Biodegradable sponge could remove 99.9% of microplastics from water
Microplastics are everywhere, from the deepest depths of the ocean to the highest point of Mount Everest, even human brains and they’re notoriously hard to get rid of. Now, scientists in China may have come up with a solution.
The scientists created a biodegradable sponge made of cotton and squid bones. They said research has shown this material can remove almost all tiny plastic particles from water sources.
The sponge uses chitin from squid bones and cellulose from cotton, which are both organic compounds known for eliminating pollution from wastewater.
Researchers tested the sponge on four different types of water: irrigation water, pond water, lake water and seawater. They found it removed up to 99.9% of microplastics in the samples.
The study’s authors say the sponge’s production appears to be scalable, which means they can make larger batches of it to meet potential demand. Previous similar microplastic filtration systems were found to be successful but couldn’t be scaled up.
If the new sponge works successfully on a large scale, which is the next step in testing, it could be a world-changing discovery.
Tea bags found to contain ‘huge’ and ‘concerning’ amounts of microplastics
Tea is known for its calming and relaxing qualities, but a new report may cause a little stress. Scientists have discovered that three different types of commercially available teabags release millions, sometimes even billions, of nanoplastics and microplastics into tea, which then get absorbed into the intestinal cells of whoever consumes the drink.
Microplastic contamination is an ongoing concern. These plastics have been found in hearts, testicles and this year, scientists found a “scary” amount in brain tissue.
While scientists do not yet know how exactly microplastics impact human health, they are known to release chemicals called “endocrine disrupters,” which are believed to impact human hormones and increase the risk for certain cancers.
One of the study’s authors said they hope the research helps spur a push to regulate single-use plastics and cut down on plastic contamination.
While the study’s authors did not identify the brands of tea bags it tested, this is not the first study of its kind. The digital platform “I’m Plastic-Free,” which helps people find plastic-free household products, has compiled a list of plastic-free tea brands across the world.
States approve legal marijuana despite containing dangerous mold: WSJ
To grow, marijuana needs certain conditions: humidity and a lot of light. As pot becomes legal in more places and more ways, be it medical or recreational, more companies are growing the once secretly-harvested plant, usually indoors in a controlled area.
The problem with that is humidity and lots of artificial light are not just optimal conditions growing marijuana, they are also prime conditions for mold.
A new Wall Street Journal analysis found that while states where marijuana is legal make growers hire laboratories to check for mold and other contaminants, many of those labs are underreporting what they find.
The Journal’s analysis looked at more than 2 million mold testing results from nine states and found a disproportionate number of products containing dangerous mold, which can make you sick or even kill you, are being cleared for sale.
Certain molds and their toxins have been linked the cannabis plant. When ingested, the fungi can pose serious health risks, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
A 2020 review of national insurance claims found marijuana users are nearly four times more likely than non-users to be infected with fungi that have been known to cause infections, dangerous immune responses and even death.
The Journal found labs that passed more marijuana samples got more business. If labs test four samples and one is contaminated, that’s a 25% contamination rate, but if a lab test 10 samples and two are found to be contaminated, that’s only a 20% contamination rate, which doesn’t sound quite as bad, does it?
Since most states that have legalized weed in some form do not have a set standard for how testing should be done, there’s no easy way to find out if the product is safe. Consumers can do the legwork themselves, though, because every legal weed label identified where it was tested.
However, many cannabis enthusiasts said that can be a cumbersome process because a person has to research each lab and their methods to make their own informed decision.
Black-colored plastics found in kitchen utensils, toys linked to toxic chemical
A study published on Tuesday, Oct. 1, found that black-colored plastics may contain concerning levels of a toxic flame retardant that could be leaching in through the recycling process. The study, done by environmental advocacy group Toxic-Free Future, found the highest levels of the toxic chemical in costume jewelry kids often wear when dressing up as pirates.
The study’s lead author said these necklaces contain toxic chemicals equal to almost 3% of their weight.
Researchers found one PBDE, in particular, known as decaBDE was found in 70% of samples tested even though it was completely banned in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2021.
The European Union allows a level of decaBDEs up to 10 parts per million in products. The study’s authors said they found levels ranging from 5-1,200 times greater than that in the products they tested.
Take black plastic kitchen utensils for example. Researchers say based on how often they’re used, you could be exposed to nearly 38 parts per million of decaBDE per day — more than three times what the E.U. has deemed acceptable.
Most of the contamination can be traced back to flame retardants used in electronic devices like TVs, smartphones, gaming systems, and computers. This contamination occurs when these items are improperly recycled.
However, these flame retardants can also be found in the padding of things like couches, yoga mats, children’s car seats, just to name a few.
The study also only looked at black plastics, so it’s unclear if the toxic chemicals can be found in any other color of plastic.
Researchers say if you want to cut down your exposure, you can replace your kitchen utensils with stainless steel, dust, mop, and vacuum regularly to get rid of any dust that has been contaminated, and never wash and reuse the black plastic containers your food comes in or put them in the microwave.
Boar’s Head closes Virginia plant after deadly listeria outbreak
Boar’s Head announced Friday, Sept. 13, it will permanently close its Jarratt, Virginia, plant, where a deadly listeria outbreak originated. The outbreak hospitalized 57 people across 18 states and resulted in nine deaths.
The company traced the contamination to liverwurst produced at the facility and has permanently discontinued the product.
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Boar’s Head said it will also implement a companywide food safety program, appoint a new food safety officer, and form a food safety council made up of independent industry experts, including former USDA and FDA officials.
USDA inspections of the Jarratt plant since 2022 reported mold, insects, and other unsanitary conditions. Despite warnings and corrective action requests, the issues persisted, leading to the plant’s indefinite closure.
Livestock feed company admits fault in delivery that killed 70 horses
An incident in Oklahoma saw the Livestock Nutrition Center (LNC) admit fault for a delivery of contaminated feed that led to the deaths of as many as 70 rodeo horses. Beutler and Son Rodeo Co. received the feed, and upon eating it, many of the animals died.
A veterinarian reported a potential issue with a bulk order of feed to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF). The feed, which was delivered to the rodeo company, is now confirmed to have caused the deaths of these horses.
ODAFF quickly traced the feed back to its origin in Kansas, and by Aug 31, the Livestock Nutrition Center released a statement admitting fault.
The company’s president said the feed was likely contaminated due to a failed clean-out procedure and a sensor malfunction. What failed to be removed for the horse feed was an additive called monensin. The additive is used to control parasites in cattle, as well as improve feed efficiency. However, it can be deadly to horses.
The statement expressed deep regret, and offered to assist and support the Beutler family is order to make things right. The LNC emphasized that this was an isolated incident and said the company is taking steps to ensure it never happens again.
