Microplastics

Measuring microplastics requires reliable detection, contamination control, validated methods, and reproducible analytical results.

Apoorva Kulkarni’s doctoral research helped shape ASTM D8646-26, which estimates temperature-dependent biodegradation behavior in aquatic environments.

The SPE Microplastics Forum takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, on Oct. 20–21, 2026, covering detection, regulation, and solutions.

Healthcare foams face growing pressure from PCR adoption, PFAS restrictions, EPR policies, and circularity goals across medical supply chains.

Microplastics can host microbial biofilms containing pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes in aquatic environments.

Plastics in menstrual products affect hygiene, comfort, additive exposure, PFAS concerns, and environmental impact.

Repeated washing, handling, and abrasion can damage reusable plastic packaging, reducing durability, cleanability, and practical service life.

Microorganisms metabolize polymer carbon into CO₂ or CH₄, proving actual biodegradation beyond physical or chemical degradation.

Engineers use stereo-complexed PLA nanospheres to halt pesticide waste and boost crop yields via precise, trigger-activated release kinetics.

EU pellet-loss rules make spill prevention a plant operations issue, with new demands for containment, procedures, and recordkeeping.