MYP 4 Criterion D

How has a discovery or technological development in chemistry

been pivotal in solving a problem or issue?

Background

Understanding chemical reactions has led to discoveries and new technologies that have
made our lives better.

Think about a problem or issue that has been solved thanks to either a specific chemical
reaction, discovery, or technological development in chemistry.

TASK:
Your task is to produce an essay reflecting on how one scientific development has
had an impact on improving our lives for the better. It should be no more than 1000
words maximum and meet the criteria:

​Criterion D: Reflecting on the impacts of science

i. explain how science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue

ii. discuss and evaluate the implications of using science and its application to solve a
specific problem or issue, interacting with a factor

iii. consistently apply scientific language to communicate understanding clearly and precisely

iv. document sources completely

in the task-specific clarification.

For example: Level 4-5 states:

You can:
i. summarize the science behind an application of a discovery / technological development in chemistry to solve a problem
or issue
ii. describe a positive (or negative) implication of a discovery in chemistry / technological development with an interacting
factor
iii. sometimes apply scientific language to communicate understanding
iv. sometimes document sources correctly
 Biodegradable Polymers and Plastics: Investigating the chemistry behind
biodegradable materials and their role in reducing plastic pollution and
addressing waste management issues

Introduction - Describe what the issue / problem that you are researching is.

In 2023, we produce 158, 943, 925 tonnes of plastic waste and 43% is mismanaged. 68, 642, 999
tonnes of plastic rots in the environment. Plastic pollution has become a major environmental
concern. The amount of plastic which accumulates has started damaging wildlife, ecosystems and
our own health. (Next Level Sailing) It threatens the safety of biodiversity and environmental
sustainability. Biodegradable polymers and plastics could be the solution we need. Biodegradable
plastics are made from biodegradable polymers which naturally degrade over time. This prevents
plastics from accumulating in the environment. This groundbreaking discovery helps reduce the
amount of plastic which is wasted in landfills and overcome plastic pollution. (Ritchie, Hannah)

Summarize how this scientific development has helped to solve the problem /
issue (include scientific language here).

Biodegradable polymers are specially engineered materials which have a chemical structure that
decomposes due to microbial action and other natural processes. They can decompose over time
just like organic matter. It’s different from normal plastics which take years to decompose.
Biodegradable plastics can decompose in 3 to 6 months when exposed to specific elements. This
material prevents plastic pollution, and ensures a cleaner environment by reducing the presence of
plastic waste in landfills and ecosystems. (Www.ChemistryIsLife.Com)

In order to make these plastics, scientists have two main methods. One method involves altering
the molecular structure of natural polymers like polylactic acid (PLA). Using polymerization, lactic
acid molecules go through condensation reactions which form long chains that are connected by
ester links. (Science of Biodegradable Plastic | Change Plastic for Good) This structure is characterised by ester
bonds and makes PLA prone to natural degradation (hydrolysis). Therefore, when it is exposed to
the environment, things like moisture, microbial decomposition or enzymes will cause the bonds to
break down. (Chen, Guoping)

Another method scientists use is modifying synthetic polymers, found in traditional plastic.
Modifying synthetic polymers is a delicate process due to the groups of hydrolysable esters, amides,
or ethers that are in the polymer. (Franklin-Cheung, Alexandra) These groups prevent the synthetic
polymers from being vulnerable to hydrolysis so they can’t decompose naturally. Scientists found a
way around this problem by changing the molecular structure of the polymer or adding new
supplements that attract microorganisms and enzymes. These allow synthetic polymers to become
biodegradable. (Vroman, Isabelle, and Lan Tighzert)

Describe and summarize positive implications of using this scientific development

to solve the specific problem, interacting with at least one factor.

Biodegradable plastics decrease reliance on finite fossil fuel based resources, this moves us towards
resource efficiency. These plastics come from renewable sources such as plants or biodegradable
synthetic polymers which all contribute to a sustainable future while decreasing our need for fossil
fuel resources. (Filiciotto, Layla, and Gadi Rothenberg) There is a huge demand for environmentally
friendly products. This gives economic prospects to companies or industries who invest in
biodegradable polymers. The demands help innovation and development in these areas of science
which also stimulating market growth for companies. (Ireland, Kevin)

Making use of biodegradable plastics decreases waste management costs. Due to these plastics
quickly decomposing, it minimises the amount of waste that is usually present in landfills and
reduces long-term waste management expenses. (PLASTICSMarCom) Companies who use
biodegradable plastics improve their image. They are showcasing themselves as environmentally
conscious consumers. This makes them much more appealing to the public and increases market
share and revenue. (Rosengren, Cole)

If industries start producing and developing biodegradable materials, they will need more
employees. This will bring new opportunities across different areas such as research, manufacturing
and distribution. (Psadmin) Job creation supports economic growth and increases innovation in the
fields of sustainability. All of this contributes to a more diverse and resilient economy and
environment. (National Caucus of Environmental Legislators)

Describe and summarize negative implications of using this scientific

development to solve the specific problem, interacting with at least one factor.

Biodegradable plastics have some drawbacks. The mass production of these materials would result
in them being more expensive than traditional plastic. Due to the specialised processes such
sourcing renewable feedstocks and synthesising biodegradable polymers, it can affect profit margins
and affordability. (Maguero, Lea) All of this could negatively impact market penetration and consume
adoption because of affordability. Demands are high for an eco-friendly material for products like
this. The complications in scaling production to meet with demands could limit availability and
efficiency. Economies of scale are deterred by the complications of scaling the production of
biodegradable plastics. This could cause costs to increase and other inefficiencies. (EuroPlas)

There will be investments needed for trying to get infrastructure to adapt to collecting, sorting and
recycling biodegradable materials. This is expensive. Modifications add extra expenses for
companies and waste management. (Gomez, Chris) All of these expenses associated with
infrastructure modifications and additional expenses can become an economic challenge for many.
(Maguero, Lea) Due to the high production cost of biodegradable plastic, which can cause a pricing
gap, it could badly impact biodegradable materials. Most people want affordability which will most
likely cause them to choose natural plastics. This could limit the market share and consumer
adoption of biodegradable materials. (Rosenboom, Jan-Georg)

There is the issue of investing in the development of biodegradable plastics. The research for these
materials which have enhanced properties are expensive projects. The costs can put a strain on
companies who are investing in these materials. This negatively impacts their profitability and
scalability. (Hardman, Ben)

Conclusion - Give your overall opinion based on what you have written. Do you
think we should continue using this scientific development for the problem/issue or
not?

Biodegradable polymers and plastics should be our solution to the plastic pollution issue.
Overcoming plastic pollution is an important goal for us all. It becomes more evident everyday with
all the waste estimates and environmental threats. Biodegradable polymers offer a solution. They
decompose naturally and leave behind environmentally friendly components. These plastics are
made from renewable resources which moves us away from fossil fuels. This could reduce the
amount of waste that is accumulated. Biodegradable materials can help us with the growing
demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Their use could preserve resources, help market prospects,
waste management and more job opportunities.

The production of these plastics could cause pricing disparities. When compared to the cheaper
traditional plastic, this negatively impacts them. They have scaling challenges along with the need
to conduct modifications to infrastructure and the competitions in pricings which further
negatively affect them. They require investments which could cause a strain on some companies.
However, the positive impacts of biodegradable plastics shouldn’t be ignored. With more research,
development, strategic investments, the benefits like decreased plastic waste, resource preservation
and market growth make these materials a great tool. Using biodegradable plastics can improve our
environment and economy. Ignoring them because of their negatives would be an unwise decision
considering how dire plastic pollution has become.

Works cited
(This should show all of the sources that you used in the essay. It should be in
MLA format.)

“Biodegradable Plastics: Are They Better for the Environment?” IAAS Indonesia,

https://iaas.or.id/biodegradable-plastics-are-they-better-for-the-environment/.

“Biodegradable Plastics.” PlasticsEurope,

https://plasticseurope.org/plastics-explained/a-large-family/biodegradable-plastics/.

“How Much Plastic Is in the Ocean 2023.” Next Level Sailing, 26 Feb. 2023,

nextlevelsailing.com/how-much-plastic-is-in-the-ocean-2023/#:~:text=How%20Much%
20Plastic%20Do%20We,tons%20of%20plastic%20waste%20annually.

Vroman, Isabelle, and Lan Tighzert. “Biodegradable Polymers.” Materials, Molecular Diversity

Preservation International, 1 Apr. 2009,

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5445709/.

Chen, Guoping, et al. “Biodegradable Polymer.” Biodegradable Polymer - an Overview |

ScienceDirect Topics,

www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/biodegradable-polymer#:~:text=Biodeg
radable%20polymers%20(BDPs)%20can%20be,water)%20under%20microbial%20enzy
matic%20action.
“Visual Feature: Beat Plastic Pollution.” UNEP,

www.unep.org/interactives/beat-plastic-pollution/.

Ritchie, Hannah, et al. “Plastic Pollution.” Our World in Data, 10 Nov. 2023,

ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution.

“The Science.” Science of Biodegradable Plastic | Change Plastic for Good,

www.changeplasticforgood.com/the-science/#:~:text=How%20it%20works,leaving%20b
ehind%20compost%20and%20biogas.

Franklin-Cheung, Alexandra. “What Does Biodegradable Plastic Degrade Into?” BBC Science

Focus Magazine,
www.sciencefocus.com/science/what-does-biodegradable-plastic-degrade-into.

“The Chemistry of Bioplastics.” Www.ChemistryIsLife.Com,

www.chemistryislife.com/the-chemistry-of-bioplastics.

Filiciotto, Layla, and Gadi Rothenberg. Biodegradable Plastics: Standards, Policies, and Impacts,

28 Oct. 2020, chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cssc.202002044.

Ireland, Kevin. “Bioplastics Role in the New Plastic Economy.” Green Dot Bioplastics, 8 Mar.

2023, www.greendotbioplastics.com/bioplastics-role-new-plastic-economy/.

Rosengren, Cole. “USDA: Bioplastics Creating Economic Benefits and Reducing Emissions.”

Waste Dive, 11 Oct. 2016,

www.wastedive.com/news/usda-bioplastics-creating-economic-benefits-and-reducing-e
missions/428063/#:~:text=The%20packaging%20sector%20was%20responsible,compar
ed%20to%20petroleum%2Dbased%20plastics.

PLASTICSMarCom. “What Are Bioplastics, and Why Are They Important?” This Is Plastics,

16 June 2021,
thisisplastics.com/plastics-101/what-are-bioplastics-and-why-are-they-important/#:~:tex
t=Bioplastics%20are%20plastics%20that%20are,allow%20manufacturers%20to%20diver
sify%20feedstocks.

Psadmin. “4 Reasons Why Biodegradable Plastics Benefit the Environment.” Plastivision, 14

Dec. 2018,
www.plastivision.org/blog/4-reasons-why-biodegradable-plastics-benefit-the-environme
nt/#:~:text=Consumes%20Less%20Energy,environmental%20impact%20are%20signific
antly%20reduced.
 “First in Science: The Economic Impacts of Plastic Pollution.” National Caucus of

Environmental Legislators, 8 Dec. 2022,

www.ncelenviro.org/articles/first-in-science-the-economic-impacts-of-plastic-pollution/
#:~:text=Up%20to%20%242.5%20trillion%20is,pollution%20has%20on%20ecosystem%
20services.

Maguero, Lea. “Biodegradable Plastic Problems.” BioPak Australia, 3 Feb. 2023,

www.biopak.com/au/resources/biodegradable-plastic-problems#:~:text=Why%20is%20
biodegradable%20plastic%20bad,contaminating%20other%20plastics%20recycling%20st
reams.

EuroPlas. “How Much Does Biodegradable Plastic Cost?” EuroPlas, 18 Sept. 2023,

europlas.com.vn/en-US/how-much-does-biodegradable-plastic-cost#:~:text=Currently%
2C%20the%20price%20of%20biodegradable,which%20require%20higher%20productio
n%20costs.

Gomez, Chris. “7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Biodegradable Plastics.” Aqua Solutions

Gibraltar, 29 Mar. 2019, aquasolutionsgib.com/583-2/.

Rosenboom, Jan-Georg, et al. “Bioplastics for a Circular Economy.” Nature News, Nature

Publishing Group, 20 Jan. 2022,

www.nature.com/articles/s41578-021-00407-8#:~:text=Most%20bioplastics%20are%20
currently%20more,price%20competitiveness%20of%20crude%20oil.

Hardman, Ben. “Bioplastics: Pros & Cons and Are They the Future?: Green Living Blog.” Green

Living Blog | All About Nature Friendly Sustainable Lifestyle Options, 28 Feb. 2023,
www.greenlivingblog.org.uk/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-bioplastics/.

Resources to help
Useful links

Patterns MYP website

How do I document sources?

Watch these videos for a step by step tutorial on using NoodleTools to document your
sources fully.

You will first need to go to www.noodletools.com and log in using your school Google email
address.
Video: How to create a project, add sources and generate a works cited page.

Video: How to add a video as a source on Noodle Tools

Interacting factors for implications

Assessment Criteria and Task-Specific Clarification

Level Level Descriptor Task-specific clarification

0 The student does not reach a standard described by You did not reach a standard described by any of the
any of the descriptors below. descriptors given below.
1-2 The student is able to:
i. outline the ways in which science is used to address
a specific problem or issue
ii. outline the implications of using science to solve a
specific problem or issue, interacting with a factor
iii. apply scientific language to communicate
understanding but does so with limited success
iv. document sources, with limited success
3–4 The student is able to:
i. summarize the ways in which science is applied and
used to address a specific problem or issue
ii. describe the implications of using science and its
application to solve a specific problem or issue,
interacting with a factor
iii. sometimes apply scientific language to
communicate understanding
iv. sometimes document sources correctly
5-6 The student is able to:
i. describe the ways in which science is applied and
used to address a specific problem or issue
ii. discuss the implications of using science and its
application to solve a specific problem or issue,
interacting with a factor
iii. usually apply scientific language to communicate
understanding clearly and precisely
iv. usually document sources correctly
7–8 The student is able to:
i. explain the ways in which science is applied and
used to address a specific problem or issue
ii. discuss and evaluate the implications of using
science and its application to solve a specific problem
or issue, interacting with a factor
iii. consistently apply scientific language to
communicate understanding clearly and precisely
iv. document sources completely.
You can:
i. outline the science behind at least one application of
a discovery / technological development in chemistry to
solve a problem or issue.
ii. outline a positive (or negative) implication of a
discovery in chemistry / technological development to
solve a problem or issue with an interacting factor
iii. apply scientific language to communicate
understanding but does so with limited success
iv. document sources, with limited success
You can:
i. summarize the science behind an application of a
discovery / technological development in chemistry to
solve a problem or issue
ii. describe a positive (or negative) implication of a
discovery in chemistry / technological development with
an interacting factor
iii. sometimes apply scientific language to
communicate understanding
iv. sometimes document sources correctly
You can:
i. describe the science behind an application of a
discovery / technological development in chemistry to
solve a problem or issue.
ii. discuss both the positive and negative implications of
a discovery in chemistry / technological development to
solve a problem or issue with an interacting factor
iii. usually apply scientific language to communicate
understanding clearly and precisely
iv. usually document sources correctly
You can:
i. explain the science behind an application of a
discovery / technological development in chemistry to
solve a problem or issue.
ii. discuss both the positive and negative implications of
a discovery in chemistry / technological development to
solve a problem or issue and evaluate the overall
impact with an interacting factor
iii. consistently apply scientific language to
communicate understanding clearly and precisely
iv. document sources completely.