Abstract
Litter is a paramount environmental issue. Plastic littering, specifically, creates problems for the marine environment. 1.5% to 4.5% of the world’s total plastic production ends up in the ocean[1], where it can cause entanglement, suffocation and debilitation[2] of marine animals. Were these plastics replaced by non-toxic, bio-degradable alternatives, these problems would largely subside over a period of a few years. Plastics released into the environment would degrade before becoming a hazard to marine life. The aim of this study was to identify the compostable plastic sub-category with supreme capabilities for rapid decomposition. In turn, the study intended to determine which sub-category of compostable plastics is most likely to facilitate a expeditious turnaround in trends of marine plastic compilation if universalized. The decomposition rate of oxo-biodegradable plastic was compared with the decomposition rate of bioplastic. It was hypothesized that when exposed to the natural environment for 37 days, oxo-biodegradable plastic samples would degrade at a higher rate than bioplastic samples. Experimentally, the hypothesis was disproven. Statistically significant results showed that on average, while oxo-biodegradable plastic underwent minute decomposition throughout its period of exposure, bioplastic underwent substantial decomposition. While there exist uncertainties about the validity of the findings as a result of irregular weather conditions and other variables, overwhelming evidence indicates that the findings of this study are valid.
Problem
A predominant concern in the present age is the state of the natural environment. For centuries, humankind has abused it, and as a result the Earth is deteriorating. An example of a manifestation of this is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is is a compilation of litter in the North Pacific Ocean which consists mostly of plastics[9]. This garbage patch is a significant detriment to the environment because the plastic that comprises it can cause entanglement, debilitation and suffocation of marine life. While this is only one example of human abuse of the environment, it is by no means an anomaly. There exists an excess of plastic in the ocean, and more still on land in our parks, beaches and other natural settings.
It is important that we, as humans, take action to rectify this damage that has been done to the ecosystem, as we have created it. Humans and animals alike are affected by profuse litter in the environment, and it causes a reduction in standard of life for all. One way that we can take action to reduce build up of litter in the environment without relying on the social responsibility of the general population is that we can produce materials that, if deposited in the environment, won't pose a threat to the environment. Biodegradable plastics fit this description satisfactorily. They are quick to decompose and generally non-toxic once decayed. They are the key to environmental remediation in respect to the litter crisis. However, there are so many varieties of biodegradable plastic, it is hard to distinguish between those that are highly degradable and those that would be more accurately classified as regular plastic. This study aims to eliminate confusion on this front, and to reach a definitive conclusion as to which sub-category of biodegradable plastic is superiorly efficient at decomposing. Furthermore, it is the aim of this study to determine, if it is our intention as a society to halt the accumulation of litter in the environment, which type of biodegradable plastic should be mass produced.
It is important that we, as humans, take action to rectify this damage that has been done to the ecosystem, as we have created it. Humans and animals alike are affected by profuse litter in the environment, and it causes a reduction in standard of life for all. One way that we can take action to reduce build up of litter in the environment without relying on the social responsibility of the general population is that we can produce materials that, if deposited in the environment, won't pose a threat to the environment. Biodegradable plastics fit this description satisfactorily. They are quick to decompose and generally non-toxic once decayed. They are the key to environmental remediation in respect to the litter crisis. However, there are so many varieties of biodegradable plastic, it is hard to distinguish between those that are highly degradable and those that would be more accurately classified as regular plastic. This study aims to eliminate confusion on this front, and to reach a definitive conclusion as to which sub-category of biodegradable plastic is superiorly efficient at decomposing. Furthermore, it is the aim of this study to determine, if it is our intention as a society to halt the accumulation of litter in the environment, which type of biodegradable plastic should be mass produced.