That makes it particularly relevant for plastic pollution in aquatic environments, where microplastics are already dispersed and difficult to collect.
The read Glen’s take, in his words
Here's a question scientists are trying to answer. What actually happens to plastic when it sits in water under sunlight for years? New research suggests sunlight slowly breaks down plastic in aquatic environments, and one of the byproducts is acetic acid. The same compound that makes vinegar. It's a finding that cuts both ways. On one hand, it means nature is doing something about plastic pollution, very slowly, at the molecular level. On the other hand, it means the chemistry of our waterways is being altered as plastic breaks down. We don't yet know the full downstream effects on aquatic ecosystems or water quality. This isn't a solution. It's a window into what's actually happening in freshwater systems right now. Worth your curiosity. Read the full story.
