Eco‑friendly plastic is harmful to fish. Something has gone really bad

Biodegradable plastic is not the answer to all the problems that plastics generate. The latest research shows that these eco-friendly materials can be particularly harmful to fish, affecting the reduction of their populations.

Scientists from the University of Otago in New Zealand warn that biodegradable materials, commonly considered to be far safer for the environment than traditional plastics, may also have a negative impact on fish. The results of their research suggest that these "eco-friendly" materials can cause behavioral disturbances in fish, indicating the need for appropriate regulations concerning used raw materials.

Although biodegradable materials are less harmful than typical plastics, studies conducted by the team from the University of Otago have shown that they can cause disturbances in fish behavior. In experiments conducted by scientists, traditional petroleum-based plastics disrupted fish metabolism, as well as their ability to escape danger and swim in normal conditions.

In turn, so-called ecological materials caused a slowdown in fish. This was important, for example, in a situation where a threatened animal had to flee. This generates additional risk for fish.

Ashleigh Hawke, author of a publication posted in the journal "Science of The Total Environment", emphasizes that "biodegradable plastics may not be the perfect solution to plastic pollution, as is commonly believed".

- Although they are not as bad, they can still cause negative effects in animals exposed to them. In this case, it means a decrease in the number of fish populations, in which there are disturbances in the ability to escape - adds Hawke.

Scientists emphasize the need for a better understanding of how these materials work. Dr. Bridie Allan, the co-author of the study, notes that traditional plastics have been produced for decades and therefore do not undergo significant changes. The situation is different with biodegradable plastics.

According to Dr. Bridie Allan, biodegradable plastics are essentially a novelty. They vary in terms of production methods and materials used.

- Our work suggests that the resources used and how they are utilized are important and appropriate regulations should be established - adds the co-author of the study.