DAEJEON, Feb. 14 (Korea Bizwire) – A groundbreaking study conducted by a research team led by professor An Youn-joo of Konkuk University has confirmed that microplastics absorbed by plants from soil can be transferred to their fruits and subsequently to the next generation of plants. The study, funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea, highlights [...]
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – In a surprising revelation, researchers from Kyung Hee University’s Korean Institute of Ornithology have uncovered a disconcerting truth – microplastic contamination has infiltrated the feathers of seagulls residing on the East Sea islands of Dokdo and Ulleungdo. Published in the November issue of the international journal Marine Pollution Bulletin, the [...]
DAEJEON, Nov. 17 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent study has revealed that microplastics are causing disturbances in soil ecosystems and impacting nitrogen cycling. The Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT) disclosed on Thursday that for the first time, it has substantiated the correlation between the size and concentration of microplastics and the efficiency of nitrogen fixation in [...]
SEOUL, March 1 (Korea Bizwire) — There are more microplastics found in disposable containers commonly used for food deliveries than in multi-use containers, a consumer watchdog said Tuesday. The Korea Consumer Agency looked into 16 kinds of disposable containers currently being used in the commercial market, discovering close to 30 microplastics. In the four kinds [...]
SEOUL, March 1 (Korea Bizwire) — Samsung Electronics Co. has announced the release of the Bespoke Grande AI washing machine and dryer that feature improved eco-friendly and artificial intelligence (AI) functions. For the washer, Samsung introduced a microplastics reduction cycle that was developed in collaboration with U.S. outdoor brand Patagonia. The cycle can reduce the creation [...]
DAEJEON, Nov. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — A South Korean scientist has found that not only fishery products but also agricultural crops absorb microplastics. Yoon Hak-won, a researcher at the Korea Institute of Toxicology, cultivated the cabbage family plant Arabidopsis (rockcress) for 21 days on soil contaminated with heavy metal cadmium and polystyrene plastic and observed [...]
DAEJEON, Oct. 14 (Korea Bizwire) — A group of South Korean scientists have developed a new biodegradable material that can replace microplastics used in cleansing and cosmetics products. A joint research from the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology and the Pohang University of Science and Technology announced on Wednesday that it had developed a candidate [...]
DAEJEON, Oct. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — Urban areas with more green spaces have a lower level of microplastics, research showed Thursday. A joint research team consisting of the National Institute of Forest Science, Seoul National University and anti-pests company Cesco, analyzed the quantity and composition of microplastics (diameter of higher than 20 micrometers, equivalent to the [...]
SEOUL, Feb. 7 (Korea Bizwire) — As the Han River flows towards the Incheon coast, the concentration of microplastics rises. A survey conducted by the Incheon Metropolitan Government investigated the annual levels of microplastics at five different areas in the city from last March to August. The research showed that as the Han River neared [...]
SEOUL, Sept. 25 (Korea Bizwire) –A think tank in South Korea has found evidence that plastic materials that end up in the sea could later harm people’s health when consumed in micro form. Dr. Shim Won-joon of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology revealed yesterday in a press release provided by the activist [...]