This study, led by Dr. Yiqi Cao, a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow under the supervision of Dr. Baiyu (Helen) Zhang and Dr. Bing Chen, elaborates on the unequal marine biofragmentation processes between petroleum-based polyethylene (PE) and bio-based polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) plastics. The team found PE plastic rarely releases fragments, while PHB disintegrates quickly, gradually forming fragments resembling the oxidized plastic body and bringing straightforward biogeochemical impacts to the surrounding seawater. This work has been selected as a supplementary cover feature. View the article.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded to the very best postdoctoral researchers, both nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to Canada’s economic, social and research-based growth.
