 The study found that small plastic particles retrieved from the ocean can be used as reference materials for studying the effects of weathering on plastics. These particles are composed mainly of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, and their composition can be reproduced by exposure to seawater and a sulphate radical anion initiator. This combination of elements can also control the rate of degradation of plastics, allowing researchers to accurately measure the effects of weathering on plastics. This article was authored by Hisayuki Nakotoni, Yuyina Ohima, Taisha Uchiyama, and others.