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Polystyrene (PS) / ˌ p ɒ l i ˈ s t aɪ r iː n / is a synthetic polymer made from monomers of the aromatic hydrocarbon styrene. [5] Polystyrene can be solid or foamed. General-purpose polystyrene is clear, hard, and brittle. It is an inexpensive resin per unit weight. It is a poor barrier to air and water vapor and has a relatively low ...
Expanded polystyrene, often termed Styrofoam, is a contributor of microplastics from both land and maritime activities. Polystyrene is not biodegradeable but is susceptible to photo-oxidation, and degrades slowly in the ocean as microplastic marine debris. Animals do not recognize polystyrene foam as an artificial material, may mistake it for ...
Styrene is an organic compound with the chemical formula C 6 H 5 CH=CH 2.Its structure consists of a vinyl group as substituent on benzene.Styrene is a colorless, oily liquid, although aged samples can appear yellowish.
For example, microplastics can be found on sandy beaches [145] and surface waters [146] as well as in the water column and deep sea sediment. Microplastics are also found within the many other types of marine particles such as dead biological material (tissue and shells) and some soil particles (blown in by wind and carried to the ocean by rivers).
Styrofoam insulation extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), owned and manufactured by DuPont. Styrofoam is a genericized trademarked brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), manufactured to provide continuous building insulation board used in walls, roofs, and foundations as thermal insulation and as a water barrier.
Researchers collected seawater samples worldwide, and found that all samples contained polystyrene derivatives. Polystyrene is a plastic found in styrofoam and many household and consumer goods. The scientists then simulated the decomposition of polystyrene in the open ocean.
5 Gyres was the first organization to research plastic pollution in all five main subtropical gyres [18] and first to determine how much plastic is on the surface of the world's oceans: Nearly 270,000 metric tons and 5.25 trillion pieces.
Plastic degradation in marine bacteria describes when certain pelagic bacteria break down polymers and use them as a primary source of carbon for energy. Polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are incredibly useful for their durability and relatively low cost of production, however it is their persistence and difficulty to be properly ...