The emergence of plastic rocks across five continents has been catching attention of experts across the world. If reports are to go by, these plastic rocks found in various locations across the globe, are of peculiar forms, and are primarily composed of compressed rock and discarded plastic polymers. They have surfaced on coastlines and inland areas in 11 countries spanning five continents.
This revelation serves as a concerning factor with regard to the issue of global plastic pollution, which will pose threats to both ocean sustainability and human health.What are they called?
There is a debate in the scientific community with regard to the nomenclature for these plastic-infused rocks. Various terms, including plastistone, plasticrust, plastiglomerate, plastitar, anthropoquinas, and plastisandstone have been proposed to describe the diverse ways in which these formations develop.
Each term provides insight into the specific processes leading to the formation of rock plastic.
When were they first discovered?
Geologist Patricia Corcoran initiated the discussion nearly a decade ago when she discovered the first plastic rock in Hawaii, and coined the term ‘plastiglomerate.’ Recently, Deyi Hou, an associate professor of environment at Tsinghua University, and his team have taken the lead in investigating this phenomenon. They reported the first plastic rocks found inland, shedding light on the chemical bonding between plastic and rock. The team’s extensive review confirms the existence of plastic rocks on five continents and in 11 countries.
How were they formed?
Hou and his team delve into the diverse methods through which plastic rocks can form. Burning is one of the common mechanisms, where plastic debris melts during activities, such as campfires or waste burning, solidifying within the mineral matrix as it cools. Additionally, ocean waves also play a role in this. Oil containing large amounts of plastic, reaching beaches after spills, can firmly attach to rocks, undergo partial evaporation, and solidify. Moreover, chemical binding, catalyzed by sunlight-induced plastic oxidation, contributes to plastistone generation.
– https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/why-are-plastic-rocks-found-across-5-continents-and-what-are-the-threats/articleshow/106541505.cms