Successful fabrication of 'nano-springs' helps break down marine plastic

Scientists make micro-coils from carbon, nitrogen and manganese, capable of producing chemical reactions that dissolve micro-plastic particles.

Scientist Xiaoguang Duan and his colleagues found a new way to disintegrate plastic waste, according to a study published in Matter magazine on July 31. Most plastics do not decompose completely but only break into smaller pieces called micro-plastic beads, diameter less than 5 mm. Micro plastic particles appear everywhere, from the deepest ocean trench in the world Mariana to the Pyrenees, France.

Nano springs can turn plastic into salt, CO ₂ and water mixtures.(Photo: Matter).

The nanotube ( nano -technology) group refers to things smaller than a billionth of a meter, or half the width of a human hair) from carbon in a nearly spring-like shape, covered with nitrogen and manganese. These two components interact with the nano-coil to create highly chemically active oxygen molecules, attacking micro-plastic particles. This process turns plastic into a salt, carbon dioxide and water mixture.

Dropping nano-springs into water samples containing micro-plastic particles, Duan and his colleagues found that the micro-plastic content decreased by 30-50% in 8 hours. The team also easily took the springs out of the water with magnets to use for the next time.

The technology is in its infancy but may be a viable solution to a global problem, Duan said. They need further testing before being applied in water purification plants or under the sea. This is also the long-term goal of the research team.

The number of underwater plastic waste pieces is more than the number of stars in the Milky Way. About 14 million tons of plastic is released to the sea annually, 40% of which is disposable plastic. According to the 2015 study, there are about 15-51 trillion micro plastic microbes under the sea, weighing 261,000 tons. Many fish and shellfish that humans use as food contain micro-plastic. Micro plastic particles are also found in human waste. The scientific world is not clear about their consequences on health.

"At this stage, I believe all feasible measures should be considered and encouraged," Duan said. However, he also said that new technology is not an excuse to continue to use and produce disposable plastic. "Prevention is always the best solution , " Duan said.

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