Question

Biodegradable plastic bags, not so biodegradable
What the scientist found
Even though marine environment, we are algae and animals quickly covered the plastic, three years, wasn’t long enough to write down any of the plastic except for the plant based compostable option, which did disappear underwater within three months. The plant derived bags, however, remained intact, but weakened when buried under garden soul for 27 months
The only treatment that consistently broke down all of the bags was exposure to open air for more than nine months, and in that case, even the standard, traditional, polyethylene bag, disintegrated into pieces before 18 months had passed.
I would take that time scale to be too long for those these products to be regarded as providing and environmental advantage Thompson said
Even if the bags take less time to break down than traditional plastic bags, as litter they would still have enough time to become potentially deadly food for ocean animals like sea birds, whales, turtles, or fish. Moreover, they will still be an eyesore and take up space at waste facilities for months or years.
And when some of the plastic bags did seem to break down, such as the bags left in the open air, it was unclear if the disintegration was complete.
Did the plastic that was lost just become smaller pieces of plastic Kalow I asked or did it become molecules that could dissolve in water and be consumed?
Future studies, she said, should dig into the fate of those distant, integrated plastic particles, to ascertain whether they truly break down and disappear or become micro plastics and harmful chemicals
How does the scientist found section address the issue in the articles title?
The title is out bile degradable, plastic bags, not so biodegradable
it is not clear with biodegradable plastic bag spray down in the small pieces of plastic or they become molecules that can be dissolved in water
Plastic bags are used for an average of 12 minutes before they are thrown away
Standardizing the materials, used to create biodegradable. Plastic will help make recycling and reusing them easier and more profitable
Compostable bags breakdown better in high temperatures where bacteria can grow

Answer 1

The findings discussed in the article highlight critical concerns regarding biodegradable plastic bags, particularly focusing on their actual environmental impact and degradation rates.

### Summary of Findings:
1. **Limited Degradation in Marine Environments**: Research showed that even in marine environments, where algae and marine animals covered the plastics, a three-year period was insufficient for significant degradation of most biodegradable bags. The only exception was plant-based compostable bags, which did decompose in about three months underwater.

2. **Soil Degradation**: While plant-derived bags did remain intact in marine settings, they weakened when buried in garden soil for 27 months, indicating that soil conditions do not guarantee quick degradation.

3. **Air Exposure**: The only method consistently demonstrating breakdown was prolonged exposure to open air (over nine months), with even traditional polyethylene bags disintegrating into pieces within 18 months.

4. **Potential Environmental Impact**: Despite potentially shorter degradation times, biodegradable bags may still pose risks as they can harm marine life if not fully decomposed. The author notes that the fragments could be ingested by wildlife, posing a risk to species like seabirds, turtles, and fish.

5. **Uncertain Decomposition**: There is ambiguity about the nature of what happens when biodegradable plastics break down. It is uncertain whether they become microplastics or if they decompose into harmless molecules, which necessitates further research.

6. **Call for Further Research**: The article emphasizes the need for additional studies to determine the fate of degraded plastics, exploring whether these materials dissolve entirely or break down into microplastics that could cause environmental harm.

### Addressing the Title:
- The title "Biodegradable plastic bags, not so biodegradable" reflects the crux of the findings. It challenges the preconceived notion that biodegradable plastics are a viable solution to plastic waste. By documenting their limited degradation and potential negative implications for wildlife and the environment, it effectively argues that these products may not be as environmentally friendly as advertised.

### Additional Considerations:
- **Usage Duration**: The brief average usage of plastic bags (12 minutes) highlights the contrast between their short functional lifespan and their long-term environmental footprint, reinforcing the argument against their continued use.
- **Standardization for Recycling**: The potential for standardizing biodegradable materials is suggested as a way to enhance the recycling process and profitability, which underscores the need for clear guidelines and advancements in biodegradable plastic technologies.
- **Optimal Conditions for Composting**: The mention that compostable bags break down better at higher temperatures contributes to understanding the specific conditions necessary for effective biodegradation.

Overall, the findings emphasize the complexities and challenges associated with biodegradable plastics, warranting cautious consideration of their environmental claims and impacts.