Plastic pollution on the world’s coral reefs

Recyclable, Malleable, and Strong Thermosets Enabled by Knoevenagel Adducts

“…The hydrolysis mechanism of the Knoevenagel adduct is proposed to involve a nucleophilic attack by the hydroxyl anion on the C�C bond, forming a stabilized intermediate anion that undergoes subsequent E1cB elimination to regenerate the starting monomers (Figure S9). 41,42 It should be noted that the hydrolysis of ester bonds in MC under alkaline conditions has also been observed, with the presence of methanol-related products evident by 1 H NMR analysis (Figure S7).…”

“…Plastics have become indispensable in our daily life from bags to automobiles. The colossal demand for plastics has led to severe negative environmental and human health impact during their disposal. − The pursuit of recyclability in plastic materials for effective end-of-life management, circular material economy, and environmental sustainability has garnered significant attention. − Among plastics, thermosets typically exhibit higher rigid, as well as dimensional, thermal, and chemical stabilities . However, in contrast to end-of-use thermoplastics, which can be melted and reshaped, thermosets form into a three-dimensional network upon curing, resistant to dissolution and reprocessing: they can only be subjected to harsh chemical degradation or pyrolysis. , Consequently, an overwhelming majority of thermosets are relegated to incineration or landfill disposal after use.…”

Precise activation of C–C bonds for recycling and upcycling of plastics

“…1,2,6 The rapid accumulation of plastic waste, which is challenging to handle, has resulted in severe environmental pollution, ultimately posing a threat to both Earth's ecosystems and human health. 5,7–10 Meanwhile, plastic waste represents one of the most significant potential carbon resources in the modern era. 3,11 Approximately 59% of all plastics ever manufactured, equivalent to around 8600 million metric tons, are directly discarded, ultimately ending up in landfill sites, or infiltrating natural ecosystems, such as rivers and oceans.…”

Microplastic Contamination of a Benthic Ecosystem in a Hydrothermal Vent

“…MPs have been found in various marine environments, including coastal ecosystems near inland areas, such as estuaries, beaches, tidal flats, coral reefs, sea forests, open sea regions far from land, polar regions, , open seas, deep-sea environments, − cold seeps, , trench areas, and more. No prior research has been conducted in deep-sea hydrothermal vents, which represent one of the most unique and extreme marine environments.…”