Schematic illustrating the relationship between primary materials source, synthetic and natural polymers, thermoplastic and thermoset plastics and their applications:
MICROPLASTICS: TROUBLE IN THE FOOD CHAIN
Schematic illustrating the relationship between primary materials source, synthetic and natural polymers, thermoplastic and thermoset plastics and their applications
Fossil fuel derived Synthetic polymer Thermoplastic PE, PP, PS, PVC, PET
bottle, food container, pipe, textile, fishing gear, float, milk jug, film, bag, cigarette butt, insulation, micro-bead, micro-abrasive, etc.
Manufactured (primary)
Thermoset PU, SBR, epoxy, alkyd
insulation, coating, adhesive, composite, tire, balloon, micro-abrasive, etc.
cellulose, lignin, chitin, wool, starch, protein, DNA, etc.
Biomass derived Biopolymer
Plastic debris
Fragmentation (secondary)
Microplastics Source: GESAMP (2015)22,
Exposure to UV radiation, oxygen, high temperatures, and microbial activity for an optimal duration can bio- degrade some types of plastic. Those made from polymers such as aliphatic polyesters, bacterial biopolymers, and some bio-derived polymers can be biodegradable in the natural environment. However, many plastics labelled as biodegradable–including single-use plastic shopping bags and take-away food containers–will breakdown completely only when subjected to prolonged temperatures above 50°C. These are the conditions produced in an industrial composter. Such conditions are rarely met in the marine environment.5
34 UNEP (2016)6 Biodegradable
Capable of being degraded by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Biodegradation refers to a biological process of organic matter being completely or partially converted to water, carbon dioxide, methane, energy, and new biomass by microorganisms (UNEP 2015).
Manufactured (primary)
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