Biodegradability of (micro)plastics: how does it work and how to communicate

Bieman Maturana, Zoé A. den (2022) Biodegradability of (micro)plastics: how does it work and how to communicate. Integration Project, Industrial Engineering and Management.

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Abstract

Plastics are found everywhere in our daily lives. However, their particular durability threatens to affect the natural balance of many ecosystems. Plastics tend to accumulate in the environment, where the fragmentation of plastic debris can lead to microplastic pollution. Biodegradable plastics pose as an alternative to conventional plastics in many applications. Ideally, such plastics are mineralized by microorganisms and eliminated from our environment, causing no microplastic pollution. Evaluating their characteristic property – biodegradability, including complete mineralization, is a crucial and complex issue that has previously led to conflicting interpretations. In order to make test methods reproducible, a series of standards were formulated, which also serve as a basis for certification schemes. However, biodegradable plastics require further efforts in research and communication. This paper aims to inform on the several parameters involved in the biodegradation process and why not all plastics are biodegradable. In addition, it aims to emphasize why this is a complex matter and how current testing and labeling for biodegradability needs careful reconsideration to avoid unintended consequences.

Item Type:	Thesis (Integration Project)
Supervisor name:	Ree, C.M. and Mohebbi, M. and Kousemaker, T.M.
Degree programme:	Industrial Engineering and Management
Thesis type:	Integration Project
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	20 Jul 2022 11:43
Last Modified:	20 Jul 2022 11:43
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/28069

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