Flashcards: Understanding Plastic Biodegradability and Pollution — 24 cards

Biodegradability process — definition?

Microorganisms convert organic matter into water, methane, and energy.

Environmental conditions needed?

High temperature (~50°C), UV light, moisture, oxygen.

Hydrolysis — role?

Breaks bonds in plastics using water.

Photodegradation — mechanism?

UV light damages plastic structure.

Microbial action — process?

Bacteria consume the material.

Biodegradation endpoint?

Mineralisation into CO2, water, methane, ammonia.

Degradation — what?

Gradual breakdown of polymer by environmental factors.

Biodegradable plastics — condition?

Break down under specific conditions like industrial composting.

Plastic pollution impacts — land?

Soil contamination and biodiversity loss.

Plastic pollution — air?

Microplastics lifted by wind, inhaled by humans.

Marine effects — wildlife?

Ingestion, entanglement, habitat damage.

Economic impact — tourism?

Costs hundreds of millions in some countries.

Recycling rate?

Over 90% of plastic is unrecycled.

Waste costs — components?

Collection, sorting, recycling, disposal.

Circular economy — goal?

Reuse, recycle, keep resources in use.

PLA — produced from?

Renewable plant resources like sugar and starch.

PLA — biodegrades in?

Industrial composting at 55–65°C.

PLA — end products?

CO2 and water under proper conditions.

Bamboo — growth rate?

Up to 1 meter per day.

Bamboo — main components?

Cellulose and lignin.

Bamboo — environmental benefit?

Renewable, biodegradable, fast-growing.

Packaging regulations — effect?

Require redesign, increase costs, change logistics.

Supply chain challenges?

Cost fluctuations, regulatory complexity, sourcing issues.

Waste management — costs?

Collection, sorting, recycling, disposal.