We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Monitoring of compounds released from bioplastics and similar plant-based materials into water
Summary
Researchers monitored compounds leaching from bioplastics and similar plant-based packaging materials, assessing chemical release into aquatic environments and associated health risks. Bioplastic materials released chemicals distinct from conventional plastics, with the safety profile of these substances requiring further evaluation for regulatory purposes.
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
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Monitoring of compounds released from bioplastics and similar plant-based materials into water
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.
Insight into the fate of bioplastic and similar plant-based material debris in aquatic environments via continuous monitoring of their leachate composition – Release of carbon, metals, and additives
Researchers examined the fate of bioplastic and plant-based material debris in aquatic environments, tracking degradation rates and intermediate products to assess whether these materials break down more benignly than conventional plastics.
Microplastics release a range of substances into the surrounding water
Researchers monitored the leaching of chemical substances from microplastics into surrounding water over time, quantifying what compounds are released under aquatic conditions. The study found that microplastics continuously release a range of substances, adding to their environmental hazard beyond physical particle effects.
Microplastics release a range of substances into the surrounding water
This study monitored the continuous leaching of chemical substances from microplastics into surrounding water, identifying a range of compounds released over time. The findings confirm that microplastics act as a persistent source of chemical contamination in aquatic environments, beyond their direct physical effects.
Chemical features and biological effects of degradation products of biodegradable plastics in simulated small waterbody environment
Researchers examined the degradation products of biodegradable plastics in simulated small pond environments and found that the breakdown chemicals affected aquatic organisms. The degradation products altered water chemistry and showed varying levels of toxicity to test organisms depending on the type of biodegradable plastic. The findings suggest that even plastics marketed as biodegradable can release potentially harmful substances as they break down in waterways.