Study: LEGO Bricks Can Survive in Ocean For 1,300 Years
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March 21, 2020Study: LEGO Bricks Can Survive in Ocean For 1,300 Years
https://www.geek.com/news/study-lego-bricks-can-survive-in-ocean-for-1300-years-1820271/?source
A LEGO brick could survive in the ocean for up to 1,300 years, according to new research.
A team at the University of Plymouth examined the extent to which the colorful bricks were worn down by a marine environment.
By measuring the mass of individual blocks found along the coastlines of south west England against equivalent unused pieces and the age of bricks obtained from storage, scientists estimate the toy could persist for centuries.
This research, published in the journal Environmental Pollution, reinforces the message that people need to think twice about how they dispose of household items.
“LEGO is one of the most popular children’s toys in history and part of its appeal has always been its durability,” according to lead study author Andrew Turner, an associate professor at the University of Plymouth.
“It is specifically designed to be played with and handled, so it may not be especially surprising that despite potentially being in the sea for decades it isn’t significantly worn down,” he said in a statement. “However, the full extent of its durability was even a surprise to us.”
Fifty pieces of weathered LEGO—made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and collected from beaches in Cornwall—were washed and weighed in labs at the university.
The chemical characteristics of each block were determined using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer, the results of which confirmed age based on the presence of certain elements no longer in use.
“The pieces we tested had smoothed and discolored, with some of the structures having fractured and fragmented, suggesting that as well as pieces remaining intact they might also break down into microplastics,” Turner explained.
“It once again emphasizes the importance of people disposing of used items properly,” he added, “to ensure they do not pose potential problems for the environment.”
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