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Galalith, a plastic derived from casein, is developed by Wilhelm Krische and Adolph Spitteler. [7] 1890s: Auguste Trillat discovers the means to insolubilize casein by immersion in formaldehyde, producing material marketed as galalith. [7] 1894: Shellac phonograph records are developed and soon become an industry standard. 1898
Plastic pollution puts animals' lives in danger and is in constant fear of extinction. Marine wildlife such as seabirds, whales, fish and turtles mistake plastic waste for prey; most then die of starvation as their stomachs become filled with plastic. They also suffer from lacerations, infections, reduced ability to swim, and internal injuries ...
Plastic recycling is low in the waste hierarchy, meaning that reduction and reuse are more favourable and long-term solutions for sustainability. It has been advocated since the early 1970s, [116] but due to economic and technical challenges, did not impact the management of plastic waste to any significant extent until the late 1980s. The ...
Leaching of chemicals into the water is related to the plastic bottles being exposed to either low or high temperatures. A 2018 study found that the vast majority of bottled water contains microplastics. Following this, the World Health Organization has launched a review into the safety of drinking microplastics. [94]
Only about 5% of plastic waste in the U.S. gets recycled. Scientists, lawmakers and even chemical companies themselves are trying to change that.
[17] [10] These airborne particles may become suspended in the air due to wave action in aquatic environments or the spread of wastewater treatment sludge on agricultural fields. [13] Once inhaled, these particles may lodge in the lungs or, through mucociliary clearance, be ingested and enter the digestive system.
The Italian study has weaknesses, but is likely to draw attention to the debate over the problem of plastic pollution. Most plastic waste is never recycled and breaks down into these particles.
A more recent concern in microplastic pollution is the use of plastic films in agriculture. 7.4 million tons of plastic film are used each year to increase food production. [22] Scientists have found that microbial biofilms can form within 7–14 days on plastic film surfaces, and have the ability to alter the chemical properties of the soil ...