Plastic: Difference between revisions

[[Biodegradable]] plastics are plastics that degrade (break down) upon exposure to sunlight or [[ultra-violet radiation]]; water or dampness; bacteria; enzymes; or wind abrasion. Attack by insects, such as waxworms and mealworms, can also be considered as forms of biodegradation. [[aerobic digestion|Aerobic]] degradation requires that the plastic be exposed at the surface, whereas [[anaerobic digestion|anaerobic]] degradation would be effective in landfill or composting systems. Some companies produce [[biodegradable additives]] to enhance biodegradation. Although starch powder can be added as a filler to allow some plastics to degrade more easily, such treatment does not lead to complete breakdown. Some researchers have [[Genetic engineering|genetically engineered]] bacteria to synthesize completely biodegradable plastics, such as polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB); however, these arewere still relatively costly as of 2021.<ref>{{Cite journal | vauthors = Brandl H, Püchner P |date=1992 |title=Biodegradation Biodegradation of Plastic Bottles Made from 'Biopol' in an Aquatic Ecosystem Under In Situ Conditions |journal=Biodegradation |volume=2 |issue=4 |pages=237–43 |doi=10.1007/BF00114555 |s2cid=37486324}}</ref>