Chapter 6A Flashcards
What is one issue with the energy consumption of plastics?
Petroleum-based plastics require high energy for production, contributing to high carbon emissions and environmental degradation.
Why is recycling plastic energy-intensive?
Recycling plastic often requires additional energy for processes like melting, sorting, and reprocessing, reducing its environmental benefits.
What are the toxic chemicals commonly found in plastics?
phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and flame retardants.
What health risks are associated with these toxic additives?
can cause endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, and cancer.
What toxic substances can be released when plastics degrade under sunlight?
Plastics can release substances like styrene and dioxins, contaminating air, water, and soil.
What are bioplastics?
Bioplastics are polymers made from plant sugars or grown inside genetically modified plants or microorganisms. They are derived from renewable biomass sources such as vegetable fats, oils, corn starch, pea starch, and microbiota.
Name some sources used to derive bioplastics.
vegetable fats and oils, corn starch, peas starch, and microbiota.
What are the types of bioplastics?
biodegradable bioplastics non-biodegradable bioplastics and mixes bioplastics.
Define biodegradable bioplastics.
Define biodegradable bioplastics.
A12: Biodegradable bioplastics are those that can break down naturally through microbial action under specific environmental conditions.
Why are plastics considered non-biodegradable?
Plastics do not break down naturally over time, leading to long-term accumulation in the environment.
What are microplastics, and why are they a problem?
Microplastics are small particles formed as plastic waste degrades. They contaminate ecosystems, harm marine life, and can enter the food chain, posing risks to biodiversity and human health.
Types of biodegradable polymers
- Starch. Source( wheat, potatoes, maize)
- Cellulose. Source( wood pulp, hemp, cotton)
- Lignin based
- Plants protein based
Definition of Biodegradation
Capable of undergoing decomposition into carbon dioxide, methane, water, inorganic compounds, which the predominant mechanism is the Enzymatic action of microorganism.
