Traditional plastic, made from oil, has flooded the earth, and its particles – microplastics – are now in all living things. This has led to intense research into alternatives that degrade faster in nature.
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The most common bioplastic is poly-L-lactide (PLA), which is made from fermented plant starch, usually from sugar cane. It is used in 3D printers, textiles, food packaging, disposable cutlery and other applications. However, as a study by scientists from the University of Gothenburg (Sweden) found, PLA also threatens the environment. This was reported by the press service of the university.
During the experiments, the scientists found that the behavior of small bass exposed to bioplastic in fish food changed within six months.
- they reacted much more strongly when they encountered other bass than usual;
- signs of decreased mobility were observed;
- the ability to form shoals has changed;
- the reaction to the approaching danger has changed.
Toxicological experiments analyzing animal behavior are very rare. More often, researchers look at physiological changes. We see that something in the PLA plastic causes changes in fish, but we cannot understand what exactly, the researchers note.
During the experiment, the fish were fed for six months on a diet containing 2% PLA, which is roughly the same concentration as the common petrochemical plastic used in similar studies.
Another group of fish were fed a 2% concentration of kaloin, a white clay used for porcelain and paper coating. They found some minor behavioral changes, but changes in hormones and some gene expressions were noticeable. There was also a control group of perches fed uncontaminated food.
We see that PLA is not harmless to fish, so it should not be marketed as an environmentally friendly alternative to regular plastic. It should be considered as the equivalent of ordinary plastic, the researchers note.
Unexpected damage from Styrofoam to human health.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.