Plastic Pollution
Latest about Plastic Pollution
Plastic-eating fungi could help take a bite out of Earth's rampant pollution crisis, study suggests
By Kiley Price published
Certain wood-decay fungi can also break down plastic.
Plastic in Birds' Stomachs Reveals Ocean's Garbage Problem
By Live Science Staff last updated
Plastic found in the stomachs of dead ocean birds reveals the Pacific Ocean off the northwest coast of North America to be more polluted than was realized.
Mysterious dead beaked whale covered in unusual injuries washes up on California beach
By Harry Baker published
A dead beaked whale with mysterious injuries on its face recently washed up on a California beach. Experts are unsure why the animal died or even which species it belongs to.
5 million shipwrecked Legos still washing up 25 years after falling overboard
By Mindy Weisberger published
A once-in-a-century wave that struck a cargo ship 25 years ago caused the worst toy-related environmental disaster of all time, known as the Great Lego Spill.
28,000 tons of COVID-19 waste now swirling around in our oceans
By Nicoletta Lanese published
The pandemic intensified "pressure on this already out-of-control problem."
Microbes in cow stomachs can help recycle plastic
By Nicoletta Lanese published
These bacteria usually eat natural polyesters, like those found in the outer coating of plant cells.
Scientists convert plastic waste into vanilla flavoring
By Yasemin Saplakoglu published
Scientists have figured out a way to convert plastic waste into vanilla flavoring with genetically engineered bacteria, according to a new study.
Tons of toxic pellets blanket Sri Lanka beaches, causing environmental disaster
By Yasemin Saplakoglu published
A burning container ship dumped tons of plastic debris onto Sri Lanka's beaches, prompting a widespread environmental disaster.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.