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Biodegradable Plastics & Marine Litter

Misconceptions, Concerns and Impacts on Marine Environments

image of Biodegradable Plastics & Marine Litter

This report concludes that "the adoption of plastic products labelled as ‘biodegradable’ will not bring about a significant decrease either in the quantity of plastic entering the ocean or the risk of physical and chemical impacts on the marine environment". Indeed, biodegradable polymers degrade significantly slower in the marine environment than on land. Therefore, a widespread use is said to lead to continuing littering problems and its negative impacts. Furthermore, oxo-degradable polymers would only increase the quantity of microplastics in the environment and claims stating otherwise are likely motivated by commercial interests rather than scientific evidence.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Table of Contents

Abbreviations list

Executive summary

Background

Polymers and plastics - terminology and definitions

Fragmentation, degradation and biodegradation

T he behaviour of biodegradable plastics in the marine environment

Public perceptions, attitudes and behaviours

Conclusions

References

References

http://instance.metastore.ingenta.com/content/books/9789210601610
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