Lego bricks can survive in the ocean for 1,300 years

By measuring the weight of each LEGO toy brick found on the beach compared to the equivalent unused pieces, the researchers estimate that these items could exist in the ocean from 100 to 1,300 years.

Scientists from the University of Plymouth, UK led a study to examine the extent to which items of popular children's toys have been worn out in the marine environment.

They once again reinforce the message that people need to think carefully about how they dispose of everyday household items.

The new study, published in the journal Environmental Pollution , focuses on LEGO bricks found washed up on the southwest coast of England.

LEGO is one of the most popular children's toys in history.

Over the past decade, voluntary organizations from Cornwall, UK have recovered thousands of pieces and other plastic waste during beach cleaning.

Previous studies have shown that many pieces of plastic may have been lost during beach visits or entering the environment through household waste disposal.

For this particular study, 50 weathered LEGO pieces, made from ABS thermoplastic polymer, collected from washed beaches and weighed, measured in university laboratories.

The chemical properties of each block were then determined by an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), and the results were used to confirm the age of the individual pieces.

By pairing those items with unused LEGO kits made in the 1970s and 80s, researchers were able to determine the level of wear and make an opinion about whether these pieces of plastic could continue. persist in the marine environment for how long.

The research was led by Dr. Andrew Turner, Associate Professor of Environmental Science. He has previously conducted extensive research on the chemical properties of washed-out items such as marine litter.

He said: 'LEGO is one of the most popular children's toys in history and it appeals to users in part because of its durability. It is specially designed to play without broken. Therefore, it is not surprising that despite falling into the sea for decades, it does not wear out significantly. However, its slightly too durable was a surprise for us'.

According to Dr. Andrew Turner, the pieces they found were smooth and discolored, some broken, but some were intact. That suggests they can also be broken down into microplastics. This study once again emphasizes the importance of the need for people to handle used items properly to ensure they do not cause potential environmental problems.

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