Assessment of biodegradability – A framework for testing biodegradability and environmental impact

December 19th, 2023 | Research Area 2

Christian W. Karl

SINTEF Industry

Leader Research Area 2

This research area will create a sustainable framework for testing biodegradability and environmental impact. Lab and field testing will be carried out in conditions representing different marine environmental factors. Marine biodegradation will be tested in different marine habitats and climate zones (Skagerrak Sea, North Sea, Baltic Sea, Adriatic Sea, and the Norwegian Sea) in temperatures from 4 to 27 degree, and biodegradable and conventional tools will be compared. Testing will take place over a 5-year period or until degradation is achieved.

The key research and development tasks are:

2.1. Test the marine biodegradation of gillnets and twines in situ in different marine habitats (seafloor, water column) in three different climate zones: in the Skagerrak Sea (DTU-Aqua), in the Norwegian Sea (SINTEF Ocean), and in the Adriatic Sea (The University of Split). The test conditions will be carefully monitored.

2.2. Test biodegradation in lab-based systems consisting of natural seawater and marine sediments.

2.3. Assess the effects of UV radiation while modifying temperature, humidity, pollutants, and the combination of these factors, on the physical properties of PBSAT nets and twines, and PA controls.

2.4: Develop twines for dolly-ropes and chafing mats used in demersal (bottom) and beam trawling.

Publications

Karl, C. W.; Mürer, F. K.; Hatlebrekke, H. H.; Grimaldo, E.; Einarsson, H. A.; Larsen, R. B.; Ullern, E. F.; Lund, H. B. (2026). The role of recycling and biodegradable materials in aquaculture and fisheries, book chapter 9 in Managing Marine Plastic Pollution in Norway - Circular Economy Solutions for Fisheries and Aquaculture, edited by H. J. Walnum, M. Palmer-Abbs, P. Deshpande, Routledge, 1st edition, https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/oa-edit/10.4324/9781003616771-12/role-recycling-biodegradable-materials-aquaculture-fisheries-christian-karl-fredrik-m%C3%BCrer-hanne-hatlebrekke-eduardo-grimaldo-haraldur-einarsson-roger-larsen-eli-ullern-henrik-lund?utm_source=researchgate.net&utm_medium=article

Stránský, P.; Ahmed, T.; Karl, C. W.; Mürer, F. (2026). The environmental impact of HDPE mechanical recycling, book chapter 8 in Managing Marine Plastic Pollution in Norway - Circular Economy Solutions for Fisheries and Aquaculture, edited by Walnum; H. J.; Palmer-Abbs, M.; Deshpande, P. Routledge, 1st edition, https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/oa-edit/10.4324/9781003616771-11/environmental-impact-hdpe-mechanical-recycling-pavel-str%C3%A1nsk%C3%BD-tazrin-ahmed-christian-karl-fredrik-m%C3%BCrer?utm_source=researchgate.net&utm_medium=article

Wataniyakun, W.; Le Gall, M.; El Rakwe, M.; Karl, C. W.; Larsen, R. B. (2025). Biodegradable fishing gears: A potential solution to ghost fishing and marine plastic pollution, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 212, 117607.

Karl, C. W.; Bernat, S; Arstad, B; Kubowicz, S.; Persson, A.-M.; Stenerud, G.; Olafsen, K.; Comerford, J.; Grimaldo, E.; Hakvåg, S.; Larsen, R. B. (2025). Degradation Behavior of Biodegradable and Conventional Polymers for Gill Nets, Exposed to Accelerated Aging | ACS Applied Polymer Materials, ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 7, 2830.

Palmer-Abbs, M.; Deshpande P.; Karl, C. W. (2024). Enabling transition thinking on complex issues (wicked problems): A framework for future circular economic transitions of plastic management in the Norwegian fisheries and aquaculture sectors. - ScienceDirect, Journal of Cleaner Production, 449, 141420.

Grimaldo E.; Karl C. W.; Alvestad A.; Persson A.-M.; Kubowicz S.; Olafsen K.; Hatlebrekke H. H.; Lilleng G.; Brinkhof I. (2023). Reducing plastic pollution caused by demersal fisheries, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 196, 115634.

Starkova O.; Gagani A. I.; Karl C. W.; Rocha I. B. C. M.; Burlakovs J.; Krauklis A. E. (2022). Modelling of Environmental Ageing of Polymers and Polymer Composites—Durability Prediction Methods., Polymers, 14, 907.

Krauklis A. E.; Karl C. W.; Rocha I. B. C. M.; Burlakovs J.; Ozola-Davidane R.; Gagani A. I.; Starkova O. (2022). Modelling of Environmental Ageing of Polymers and Polymer Composites—Modular and Multiscale Methods, Polymers, 14, 216.

Other publications

NorskFisk.no, 2025: Halvgått løp for nedbrytningsdugnad

Norwegian SciTech News, 2025: How scientists will prevent plastic pollution in the ocean

Gemini.no, 2025: https://gemini.no/2024/12/slik-vil-forskere-hindre-plastforurensing-fra-fiskeri-og-havbruk

Podcast, Smart Forklart (Sintef), 2023: Smart forklart - Kampen mot spøkelsesfiske - Nasjonalt vitenarkiv

Podcast, Smart Forklart (Sintef), 2025: Smart forklart - Kan nedbrytbar plast fungere i oppdrettsnæringa? - Nasjonalt vitenarkiv