A new study by researchers at the University of Plymouth revealed that bio-based materials could pose a greater risk to important species than the conventional plastic products they are replacing.
Despite the growing demand and production of bio-based materials worldwide, little research has been conducted to assess their impact on global ecosystems.
In their study, the University of Plymouth team tested the effects of conventional polyester fibers and two bio-based fibers called viscose and lyocell on earthworms, a species considered critical to global soil health. The study revealed that while high concentrations of polyester caused a 30% mortality rate, lyocell and viscose caused 60% and 80% mortality respectively.
As a follow-up, the team conducted a second experiment using environmentally relevant concentrations which revealed that in soil containing viscose earthworm reproduction was reduced when compared to polyester-containing soils. Additionally, in soils containing lyocell, earthworm growth rates were reduced while burrowing rates increased.
"Our study has shown that bio-based fibers have a range of adverse effects on earthworms—animals which are critical to the functioning of the environment," said Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones. "It highlights the importance of gathering further evidence before alternatives to conventional plastics are made available even more widely."
"It is clear that along with recycling and re-use, tackling plastic pollution will require a reduction in the quantities of plastics used and produced," added Richard Thompson, Head of the University of Plymouth's International Marine Litter Research Unit. "There is increasing interest in alternative materials that could be used as substitutes for plastic, but this publication further emphasizes the importance of testing new innovations in relevant environmental settings prior to widescale adoption."
"I firmly believe it is possible to tackle the plastic pollution crisis, but independent scientific evidence will be critical in helping us avoid unintended consequences as we look for solutions."