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Reducing Our Plastic Footprint: The Promise of "Bio-Plastic"

CSEF · 2013 Environmental Science

Ashwini Narayan · Fugman (James S.) Elementary School, Fresno, Fresno County

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective was to see whether natural plastic degraded faster than synthetic plastic. Methods/Materials The project was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 involved manufacturing natural plastic frommilk and vinegar (casein plastic). Milk was heated and treated with vinegar - the solids were filtered and kneaded, and then dried to form a sheet of natural plastic. Phase 2 involved comparing rates of biodegradation of the natural plastiuc and synthetic plastic (obtained from an empty plastic milk jug): 10 cups were filled with potting soil and watered. A strip each of the natural plastic and the synthetic plastic were inserted into the soil. Every day, one cup was emptied, and the lengths of the two strips of plastic were compared with the help of an inch-ruler Results The natiral plastic gradually decayed over time - in the first few days, the natural plastic showed increasing moistening, and had clumping of the soil on the surface. From day 5-6 onwards, the natural plastic showed signs of softening and liquefaction, and later, gradual breakdown; by day 9-10, the part of the natural plastic underneath the soil surface was seen to be completely disntegrated. In comparison, the synthetic plastic did not show any signs of change at all. Conclusions/Discussion Ntural plastic degrades faster than synthetic plastic. This may have enormous impliations for the future, e.g., preventing landfills from being clogged by synthetic plastic, if natural plastic were used instead in the manufacture of consumavbles, etc. However, additonal research is required to determine other factors that might be used to regulate the rate of bio-degradation of natural plastic, such as additives, humidity, heat and/or soil composition.

Summary statement

Bio-plastic degrades faster than synthetic plastic, and if used in the manufacture of consumavbles, could help reduce the clogging of landfills.

Help received

Father helped with generating the experimental design, and mother helped with preparing the display board.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2013 Environmental Science · Entry J1117

Resources

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