Plastic fishing gear can decompose with sunlight

To solve the plastic waste that pollutes the marine environment, US scientists have developed a new form of polymer that is highly durable in seawater but can decompose quickly when exposed to ultraviolet light. (UV rays) in the sun.

According to the team, the commercial fishing industry contributes about 50% of the plastic waste floating in the ocean. Among them, special fishing lines have a very long life time in the marine environment when it takes up to 600 years to decompose, much longer than plastic bags that need about 20 years to decompose.

Nets, fishing lines and ropes are the main sources of plastic waste that pollute the marine environment.

Therefore, experts at Cornell University have spent 15 years adjusting the formula of iPPO - a plastic that has been around since 1949 to optimize its mechanical strength and increase its decomposition rate. As a result, the newly improved iPPO resin is claimed to be a more environmentally friendly alternative to the environment, while ensuring stability during normal use, and capable of biodegradation faster in Appropriate conditions. Team leader Bryce Lipinski said that in the case of fishing gear made from iPPO plastic lost at sea, they will decompose over time, thereby reducing the amount of plastic accumulated in the marine environment.

New iPPO test results show that after 30 days of continuous exposure to UV light, the polymer mesh made of this plastic decomposes 25% of its original mass. Experts are continuing to improve the technique to create a 100% UV degradable resin.

1. Biodegradable plastics help reduce environmental pollution
2. Decomposition ocean plastics produce toxic chemicals