Plastic Rocks – Time to say no to plastic!

A new and peculiar type of rock, containing plastics, has been discovered globally, underscoring the alarming extent of plastic pollution. These plastic rocks, found in 11 countries across five continents, result from the compression of rock and discarded plastic polymers.

These unique rocks, referred to as plastistones or plastiglomerate have been found on the coast and inland in 11 countries across five continents. The discovery of plastistones serves as a stark reminder of the global plastic pollution crisis. Humans contribute approximately 22-48 million metric tonnes of plastic to the environment annually.

Plastistones can form through various mechanisms, including burning during campfires or waste burning, physical adherence to rocks through wave action, and the chemical binding of plastic and rock material due to sunlight irradiation.

According to the study, plastic rocks alter the microbial communities within the soil and neighbouring environment. This way the plastic rocks directly affect the local ecosystems. The shedding of microplastics from plastistones poses health risks as these tiny particles have the potential to enter the food chain.

It’s high time, we say no to plastic.