2023-09-27 07:57:14
Updated Wednesday, September 27, 2023 – 07:57
A study, led by researchers from the Higher Scientific Research Council (CSIC), shows that it increases with photodegradation
‘Archive photo at ‘World Environment Day’, in Madrid.BALLESTEROS | EFE
A study, led by researchers from the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), shows a high level of toxicity in compostable plastic bags, which increases with photodegradationthat is, when ultraviolet rays hit them.
This preliminary study has analyzed the toxicity of compostable plastic bags, conventional plastic bags and other recycled plastic bags in zebrafish cells, reports the CSIC.
For the research, led by scientists from the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), the Institute of Environmental Diagnostics and Water Studies (IDAEA-CSIC) of Barcelona and the Susplast platform, and published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, an extraction of the bags was carried out to analyze toxic compounds that could be released into the environment.
During the study, the toxicity of these compounds was evaluated with zebrafish cell lines in three different situations: directly, from the samples from the bags; after a simulation of aging of the bags with ultraviolet rays (photodegradation); and through the small fragments of the bags that remained after being converted into quality fertilizer or compost.
Finally, the fertilizer resulting from the composting process of the bags was analyzed.
“We were surprised that cells exposed to conventional plastic bags showed no traces of toxicity. However, we did detect it in the biodegradable ones, which decreased the viability of the cells,” explains Cinta Porte, lead author of the study and researcher at the IDAEA-CSIC.
Porte specifies that the hypothesis is that the manufacturers “they add chemical additives to make biodegradable bags that could be especially toxic.
In addition, recycled plastic bags also showed higher levels of toxicity than conventional ones, since plastic additives were also added for reuse.
“OK compost”
Biodegradable plastic bags, which we can currently find in the fruit and vegetable section of supermarkets, have the “OK compost” seal, which indicates that they comply with the characteristics and current legislation to be industrially compostable.
The study led by the IDAEA-CSIC shows that the toxicity observed in compostable bags is transferred to the compost during the biodegradation processwhich has an impact on the accumulation of pollutants, which can affect the environment and negatively impact the health of the population.
“The toxicity observed can derive both from the additives used during processing and from the fragments of biodegradable plastics produced during composting,” adds Amparo López Rubio, researcher at IATA-CSIC, where they have a Compostability Certification Unit. and Biodegradability of materials.
López considers it necessary to exhaustively investigate the migration and ecotoxicity of these new materials and establish a good regulatory framework, based on scientific evidencewhich ensures their safety before they reach the market.
“We need an open and transparent interaction with companies that allows us to advance in the development of materials that, in addition to being more sustainable, are safe,” he adds.
The specific chemical compounds added to these compostable bags could not be identified in the study, since many additives are protected by patents.
“Although each manufacturer may add different additives to their products, we have observed that “All biodegradable bags have similar levels of toxicity”clarifies Tiantian Wang, first author of the study and predoctoral researcher at IDAEA-CSIC. EFE.
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