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A review on fate and ecotoxicity of biodegradable microplastics in aquatic system: Are biodegradable plastics truly safe for the environment?
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This review examines whether biodegradable plastics are truly safe for aquatic environments, finding that they can break down into microplastics faster than conventional plastics and cause comparable or even greater harm to algae, invertebrates, and fish. The findings suggest that switching to biodegradable plastics alone will not solve the microplastic pollution problem, and these particles can still enter the human food chain through contaminated seafood.
Plastic products are extensively used worldwide, but inadequate management of plastic waste results in significant plastic pollution. Biodegradable plastic (BPs) offers an alternative to traditional plastics, however, not all BPs can fully degrade under natural conditions. Instead, they may deteriorate into biodegradable microplastic (BMPs) at a faster rate than conventional plastic, thereby posing an additional hazard to aquatic environments. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the fate of BPs in aquatic systems and their eco-toxicological effects on aquatic organisms such as algae, invertebrates, and fish. The findings highlight that BMPs have comparable or heightened effects compared to conventional microplastics (MPs) which physiochemical characteristic of the polymer itself or by the chemical leached from the polymeric matrix can affect aquatic organisms. While BPs is not a flawless solution to address plastic pollution, future research should prioritize investigating their production, environmental behavior, ecological impact, and whether BMPs inflict greater harm than conventional MPs.
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A progress update on the biological effects of biodegradable microplastics on soil and ocean environment: A perfect substitute or new threat?
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This review examines whether biodegradable plastics, often marketed as eco-friendly alternatives, actually break down safely in the environment. The evidence shows that biodegradable plastics often fragment into microplastics rather than fully decomposing, and these biodegradable microplastics can harm soil organisms, marine life, and disrupt nutrient cycles. The findings suggest that simply switching to biodegradable plastics may not solve the microplastic pollution problem and could introduce new environmental risks.
Ecotoxicity of Biodegradable Microplastics and Bio-based Microplastics: A Review of in vitro and in vivo Studies
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This review examines whether "eco-friendly" biodegradable and bio-based plastics are truly safer than conventional plastics when they break down into microplastics. The findings show that many biodegradable plastics, including popular types like PLA and PBAT, can still cause harm to plants and aquatic organisms, suggesting that simply switching to biodegradable materials does not eliminate microplastic risks.
A review of biodegradation and formation of biodegradable microplastics in soil and freshwater environments
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Researchers reviewed how biodegradable plastics break down in soil and freshwater, finding that incomplete degradation by microorganisms can still produce tiny biodegradable microplastic particles that persist in the environment — meaning "biodegradable" doesn't always mean safe or fast-disappearing.
A systematic review of biodegradable microplastics-induced toxicity in fish: Toxic effects, mechanisms, and ecological implications
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"Biodegradable" plastics sound eco-friendly, but this review of 27 studies shows they don't fully break down in water and can actually harm fish, damaging their gut, liver, brain, and reproductive systems, sometimes just as much or more than regular plastics, especially after the particles have aged in the environment. Since these tiny plastic fragments build up in fish that end up on our plates, this research is an early warning sign that swapping to "biodegradable" plastics may not be the safer fix we hoped for, more research on human exposure is still needed.
Understanding the Impact of Biodegradable Microplastics on Living Organisms Entering the Food Chain: A Review
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This review examines whether biodegradable microplastics are truly safer than conventional ones, and finds that they pose similar risks to plants and fish in the food chain. Biodegradable microplastics can reduce crop yields, cause oxidative stress in fish, and may actually be ingested more readily by aquatic organisms than conventional microplastics. The findings suggest that switching to biodegradable plastics may not solve the microplastic pollution problem as hoped.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.