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Sunlight speeds polystyrene breakdown

Sunlight triggers photochemical reactions that break down polystyrene into CO? and organic carbon, revealing faster plastic degradation than once thought.

plastic breaking down by the sun

Sunlight breaks down polystyrene, a common plastic, into carbon dioxide and organic carbon—showing it degrades faster in sunlight than once believed. (Illustration by Natalie Renier, © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

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