Researchers at Japan They developed plastic dissolved in seawater in a few hours, offering a possible solution for a modern scourge that contaminate the oceans and hurts wildlife.

While scientists have long been experimenting with biodegradable plastics, researchers from the Riken emerging science center and the University of Tokyo say that their new material breaks down much faster and leaves no residue.

In a workshop in the city of Wako near Tokyo, the team of scientists presented, in which a small piece of plastic disappeared in a container of salty water after mixing it for about an hour, Reuters reports.

The scientific team has not yet described its plans for the commercial use of the new plastic, but its leader, Takuzo Aida, said there is already significant interest in the packaging sector.

Scientists around the world are being raced in a road race to find innovative solutions to the problem of plastic waste, an effort supported by awareness campaigns such as World Environment Day on June 5th.

Plastic pollution is expected to triple by 2040, according to forecasts by the United Nations Environmental Program, adding 23-37 million metric tons of waste to ocean of the world every year.

“Children cannot choose the planet in which they will live. It is our duty as scientists to ensure that we leave them the best possible environment, ”Aida said.

Aida said the new material is as powerful as oil -based plastics, but it breaks down into its original ingredients when exposed to salt.

These ingredients can then be further processed by natural bacteria, thus avoiding the creation of microplastics that can damage aquatic life and enter the food chain.

As the salt also exists on the ground, a piece of about five centimeters (two inches) breaks down the land after 200 hours, he added.

The material can be used as normal plastic when coated and the team focuses its current research on the best coating methods, Aida said.

Plastic is non -toxic, non -flammable and does not emit carbon dioxide, he added.