Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 6.3
Main Environments in Which Plastic Litter is Found
Environment
Aerobic Temperature Other contributing
mechanisms
Natural
environments
Surface soil
Yes
Ambient (
T
)
Photo-thermal oxidation
Subsurface soil
Yes
Ambient (
T
)
Thermal oxidation
Marine beach
Yes
T
Photo-thermal oxidation
Marine surface
water
Yes
Slightly <
T
Photo-thermal oxidation
Marine coastal
sediment
Yes
Slightly <
T
Hydrolysis, biodegradation
Deep sea sediment No
ambient (
T
) Hydrolysis
Man-made
environments
Landfills
No
Slightly <
T
Hydrolysis, biodegradation
Composting
facilities
Yes
Much higher >
T
Thermal oxidation
Anaerobic
digesters
No
Slightly >
T
Hydrolysis, biodegradation
