Ecotoxicity of Polymers

Dang and co-workers [86] discuss the measurement of toxic effects of biodegradable polymers. Using a cell culture test system, the authors demonstrated the functional suitability of the method with four samples. The results have been determined mainly by the presence of leachable substances the effects of nonsoluble polymers were not observed. 

The work of Stacker [68] has demonstrated that a direct measurement of the plant toxicity of biodegradable materials is impossible. Initiated degradation processes in test trays caused a dramatically reduced plant growth. Those effects appeared even if natural polymers, such as starch or cellulose, were used and even if the soil was 

The earthworm (Eisenia foetida) is definitely not suitable for determining the ecotoxicity of materials that are digestible by the animals. The feeding effect will result in an increased growth, which may more than compensate for the potential inhibition effects [68]. 

Aquatic bioassays made with elutriates from polymeric materials are possible, although limited to water-soluble components. The elutrition procedure should be designed properly to simulate the conditions of the natural environment of the application. Examples could be the continuous elutrition in aquatic environments or a periodic exposure at times of rainfall in terrestrial environments. However, neither a standardised nor an otherwise validated method is currently available for such investigations. 

3 Ecotoxic Effects appearing after Degradation in Compost or after Anaerobic Digestion 

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