Chloe Zhang
Plastic is a material that has transformed our lives, but it has also created a significant waste problem. Plastic does not easily decompose and can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to break down, depending on the type of plastic and the environment. When plastic eventually degrades, it breaks down into microplastics, which can be found in the soil, water, and air. These microplastics may contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact the environment and human health. As a result, there is a growing need to develop sustainable solutions to manage and reduce plastic waste, such as biodegradable plastics and plastic-eating bacteria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic breakdown in the ground | Plastic breaks down into smaller particles, i.e., microplastics and nanoplastics, which can be transported by wind and water across long distances |
| Plastic decomposition time | Plastic decomposition time varies depending on the type of plastic and the environment. It can range from 20 years for plastic bags to 450 years for plastic bottles and even up to 600 years for fishing lines |
| Biodegradable plastics | Biodegradable plastics or bioplastics are designed to biodegrade easily. They can be made from plant-based materials like corn or sugarcane, or they can be a combination of plant-based and fossil-fuel-based plastics |
| Plastic waste management | Plastic waste can be managed through recycling, reusing, or incineration. Only 9% of plastic waste has been recycled, while 12% has been incinerated, and the rest has been disposed of in landfills or released into the environment |
| Harmful chemicals | As plastic breaks down, it can release harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, which can negatively affect the hormone system |
| Impact on wildlife | Plastic waste has been found in the stomachs of various animals, including manta rays and sea turtles, exposing them to unknown long-term risks |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic breakdown and microplastics
Plastic is a human invention that has revolutionised the way we live. However, it has also created a significant waste problem. Plastic is designed to last for decades or even hundreds of years, and every piece of plastic ever created still exists on Earth in some form. While some plastics are recycled or reused, much of it ends up in landfills or the environment, where it can take centuries to break down.
The process of plastic breaking down into smaller pieces is known as fragmentation. Over time, large pieces of plastic waste are weathered and degraded by factors such as sunlight, wind, waves, and other physical stresses. This causes the plastic to break down into smaller and smaller pieces, eventually reaching microscopic sizes. These tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, are now ubiquitous in the environment, found in water, soil, and air.
Microplastics are defined as synthetic solid particles or polymeric matrices ranging in size from 1 micrometre to 5 millimetres. They are often invisible and can float or sink in water, depending on their composition. Primary microplastics are purposefully manufactured for specific applications, such as facial cleansers, cosmetics, and air blasting technology. Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, are derived from the physical breakdown of larger plastic debris, both in marine and terrestrial environments.
The presence of microplastics in the environment poses a significant threat to human health and ecosystems. They contain harmful chemicals that can leak into the air, water, and food. Microplastics are ingested by various organisms, including humans, and can accumulate in their bodies and tissues. They can also reduce the viability of soil ecosystems and impact the entire marine food chain, as they are consumed by fish and other marine life.
To address the plastic waste problem, there has been a growing focus on biodegradable plastics or bioplastics. These are designed to be easily broken down by nature. Scientists have developed plant-based plastics using corn or sugarcane, and they have also modified the chemical bonds in petroleum-based plastics to make them more biodegradable. Additionally, the discovery of plastic-eating bacteria offers a potential solution to breaking down existing plastic waste.
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Biodegradable plastics
Plastic is a human invention that has revolutionised the way we live. However, it has also become a significant source of pollution, with plastic waste piling up in landfills, oceans, and even the air we breathe. The problem with plastic is that it is designed to last for decades or even hundreds of years, far outliving its usefulness to humans.
There are two main classes of biodegradable plastics: bioplastics and plastics made from petrochemicals. Bioplastics are derived from renewable raw materials such as plants, animals, or microorganisms. For example, some scientists have created plant-based plastics using corn or sugarcane as a base material. On the other hand, plastics made from petrochemicals with biodegradable additives enhance biodegradation, making it easier for nature to break them down.
It's important to note that not all biodegradable plastics are created equal. Some plastics labelled as "biodegradable" only break down into smaller pieces, like microplastics, which can still be harmful to the environment. Additionally, the biodegradability of plastic depends on the conditions it is exposed to. Many biodegradable plastics are designed to degrade in industrial composting systems, but if they end up in landfills or the natural environment, they may not break down as intended.
Despite these challenges, advancements in biodegradable plastic technology continue to be made. For example, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a way to make compostable plastics break down more easily with just heat and water within a few weeks. This innovation has the potential to revolutionise the recycling industry and reduce plastic pollution.
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Plastic decomposition timelines
The decomposition rate of plastic is influenced by sunlight exposure, specifically UV radiation. Plastics in landfills rarely receive sunlight, which is necessary for photodegradation, a process where UV rays break the bonds holding the long molecular chains of plastic together. However, plastics in the ocean can degrade much faster due to the abundance of UV light. Researchers from Nihon University in Chiba, Japan, found that plastic in warm ocean water can degrade in as little as a year.
The development of biodegradable plastics, or bioplastics, offers a promising solution to the issue of plastic decomposition. These plastics are designed to be easily broken down by nature, either through tweaking the chemical bonds of petroleum-based plastics or by using plant-based materials like corn or sugarcane. For example, polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-based plastic, decomposes into water and carbon dioxide in 47 to 90 days when in the right conditions. Additionally, the discovery of plastic-eating bacteria at dumpsites provides another potential method for accelerating plastic decomposition.
Despite these advancements, the longevity of plastic in the environment remains a significant concern. Plastic was introduced in 1907, and experts predict that some plastics can last hundreds of years before fully breaking down. As a result, plastic waste has accumulated in various forms, such as the Great Pacific garbage patch floating in the ocean. Furthermore, as plastic degrades, it breaks down into microplastics, which can be transported by water and wind, spreading plastic particles everywhere, including remote regions and the deepest parts of the ocean. These microplastics may have harmful effects on the environment and human health, as they are ingested by various animal species, including humans, and can spread throughout the body, potentially reaching organs like the brain.
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Recycling plastic
Plastic is a human invention that has revolutionised the way we live. However, it is mostly non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, creating waste and pollution. The best way to manage plastic waste is through recycling, which involves processing plastic waste into new products.
Despite these options, plastic recycling rates lag behind those of other materials like aluminium, glass, and paper. From the start of plastic production up to 2015, only 9% of the world's 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste had been recycled, with only 1% recycled more than once. The plastics industry has been criticised for lobbying for recycling programmes even when research showed that most plastic could not be economically recycled.
To improve recycling rates and reduce plastic waste, individuals can practice the "three Rs": reduce, reuse, and recycle. Reducing plastic waste involves consuming less and avoiding unnecessary packaging. Reusing plastic items extends their lifespan, while recycling transforms them into something new and useful. Together, these actions can help minimise plastic pollution and its harmful effects on the environment.
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Harmful chemical release
Plastic is not a natural substance, and it does not occur in nature. It is designed to last for decades or even hundreds of years. As plastic degrades, it can release harmful chemicals, such as phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), into the surrounding soil and water sources. These chemicals are known for their negative hormonal effects on animals and humans, as they can disrupt the hormone system. The release of these chemicals during the degradation process is a significant concern for researchers.
The problem of plastic pollution is widespread, with plastic particles being found in soil, water, and even the air. These particles, known as microplastics and nanoplastics, can be transported over long distances by wind and water currents, eventually reaching remote regions of the world. As a result, they enter the food chain, and all animal species, including humans, ingest them. The concentration of these small particles in the environment is increasing, which likely correlates with an increase in their concentration in humans.
The use of plastic products, such as single-use plastic bags and water bottles, contributes to the issue of plastic pollution. These items can take a long time to break down, with plastic bags taking about two decades and plastic water bottles made with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) taking approximately 450 years. During their degradation process, they can release toxic chemicals, leading to potential harm to organisms and the ecosystem.
To address the issue of harmful chemical release from plastics, there have been developments in creating biodegradable plastics or bioplastics. These bioplastics are designed to be easily broken down by nature, either through plant-based materials or modified chemical bonds in petroleum-based plastics. Additionally, the discovery of plastic-eating bacteria offers a potential solution to dealing with existing plastic waste and the toxic chemicals released during their breakdown.
While some chemicals added to plastics are useful and safe, there are also chemicals of concern. These chemicals may not break down easily, persist in the environment, exhibit toxic properties, or accumulate in animals. Careful management and regulation of these chemicals are necessary to reduce their environmental impact. The Australian Government's Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) is an example of an initiative aimed at managing the environmental risks associated with these chemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic does not easily decompose in the ground. It breaks down into smaller particles, known as microplastics, which are present everywhere in the environment, including in water, soil, and air.
Plastic can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose, with some types of plastic, like plastic water bottles, taking approximately 450 years to fully break down.
When plastic breaks down into microplastics, harmful chemicals , such as phthalates, can be released into the environment. These chemicals can negatively affect the hormone systems of animals and humans.
Yes, there are biodegradable plastics, or bioplastics, that are designed to biodegrade more easily. Some bioplastics are made from plant-based materials like corn or sugarcane, while others are made from a combination of plant-based and fossil-fuel-based materials. Additionally, researchers have discovered plastic-eating bacteria that can break down plastic.
