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Degradation rate of biodegradable plastics in Arctic soils

Overseas Fellowship Program Participant:FY2024 Short-Term Program
Nao Taniguchi (Prefectural University of Hiroshima)

I conducted three tasks which related to my research topic in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway as follow.

1. Installing biodegradable plastic samples
2. Collection of 4 types of soil
3. Digging out biodegradable plastic samples installed 2 years ago

Plastic is a convenient material, but it causes environmental problems because of mismanaged waste. Biodegradable plastics have attracted social attention as way to solve this problem. It has been produced as a product. They are spread around the world by humans or by drifting into the sea. This problem has been observed in the Arctic region. In this study, two types of experiments are planning to clarify how biodegradable plastics decompose at terrestrial region in the Arctic. One method is to install the biodegradable plastic in the field and measure the degradation rate from the change in its weight. The other method is to measure the carbon dioxide emitted when microorganisms decompose the biodegradable plastics and determine the degradation rate. This method is based on the principle that biodegradable plastics are decompose into water and carbon dioxide ultimately.

(Fig. 1) Excavated biodegradable plastic
(Fig. 2) Biodegradable plastic samples being buried

At the site, I dig out biodegradable plastic samples that were installed two years ago by a senior student in my laboratory (Fig. 1), installed new samples (Fig. 2), and collected soil samples. The installed samples will be removed after several years. The collected soils were brought back to my laboratory for decomposition experiments. For the installation of biodegradable plastic samples and soil sampling, we used bare soil without vegetation and soil under the polar willow (Salix Polaris) to elucidate differences in degradation rates among the Arctic soils.

On a side note, during my stay in Ny-Ålesund, I saw plastic wastes in the field on several occasions. Given the growing plastic pollution in the Arctic region, we need plastics that can decompose even in harsh environments such as the Arctic. If I can elucidate the degradation rate of biodegradable plastics in the Arctic region through my experiments, it will help in the development of new materials. I believe that this will play an important role in realizing a more sustainable society.

(Fig. 3) Glacier seen from the plane

I had many other valuable experiences in the Arctic. The most memorable was viewing the glacier. In particular, the glacier seen from the plane from Ny-Ålesund to Longyearbyen was especially impressive (Fig. 3).

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to everyone involved in this project.