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posted by martyb on Friday June 12 2020, @09:58PM   Printer-friendly
from the hail-generator? dept.

Revealed: more than 1,000 metric tons of microplastics rain down on US parks and wilderness

Microplastic particles equivalent to as many as 300m plastic water bottles are raining down on the Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree and other US national parks, researchers have found.

In a survey of 11 remote western locations, also including the Great Basin and Craters of the Moon national parks, researchers discovered [DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz5819] [DX] more than 1,000 metric tons of microplastic particles that had traveled through the atmosphere like rain or water particles.

Most microplastics are fragments from larger pieces of plastic. Since plastics aren't biodegradable, plastics that end up in waste piles or landfills break down into microparticles and make their way through the Earth's atmosphere, soil and water systems.

[...] Scientists have also linked [open, DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b01339] [DX] microplastic particles to fluctuations in soil thermal properties, leading to losses in plant life.

Some stay dry and others feel the pain.


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  • (Score: 2) by Phoenix666 on Saturday June 13 2020, @11:56AM (1 child)

    by Phoenix666 (552) on Saturday June 13 2020, @11:56AM (#1007411) Journal

    You're concerned with the state of my rock, but the people worrying about "microplastics" are not worrying about preserving the state of the plastics. They're concerned about the plastic dust that comes off the plastic, and its presumed effect on the environment and health. Those are two separate things.

    As far as my rock goes, it seems you are looking at it the wrong way. My rock is slowly, non-violently shaping itself better to use through a mutually consensual, organic relationship. It is becoming the best rock it can possibly be. And, it will pass on to future generations, recycled and upcycled, over and over again in a natural, loving transfer.

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  • (Score: 2) by c0lo on Sunday June 14 2020, @08:49AM

    by c0lo (156) Subscriber Badge on Sunday June 14 2020, @08:49AM (#1007706) Journal

    Those are two separate things.

    I am not to blame for the confusion. When I advised you to not use your rock for grinding, it was in the context of your oldest gizmo. No concerns about plastic and whatnot.

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