Study highlights wool’s marine biodegradability potential

Study highlights wool's marine biodegradability potential | Materials ...  Ecotextile News

Study highlights wool’s marine biodegradability potential

Study highlights wool's marine biodegradability potential

The Slow Decomposition of Merino Wool Products in Aquatic Environments

A new research paper published by the Switzerland-based MDPI reveals that the decomposition of merino wool products in aquatic environments is a slow process. This is attributed to both the properties of the wool’s structural protein and the specific characteristics of the marine environment, which contribute to slow yet ongoing decomposition rates.

The study highlights that the decomposition process of the tested wool initiates with the loss of color and swelling of the microfibres. However, it is important to note that the samples did not demonstrate any significant eco-toxicological effects during the exposure period.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDG 14: Life Below Water

    • Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
    • Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.
  2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

    • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
    • Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement.

Analysis

The article highlights the slow decomposition process of merino wool products in aquatic environments. This connects to SDG 14: Life Below Water, which aims to prevent and reduce marine pollution. The slow decomposition rates of wool products contribute to marine debris, which is a form of marine pollution. The article does not explicitly mention the target or indicator under SDG 14, but it is implied that the slow decomposition of wool products is a factor contributing to marine pollution.

The article also mentions that the decomposition process of wool products did not exhibit relevant eco-toxicological effects during the exposure period. This relates to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, which aims to achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes. The article does not specify a particular target or indicator under SDG 12, but it implies that the decomposition of wool products does not have adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 14: Life Below Water Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement.

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Source: ecotextile.com

 

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