The Key Change Microplastic Undergoes Through Time #shorts

"If plastic is hydrophobic, then how come it still breaks down into microplastic in the water? 🛍️

Kalliat T. Valsaraj, a Charles and Hilda Roddy distinguished professor of chemical engineering at Louisiana State University reveals how hydrophobic plastic transforms into micro- and nanoplastic in water.

Kalliat explains that plastic is “pretty much” hydrophobic, which means that it won’t disperse in the water. ❌

However, as TIME goes on, the material will eventually degrade and become hydrophilic or more susceptible to being broken down and mixed with water. ⏳

And this is how hydrophobic plastic begins its transformation into hydrophilic microplastic.

To learn more about how plastic breaks down and turns into microplastic, listen to the full episode here: https://www.findinggeniuspodcast.com/