Characterization of a Bioplastic Product from the Ulva reticulata (Ribbon Sea Lettuce) Extract

Humans have a strong reliance in using petroleum-based plastics which take several decades to degrade and cause a lot of environmental problems such as pollution. This study intended to develop bioplastics from Ulva reticulata (Ribbon sea lettuce) and to determine the bioplastic’s physicochemical properties. The sample was collected in Allen, Northern Samar, Philippines, water samples were also collected. After the extraction, development of bioplastic from the sample extract commenced. The developed bioplastic underwent several test to check the stability of the product – its includes physicochemical analysis, tensile strength, thickness, moisture content, and soil degradation test. The Ribbon sea lettuce bioplastic solution was slightly acidic. The seaweed bioplastic have an average thickness of 0.30mm. The Ribbon sea lettuce bioplastic sample was both insoluble in the three solvents. The sample bioplastic can handle an average load of 55.12g. An average moisture content of 51.534% have been observed in the three trial of the seaweed bioplastic sample. The seaweed bioplastic sample naturally degraded during the soil biodegradation test and have lost an average weight percentage of 82.05% after 21 days of being buried in soil. The results showed that the seaweed bioplastic has a potential as an alternative to the non-biodegradable plastic and can be used in agricultural, industrial and economic purposes.