The responsible scientist for UBINAM project Hermanni Kaartokallio lifting the experimental device from the sea near the University of Helsinki Tvärminne Research Station in January 2019. The device was stationed in approximately ten meters depth in free water above the seafloor. © Eeva Eronen-Rasimus/SYKE

Only some biodegradable plastics actually decompose rapidly in the Baltic Sea

Press Release 2019-11-14
The Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) has studied how biodegradable and bio-based materials actually decompose in the Baltic Sea marine environment. The research programme comprised a set of year-long tests in the sea. Some materials decomposed almost completely within six months, while others decomposed not very much at all in the course of the entire year.

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Only some biodegradable plastics actually decompose rapidly in the Baltic Sea 2019-11-14

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POLICY BRIEF

A circular economy allows a significant reduction in the consumption of natural resourches
A circular economy makes it possible to significantly reduce the consumption of raw materials.
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Assessment of the status of Finland’s waters

Status of lakes and rivers about the same as before, coastal waters have deteriorated

A new assessment of the ecological status1) of surface waters in Finland shows that 87% of the surface area of our lakes and 68% of our rivers are in good or very good condition. Eutrophication is still the most significant problem. There have been no major changes in the status of inland waters since 2013, except for some improvement in certain sites. The status of the Gulf of Finland has improved, but for the most part the status of coastal waters is not good. The risks associated with groundwater have not increased.

Events

Ecosystem Accounting Pilots in Finland Seminar 2019-12-12 at 12:00
Where we are in terms of measuring nature’s contributions to national wealth? What are the costs of depletion and degradation of ecosystems?

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PEER NETWORK

Partnership for European Environmental Research

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