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

December 19th, 2023 | Research Area 2 – Assessment of biodegradability

Christian W. Karl

SINTEF Industry

Leader Research Area 2, Assessment of biodegradability

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

Palmer-Abbs, Megan; Desphande, Paritosh; Karl, Christian 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, Journal of Cleaner Production

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., Karl C., Rocha I., Burlakovs J., Kraukalis A. (2022). Modelling of Environmental Ageing of Polymers and Polymer Composites—Durability Prediction Methods. Polymers 2022, 14(5), 907.

Kraukalis A., Karl C., Rocha I., Burlakovs J., Ozola-Davidane R., Gagani A., Starkova O. (2022). Modelling of Environmental Ageing of Polymers and Polymer Composites—Modular and Multiscale Methods. Polymers 2022, 14(1), 216.