The performance and environmental impact of pro-oxidant additive containing plastics in the open unmanaged environment—a review of the evidence

Sciscione, Fabiola; Hailes, Helen C.; Miodownik, Mark

doi:10.1098/rsos.230089

Cited by 11 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Sunshine, precipitation, and direct access to oxygen influenced the decomposition of the test material. Abiotic parameters had the greatest impact on the decomposition of oxo-biodegradable polyethylene [2].…”

Section: The Characteristic Parameters Of Environmentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The second stage is the biotic process, in which microorganisms transform the oxidation products resulting from the abiotic process into biomass and CO 2 . Oxo-biodegradable polymers do not degrade as quickly as biodegradable ones [2][3][4][5][6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These processes are triggered by oxygen, heat, and UV light, and proceed through radical chain reactions, resulting in low molecular weight oxidation products (oxygen is entered into carbon chain in hydroxyl, peroxide, and carbonyl form). (Scheme 1) [2][3][4][5][6]. Scheme 1.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The results of the report were inconclusive [9]. After this analysis, and because of 'a lack of consistent evidence about the rate of abiotic and biotic decomposition in the environment,' the EU has prohibited the use of oxo-biodegradable materials from the 3 July 2021 [2]. The decision to forbid the use of plastics only applies to European countries and does not apply to the rest of the world.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In 2020, a new PAS 9017 specification was developed to provide pass criteria, timeframes, and methods to demonstrate that oxo-biodegradable polyolefin will degrade in the terrestrial environment in the open air (i.e., unmanaged disposal or littering) without forming plastic microbeads. [2]. Each oxo-biodegradable material, which has a different application and varies in composition, also requires a different biodegradation research approach [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Environmental Degradation of Oxo-Biodegradable Polyethylene Bags

Heimowska

2023

Water

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The purpose of the present study is the estimation of the environmental degradation process of oxo-biodegradable polyethylene bags. The degradation process of polyethylene samples, with the addition of a d2w prodegradant, was studied under natural weathering, freshwater (pond), and water in laboratory condition for a period of 48 months. The impact of characteristic parameters of environments on the extent of degradation, monitored by weight changes, mechanical properties, and surface morphology, has been discussed. The degraded polymer samples were also analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. It was established that the oxo-biodegradable polyethylene samples were hardly prone to degradation in natural freshwater, but more vulnerable to environmental weathering. Abiotic parameters (oxygen, temperature, solar radiation) played a more important role in the degradation process of oxo-biodegradable polyethylene than biotic parameters (microorganisms). Natural weathering led to first fragmentation of the polymeric samples after 18 months, weight loss to 81.6% after 39 months, and complete assimilation after 45 months. In the pond, 48 months incubation resulted in an increase in the weight of the samples (+19%) and a decrease in mechanical properties: tensile strength from 26.31 to 17.35 MPa and elongation at break from 304 to 31%. The biofilm formed on the polymer surface made it difficult for oxygen to reach the degraded material, so oxydegradation in the pond was slower. ATR-FTIR analysis and microscopic observations confirm the degradation taking place in natural environments. No visible degradation changes were observed in the oxo-biodegradable polyethylene after incubation under laboratory water, because of the lack of microorganisms and solar radiation. The degradation of oxo-biodegradable polyethylene in natural environments required a longer incubation time compared to the degradation time declared by the manufacturer.

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Section: The Characteristic Parameters Of Environmentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Environmental Degradation of Oxo-Biodegradable Polyethylene Bags

Heimowska

2023

Water

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Polymer Biodegradability 2.0: A Holistic View on Polymer Biodegradation in Natural and Engineered Environments

Sander,

Weber,

Lott

et al. 2023

Advances in Polymer Science

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Biodegradable polymers are an important part of the solution toolbox to achieve circularity in the plastic economy and overcome negative impacts of a linear plastic economy. Biodegradable polymers need to excel not only on a mechanical performance level in the application to fulfill their function during the use phase but also on a biodegradation performance level after use. The biodegradation performance is tailored to the application and the receiving environment of the polymer product after use, which can be both engineered systems (e.g., compost, anaerobic digestors, wastewater treatment plants) and natural systems (e.g., soils, freshwater, or marine environments). This chapter addresses key aspects of polymer biodegradability and biodegradation in both natural and engineered systems with the goal to advance a more holistic view on the topic and, thereby, provide guidance for all stakeholders working on developing, testing, and regulating biodegradable polymers. These aspects include definitions of biodegradability and biodegradation, elucidating polymer- and environmental factors that control the biodegradation process, a discussion of the analytical chemistry of polymer biodegradation, polymer biodegradability testing and certification, as well as a brief overview of research needs. In accordance with the diverse backgrounds of the authors of the chapter, this chapter targets all stakeholder groups from academics to industry and regulators.

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