4 ms·
Plastic-eating bacteria could be one of the most destructive forces we’ve ever faced, given how dependent we’ve become on plastics. We’d lose domestic electrici
by clickety_clack 1y ago
Plastic-eating bacteria could be one of the most destructive forces we’ve ever faced, given how dependent we’ve become on plastics. We’d lose domestic electricity due to the degradation of insulation. We’d lose water due to the loss of water pipes. Modern houses would fall apart as the resin in plywood turns to mush. Supply lines would completely fall apart as roads turn to potholed mud, and the trucks that drive on them grind to a halt. It’s a true nightmare situation. I assume the smell would be awful too, as almost every surface is treated with plastic paints, varnishes and coverings.
- 1718627440 1y ago> Supply lines would completely fall apart as roads turn to potholed mud, and the trucks that drive on them grind to a halt. What plastic is there in a road???
- shagie 1y agoSome roads are attempting to take waste plastic and use it in place of other parts in the aggregate for asphalt. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_road https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_road > It is currently unknown how these aggregates will perform in the mid- to long-term, or what effect their degradation might have on surrounding ecosystems. This... doesn't entirely sound like the best idea since wear on it as an aggregate part could contribute to microplastics. https://www.orbia.com/this-is-orbia/news-and-stories/plastic-road/ https://www.orbia.com/this-is-orbia/news-and-stories/plastic... > What does infrastructure look like in the future? How can we build more sustainable roads? How do we solve climate challenges, such as stormwater drainage? Two men from the Netherlands, Anne Koudstaal and Simon Jorritsma, suggested using plastic, and in 2013 they drew the first concept for a road made of recycled plastic. https://www.asphaltpavement.org/expertise/engineering/plastics-in-asphalt https://www.asphaltpavement.org/expertise/engineering/plasti... (this is from an asphalt paving trade group... so take what it says with appropriate skepticism) https://stateline.org/2022/12/12/plastic-roads-are-paved-with-good-intention/ https://stateline.org/2022/12/12/plastic-roads-are-paved-wit... appears to reference the National Asphalt Pavement Association material also.
- clickety_clack 1y agoI'd like to think I was smart enough to think of roads made with recycled plastics, but I guess I was assuming that once bacteria attack plastics, then all hydrocarbon materials are pretty much in the firing line.