By 
“Plastic rocks” found on Trindade Island in the state of Espirito Santo is seen at the laboratory of the Federal University of Parana, in Curitiba, state of Parana, Brazil on March 7, 2023. (REUTERS/Rodolfo Buhrer)
We know now that micro and nanoplastics are literally everywhere. They’re in the rain, food and water – they’re even in the very first bowel movement that infants have after their birth.
This latest bombshell, though, has scientists worried all over again. Man made plastic is appearing in strange new rocks that researchers have figured out in all five inhabited continents. They say it’s a surprising sign that plastic pollution has become universal.
The study was published in Environmental Science & Technology, and details how rocks made from artificial plastic polymers were found on the shoreline in 11 countries all over the globe.
“Our recent study was the first to report the discovery of plastistones in the inland region and the first to report the chemical relation between plastic and rock.”
The first “plastiglomerate” was found almost 10 years ago in Hawaii.
Rocks Made of Melted Plastic Waste Found on Remote Island. “Plastic rocks” found on Trindade Island in the State of Espirito Santo is seen at the laboratory of the Federal University of Parana, in Curitiba, State of Parana, Brazil. REUTERS/Rodolfo Buhrer
“Molten plastic, sand grains, clasts from rock, coral, shells, and wood debris were held together after campfire burning on Kamilo Beach, Hawaii, USA. Since then, they have been repeatedly found on beaches, both on islands and mainland coastlines.”
Study coauthor Deyi Hou, at Tsinghua University in China, spoke about how these “rocks” are made.
“They can result from waves hitting against intertidal rocks, leading ocean plastic to become physically adhered to the rock surface.”
They think that the chemical binding is due to sunlight irradiation, which oxidized the plastic. Scientists fear the plastic can decrease microbial diversity and shed microplastics, as well. And we all know where those end up.
Scientists fear this is one more nail in the coffin for many natural ecosystems over the world.
“Plastiglomerate causes an imminent danger to ocean sustainability, blue economy and overall human health.”
I doubt we’ve seen the extent of the effects of plastics on humans or the world around us.
We’ll probably be even more scared once we do.
