IMIS

The goal of the dataset was to assess the fragmentation and release of microplastics from polylactic acid items, a bio-based polymer, and to compare the results with polypropylene items, a petroleum-based polymer. To do so, pristine items of polylactic acid and polypropylene, immersed in filtered natural seawater, to accelerated ultraviolet radiation for 57 and 76 days, simulating 18 and 24 months of mean natural solar irradiance in Europe. The concentration of released microplastics were measured by Niu Z. using a combination of fluorescent microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and image analysis. The particle's size of released microplastics were measured by Niu Z. using a ImageJ macro script. The FTIR spectra data of released microplastics were measured using a micro-FTIR.The oxygen induction time of tested plastic items were measured at IFREMER, France, by Le Gall M. according to ISO 11357-6.