Total emission

🌿 Environmental Emissions from Polytechnic

Polyethylene is not inert and can emit greenhouse gases during its lifecycle. For instance, LDPE has been found to emit methane and ethylene when exposed to solar radiation. In controlled studies, LDPE emitted methane at rates up to 5.8 nmol/g/day and ethylene at 14.5 nmol/g/day after 212 days of incubation. These emissions were higher in air compared to water, indicating that environmental exposure can enhance degradation and gas release. ​

Additionally, polyethylene degradation can produce other hydrocarbon gases, including ethane and propylene, especially under high-temperature conditions (>202°C). These emissions contribute to the overall environmental impact of polyethylene waste.