Plymouth Marine Laboratory study exploring impacts of biodegradable plastics on the ocean

In the UK, a new study from Plymouth Marine Laboratory investigates what happens when biodegradable plastics enter the ocean, and whether these increasingly popular alternatives to conventional plastics are safer for marine ecosystems, or whether they come with their own risks.

In response to concerns about fossil-based plastics, biodegradable plastics – that is, plastics that can break down or ‘biodegrade’ – have been in development since the end of the last century, to achieve similar usage and convenience of traditional plastics, but with the goal of breaking down quickly and harmlessly.   

But, as the global production of biodegradable plastics increases – from 1.5 million metric tons in 2023 to almost 5.3 million in 2028 – it is critical that we understand the impacts of these materials on the environment.  

As such, a 12-week study has been underway in the laboratory in its Mesocosm, a facility that enables scientists to conduct research in a controlled aquatic environment – which closely simulates natural conditions.  

The experiment aims to understand the impact of biodegradable plastic on marine coastal ecosystem processes, and to determine what exactly happens to the plastic once it enters the marine system. It is a collaboration between Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the University of Plymouth, and the University of Bath, and funded with thanks to a NERC Highlight Topic grant.