Adverse effects of non-biodegradable and compostable plastic bags on the establishment of coastal dune vegetation: First experimental evidences

Virginia Menicagli; Elena Balestri; Flavia Vallerini; Alberto Castelli; Claudio Lardicci

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.108

Adverse effects of non-biodegradable and compostable plastic bags on the establishment of coastal dune vegetation: First experimental evidences

Environ Pollut. 2019 Sep;252(Pt A):188-195. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.108. Epub 2019 May 22.

Authors

Virginia Menicagli¹, Elena Balestri², Flavia Vallerini¹, Alberto Castelli¹, Claudio Lardicci¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
² Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy. Electronic address: elena.balestri@unipi.it.

PMID: 31146234
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.108

Abstract

Non-biodegradable and compostable plastic bags on beaches negatively affect the development of coastal dune vegetation by drastically reducing seedling emergence and growth.

Keywords: Coastal environment; Dune plants; Ecology; Plastic pollution; Seedlings.

MeSH terms

Biodegradable Plastics / adverse effects*
Ecosystem
Magnoliopsida / growth & development*
Plant Development
Plants
Poaceae / growth & development*
Polyethylene / adverse effects*
Seedlings / growth & development

Substances

Biodegradable Plastics
Polyethylene