Question Concerning Degradable Platic Decays?

Question

when a degradable plastic decays, the starch or cellulose backbone may break down completely into carbon dioxide, water and organic matter.

a)what happens to the F, Cl, or heteroatom groups on the plymer chains as the backbone decays
b)why might this be a problem?

Answer 1

a) Much depends upon the temperature, soil microbes and possible sunlight available.

Typically Nitrogen ends up as substitutes amines which may be oxidized to Nitrogen oxides. Halogens end up as small organic compounds which may go to inorganic halides (fluorides, chlorides, etc.).

b) Some of the intermediate or final products may be highly toxic.