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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Predictive modelling to assess the accumulation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics in the natural environment.
ClearCase studies that show the predictive modelling of microplastic accumulation in the natural environment
This study used predictive modeling to compare microplastic accumulation from biodegradable versus conventional polymers in natural environments, finding that biodegradable polymers lead to shorter environmental residence times but that accumulation dynamics depend heavily on polymer type and environmental conditions.
The effect of biodegradable plastics on microplastic accumulation and exposure
Researchers developed a comprehensive method to quantify microplastic accumulation from biodegradable polymers in natural environments, examining whether biodegradable alternatives actually reduce plastic loads compared to conventional polymers under real-world outdoor conditions.
How to quantify the impact biodegradable materials may have?
Researchers at Wageningen examined how to quantify microplastic accumulation in nature to evaluate the impact of biodegradable polymers, noting that a comprehensive, universally applicable methodology is currently lacking. They presented predictive modelling approaches to examine whether biodegradable alternatives can reduce environmental microplastic burdens.
A predictive model to assess the accumulation of microplastics in the natural environment
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict how different types of plastics accumulate as microplastics in the environment over a 100-year timeframe. They found that biodegradable plastics like PBS showed near-zero accumulation potential in soil, while conventional polyethylene persisted almost completely. The model offers a standardized way to compare the long-term environmental impact of different plastic materials and could help inform policy decisions about plastic alternatives.
Evaluation of the degradation from micro to nanoplastics from biodegradable bags in marine conditions
Researchers evaluated how biodegradable plastic bags degrade into micro- and nanoplastics under environmental conditions, comparing them to conventional plastics. The study found that even biodegradable materials generate persistent micro- and nanoplastic particles under real-world conditions.
Accumulation and release of organic pollutants by conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment
Researchers examined the ability of conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment to accumulate and release organic pollutants, finding that both types adsorb contaminants but differ in their release profiles, with biodegradable plastics potentially offering lower long-term pollutant persistence.
Potential environmental impacts of bioplastic degradation in natural marine environments: A comprehensive review
This review examines the environmental impacts of biodegradable plastics degrading in marine environments, finding that their microscale breakdown raises significant concerns about contributing to microplastic pollution rather than eliminating it. The authors conclude that biodegradable plastics require reevaluation as petroleum-based plastic substitutes given the incomplete understanding of their behavior at the microscale in marine ecosystems.
Experimental modeling of biodegradable microplastics
Researchers experimentally modeled the formation of biodegradable microplastics by subjecting polymers to environmental degradation factors, characterizing the resulting particles' surface properties and their capacity to adsorb toxic chemicals and microorganisms relevant to ecological risk assessment.
Accumulation and release of organic pollutants by conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment
Researchers compared how biodegradable and conventional microplastics accumulate and release organic pollutants in natural seawater over 64 days. They found that biodegradable plastics like PHA and PBS accumulated similar types and levels of pollutants as conventional polyethylene. The study suggests that switching to biodegradable plastics may not reduce the risk of these materials acting as carriers for toxic chemicals in the marine environment.
A novel modeling approaches to understand the fate and transport of microplastics in aquatic environment
This paper reviews novel modeling approaches for simulating microplastic fate and transport in aquatic environments, arguing that process-based and data-driven models are needed to complement field monitoring and improve risk assessments.
Microplastic accumulation, depuration dynamics and localization in environmental compartments: combination of experimental set ups and field studies
Researchers tracked microplastic accumulation and depuration in multiple environmental compartments and marine organisms using controlled microcosm experiments. The study found that particles distribute differently across sediment, water, and biota, and that biological depuration is incomplete within realistic timeframes.
Mathematical modeling of microplastic abundance, distribution, and transport in water environments: A review
This review surveys mathematical models used to predict how microplastics move through and accumulate in rivers and oceans. Researchers categorized existing approaches by environment type and modeling method, identifying strengths and gaps in current simulation tools. The study highlights the need for better models that account for real-world complexity, including particle fragmentation and biofouling, to improve predictions of where microplastics end up.
Current studies on the degradation of microplastics in the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem
This review summarizes current studies on microplastic degradation in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, covering physical, chemical, and biological degradation pathways and the fate of breakdown products. The review highlights the persistence of microplastics and the limited progress toward efficient degradation under natural environmental conditions.
A review of biodegradation and formation of biodegradable microplastics in soil and freshwater environments
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 review of methods for modeling microplastic transport in the marine environments
This review systematically evaluated the advantages and limitations of various numerical modeling methods used to predict microplastic transport in marine environments, including key factors like parameterization of microplastic behaviors and beaching configurations.
Biodegradable plastics in the marine environment: a potential source of risk?
This review examines whether biodegradable plastics offer a genuine solution to marine plastic pollution, finding that their environmental behavior depends heavily on specific conditions and that they may still pose risks in marine environments where decomposition is slow.
Novel insight into the in-situ study of biodegradable microplastics in soil aggregates
An in-situ study of biodegradable microplastic degradation under real environmental conditions revealed insights into how quickly these materials actually break down compared to lab predictions. The findings show that biodegradation rates in nature often differ significantly from those measured in controlled experiments.
Biodegradable plastics in the air and soil environment: Low degradation rate and high microplastics formation
Researchers compared the degradation rates of various biodegradable plastic types in natural air and soil environments over time, finding that most degraded slowly under ambient conditions and generated substantial microplastic fragments, with non-certified biodegradable plastics showing essentially no degradation.
Modeling the spatiotemporal distribution, bioaccumulation, and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems: A review
Researchers modeled the spatiotemporal distribution and ecological risk of microplastics across a coastal marine environment, incorporating hydrodynamic data and bioaccumulation factors for multiple species. The model predicted highest microplastic concentrations near urban outflows with risk extending through the food web.
Detection and degradation of microplastics in the environment: a review
This review covers methods for detecting and breaking down microplastics in the environment. Microplastics persist in ecosystems and pose potential risks to both human health and wildlife. The paper highlights the need for better tools and strategies to address this growing pollution problem.
Biodegradation of macro- and micro-plastics in environment: A review on mechanism, toxicity, and future perspectives.
This review examined mechanisms, toxicology, and future perspectives for biodegradation of macro- and micro-plastics, cataloguing microbial species capable of polymer degradation, discussing enzymatic pathways, and identifying key limitations including slow degradation rates and the need for pretreatment to accelerate breakdown in environmental settings.
A multimedia model to estimate the environmental fate of microplastic particles
Researchers developed SimpleBox4Plastic (SB4P), the first mathematical model capable of predicting how nano- and microplastics move through and accumulate across air, water, sediment, and soil simultaneously, accounting for processes like particle clumping, fragmentation, and attachment to natural materials. While concentration predictions carry uncertainty, the model provides a practical screening tool for assessing environmental exposure to microplastics where direct measurements are unavailable.
Global distribution of marine microplastics and potential for biodegradation
Researchers created a global map predicting marine microplastic pollution using machine learning based on over 9,400 samples and assessed the potential for biodegradation using marine metagenome data. The study found that microplastics converge in subtropical gyres and polar seas, and identified marine microbial communities with genetic potential for plastic biodegradation, suggesting nature may offer partial solutions to this pollution problem.
Hazardous state lifetimes of biodegradable plastics in natural environments
Researchers proposed a framework for assessing how long biodegradable plastics remain in hazardous transition states like microplastics and nanoplastics before fully mineralizing, finding that these intermediate states can persist for extended periods even for supposedly biodegradable materials.