Last April 2024, we had the privilege of interviewing Prof. Dick Vethaak, a renowned expert in the field of micro- & nanoplastics. It is with great sadness that we heard about him passing in June 2024. We are honoured to be able to share his insights via the European Science-Media Hub and extend our...

What are microplastics, where do they come from, and why are they a problem? Why are they so difficult to remove from the environment?   Dana Kühnel: Microplastics are either intentionally produced or formed by degradation and fragmentation of larger plastic items (primary and secondary microplastics)....

Plastic is everywhere. Adaptable, cheap and resilient, the material is ubiquitous in the modern world – and so is plastic pollution, contaminating the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil we grow our food in. Microplastic pollution is especially a problem that just keeps on getting bigger,...