will allow the material to be used like conventional plastic in packaging and other everyday applications without compromising its rapid degradability in nature. Project lead Takuzo Aida said the team had already seen interest from the packaging industry. 'Children cannot choose the planet they will live on. It is our duty as scientists to ensure that we leave them with the best possible environment,' he told Reuters news agency. What sets this new plastic apart is its ability to disappear not just in water but also in soil which contains salt. A 5cm piece can degrade completely after about 200 hours in moist earth, according to the researchers. It is also non-toxic and non-flammable and emits no carbon dioxide as it breaks down, the researchers say. But experts warn that any plastic alternative will need to overcome challenges like beating the low cost of traditional plastic and the lack of infrastructure for production. There have been several technological breakthroughs in plastic alternatives in recent years but scaling them for wider commercial use has been a challenge. Scientists in Switzerland recently created a tough, biodegradable film made from the living fibres of a mushroom. This fungi-based material is not only compostable but also edible and self-reinforcing, potentially useful for packaging or cosmetics. In 2022, scientists at Rutgers University, in partnership with Harvard University, created an antimicrobial and biodegradable spray-on protective coating for produce and other food items. Made out of plant cellulose, the spray is designed to be rinsed off with water and, according to the scientists, degrade in soil within three days.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Tafee Crys Releases AI-Powered Single ‘We Drank the Sea' to Sound the Alarm on Ocean Pollution
New Single 'We Drank the Sea' Released Last Week Uses Musical Metaphor to Reveal Environmental Pollution's Silent Crys Blends AI and Art to Compose an Elegy for the Ocean and Reflect on the Consequences of Concealment. In their newly released single We Drank the Sea, the music duo Tafee Crys combines electronic soundscapes with minimalist lyrics to craft a parable about ocean pollution, the suppression of information, and the consequences humanity must bear. Created with the assistance of artificial intelligence, the track is both haunting and melodic, offering a poetic lens through which to reflect on issues such as radioactive wastewater discharge and health crises that only came to light years later. The duo's two members, Zheng Wu and Yaqi Mao, who have received numerous international music awards, shared the inspiration behind the song, their use of AI in the creative process, and how music can serve as a powerful medium for environmental reflection. Inspiration Behind the Song When asked about the inspiration for We Drank the Sea, Wu explained that the idea stemmed from real-world events, decisions that were intentionally hidden and ultimately affected countless lives. The lyrics of the song set up a situation where the public is led to believe that everything is safe concerning the ocean, years later they discover that they ate the bad. The song captures feelings of deception and harm between the relationship of trust and the places where we are silent. Mao added that they wanted to pose a question: If the ocean had a voice, what would it say back to us? The Power of Metaphor The lyrics primarily used metaphor, avoiding direct statements about environmental concerns. Wu said metaphor is an invitation for deeper thought, getting people to think about how environmental damage could affect humanity's future in ways we don't normally think. He explained that he didn't want the message to be shallow. Mao stated that an artist doesn't have to yell to be powerful. Environmental degradation seems to have complex and deep consequences, and every issue can be considered from multiple perspectives. Regardless of whether people come to different interpretations, the important thing is that people begin to think about the environmental issues we are facing today, and in the future. The Role of AI in the Creative Process AI was involved in the flow of the song, making it more efficient and providing creative opportunities. Mao noted that while the duo wrote the lyrics and melody themselves, AI helped them explore new sonic textures. It didn't replace their creativity but expanded what they could achieve. Wu added that AI allowed them to experiment freely, refining the track until it resonated emotionally. Recurring Environmental Themes in Their Work This isn't the first time Tafee Crys has addressed environmental themes. Their earlier piece, Flying Guest, also touched on ecological concerns. However, with We Drank the Sea, they aimed to delve even deeper. Wu recognized that human advancement will always affect the environment, though he emphasized how we do not need to be fully aware of this reality. Mao cautioned that while views toward pollution can differ: some too alarmist, some too dismissive, these various approaches show how complicated and wrought with distortion humanity's relationship with environmental reality can be. The Message for Listeners Wu expressed hope that the song would encourage reflection, even discomfort. If it makes listeners pause and question whether such scenarios are unfolding in reality, then the duo considers their mission accomplished. Mao added that beyond the musical experience, he hopes the track inspires small but meaningful changes in daily habits, whether using a cloth bag instead of plastic or refusing to discard trash into the ocean. Even minor actions, he noted, can make a difference. Media Contact Company Name: Tafee Crys Contact Person: Wu Zheng Email: Send Email Country: China Website: Source: The China Box
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Larger-than-life sculptures made from plastic pollution on display at Calgary Zoo
'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has unveiled a new art exhibit that brings the issue of ocean pollution to life. Called Washed Ashore, the exhibit features 15 large-scale sculptures made entirely from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. 'At first glance, visitors may be drawn in by the vibrant colours and whimsical forms — giant jellyfish, curious penguins, and even a towering polar bear,' said Dr. Kyle Burks, president and CEO of the Calgary Zoo. 'But a closer look reveals a deeper story.' Burks says every sculpture is constructed from discarded items like bottle caps, flip-flops, plastic toys and toothbrushes. 'These once-forgotten objects now speak volumes about the growing crisis of marine pollution, and the small choices we can all make to turn the tide. 'It's eye-opening, it's beautiful and it's a powerful reminder that individual actions can add up to real change.' Washed Ashore at the Calgary Zoo 'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) The elaborate sculptures are located all throughout the zoo's outdoor spaces. They are part of a non-profit project from the Artula Institute for Arts and Education based in Brandon, Ore. Washed Ashore at the Calgary Zoo 'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) Every year, the group works to clean more than 480 kilometres of Pacific Northwest beaches. In 15 years, the Washed Ashore project has repurposed more than 60,000 pounds of marine debris into more than 85 sculptures. Washed Ashore at the Calgary Zoo 'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) 'We are thrilled to return to Canada for our first appearance at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo,' said Brad Parks from Washed Ashore. 'As we celebrate our 15th anniversary this summer at the zoo, we invite everyone to marvel at our art to save the sea and discover one thing to reduce single-use plastic use in their lives.' Washed Ashore at the Calgary Zoo 'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) The Washed Ashore exhibit will be on display all summer long before wrapping up on Sept. 14. For more information, you can visit the Calgary Zoo's website.
CBC
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Planning to dredge the Burrard Inlet to maximize oil shipments is underway
An ocean pollution researcher and at least one First Nation are raising concerns about the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's (VFPA) plan to dredge the Burrard Inlet. Dredging is when the bed of a body of water is dug out to make way for ships or for construction or cleaning purposes. Ocean researcher Juan José Alava told CBC's On The Coast that periodic dredging is common for navigation maintenance in the Inlet. However, he says he was surprised to hear that the port is planning to dredge for the purpose of maximizing oil tanker capacity. The VFPA plan is to maximize oil shipments from the port. Currently, Aframax tankers, a specific size of oil tanker, with a deadweight ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 metric tonnes, can carry loads up to 80 per cent, with the goal of increasing capacity to 100 per cent. However, doing so carries the risk of hitting the sea bottom. According to Alava, another risk is environmental harm. Alava is the principal investigator for the Ocean Pollution Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, and says that this development is deeply concerning because of the potential effect on water quality, aquatic life, and First Nations culture in the area that is dependent on the Inlet and the Second Narrows channel. "At what environmental cost, for a single tanker, do you want to dredge the Burrard Inlet? What about the First Nation communities that are living there?" He says that as a scientist who studies marine toxicology, the risk of dredging to increase oil tanker capacity can have a drastic impact on the environment if there is an oil spill, citing lessons learned from the Exxon Valdez southern Alaska spill 36 years ago. Alava says that you can still find oil remnants in B.C. from that spill today, so environmental impact assessments and Indigenous consultation are necessary. Tsleil-Waututh Nation's Chief, Jen Thomas, said in a written statement on May 8, that no formal engagement has happened about dredging the Burrard Inlet that runs past the nation. Thomas says that the nation firmly opposed the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, adding that the Government of Canada built it despite the nation's informed decision not to consent to the project. "Tsleil-Waututh has a sacred, legal obligation to protect, defend and steward our Inlet. We hold inherent and Constitutionally-protected Indigenous title and rights to this area." Under UNDRIP, the B.C. government has a duty to obtain free, prior and informed consent from First Nations when pursuing projects in their territories. Thomas says that the nation will have more to say about the matter once it reviews the proposal and says that it looks forward to meeting with agencies in the future about any projects that may affect Tsleil-Waututh Nation rights and title. Despite concerns from environmentalists and First Nations, B.C. Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix is supportive of the project, pending it meeting environmental assessment and consultation requirements with First Nations. In a report from the Canadian Press released on May 11, Dix says that the province spoke with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation before expressing views about the project to the federal government. The plan, floated by Prime Minister Mark Carney in early May, comes at a time when Canada is looking to diversify energy exports away from the United States. Dix stressed that the dredging would be a federal project, not provincial and that the project "would allow for less traffic at the port and better utilization" because ships could fully load. The dredging project's preliminary stages of environmental assessment and First Nation consultation began on May 20.
