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Bioplastic in Water Streams Challenges
Summary
This review examines the challenges posed by bioplastics in aquatic environments, arguing that their biodegradability advantage is largely negated in marine and freshwater systems where decomposition conditions are rarely met. The authors discuss how bioplastics such as PLA are transported by water streams, contribute to microplastic pollution, and can harm aquatic organisms.
The idea of bioplastics might sound very commendable, being a replacement for traditional plastics. However, it is actually a rather intricate problem when it comes to their impact on water bodies. While biodegradability is considered a key asset, high temperatures, controlled humidity, and other optimum conditions required for decomposition are seldom achieved in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Hence, most bioplastics, especially PLA, are conveyed by water streams, contributing to microplastic pollution, disrupting the processes of wastewater treatments, and causing direct harm to the aquatic fauna due to entanglement and ingestion. This chapter elaborates on these different challenges underlined by the gap between perceived and actual degradability in water bodies. On the other hand, it is also pointing toward some promising solutions, such as developing marine-degradable bioplastics like PHA, new technologies in wastewater treatment, and policy and regulation playing an important role in fostering responsible production and consumption with disposal. Above all, finding full value in bioplastics while limiting unintended impacts on aquatic ecosystems demands a series of measures involving scientific innovation, policy reform, and greater public awareness.