Life cycle impact assessment framework for assessing physical effects on biota of marine microplastics emissions

Hajjar, Carla; Bulle, Cécile; Boulay, Anne-Marie

doi:10.1007/s11367-023-02212-7

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 143 publications

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“…In the work of Corella-Puertas et al, a case study was performed by comparing the midpoint and endpoint results of the newly developed MNP indicator with the rest of the product life cycle [17]. This work was later amended and improved by the same group [18] to align with UseTox™, following a recommendation by Owsianiak et al to use lower effect concentrations to bring the model closer to reality [19], marking the first work assessing the environmental impacts of MPs based upon mass (kg emitted) [20]. This is relevant as the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) estimates that 145,000 tons of microplastics are used annually in the EU/EEA [21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quantifying the Sustainability of Football (Soccer) Pitches: A Comparison of Artificial and Natural Turf Pitches with a Focus on Microplastics and Their Environmental Impacts

Zeilerbauer,

Lindorfer,

Fuchs

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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Recently, the European Commission announced their intention to restrict intentionally added microplastics to reduce the amount emitted by 0.5 million tons per year. Findings on microplastics indicate toxic behavior for biota, yet many mechanisms remain in the dark. Microplastics also pose a challenge in life cycle assessment as methods are actively being developed. Considering this recent decision, an anticipatory life cycle assessment was performed, comparing the impacts of natural grass pitches with artificial grass pitches using bio-based infill materials as well as polymeric ones made from recycled and virgin materials. The aim was to confirm if microplastics are in fact a considerable environmental hazard when compared to more traditional impacts. The microplastics’ impact was modeled after the MarILCA group’s work on the new midpoint of physical effects on biota. The results showed that the influence of the microplastics remains negligible when using the method provided. For most midpoint categories, the wood-based infill showed the best results, often closely tied with the infill made from recycled rubber from tires. A sensitivity analysis revealed that neither the physical effects on biota nor the greenhouse gas emissions from degradation in a marine environment are deciding factors when assessing the endpoint of ecosystem damage.

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