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Environment

Marine animals may eat more plastic if it is biodegradable

Plastics from organic sources are touted as environmentally friendly, but they appear to make an appealing meal for some marine creatures

By Chen Ly

2 February 2024

Soldier crabs may be at risk of eating plastic fishing equipment

Benjamin Mos

Marine animals may be more likely to eat biodegradable plastics than conventional plastics, according to a study of crabs and worms on a beach in Australia. The findings suggest that increasing biodegradable plastic use could harm wildlife more than anticipated.

Plastic pollution is a pervasive global issue, with millions of tonnes ending up in the environment every year. It also poses a risk to wildlife, with previous studies finding it harms the fertility and metabolism of some species.

Biodegradable plastics – or bioplastics – which are usually…

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