Marine animals may eat more plastic if it is biodegradable

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…