A new type of plastic that dissolves in the environment

San Diego: Scientists have created a new type of plastic that won’t break down into cancer-causing microplastics.

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have created a plant-based polymer (also known as bioplastic) using algae that decomposes 97 percent within 200 days of being pressed into the ground. In comparison, conventional plastic only decomposes 35 percent in such a long time.

Microplastics are the tiny particles of everyday plastic that end up in our arteries, our lungs and other organs that can take anywhere from 100 to 1000 years to break down.

“We are only just beginning to understand the problems caused by microplastics,” said study co-author Michael Burkhart. Scientists are trying to find alternatives to materials that are already there and making sure that these alternatives end up disintegrating rather than remaining in the environment.

Microplastics have gained a lot of attention due to their abundance and persistence in our lives. From the deepest point in the world (Mariana Trench) to the highest point (Mount Everest), its particles have been found almost everywhere in the world.

The team said they have also partnered with a group of engineers who will also make mobile phone cases using the bioplastic.