Japan Just Created a New Plastic That Dissolves in Seawater — And Helps Fertilize Soil

As the world gets more aware of the possible negative effects of using plastics, various research organizations have come up to try to replace some of its usage. They may want to reduce pollution, improve human health, or do it for economic purposes.

Whatever their goal may be, it is undeniable that minimizing the use of plastic is a positive for our environment. But, scientists in Japan have introduced a new way to lessen its harmful effects, and that is by creating a new form of plastic.

What Did Scientists Create?

Scientists from Japan’s RIKEN Center and the University of Tokyo have announced that they have developed a new type of plastic that dissolves in seawater within a few hours. Not only that, you can also dissolve it when buried in soil within 10 days, releasing nutrients to help plants grow.

This breakthrough will not only help the ocean and the soil, but also us, the humans who keep on using plastics too, in almost everything we do. From plastic utensils used to eat and drink, up to the medical apparatus and construction tools. A plastic that could dissolve more easily will be healthier in the long run for everyone and everything involved.

Read more: RIKEN News

How Does It Work?

Japanese scientists develop plastic that dissolves in seawater

The new plastic was developed using a food additive and a specific compound that bacteria can easily digest. These materials combined create the sturdy plastics that we are used to using.

After they form a strong bond, if the new plastic is exposed to seawater, the salt causes the bonds to break and for the plastic to dissolve without leaving the harmful microplastics behind.

Just think about the number of animals dying or having to live with plastics around their neck because of the plastic pollution humanity has thrown away in the ocean. If this new plastic were used, all of those would dissolve naturally, without harming anyone. Protecting our seas and the ecosystem that depends on them.

Read more: Science Blog

What Happens in Soil?

Some harmful effect of plastics on soil is the possibility that microplastics can change the soil’s properties. It could make the soil absorb less water, making it harder to grow any plant on it. The plastics could also carry other pollutants like pesticides and metals when buried under the ground.

However, the new plastics that the Japanese scientists developed, when placed in soil, dissolve in about 10 days. In the process, it releases nitrogen and phosphorus. Those compounds are essential nutrients for plant growth. They influence everything from the leaf and stem formation to the root development and the health of its fruits.

This means that the new plastic not only disappears after being buried in the soil, but it will also benefit the environment by enriching its soil.

Read more: Designboom

Can It Be Recycled?

The short answer is yes, it could also be recycled. This makes it ideal for widespread use, as you can reduce the total amount of plastics by recovering them to be reused. Just like the current plastic we are using, this new type can also be molded into different shapes, making it useful in a lot of industries, plus it is non-toxic.

Japanese Scientists Create Eco-Friendly Plastic That Dissolves in Seawater | WION Podcast

Author's Final Thoughts

As our technology and understanding of Science evolve, we hope that we can move forward with more inventions like this one. Inventions that not only make human lives easier, but this time, also help keep the environment cleaner and healthier.

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