Problems with Polymers (Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science Double Award): Revision Note

Many polymers are not biodegradable

• This means they are not broken down by microbes

• As a result they take a very long time to degrade, and lead to problems with waste disposal

Some non-biodegradable plastics get sent to landfill

• Landfill sites are filling up quickly and can release gases such as methane which contribute to global warming

Some non-biodegradable polymers are incinerated

• This process produces carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change

Polymers can be recycled but different polymers must be separated from each other which is a difficult and expensive process

Plastic waste has been spilling over into the seas and oceans and is causing huge disruptions to marine life

Some plastic bags are made from polymers and cornstarch

These plastics are biodegradable so can be broken down by microorganisms

This is helping reduce the impact that disposing non-biodegradable plastics is having on the environment