According to the results of the research, a type of plastic with the ability to disguise itself as pebbles was revealed.
Such plastic is known as pyroplastics. Such a process is possible not only in the course of production technology, but also in natural conditions under the influence of certain environmental factors. After some time, pieces of plastic are charred, which gives them an amazing resemblance to rocks that have been exposed to wind and sea water.
According to scientists, pyroplastics look similar to plastiglomerates that were discovered on the island of Hawaii, which are a mixture of sand and shells, melted as a result of exposure to high temperature.
Pyroplastics were identified by scientists on the beaches of Spain and Vancouver, which does not give the opportunity to speak of them as a regional phenomenon. Scientists do not exclude the possibility that these stones are located in other areas, but they are difficult to detect because of their amazing similarity to ordinary pebbles.
During the research, scientists used more than 165 plastic samples taken at different places on the beach in Cornwall. In addition, more than 30 specimens taken from the beaches of Scotland (County Kerry, Ireland and Spain) were examined.
The main goal of the research was to determine the composition of the samples.For this, scientists used the method of spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Thanks to this, they were able to state with full confidence that all the samples used by them are nothing more than polyethylene, polypropylene or a combination of them, which are often used in bags or packaging.
Only through the use of X-ray fluorescence analysis, scientists were able to identify the presence of lead and chromium in the samples, a compound that often mixes with plastic, giving the samples yellow, orange or red color. It was also possible to identify a high level of toxicity of samples for all living things on Earth.
Of no small importance is the fact that scientists conducted a huge amount of research aimed at identifying methods by which it would be possible to prevent the possibility of an environmental catastrophe as a result of the spread of these minerals.
