Work

Polyester fibres slowly degrade in marine sediments

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Microplastics are everywhere, including marine sediment. In this study, we evaluated the degradation of polyester, rayon and cotton sewing strings in marine sediment over nine months in Waitematā Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand. Polyester tensile strength was tested pre- and post-burial to track changes over time. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis enabled the examination of the change to the chemical structural integrity of the polyester molecules over time. After one month, rayon and cotton degraded and were invisible to the eye, while visible signs of polyester degradation were apparent 6-months after burial. This was confirmed by both tensile strength testing and FTIR chemical analysis. While microplastic pollution remains a serious problem, these findings show at least one type of common plastic does degrade when buried in marine sediments. While this likely has implications for seafloor ecosystem functionality, we imagine this information provides hope with application to plastic circular economy infrastructure.

Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117315

Authors: Cara H. Crichton, Samantha M. Ladewig, Simon F. Thrush

Institution: University of Auckland

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,630