An example of plasticrust– a sedimentary rock consisting partly of plastic waste. Image by means of Wiki Commons.
Sedimentary rocks make up around 75% of the rocks on the worlds surface. In recent years, geologists have actually been discovering more and more plastic rocks in numerous shapes and kinds.
” In this context, we propose the adoption of an existing term “plastistone” with a modified meaning to collectively describe these unique plastic kinds,” write Liuwei Wang and Deyi Hou from Tsinghua University.
Plastic geology– how are plastistones formed?
The melting of plastic waste from campfires or high temperatures on beaches (1) is resulting in the formation of a brand-new type of rock called plastiglomerate (2 ). Formed plastiglomerate merges with surrounding sediment to produce a compositionally different sediment layer (3 ). The emergence of this brand-new layer is being used as physical evidence of a marker horizon for an Anthropocene Epoch (4 ).
Unlike conventional sedimentary rocks like limestone or sandstone, plastistone is a hybrid of natural rock and synthetic plastic. This combination takes place when plastic waste becomes intertwined with natural rock elements, resulting in an unique geological development. The process of lithification, which turns loose sediment into solid rock, is at play here, including plastic as part of the rock matrix.
The formation of plastistone can happen through various mechanisms. One common method is through the melting of plastic debris in environments like campfires or waste burning websites. The melted plastic then sticks to existing rocks or sediments, eventually cooling down and solidifying into a rock-like structure. The resulting plastistone can show a variety of looks, depending upon the types of plastic and natural rock involved.
Plastistones have been discovered on a worldwide scale, both in coastal and inland areas, the two researchers say. They form through the blend of natural rock and plastic waste– a shocking sign of human effect on the planet.
Whats in a plastistone?
Common plastic types found in plastistones include polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP). These are often sourced from domestic waste, such as product packaging and containers, or maritime activities. The physical homes of plastistones can differ considerably, influenced by elements like the amount and kind of plastic involved, the nature of the surrounding rock or sediment, and the specific ecological conditions throughout formation.
In fact, the interest around these rocks is more environmental than geological.
A “plastic rock” discovered in Hawaii in 2014. Image credit: Patricia Corcoran.
” Plastiglomerate presents an imminent threat to ocean sustainability, blue economy and overall human health,” Hou told Newsweek.
However, theres a likelihood that theres plenty more kinds of plastistones out there that we simply have not found yet.
Plastistones have actually been shown to modify the microbial communities of the surrounding environment and can generate significant quantities of nanoplastics and microplastics. The potential for these rocks to release microplastics and nanoplastics into surrounding areas raises issues about their long-term ecological impacts.
Yet another sign of the Anthropocene
Sedimentary rocks make up around 75% of the rocks on the planets surface area. Unlike conventional sedimentary rocks like limestone or sandstone, plastistone is a hybrid of natural rock and artificial plastic. The process of lithification, which turns loose sediment into strong rock, is at play here, incorporating plastic as part of the rock matrix.
The world produces a massive 380 million metric lots of plastic each year, and a large part of that plastic ends up in the worlds oceans and rivers. Were producing so much plastic were changing the planets geology– and plastistones, as an emerging kind of sedimentary rock, symbolize the enduring and extensive impact that humans have.
The study of plastistone is still in its early phases, and much remains to be comprehended about its effect, circulation, and formation. Future research will likely focus on mapping the international distribution of plastistone, comprehending its various development processes, and examining its environmental and eco-friendly ramifications. Keeping track of the development and spread of plastistone will be vital in comprehending the broader results of plastic pollution on the worlds geology.
This new kind of sedimentary rock offers engaging evidence of how human activities can function as a powerful exogenic geological procedure that reshapes the geological record of our planet.
Theres a lot of talk about the Anthropocene– the brand-new geological period that humanity has introduced in the world– and plastistones are an excellent example of that.
The physical homes of plastistones can differ significantly, influenced by factors like the amount and type of plastic involved, the nature of the surrounding rock or sediment, and the particular environmental conditions during development.
The resulting plastistone can show a variety of appearances, depending on the types of plastic and natural rock included.
