Tiny magnetic coils could help break down microplastic pollution

In the lab, carbon nanotubes release chemicals that erode the durable trash

microplastic particles

TINY TRASH PATROL Carbon nanotubes that release plastic-eroding chemicals successfully decomposed waterborne microplastic particles of different sizes and shapes (shown in photomicrographs above).

Xiaoguang Duan/Matter 2019

A new way to decompose microplastics could help clear waterways of these tiny bits of trash, which may pose health risks to people and other animals.