Abstract

With the escalation of the problem of plastic pollution at an alarming rate, the increase in research on bioplastics has been notable. Bioplastics made from starch and protein blends have been found to have biodegradable properties, but the majority use non-sustainable starch sources. While bioplastics show biodegradation ability, it is equally vital that they are a sustainable replacement and do not negatively affect the environment after degradation. This study assesses the environmental impact of using different starches to generate biodegradable bioplastics. Starch-protein blend biopolymers were generated using potato, tapioca, sago and swamp taro starch, and their soil degradation was assessed visually and using oxitop chambers. Moreover, plant and worm toxicity, worm preference, soil microbiome, plant biomass, mycelium growth, aquatic toxicity and water degradation were also investigated. The study reveals that biopolymers have varying environmental impacts depending on the starch used in their formulation. These biopolymers cause environmental stress without causing severe adverse effects on plant germination by shifting the biodiversity of the soil with added nutrients. The soil microbiome showed increased firmicutes and decreased Actinobacteria, and all SPBBs (Starch Protein Blend Biopolymers) displayed biodegradable properties, meaning they degraded within less than three months. Expanding knowledge about these polymers can help develop more environmentally friendly and degradable biopolymers.

Keywords:Thermo bioplastic; Biopolymers; Starch; Environmental; Characteristics; Protein; Starch protein blend