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Monitoring of compounds released from bioplastics and similar plant-based materials into water
Summary
Researchers monitored chemical compounds released from bioplastics and plant-based packaging materials into water, assessing whether these alternatives to conventional plastics leach substances that pose risks to aquatic organisms and human health. Results showed bioplastic materials release measurable quantities of leachable compounds, though profiles differed from those of conventional plastic materials.
Pollution caused by plastic waste and particularly microplastics (MPs) is one of the most serious threats the aquatic environment faces. Most plastics are not meant to breakdown easily, and MPs are therefore considered persistent pollutants; however, some studies revealed that they may leach several chemicals, some of which represent risk to human health and/or the environment. These concerns led to seeking alternative materials, such as bioplastics, but the knowledge of their fate in aquatic environment is lacking. This study focused on long-term monitoring of aquatic leachates from 19 different types of bioplastic and similar plant-based material debris corresponding to the size of MPs (i.e., ¡ 5 mm). The measurements revealed that most of the examined materials released significant amounts of dissolved organic carbon—up to 34.0 mg per g of debris after 12 weeks of leaching. Besides the dissolved organic and inorganic carbon, all leachates contained one or more of the examined metals (Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, Na, P, Si, Ti, Zn) and metalloids (B and Si). From the above-mentioned elements, K was present in all the investigated leachates, and Ca and Mg were comprised in the leachates of 17 materials. Two of the studied leachates comprised dissolved nitrogen, while orthophosphates were analysed in 6 leachates with a maximum of 3.8 mg per g of debris. Additionally, non-targeted analysis of the investigated leachates was conducted, which tentatively revealed 91 individual chemicals. The most frequently detected chemicals were fatty acids and other carboxylic acids, phthalates, terephthalates, adipates, phenols, amides, alcohols, or organophosphates. The results suggest that bioplastic and similar plant-based materials should be considered complex materials since they comprise and potentially release a wide range of additives comparable to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559529/document
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