A Columbia University study published in Nature reveals that microplastics in water are not chemically inert but can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the water-plastic boundary, potentially damaging DNA and proteins. The researchers found polystyrene degraded a test dye by nearly 90% over 10 days in water, but not in other solvents, suggesting water interaction is essential to the reaction.
Background
Microplastics have been found ubiquitously in drinking water, human blood, arteries, and brains, raising public health concerns about their long-term effects. Previous research has linked microplastic exposure to oxidative stress in animal studies.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Oct 16, 2026 at 02:39 AM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10