Compositions and methods for producing environmentally biodegradable plastics and products

Abstract

Described herein is an approach to formulate and manufacture environmentally biodegradable plastics to support circularity of resources (waste valorization, recycling) and regenerative economy (strengthening biological and functional diversity of ecosystems, fertility of soils and waters, storage of CO2 in biomass). The disclosed materials aim at preventing plastic pollution and reducing global warming. The disclosed catalyst compositions promote oxidation and conversion of otherwise non-biodegradable polymers, such as polyolefins, into low molecular weight non-toxic hydrophilic materials to be biodegraded by natural microorganisms in natural environments including soil and marine and fresh water. Conversion is triggered by exposing the described materials to natural environmental conditions or by placing the described materials in artificial oxidative environments. Stability until degradation can be extended as needed for specific applications.

Description

[0001]COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING ENVIRONMENTALLY BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS AND PRODUCTS RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 656,886, filed June 6, 2024, and entitled “Compositions and Methods for Producing Environmentally Biodegradable Plastics and Products” and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 781,271, filed March 31, 2025, and entitled “Compositions and Methods for Producing Environmentally Biodegradable Plastics and Products,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD Compositions for facilitating degradation of polymers, and related articles and methods are described. BACKGROUND The global demand for plastics is growing and with it the growing amount of plastic waste in the open environment. This is causing harm and pollution in land and marine ecosystems. The cumulative amount of plastic waste produced as of 2015 is on the order of 5 billion tons and is expected to reach about 40 billion tons by 2050. About 79% of the generated plastic waste is reported to accumulate in landfills or in some other form in the environment as recycling and incinerations rates are low. Plastics in the environment are found in macroplastic and microplastic forms and are reported to be spread out throughout the planet causing potential harm if inhaled or swallowed by animals, sea critters, or humans. Plastic litter is found to be related to casual littering and to agricultural uses. In agriculture, plastics are used in protective mulch films, irrigation, hay bale wraps, greenhouse construction, and tunnels, etc. They help to meet the growing demand for food to sustain the growing population. The use of plastic mulch films for mulching (covering the soil to improve microclimate for crop growth) has led to a revolution by increasing yield and allowing cultivation of lands where water and environmental conditions are limiting. Plastic mulches and mulch films retain humidity and heat, prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds. They favor plant development and quality as well as early season planting, while decreasing water demand and herbicide and fertilizer requirements, a valuable contribution to sustainable agriculture. Reported to be used from the 1960’s, global consumption of plastic mulch films continues to grow worldwide, up to over 2 Mt. However, in addition to the operations costs related to removing and disposing of used non-bio-degradable mulch films, their massive use and incorrect disposal is aggravating the generation and accumulation of high amounts of plastic wastes. Biodegradable plastics, such as hydrolysable polyesters, e.g. poly(hydroxyalkanoates), poly(butylene succinates), poly(butylene adipate terephthalates), different copolymers of aliphatic and aromatic esters and the blends of the mentioned polymers with starches have been proposed to replace LDPE mulch films to decrease the accumulation of persistent plastic wastes in the environment. However, despite many years of research and development, these polymers still do not make significant impact in the marketplace due to their inconsistent soil biodegradability and, in a majority of cases, the necessity of removal and composting, high cost, life cycle assessment, inferior mechanical properties, incorporation of microplastics, release of compounds into a wide natural ecosystem, and consumption of by-products of plastics degradation by soil microbiome. The soil microbiome has been reported to be affected by such mulches and their components. Another concern is global warming and climate change. A number of worldwide initiatives are focused on reduction of carbon emissions and increasing carbon retention. The largest terrestrial carbon sink on earth is soil carbon stocks. As the climate changes, the rate at which the Earth’s climate warms depends in part on the buildup and persistence of soil organic carbon. Microbial turnover forms the backbone of soil organic matter (SOM) formation, and it has been recently proposed that SOM molecular complexity contributes to stability of soil carbon stocks. SUMMARY Compositions for facilitating degradation of polymers, and related articles and methods are described. Oxidation-catalyzing compositions are provided. In one aspect, described herein are oxidation-catalyzing compositions comprising at least one mineral matter and at least one fossilized organic matter, wherein the fossilized organic matter comprises carbon. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 46% to about 90% of the at least one mineral matter and from about 10% to about 54% of the at least one fossilized organic matter. In some embodiments, the mineral matter and fossilized organic matter comprise particles having an average particle size ranging from about 1 μm to about 50 μm, preferably about 1 μm to about 10 μm, more preferably about 2 μm to about 4 μm. In some embodiments, the concentration of oxidation-catalyzing compound is from 0.1 to 3% by weight. In another aspect, oxidation-catalyzing compositions comprising at least one mineral matter and at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative are provided. In some embodiments, the concentration of oxidation-catalyzing compound is from 0.5 to 1.5% by weight. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of phengites, micas, 1:1 clays, 2:1 clays, 2:1:1 clays, volcanic rocks, carbonates, iron-based minerals, aluminum oxide-based minerals, hydrous oxide-based minerals, allophanes, kaolinites, calcites, volcanic ash-based minerals, sesquioxide clays, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the mineral matter is selected from the group consisting of phengites, micas, 1:1 clays, 2:1 clays, 2:1:1 clays, volcanic rocks, carbonates, iron-based minerals, aluminum oxide- based minerals, hydrous oxide-based minerals, allophanes, kaolinites, calcites, volcanic ash-based minerals, sesquioxide clays or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a 2:1 mixed layer clay. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a 2:1:1 phyllosilicate. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises mixed layer minerals of multiple layer types. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Al, Ti, Si, S, K, and P. In some embodiments, the amount of each element in the mineral matter when measured by X- ray fluorescence (XRF) in bulk ranges from: Fe: 15% to 67%; Mn: 80 ppm to 10,000 ppm ; Cu: 100 ppm to 1,600 ppm ; Zn: 100 ppm to 1,700 ppm; Al: 5% to 18% ; Ti: 4,500 ppm to 2.6%; Si: 24.9% to 46.0% ; S: 900 ppm to 13.0% ; K: 6.2% to 13% ; P: 2,800 ppm to 7,200 ppm; and Ca: 0% to 15%. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises at least one mobile cation selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises at least one mobile cation selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn or combinations thereof, wherein the concentrations of the at least one mobile cation in mineral matter when measured by Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) ranges from: Fe: 5.6% to 13%; Mn: 1320 to 3521 ppm; Cu: 93 to 1000 ppm; and Zn: 505 to 1600 ppm. In some embodiments, fossilized organic matter comprises types 1 through 4 kerogens, wherein type 1 refers to alginate, type 2 refers to exinite, type 3 refers to vitrinite and type 4 refers to inertinite coal maceral types. In some embodiments, fossilized organic matter comprises types 3 and 4 kerogens, wherein H / C atomic ratio is under 1, more preferably under 0.4. In some embodiments, fossilized organic matter comprises coals with high aromaticity index of > 0.82 when calculated as a ratio of C-H aromatic to C-H aliphatic (I3050 / I2855) when measured by FTIR. In some embodiments, fossilized organic matter comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of C, H, N, O and S. In some embodiments, concentration of at least one element in the fossilized organic matter as measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis ranges from: C from 3 to 50%; H from 0.2 to 3%; N from under 0.05 to 0.8%; O from 2 to 18%; and S from under 0.1 to 3%. In another aspect, modified polymer compositions comprising an oxidation-prone polymer and an oxidation-catalyzing composition comprising at least one mineral matter, wherein the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, or at least 25% by weight are provided. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a kerogen. In another aspect, modified polymer compositions comprising an oxidation-prone polymer and a disclosed composition are provided, wherein the disclosed composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, or at least 25% by weight. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a polymer. In some embodiments, compositions described herein further comprise a thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer is a synthetic polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer is a non-synthetic polymer. In some embodiments, the non-synthetic polymer is starch. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polymethyl pentene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene copolymers, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene copolymers, polystyrene, styrene / acrylonitrile copolymers, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene terpolymers, acrylate / styrene / acrylonitrile terpolymers, styrene / butadiene / styrene copolymers, styrene / isoprene / styrene copolymers, acrylic- based polymers, vinyl-based polymers, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyethers, polyether esters, polyurethanes, polyacetals, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, copolymers of vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate / butadiene / styrene copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, polyester elastomers, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polymethyl pentene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene copolymers, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene copolymers, polystyrene, styrene / acrylonitrile copolymers, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene terpolymers, acrylate / styrene / acrylonitrile terpolymers, styrene / butadiene / styrene copolymers, styrene / isoprene / styrene copolymers, acrylic- based polymers, vinyl-based polymers, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyethers, polyether esters, polyurethanes, polyacetals, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, copolymers of vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate / butadiene / styrene copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, polyester elastomers, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyolefin. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer is polyethylene or polypropylene. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one additive. In some embodiments, a composition described herein further comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of pigments, antioxidants, IR absorbers, unsaturated organic compounds, fatty acids, biodegradable plasticizers, UV stabilizers, biodegradable polymers and oligomers, processing aids, biochars, inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate, talc, organic or inorganic salts of transition and alkali / alkaline earth metals. In some embodiments, compositions described herein comprise one or more of elements listed below, wherein the elements detected by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) have the following concentrations relative to the total inorganic constituents: Fe 1% to 63%; Mn 0 ppm to 5%; Cu 200 ppm to 5500 ppm; Zn 30 ppm to 1%; Al 0% to 15%; Si 16% to 55%; P 0% to 1.2%; S 0% to 6%; K 0% to 20%; and Ti 0.5% to 45%. Also provided are polymer and / or plastic compositions. In some embodiments, compositions described herein are biodegradable polymer compositions. In another aspect, biodegradable plastic compositions comprising a described composition are provided. In another aspect, plastic compositions comprising at least one mineral matter having a unit cell having dimensions: a=12.7-12.9 Å, b=17.8-18.1 Å, c=5.1-5.3 Å and a water of hydration of about 3% to about 16% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and an oxidation-prone polymer are provided, wherein the composition is capable of degrading under ambient conditions in soil, landfill, ground cover, or water. In another aspect, plastic compositions comprising at least one mineral matter having a unit cell having dimensions: a~ 5.14-5.2 Å, b~ 8.9-9.0 Å, c~ 7.2-10.0 Å, ß=100- 111° and a water of hydration of about 3% to about 16% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by TGA and an oxidation-prone polymer are provided, wherein the composition is capable of degrading under ambient conditions in soil, landfill, ground cover, or water. In some embodiments, compositions described herein are in the form of pellets, film, sheets, filaments, fibers, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the film can be used for packaging of a product. The product can be a food product or a non-food product. The product can be a commercial product. Also provided are plastic products. In another aspect, plastic products are provided, wherein the products have the following properties: i) a thickness of 18-25 µm; ii) a machine direction ultimate tensile strength of 30 MPa to 36 MPa as determined by ASTM D822:18; iii) a machine direction tensile elongation of 360% to 425% as determined by ASTM D822:18; iv) a transverse direction tensile elongation of 600% to 660% as determined by ASTM D822:18; and v) a dart impact of at least 120 g as determined by ASTM D1709. In another aspect, plastic products comprising an oxidation-prone polymer and at least one mineral matter are provided, wherein the products have a shelf life of at least one year when stored under ambient conditions in darkness and degrade by at least 90% by weight in three years when placed under ambient conditions in soil, landfill, ground cover, or water. Also provided are methods. In one aspect, described herein are methods for converting a non-biodegradable polymer into a biodegradable product, the method comprising: 1) combining: i) an oxidation-catalyzing composition comprising at least one mineral matter and at least one fossilized organic matter; and ii) a polymer; at a composition:polymer ratio ranging from 1:1000 to 1:10 by weight, thereby forming a mixture; 2) melt-compounding the mixture, thereby producing plastic pellets; and 3) processing the plastics pellets by: a) molding the pellets into specific structures or forms, b) melt blowing, spun bonding or processing the plastic pellets into other types of non-woven products, c) melt coating a paper or other substrate over the plastic pellets, d) extruding the plastic pellets into films or sheet or fibers or filaments, or e) melt extruding the plastic pellets into films. In some embodiments, the method comprises adding at least one other ingredient. In some embodiments, the method comprises adding at least one other ingredient selected from the group consisting of pigments, stabilizers, antioxidants, IR absorbers, unsaturated organic compounds, fatty acids, biodegradable plasticizers, UV stabilizers, biodegradable polymers and oligomers, processing aids, biochars, and inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate, talc, organic or inorganic salts of transition and alkali / alkaline earth metals to the mixture, thereby forming a second mixture. In another aspect, described herein are methods of making a biodegradable plastic product comprising: 1) adding 1 to 50% (1:100 to 1:1) by weight of an oxidation-catalyzing composition to a polymer, thereby forming a mixture, and 2) melt-blending or melt-compounding the mixture to produce concentrated pellets. In some embodiments, the concentrated pellets are added to an unprocessed plastic, to form a film, a sheet, a fiber, a filament, a coated paper, or a combination thereof. In another aspect, methods of degrading a plastic product, comprising exposing the plastic product to conditions permitting abiotic degradation, biotic degradation, or a combination thereof are provided. In another aspect, methods comprising contacting a plastic product with soil, landfill, ground cover, or water, such that abiotic degradation, biotic degradation, or a combination thereof occurs are provided. In another aspect, methods of using a described composition or product, comprising applying the composition or product to soil, landfill, ground cover, or water and allowing the composition or product to degrade are provided. In some embodiments, environmentally biodegradable plastics based on non- biodegradable polyolefins or other oxidizable hydrocarbon-based polymers, and oxidation-catalyzing compositions are provided. In some embodiments, the environmentally biodegradable plastics are based on non-biodegradable polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene or other oxidizable hydrocarbon-based polymers, and oxidation-catalyzing compositions comprising fine mineral particles and fossilized organic particles comprising carbon. In some embodiments, the environmentally biodegradable plastics are based on non-biodegradable polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene or other oxidizable hydrocarbon-based polymers, and oxidation- catalyzing compositions consisting of fine mineral particles and fossilized organic particles comprising carbon. In some embodiments, the environmentally biodegradable plastics are based on non-biodegradable polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene or other oxidizable hydrocarbon-based polymers, and oxidation- catalyzing compositions consisting essentially of fine mineral particles and fossilized organic particles comprising carbon. It is believed that the catalyst, in some embodiments, promotes abiotic degradation of polymers by converting them into biotically or enzymatically degradable substances. In some embodiments according to present disclosure, non-biodegradable resins are derived from fossil-based, bio-based, renewable, recycled or mixed feedstocks. In some embodiments, the inorganic minerals comprise phengites, micas, 1:1, 2:1, 2:1:1 clays, mixed layer silicates, mixtures of minerals including but not limited to volcanic rocks, carbonates, iron and aluminum oxide and hydrous oxide-based minerals, allophanes, kaolinites, and calcites. In some embodiments, the mineral matter is sourced from the coal separation and beneficiation processes, deposits of glacial or volcanic rocks (including tuffs and tuffaceous rocks), calcites, pyrites, barites, carbonates, phosphates, and / or geothermal fields. In some embodiments, the fossilized carbon-based component comprises one or more components that originate from coal, coke, petroleum coke, oxidized coke, carbonaceous or black shales, solid bitumens, clays, tuffs and tuffaceous minerals, wood- based derivatives, organic waste-based biochars, charcoal, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and / or other carbonaceous substances. In some embodiments, the fossilized carbon-based components originate from coal, coke, petroleum coke, oxidized coke, carbonaceous or black shales, solid bitumens, clays, tuffs and tuffaceous minerals, wood- based derivatives (e.g. lignin, tannin, biochar), organic waste-based biochars, charcoal, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and / or other carbonaceous substances. In some embodiments, the wood-based derivative comprises lignin, tannin, or biochar. Compared to alternative biodegradable materials in this space (i.e., compostable polyesters, starch-based polymers, polymers formulated with transition metals carboxylates), the disclosed polymer compositions have, in some embodiments, adjustable onset and rate of biodegradation and improved shelf life, physical and processing properties. Disclosed plastics offer a drop-in replacement of existing non- biodegradable polyolefins, can be processed with existing equipment, and incorporated into existing infrastructure. Utilization of the waste products of the mining industry for the catalyst manufacturing makes the technology economically attractive. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides means of carbon sequestration in soil or aquatic sediment by promoting higher carbon use efficiency and lower respiratory carbon dioxide emissions in microorganisms when they metabolize polymeric products. If used as an agricultural mulch film, the present disclosure provides, in some embodiments, composition and methods of manufacturing of soil-biodegradable films based on polyolefins which match specific growth cycles of targeted crops, could be tilled into the soil after harvesting, increase crop yields and enrich topsoils with micronutrients and organic carbon. Soil recultivation, stabilization of food chains, strengthening of biological ecosystems, fertility of soils, landscapes and waters and storage of CO2 in biomass represent the core goals of regenerative economy and sustainability. In some embodiments, fine particles of coal, clays, micas, tuffs and tuffaceous minerals, carbon black, biochar or mixtures of the above substances provide environmentally biodegradable products anti-oxidative, antistatic, anti-blocking, UV, visible and IR absorbing properties. In some embodiments, the described compositions and products accelerate biological recycling of polyolefins in an open environment when engineered biomes or enzymes are additionally applied to the soils containing the described mulch films. In some embodiments, means of biological recycling of polyolefins in reactors which can provide sufficient UV, thermal and oxidative exposure and applicable microorganisms are provided. Examples of the media could be soil, seawater or freshwater. Microorganisms could be natural or specially engineered. Synthetic or natural enzymes could be also used to break down polymers in such reactors. Proposed reactors would serve similar purposes as current technology industrial composters. One embodiment of the present disclosure is a catalyst composition comprising a mixture of fine inorganic particles and fine organic carbonaceous particles. One embodiment of the present disclosure is a catalyst composition consisting of a mixture of fine inorganic particles and fine organic carbonaceous particles. One embodiment of the present disclosure is a catalyst composition consisting essentially of a mixture of fine inorganic particles and fine organic carbonaceous particles. In some embodiments, particle sizes of the fine organic and inorganic particles range from 1 micron to 100 microns. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, methods of compounding and processing of the disclosed compositions into films, fibers, non- wovens, woven fabrics and other typical end forms of plastics including structures when plastic films, fibers, coated paper are laminated together, are described. The applicable processing techniques among others are melt extrusion, melt blowing / casting / drawing, injection / compression / blow molding, fiber spinning, 3D printing, solution coating. The present disclosure supports utilization of polymeric resins with low impact life cycle assessment (LCA) for the creation of environmentally biodegradable products requiring lowest amounts of energy for their manufacturing, emitting lowest amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG), and promoting environmental safety. In some embodiments, the disclosed mulch films increase crop yields, reduce water usage and fertilizer runoff. In some embodiments, the crop yield increase can be very significant, making it superior to other competing mulch films on the market. In addition to increased crop yields the disclosed mulch films offer substantial economic benefits to farmers by allowing them to till films into the soil after harvesting and saving labor costs associated with removal and transportation of films for disposal. In some embodiments, the disclosed mulch films enrich soil with organic carbon by increasing soil microbial biomass and enzymatic activity. They offer a much more environmentally friendly option vs burning or landfilling which is widely practiced today. In some embodiments, the disclosed materials are formulated to address not just specific useful lifetime properties, but the end-of-life options. This approach is focused on minimization of plastic pollution and prevention of microplastics formation. In some embodiments, the disclosed materials are capable of being recycled via physical, chemical, and / or biological processes. In one aspect, this disclosure describes ways of designing plastics with lifetime properties required for specific application and addresses the end of life through built-in biological recyclability. The designed products are also recyclable via physical and / or chemical processes. Biological recyclability is especially advantageous for applications benefiting directly from environmental biodegradation (e.g. agricultural films) or those targeting physical recycling but experiencing high leakage rates during collection (e.g. packaging films, bags). In some embodiments, the described compositions and methods of present disclosure lead to reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and increased retention of organic carbon in soil. Other advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In cases where the present specification and a document incorporated by reference include conflicting and / or inconsistent disclosure, the present specification shall control. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the invention shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention. In the figures: Fig.1 illustrates three-component chemiographic system muscovite-celadonite- pyrophyllite. Fig.2 illustrates crystal structure of a 2:1 mixed layer mineral with occupied octahedral cites in cis and trans position. Figs.3A-3B are FTIR spectra of examples of coal-derived minerals (coal mineral A, D, AN) and Illite clay. Fig.3A shows the FTIR spectra of these coal-derived minerals from 4000 to 2600 cm-1. Fig.3B shows the FTIR spectra of these coal-derived minerals from 1800 to 600 cm-1. Fig.4 illustrates Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA) with Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) (STA TGA / DSC) graph for Mineral #38. Exo up. Heating rate in air (black) and nitrogen (red) is 20 °C to 1000 °C at 20 °C / min. Exotherm from 400 to 740 °C is related to oxidation of organic matter, endotherm between 80 and 120 °C is related to dehydration of clays. Figs.5A-5C show structures of coal minerals. Fig.5A is a schematic illustration of Three-dimensional crosslinked two-component macromolecular model of coal. Fig. 5B illustrates the molecular structure model of bituminous coal. Fig.5C illustrates the chemical structure of Lignite model (* indicating connectivity points). Fig.6 illustrates H / C and O / C maps of the organic matter in samples presented in Table 2. Fig.7 illustrates a van Krevelen’s diagram of coals of different ranks. Fig.8 shows FTIR absorptions of examples of coal-derived organic matter. Fig.9 shows a schematic of a plastic product, according to some embodiments. Fig.10 shows the abiotic and biotic aerobic degradation processes. Fig.11 shows the XRD spectrum of mineral 5. Fig.12 shows the XRD spectrum of mineral 8. Fig.13 shows a DTG curve exhibiting a double shoulder in the 50 to 200 °C range, which can indicate divalent ions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A description of example embodiments follows. A non-biodegradable plastic can be made biodegradable by promoting a catalytically oxidative degradation process. Oxidation of polyolefins (e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene) and other addition-polymerized polymers occurs via free-radical reactions, which are accelerated by UV exposure and temperature. During the abiotic oxidative degradation in oxygen-rich environments, depolymerization reactions can lead to the production of low molecular weight carbonyl-containing products such as fatty acids, alcohols and ketones which are further converted into carbon dioxide, biomass and soil humus by the action of extracellular and intracellular enzymes (biotic degradation phase). A polyethylene molecule carrying carbonyl group can be transformed to an alcohol in the presence of monooxygenase enzymes. The alcohol can be oxidized to an aldehyde through alcohol dehydrogenase. Subsequently, aldehyde is converted into fatty acid by the action of aldehyde dehydrogenase. Finally, the fatty acid is metabolized through β -oxidation pathway. β-oxidation of polyethylene shows similarities with β- oxidation of fatty acids that occurs in animals and humans. In addition to dehydrogenase and monooxygenase other oxidative enzymes have been identified. Microorganisms capable of degradation of polymers have been investigated and isolated from the natural environment. Specifically for polyethylene and polypropylene these include, but are not limited to, Streptococcus, Bacillus vallismortis, B. siamensis, Klebsiella, Micrococcus Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas. Fungal strains were also found to biotically degrade polyolefins (e.g. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nomius, Trichoderma viride, and Aspergillus japonicus). In some embodiments, the following additives are capable of accelerating the abiotic oxidation: a) pro-degrading additives based on organic salts of transition metals with or without the presence of other ingredients such as substituted benzophenones, unsaturated organic compounds, peroxides, biodegradable plasticizers, waxes, and / or b) carbon-free fine minerals separated from coals and containing specific ratios of transition / alkali / alkaline earth metals as measured with the aid of Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). In some embodiments, inorganic (mineral) components further accelerate degradation. Described herein are compositions and methods for environmental biodegradation. In some embodiments, biodegradation occurs through abiotic degradation, biotic degradation, or a combination thereof. In one aspect, described herein are compositions comprising traditional hydrocarbon-based polymers compounded with fine particles of natural mineral matter and natural fossilized carbon source-based particles. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods demonstrate improved performance compared to previous technologies. Examples of inorganic (mineral) components and organic fossilized carbon-based components are described below. Oxidation-Catalyzing Composition In certain embodiments, oxidation-catalyzing compositions are described. In some embodiments, the composition promotes, induces, initiates, accelerates, and / or facilitates oxidation. In some embodiments, the composition catalyzes, promotes, induces, initiates, accelerates, and / or facilitates oxidation of a polymer. Some such embodiments described herein are oxidation-catalyzing compositions comprising at least one mineral matter and at least one fossilized organic matter, wherein the fossilized organic matter comprises carbon. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 46% to about 95% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 46% to about 95% by weight relative to the oxidation- catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 50% to about 95% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 60% to about 95% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 70% to about 95% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 80% to about 95% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 46% to about 90% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 50% to about 90% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 60% to about 90% by weight relative to the oxidation- catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 70% to about 90% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 80% to about 90% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 46% to about 80% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 46% to about 70% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 46% to about 60% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 10% to about 54% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 10% to about 40% by weight relative to the oxidation- catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 10% to about 30% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 10% to about 20% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 20% to about 54% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 30% to about 54% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 40% to about 54% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one fossilized organic matter in an amount from about 5% to about 54% by weight relative to the oxidation- catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one fossilized organic matter in an amount from about 10% to about 54% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one fossilized organic matter in an amount from about 10% to about 40% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one fossilized organic matter in an amount from about 10% to about 30% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one fossilized organic matter in an amount from about 10% to about 20% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one fossilized organic matter in an amount from about 20% to about 54% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one fossilized organic matter in an amount from about 30% to about 54% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one fossilized organic matter in an amount from about 40% to about 54% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 46% to about 95% of the at least one mineral matter by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition and the at least one fossilized organic matter in an amount of from about 10% to about 54% by weight relative to oxidation- catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 46% to about 95% of the at least one mineral matter by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition and the at least one fossilized organic matter in an amount of from about 5% to about 54% by weight relative to oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount from about 46% to about 90% of the at least one mineral matter by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition and the at least one fossilized organic matter in an amount of from about 10% to about 54% by weight relative to oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 5% to about 54% of at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 10% to about 54% of at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 10% to about 40% of the at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 10% to about 30% of the at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 10% to about 20% of the at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 20% to about 54% of the at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 30% to about 54% of the at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative. In some embodiments, the composition comprises from about 40% to about 54% of the at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount of from about 46% to about 95% by weight relative to the oxidation- catalyzing composition and the at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative in an amount of from about 5% to about 54% by weight relative to oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one mineral matter in an amount of from about 46% to about 90% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition and the at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative in an amount of from about 10% to about 54% by weight relative to oxidation-catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises particles having an average particle size ranging from about 1 μm to about 50 μm. In some embodiments, the composition comprises particles having an average particle size ranging from about 1 μm to about 10 μm. In some embodiments, the composition comprises particles having an average particle size ranging from about 2 μm to about 4 μm. In some embodiments, the mineral matter and fossilized organic matter comprise particles having an average particle size ranging from about 1 μm to about 50 μm, preferably about 1 μm to about 10 μm, more preferably about 2 μm to about 4 μm. In some embodiments, the particle size is determined using light scattering. In some embodiments, the particle size is determined using dynamic light scattering. One embodiment of the present disclosure is a catalyst composition comprising a mixture of fine inorganic particles and fine organic carbonaceous particles. One embodiment of the present disclosure is a catalyst composition consisting of a mixture of fine inorganic particles and fine organic carbonaceous particles. One embodiment of the present disclosure is a catalyst composition consisting essentially of a mixture of fine inorganic particles and fine organic carbonaceous particles. In some embodiments, particle sizes of the fine organic and inorganic particles range from 1 micron to 100 microns. In some embodiments, the inorganic particles have an average particle size ranging from about 1 μm to about 50 μm. In some embodiments, the inorganic particles have an average particle size ranging from about 1 μm to about 10 μm. In some embodiments, the inorganic particles have an average particle size ranging from about 2 μm to about 4 μm. In some embodiments, the organic particles have an average particle size ranging from about 1 μm to about 50 μm. In some embodiments, the organic particles have an average particle size ranging from 1 μm to about 10 μm. In some embodiments, the organic particles have an average particle size ranging from about 2 μm to about 4 μm. In some embodiments, the fine inorganic particles comprise at least one mineral matter. In some embodiments, the fine organic carbonaceous particles comprise at least one fossilized organic matter. In some embodiments, the fine organic carbonaceous particles comprise at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative. In some embodiments, the composition is capable of oxidizing a polymer. In some embodiments, the composition is capable of oxidizing a non-biodegradable polymer. In some embodiments, the composition is capable of degrading a non- biodegradable polymer. In some embodiments, the composition is capable of oxidizing an oxidation-prone polymer. In some embodiments, the composition is capable of degrading an oxidation-prone polymer. The composition may be capable performing such an oxidation (e.g., catalyzing) the oxidation under ambient conditions (e.g., in soil, landfill, and / or an aquatic environment) on a timescale consistent with those discussed below respect to the degradation processes. Inorganic matter In some embodiments, the inorganic minerals comprise phengites, micas, 1:1, 2:1, 2:1:1 clays, mixed layer silicates, or mixtures of minerals including but not limited to volcanic rocks, carbonates, iron and aluminum oxide and hydrous oxide-based minerals, allophanes, kaolinites, and calcites. In some embodiments, the mineral matter is sourced from the coal separation and beneficiation processes, deposits of glacial or volcanic rocks (including tuffs and tuffaceous rocks), calcites, pyrites, barites, carbonates, phosphates, and / or geothermal fields. In some embodiments, samples of different minerals were obtained, including, but not limited to, phengites, micas, 1:1, 2:1, 2:1:1 clays, mixed minerals-based, volcanic rocks, carbonates, iron and aluminum oxide and hydrous oxide-based minerals, allophanes, kaolinites, calcites. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of phengites, micas, 1:1 clays, 2:1 clays, 2:1:1 clays, volcanic rocks, carbonates, iron-based minerals, aluminum oxide- based minerals, hydrous oxide-based minerals, allophanes, kaolinites, calcites, volcanic ash-based minerals, sesquioxide clays, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises one or more components derived from one or more of phengites, micas, 1:1, 2:1, 2:1:1 clays, mixed minerals-based, volcanic rocks, carbonates, iron and aluminum oxide and hydrous oxide-based minerals, allophanes, kaolinites, calcites. In some embodiments, the mineral matter is selected from the group consisting of phengites, micas, 1:1 clays, 2:1 clays, 2:1:1 clays, volcanic rocks, carbonates, iron- based minerals, aluminum oxide-based minerals, hydrous oxide-based minerals, allophanes, kaolinites, calcites, volcanic ash-based minerals, sesquioxide clays or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a 2:1 mixed layer clay. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a 2:1:1 phyllosilicate. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises mixed layer minerals of multiple layer types. In some embodiments, oxidative degradation of mixed polyethylenes was achieved when a non-expandable hydrated aluminosilicate belonging to the clay minerals of group 2:1 with structures close to phengites was used on its own or in blends with other minerals. Phengite also known as hypersilicic muscovite or “phengitic muscovite”, is an aluminous true mica with a general formula KAl1.5(Mg,Fe)0.5(Al0.5Si3.5O10)(OH)2. It contains a relatively high amount of tetrahedrally coordinated Si (>3.1 apfu). As the Si amount increases, additional octahedrally coordinated cations balance charge. Ionic substitutions can occur in both the octahedral and tetrahedral sites of the phengite structure and include trivalent cations (Fe3+, Al3+, Mn3+) or divalent cations (Mg2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, etc.). In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a phengite. In some embodiments, the mineral matter is derived from a phengite. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a hydrated aluminosilicate. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a hydrated aluminosilicate belonging to the clay minerals of group 2:1. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a phengite having one or more ionic substitutions with a divalent or trivalent cation. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a phengite having one or more ionic substitutions at one or more octahedral or tetrahedral sites. In some embodiments, the minerals are similar to phengites (micas) except that their layer charge is lower than that of a mica < 1 per O10(OH)2 and the concentration of potassium ion is low: ≤0.9K per O10(OH)2. Their composition can be described in a three-component system: muscovite and celadonite “molecules” (micas) which explain the tetrahedral and octahedral substitutions, and pyrophyllite, a non-charged 10Å mineral, which explains the lowering of the layer charge. The diagram of the three- component chemiographic system muscovite-celadonite-pyrophyllite is shown in Fig.1. In some embodiments, the mineral matter includes an ionic substitution. Ionic substitutions occurring in both the octahedral and tetrahedral sites can include potassium and / or hydronium (H3O+) ions and have an interlayer charge ranging between -0.8 and - 0.6. In some embodiments, the mineral matter includes an ionic substitution with potassium and / or hydronium (H3O+) at octahedral site(s). In some embodiments, the mineral matter includes an ionic substitution with potassium and / or hydronium (H3O+) at tetrahedral site(s). in some embodiments, the mineral matter has an interlayer charge from -0.8 and -0.6. Due to this structure and charge, described minerals can reversibly fix some cations dissolved in the surrounding solutions. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) corresponds to the number of negative charges likely to fix cations. In some embodiments, cations exchange occurs for cations that are weakly bonded to the external or internal surfaces (interlayer spaces) of crystals. In more detail, the crystal structure of the 2:1 mixed layer minerals consist of dioctahedral sheet sandwiched between two tetrahedral sheets of SiO2, wherein the octahedral cations are surrounded by four oxygens and two hydroxyls in a trans- or cis- configuration. The octahedral sites are occupied by Mg+2, Fe+2, Fe+3, Al+3, Mn+2etc. and are assigned M1 if they are in the trans-position or by M2 if they are in the cis-position (Fig.2). In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises illite, limonite, manganite, birnessite, Jacobsite-Hausmannite, vernadite, todorokite, groutite, Schwertmannite, paligorskite (attapulgite), or Clinochlore, or a hydrated variant thereof. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises illite and / or paligorskite. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises limonite (FeO(OH)·nH₂O). In some embodiments, the limonite comprises goethite or lepidocrocite. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises manganite (MnO(OH)). In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises birnessite (Na₀.₃Ca₀.₁Mn₇O₁₄·2.8H₂O). In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Jacobsite-Hausmannite ((Mn,Fe)₃O₄·nH₂O). In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises vernadite (MnO₂·nH₂O). In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises todorokite ((Mn,Fe,Ca)^O₁₂·3-4H₂O). In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises groutite (MnO(OH)). In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Schwertmannite (Fe₈O₈(OH)₆(SO₄)·nH₂O). In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises palygorskite (attapulgite) ((Mg,Al)₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)·4H₂O). In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises clinochlore ((Mg,Fe)₅Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₈). In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a mica-like mineral. Illite is one example of the group of mica-like minerals. They occur at or near the surface of the Earth, in the realm of sedimentation and diagenesis. Mica-like minerals are common in environments where clays are found. Stable micas commonly forming in these environments are potassic and dioctahedral. Other mica minerals, such as biotites, paragonite and clintonite are generally not formed under these conditions. Potassic low- temperature mica-like minerals show a deficit of charge, which results in a less than full occupancy in the interlayer site by potassium ions. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises illite. In some embodiments, the illite has a dioctahedral 2:1 phyllosilicate structure. In some embodiments, the illite has a dioctahedral 2:1 phyllosilicate structure (TOT) comprising: two tetrahedral (T) sheets of SiO₄ linked to one octahedral (O) sheet containing Al³⁺ (with possible Fe³⁺ and Mg²⁺ substitutions). In some embodiments, the illite has a net negative charge (e.g., due to Al³⁺ substitution for Si⁴⁺ in tetrahedral sheets). In some embodiments, the illite has a water of hydration of 3- 6% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by TGA. In some embodiments, the illite has a dioctahedral 2:1 phyllosilicate structure (TOT) comprising: two tetrahedral (T) sheets of SiO₄ linked to one octahedral (O) sheet containing Al³⁺ (with possible Fe³⁺ and Mg²⁺ substitutions) with a net negative charge (e.g., due to Al³⁺ substitution for Si⁴⁺ in tetrahedral sheets) and a water of hydration of 3-6% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by TGA. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a smectite or vermiculite. Smectites and vermiculites could also be found in some layers in mixed-layer minerals which are used herein for catalytic oxidation of polymers. Vermiculite is a high-charge dioctahedral smectite with lower swelling than smectite and usually derived from hydrothermal alteration of biotite-bearing eruptive rocks. Its crystal size is greater than 2 microns. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a montmorillonitric layer. In some embodiments, montmorillonitic layer also is present in the mixed-layer minerals disclosed herein. It is a fully expandable layer. Most of its charge originates from the octahedral sheet. Total layer charge varies from 0.3 to 0.6 per O10(OH)2. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral matter comprises palygorskite. In some embodiments, the paligorskite has a monoclinic or orthorhombic fibrous structure. In some embodiments, the paligorskite has an overall negative charge. In some embodiments, the paligorskite has an overall limited negative charge. In some embodiments, the paligorskite comprises zones of positive and negative charge. In some embodiments, the paligorskite has a water of hydration of about 16% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by TGA. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral matter has a water of hydration of about 3% to about 16% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by TGA. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral matter has a water of hydration of about 10% to about 16% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by TGA. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral matter has a water of hydration of about 3% to about 6% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by TGA. In some embodiments, the water of hydration is measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In some embodiments, at least a portion of (that is, some or all of) the at least one mineral matter has an octahedral, tetrahedral, monoclinic, or orthorhombic structure. In some embodiments, at least a portion of (that is, some or all of) the at least one mineral matter has a monoclinic or orthorhombic unit cell. In some embodiments, at least a portion of (that is, some or all of) the at least one mineral matter has a unit cell having dimensions: a=12.7-12.9 Å, b=17.8-18.1 Å, c=5.1-5.3 Å. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the at least one mineral matter has a unit cell having dimensions: a~ 5.14-5.2 Å, b~ 8.9-9.0 Å, c~ 7.2-10.0 Å, ß=100-111°. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Al, Ti, Si, S, K, and P. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Fe. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Mn. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Cu. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Zn. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Al. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Ti. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Si. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises S. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises K. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises P. In some embodiments, the composition comprises an amount of each element in the mineral matter when measured by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in bulk ranging from: Fe: 15% to 67%; Mn: 80 ppm to 10,000 ppm ; Cu: 100 ppm to 1,600 ppm ; Zn: 100 ppm to 1,700 ppm; Al: 5% to 18% ; Ti: 4,500 ppm to 2.6%; Si: 24.9% to 46.0% ; S: 900 ppm to 13.0% ; K: 6.2% to 13% ; P: 2,800 ppm to 7,200 ppm; and Ca: 0% to 15% by weight of total inorganic material. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Fe in an amount of 15-67% by weight of total inorganic material when measured by XRF. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Mn in an amount of 80 ppm to 10,000 ppm by weight of total inorganic material when measured by XRF. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Cu in an amount of 100 ppm to 1,600 ppm by weight of total inorganic material when measured by XRF. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Zn in an amount of 100 ppm to 1,700 ppm by weight of total inorganic material when measured by XRF. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Al in an amount of 5% to 18% by weight of total inorganic material when measured by XRF. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Ti in an amount of 4,500 ppm to 2.6% by weight of total inorganic material when measured by XRF. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Si in an amount of 24.9% to 46.0% by weight of total inorganic material when measured by XRF. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises S in an amount of 900 ppm to 13.0% by weight of total inorganic material when measured by XRF. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises K in an amount of 6.2% to 13% when measured by XRF. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises P in an amount of 2,800 ppm to 7,200 ppm when measured by XRF. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Ca in an amount of 0% to 15% by weight of total inorganic material when measured by XRF. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises at least one mobile cation selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Fe as a mobile cation. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Mn as a mobile cation. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Cu as a mobile cation. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Zn as a mobile cation. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises at least one mobile cation selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn or combinations thereof, wherein the concentrations of the at least one mobile cation in mineral matter when measured by Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) ranges from: Fe: 5.6% to 13%; Mn: 1320 to 3521 ppm; Cu: 93 to 1000 ppm; and Zn: 505 to 1600 ppm. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Fe as a mobile cation, wherein the concentration of the Fe mobile cation in mineral matter when measured by ICP ranges from 5.6% to 13%. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Mn as a mobile cation, wherein the concentration of the Mn mobile cation in mineral matter when measured by ICP ranges from 1320 to 3521 ppm. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Cu as a mobile cation, wherein the concentration of the Cu mobile cation in mineral matter when measured by ICP ranges from 93 to 1000 ppm. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises Zn as a mobile cation, wherein the concentration of the Zn mobile cation in mineral matter when measured by ICP ranges 505 to 1600 ppm. Mineral matter in coals In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises inorganic matter derived from coals. In one aspect, different inorganic minerals can be present in coals. Examples include, but are not limited to, silicates, kaolinites (e.g. [(OH)8Si4Al4O10]), quartz, sulfides (primary pyrite and marcasites, FeS2), carbonates (calcite CaCO3, siderite FeCO3 and ankerite 2CaCO3 · MgCO3 · FeCO3). Certain minerals of interest, specifically non-expandable dioctahedral, potassium deficient mica-like minerals occurring in the clay-size (<4 microns) fraction of a geological sample with about 10Å basal spacing and ionic substitutions occurring in both the octahedral and tetrahedral sites of the phengite structure, having an interlayer charge ranging between -1 and -0.6 per O10(OH)2 and CEC ranging from 0.5 to 10 meq / 100g, are also present in certain coal types. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a clay mineral. In some embodiments, individual clay minerals are present as individual components in a mixed layer structure, where they can be found at different ratios. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a non-expandable dioctahedral, potassium deficient mica-like mineral. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a non-expandable dioctahedral, potassium deficient mica-like minerals occurring in the clay-size (<4 microns) fraction of a geological sample with about 10Å basal spacing and ionic substitutions occurring in both the octahedral and tetrahedral sites of the phengite structure, having an interlayer charge ranging between -1 and -0.6 per O10(OH)2 and CEC ranging from 0.5 to 10 meq / 100g. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral matter comprises a mineral separated from mature coals. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral matter comprises a mineral separated from mature coals that comprises an illitic mineral in at least some layers. In one aspect, FTIR analysis confirmed that the mineral matter of some embodiments separated from mature coals matches characteristic absorptions of certain illitic minerals present at least in some layers. Figs.3A-3B shows FTIR analysis of coal-derived minerals and illite clay. In some embodiments, the mineral matter has an FTIR spectrum showing characteristic absorptions of coal-derived minerals corresponding to those shown in Figs.3A-3B. In some embodiments, the mineral matter has an FTIR spectrum showing characteristic absorptions of illitic minerals corresponding to those shown in Figs.3A-3B. The general formula of illite is [(OH)4K2(Si6 · Al2)Al4O20], and characteristic absorptions are wide shoulder between 2600-36501 / cm, with 36201 / cm peak assigned to the inner OH groups, lying between the sheets of tetrahedral and octahedral units, 34301 / cm assigned to adsorbed water vibrations (H-O-H), and 10331 / cm, assigned to the Si-O-Si and Si-O stretching. Metal- O-H bending modes occur in the 600-9501 / cm region, one of them being described Si- O-Al at 6931 / cm. Characteristic features at 3420, 1029 and 9141 / cm are assigned to smectite. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral matter comprises an illite mineral. Further identification of the composition and concentration of the mineral matter was conducted with simultaneous thermogravimetric / differential calorimetric analysis (STA TGA / DSC). The testing was conducted in compressed air, at 70 ml / min air flow and 20 °C / min heating rate. In some embodiments, STA TGA / DSC of the at least one mineral matter demonstrated the presence and amounts of absorbed and molecular water between layers (temperatures under 400 °C), dehydroxylation and the formation of quasi-stable dehydroxylated phases (temperatures 400-750 °C), and recrystallization and formation of new phases (above 750 °C). The reactions typical to different clays have been reported as: kaolinite (569 and 988°C), illite (89, 566, 966 °C), montmorillonite (125, 200, 625°C), bentonite (250, 350, 630°C), volcanic rocks (80, 370 and 740 °C). In some embodiments, redox-promoting minerals comprise mixed mineral nature and include 2:1 smectite group minerals and other clays and volcanic rocks. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral matter comprises one or more of the following minerals, exhibiting the following transitions in STA TGA / DSC: Mineral A: 82.7 and 491 °C; Mineral B: 132.7 and 507.5 °C; Mineral C: 80 and 646 °C; Mineral D: 73, 544 and 833 °C; Mineral 6: 67.4 and 631.8 °C; Mineral 36: 565 and 740 °C; Mineral 37: 500 and 620 °C; or Mineral 38: 510 and 780 °C. In further embodiments, STA TGA / DSC can be used in identifying the presence of inorganic versus organic matter in coal-derived samples or other samples composed of organic and inorganic components. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises adsorbed or molecular water. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a 2:1 smectic group mineral. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a mineral derived from clay. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a mineral derived from volcanic rock. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a mineral selected from Minerals A- D, 6, 36, 37, and 38. The example below demonstrates the composition of the mineral #38. In many minerals, a DTG curve can have a double shoulder in the 50 to 200 °C range as shown, for example, in Fig.13. In some embodiments, it could be a signature of divalent ions. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises divalent ions. More specific analysis of the elemental composition could be done by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) (in bulk) and of the ions with Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) under specific digestion protocol. As measured by XRF and ICP (Table 1), the elements in coal-derived fine mineral matter include, in certain embodiments, transition metals such as Fe, Cu, Mn, Mo, Zn, Co, alkali / alkaline earth metals such as K, Ca, Mg. The ICP data in Table 1 were developed after digestion in nitric acid, hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The data show that the majority of the metals are forming insoluble compounds. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises one or more of K, Ca, Ba, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zr, Zn, Sn, Sr, or Pb. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises one or more of Fe, Cu, Mn, Mo, Zn, Co, K, Ca, or Mg. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises one or more of K, Ca, Ba, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zr, Zn, Sn, Sr, or Pb in an amount about that recited in Table 1. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises one or more of Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, K, Ca, or Mg in an amount about that recited in Table 1. In some embodiments, the mineral matter comprises a mineral recited in Table 1. Table 1 Combined XRF and ICP data for three mineral powders obtained after the coal separation. Minerals in biochars, phytomining In some embodiments, the composition comprises a biochar. In some embodiments, the mineral matter is a biochar. Biochar is a carbonaceous material that is also rich in both carbon and mineral ingredients. It is produced through pyrolysis at temperatures above 350 °C (most often 450 °C and higher) under oxygen-limited conditions. Pyrolytic parameters and the nature of feedstock have a strong effect on the mineral composition. During pyrolysis, minerals in the feedstock play a pivotal role in catalyzing biomass conversion into biochar and assist in carbon stabilization. Main compounds of K, Mg, Ca, Fe, and Al are shown to be in the form of oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, chlorides, phosphates, and sulphates. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a biochar, wherein ICP analysis of the biochar after digesting the biochar in 1:1 nitric and hydrochloric acid demonstrates the following ranges of the elements: Fe: 100 to 25,500 ppm; Mn: 166 to 1,511 ppm; Cu: 10 to 1,000 ppm; Zn: 29 to 1,600 ppm; Ca: 2,800 to 50,000 ppm; Al: 2,000 to 10,000 ppm; Ba: 10 to 650 ppm; Mg: 2,300 to 18,000 ppm; K: 3,600 to 16,200 ppm; Na: 270 to 4,600 ppm; P:1,145 to 58,000 ppm; In some embodiments, the composition comprises a biochar and a coal-derived mineral. In some embodiments, biochar is combined with coal-derived minerals to increase the availability of specific ions and elements for catalyzing oxidative degradation of addition polymerized polymers. In some embodiments, phytomining can be used as a source of catalytic minerals. Fossilized organic matter In some embodiments, the fossilized carbon-based component comprises one or more components that originate from coal, coke, petroleum coke, oxidized coke, carbonaceous or black shales, solid bitumens, clays, tuffs and tuffaceous minerals, wood- based derivatives, organic waste-based biochars, charcoal, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and / or other carbonaceous substances. In some embodiments, the fossilized carbon-based components originate from coal, coke, petroleum coke, oxidized coke, carbonaceous or black shales, solid bitumens, clays, tuffs and tuffaceous minerals, wood- based derivatives (e.g. lignin, tannin, biochar), organic waste-based biochars, charcoal, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and / or other carbonaceous substances. In some embodiments, the wood-based derivative comprises lignin, tannin, or biochar. In some embodiments, fossilized organic matter in the form of fine particles is derived from coal, carbonaceous or black shales, solid bitumens and other kerogen- containing minerals. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises a kerogen. Petrographically defined, kerogen is a syngenetic, usually finely dispersed particulate organic matter in sedimentary rocks. In some embodiments, a kerogen has a polymer-like macromolecular structure comprising polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and is usually immobile following deposition. In some embodiments, it has a polymer-like macromolecular structure consisting of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and is usually immobile following deposition. In some embodiments, a kerogen has a polymer-like macromolecular structure consisting essentially of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and is usually immobile following deposition. In contrast, bitumen derived from kerogen, initially as crude oil, is normally mobilized, leaving behind an insoluble kerogen residue. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises an organic component that is at least 40% aromatic by weight relative to total organic material as determined by Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA). In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises an organic component that is at least 50% aromatic by weight relative to total organic material as determined by STA. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises an organic component that is at least 55% aromatic by weight relative to total organic material as determined by STA. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises an organic component that is at least 60% aromatic by weight relative to total organic material as determined by STA. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter has an H / C ratio of less than 1 when measured by elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter has an H / C ratio of less than 0.9 when measured by elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter has an H / C ratio of less than 0.8 when measured by elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter is stable to at least to 420 °C when measured in air by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) or simultaneous thermal analysis. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter has an exotherm maximum from about 580 °C to about 680 °C when measured in air by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) or simultaneous thermal analysis. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter is stable to at least to 420 °C and has an exotherm maximum from about 580 °C to about 680 °C when measured in air by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) or simultaneous thermal analysis. In some embodiments, fossilized organic matter comprises coals with high aromaticity index of > 0.82 when calculated as a ratio of C-H aromatic to C-H aliphatic (I3050 / I2855) when measured by FTIR. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises insoluble organic matter. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises one or more of coal, charcoal, a lignin derivative, a resin, a kerogen, or a kerogen derivative. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises coal. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises charcoal. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises a lignin derivative. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises a resin. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises a kerogen or a kerogen derivative. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises a kerogen. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises one or more of types 1 through 4 kerogens, wherein type 1 refers to alginate, type 2 refers to exinite, type 3 refers to vitrinite and type 4 refers to inertinite coal maceral types. In some embodiments, fossilized organic matter comprises types 1 through 4 kerogens, wherein type 1 refers to alginate, type 2 refers to exinite, type 3 refers to vitrinite and type 4 refers to inertinite coal maceral types. In some embodiments, the kerogen is type one kerogen. In some embodiments, the kerogen is type two kerogen. In some embodiments, the kerogen is type three kerogen. In some embodiments, the kerogen is type 4 kerogen. In some embodiments, fossilized organic matter comprises types 3 and 4 kerogens, wherein H / C atomic ratio is under 1, more preferably under 0.4. In some embodiments, the kerogen comprises one or more of types 3 and 4 kerogens, and has a H / C atomic ratio that is less than 1. In some embodiments, the kerogen comprises one or more of types 3 and 4 kerogens, and has a H / C atomic ratio that is less than 0.4. In some embodiments, the kerogen comprises an organic component that is at least 40% aromatic by weight relative to total organic material as determined by STA. In some embodiments, the kerogen comprises an organic component that is at least 50% aromatic by weight relative to total organic material as determined by STA. In some embodiments, the kerogen comprises an organic component that is at least 55% aromatic by weight relative to total organic material as determined by STA. In some embodiments, the kerogen comprises an organic component that is at least 60% aromatic by weight relative to total organic material as determined by STA. In some embodiments, the kerogen has an H / C ratio of less than 1 when measured by elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the kerogen has an H / C ratio of less than 0.9 when measured by elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the kerogen has an H / C ratio of less than 0.8 when measured by elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the kerogen is stable to at least to 420 °C when measured in air by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) or simultaneous thermal analysis. In some embodiments, the kerogen has an exotherm maximum from about 580 °C to about 680 °C when measured in air by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) or simultaneous thermal analysis. In some embodiments, the kerogen is stable to at least to 420 °C and has an exotherm maximum from about 580 °C to about 680 °C when measured in air by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) or simultaneous thermal analysis. In some embodiments, the kerogen comprises coals with high aromaticity index of > 0.82 when calculated as a ratio of C-H aromatic to C-H aliphatic (I3050 / I2855) when measured by FTIR. In some embodiments, fossilized organic matter comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of C, H, N, O and S. In some embodiments, the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of C, H, N, O, and S, wherein the concentration of at least one element in the composition as measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis ranges from: C from 3 to 50%; H from 0.2 to 3%; N from under 0.05 to 0.8%; O from 2 to 18%; and S from under 0.1 to 3%. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises C in an amount from 3 to 50% when measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises H in an amount from 0.2 to 3% when measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises N in an amount from 0.05 to 0.8% when measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises O in an amount from 2 to 18% when measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises S in an amount from under 0.1 to 3% when measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the kerogen comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of C, H, N, O and S. In some embodiments, the kerogen comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of C, H, N, O, and S, wherein the concentration of at least one element in the composition as measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis ranges from: C from 3 to 50%; H from 0.2 to 3%; N from under 0.05 to 0.8%; O from 2 to 18%; and S from under 0.1 to 3%. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises C in an amount from 3 to 50% when measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises H in an amount from 0.2 to 3% when measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises N in an amount from 0.05 to 0.8% when measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises O in an amount from 2 to 18% when measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises S in an amount from under 0.1 to 3% when measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis. Fossilized organic matter in coal In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter is derived from coal. Coal is a heterogeneous complex rock containing organic materials with inorganic mineralized inclusions dispersed within and around its internal structure. There are four major ranks of coal known as Lignite, Subbituminous, Bituminous and Anthracite. The carbon content, which is the dominant element in coal, increases with rank, whereas hydrogen and oxygen content reduces. In some embodiments, organic materials in coal represent a mixture of plant remains comprising protein, cellulose, lignin, resins, polysaccharides, lipids, and pigments. In some embodiments, organic materials in coal represent a mixture of plant remains consisting of protein, cellulose, lignin, resins, polysaccharides, lipids, and pigments. In some embodiments, organic materials in coal represent a mixture of plant remains consisting essentially of protein, cellulose, lignin, resins, polysaccharides, lipids, and pigments. These plant tissues contain biopolymers whose chemical content upon coalification determines the chemical structure of the coal formed. Simplified molecular structures of coals are shown in Figs.5A-5C. Lignite and sub- bituminous coals have inclusion of many side chains and functional groups, e.g., carboxyl (COO), hydroxyl (C-OH), alkyl, carbonyl (C=O), methoxy (-OCH3) groups, and other oxygen- containing groups compared to bituminous coals. Higher rank coals have higher aromaticity and higher number of ordered aromatic carbon atoms, average size of the aromatic cluster and the bonding strength, but have less carboxyl, hydroxyl, methoxy and carbonyl groups. Fig.8 shows FTIR absorptions of coal-derived organic matter. Carbonaceous substances interact with metals by virtue of their inherent reducing, acidic and chelating characteristics. Typically, there is an increase in concentration of organometallic moieties and complexes from crude oil to solid bitumen. In one aspect, oxidation of polymeric hydrocarbons is accelerated when a fraction of identified mixed layer minerals and a fraction of fossilized organic carbon is used. Table 2 shows typical compositions of natural blends according to present disclosure as analyzed by STA TGA / DSC. The presence of organic matter is demonstrated by the exothermic peaks between 300 and 600 °C. Transitions of minerals have been discussed in the mineral matter section. Details for mineral 38 can be seen in Fig.4. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a coal-derived mineral matter comprising organic matter in an amount shown in Table 2. Table 2 Presence of carbonaceous matter in the coal-derived mineral matter samples as analyzed by STA TGA / DSC. The elemental analysis (Fig.6) further details the origin of the organic matter and the coal maturity for the samples presented in Table 2. Lignite and Anthracite coal and two different biochars were added (unfilled circles). According to the van Krevelen diagram (Fig.7), the coals marked as Minerals C, 37, and 38 are related to mature anthracite coals, while A and B are most likely related to brown coals. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter is derived from an anthracite coal. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter is derived from a brown coal. Without being bound by any particular theory, the it is believed that the impact of fossilized organic matter in overall performance of oxidation-catalyzing compounds can be attributed to its polyaromatic structure, hydrogen donating properties (which stabilizes polymeric radical) and ability to form stable radicals (Reaction 1), where ROO•represents peroxide radical, A•polyphenolic radical, and R•hydrocarbon radical. ROO· + AH ^ ROOH + A· ROO· + A· ^ ROOA Theoretically, organic sulfur could also act as a secondary antioxidant, if present. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises sulfur in an amount below the detection limit of elemental analysis. Below are the ranges of the elements as detected by combustion-based elemental analysis. In some embodiments, the fossilized organic matter comprises elements in the following amounts: C from 3 to 50%; H from 0.2 to 3%; N from under 0.05 to 0.8%; O from 2 to 18%; S from under 0.1%. Without being bound by any particular theory, the it is believed that another possibility for the action of the fossilized organic matter could be due to its ability to participate in electron shuttling. In some embodiments, other types of plant-derived carbonaceous substances could also be utilized, including, but not limited to, lignin, tannin, and cellulose. Charcoal, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and other carbonaceous substances could be also found useful in this technique. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a plant-derived carbonaceous substance. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises lignin, tannin, cellulose, charcoal, graphite, graphene, or carbon nanotubes. Polymer Compositions and Articles Provided herein are modified polymer compositions comprising an oxidation- catalyzing composition. In some embodiments, the modified polymer composition is a concentrate or masterbatch prepared, e.g., by compounding. In some embodiments, the modified polymer composition (e.g., concentrate or master batch) is employed as a precursor that is incorporated into a polymeric (e.g., plastic) product, such as a film (e.g., a mulch film). In some embodiments, the composition comprises an oxidation-catalyzing composition comprising at least one mineral matter. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, or at least 25% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of at least 40% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of at least 50% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of up to 50% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of 5%-50% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of 5%-50% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation- catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of 5%-40% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of 5%-25% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of 5%-15% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of 10%-50% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of 15%-50% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of 25%-50% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of 40%-50% by weight. In some embodiments, the oxidation- catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of 15%-25% by weight. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one fossilized organic matter. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a kerogen. In some embodiments, compositions described herein are biodegradable polymer compositions. In some embodiments, environmentally biodegradable plastics based on non- biodegradable polyolefins or other oxidizable hydrocarbon-based polymers, and oxidation-catalyzing compositions are provided. In some embodiments, the environmentally biodegradable plastics are based on (e.g., a mixture of) non- biodegradable polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene or other oxidizable hydrocarbon-based polymers, and oxidation-catalyzing compositions comprising fine mineral particles and fossilized organic particles comprising carbon. In some embodiments, the environmentally biodegradable plastics are based on non- biodegradable polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene or other oxidizable hydrocarbon-based polymers, and oxidation-catalyzing compositions consisting of fine mineral particles and fossilized organic particles comprising carbon. In some embodiments, the environmentally biodegradable plastics are based on non- biodegradable polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene or other oxidizable hydrocarbon-based polymers, and oxidation-catalyzing compositions consisting essentially of fine mineral particles and fossilized organic particles comprising carbon. It is believed that the catalyst, in some embodiments, promotes abiotic degradation of polymers by converting them into biotically or enzymatically degradable substances. In some embodiments, the oxidation-catalyzing composition promotes redox processes during abiotic and / or biotic degradation. In some embodiments according to present disclosure, non-biodegradable resins are derived from fossil-based, bio-based, renewable, recycled or mixed feedstocks. Compared to alternative biodegradable materials in this space (i.e., compostable polyesters, starch-based polymers, polymers formulated with transition metals carboxylates), the disclosed polymer compositions have, in some embodiments, adjustable onset and rate of biodegradation and improved shelf life, physical and processing properties. Disclosed plastics offer a drop-in replacement of existing non- biodegradable polyolefins, can be processed with existing equipment, and incorporated into existing infrastructure. Utilization of the waste products of the mining industry for the catalyst manufacturing makes the technology economically attractive. In some embodiments, compositions described herein are in the form of pellets, film, sheets, filaments, fibers, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the film can be used for packaging of a product. The product can be a food product or a non-food product. In some embodiments, the product is a food product. In some embodiments, the product is a non-food product. The product can be a commercial product. In some embodiments, the concentration of oxidation-catalyzing compound is from 0.1 to 3% by weight. In some embodiments, the concentration of oxidation- catalyzing compound is from 0.5 to 1.5% by weight. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more elements selected from: Fe at a concentration of 1 % to 63% by weight of total inorganic material; Mn at a concentration of 0 ppm to 5% by weight of total inorganic material; Cu at a concentration of 200 ppm to 5500 ppm by weight of total inorganic material; Zn at a concentration of 30 ppm to 1 % by weight of total inorganic material; Al at a concentration of 0% to 15% by weight of total inorganic material; Si at a concentration of 16% to 55% by weight of total inorganic material; P at a concentration of 0% to 1.2% by weight of total inorganic material; S at a concentration of 0% to 6% by weight of total inorganic material; K at a concentration of 0% to 20% by weight of total inorganic material; Ti at a concentration of 0.5% to 45% by weight of total inorganic material; Sn at a concentration of 0.12 to 0.25% by weight of total inorganic material; wherein the concentrations of the individual elements are determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). In some embodiments, compositions described herein comprise one or more of elements listed below, wherein the elements detected by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) have the following concentrations relative to the total inorganic constituents : Fe 1% to 63%; Mn 0 ppm to 5%; Cu 200 ppm to 5500 ppm; Zn 30 ppm to 1%; Al 0% to 15%; Si 16% to 55%; P 0% to 1.2%; S 0% to 6%; K 0% to 20%; and Ti 0.5% to 45%. In some embodiments, the composition comprises Fe at a concentration of 1 % to 63% by weight of total inorganic material; and Sn at a concentration of 0.12 to 0.25% by weight of total inorganic material; wherein the concentrations of the individual elements are determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). In some embodiments, the composition comprises Fe in an amount of 1% to 63% by weight relative to total inorganic material as detected by XRF. In some embodiments, the composition comprises Mn in an amount of 0 ppm to 5% by weight relative to total inorganic material as detected by XRF. In some embodiments, the composition comprises Cu in an amount of 200 ppm to 5500 ppm by weight relative to total inorganic material as detected by XRF. In some embodiments, the composition comprises Zn in an amount of 30 ppm to 1% by weight relative to total inorganic material as detected by XRF. In some embodiments, the composition comprises Al in an amount of 0% to 15% by weight relative to total inorganic material as detected by XRF. In some embodiments, the composition comprises Si in an amount of 16% to 55% by weight relative to total inorganic material as detected by XRF. In some embodiments, the composition comprises P in an amount of 0% to 1.2% by weight relative to total inorganic material as detected by XRF. In some embodiments, the composition comprises S in an amount of 0% to 6% by weight relative to total inorganic material as detected by XRF. In some embodiments, the composition comprises K in an amount of 0% to 20% by weight relative to total inorganic material as detected by XRF. In some embodiments, the composition comprises Ti in an amount of 0.5% to 45% by weight relative to total inorganic material as detected by XRF. In some embodiments, the composition comprises Sn in an amount of 0.12% to 0.25% by weight relative to total inorganic material as detected by XRF. In some embodiments, the composition is or is part of a mulch. In some embodiments, the composition is or is part of a barrier, sheet, or film. In some embodiments, the composition is or is part of a film. In some embodiments, the film is used for or part of packaging of a product. In some embodiments, the composition is or is part of a mulch film. Also provided are plastic products. In some embodiments, the product has a thickness of 18-25 µm. In some embodiments, the product has a thickness of 20-25 µm. In some embodiments, the product has a machine direction ultimate tensile strength of 18 MPa to 40 MPa as determined by ASTM D822:18. In some embodiments, the product has a machine direction ultimate tensile strength of 30 MPa to 36 MPa as determined by ASTM D822:18. In some embodiments, the product has a transverse direction ultimate tensile strength of 16 MPa to 50 MPa as determined by ASTM D822:18. In some embodiments, the product has a transverse direction ultimate tensile strength of 30 MPa to 45 MPa as determined by ASTM D822:18. In some embodiments, the product has a machine direction tensile elongation of 200% to 450% as determined by ASTM D822:18. In some embodiments, the product has a machine direction tensile elongation of 360% to 425% as determined by ASTM D822:18. In some embodiments, the product has a transverse direction tensile elongation of 350% to 700% as determined by ASTM D822:18. In some embodiments, the product has a transverse direction tensile elongation of 600% to 660% as determined by ASTM D822:18. In some embodiments, the product has a dart impact of at least 100 g as determined by ASTM D1709. In some embodiments, the product has a dart impact of at least 120 g as determined by ASTM D1709. In some embodiments, the product has a dart impact of 120 g -180 g as determined by ASTM D1709. In some embodiments, the product has a dart impact of 160 g -180 g as determined by ASTM D1709. In some embodiments, the product has an opacity of at least 95% as determined by ASTM D1746:15. In some embodiments, the product has an opacity of at least 96% as determined by ASTM D1746:15. In some embodiments, the product has an opacity of at least 97% as determined by ASTM D1746:15. In some embodiments, the product has an opacity of at least 97.5% as determined by ASTM D1746:15. In some embodiments, the product has a monolayer structure. In some embodiments, the product has a multi-layer structure. In some embodiments, the product is a barrier, sheet, or film. In some embodiments, the product is a mulch. In some embodiments, the product is a mulch film. In some embodiments, the product is a film as shown in Fig.9. In some embodiments, the product comprises a disclosed composition. Polymers In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a polymer. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polymethyl pentene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene copolymers, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene copolymers, polystyrene, styrene / acrylonitrile copolymers, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene terpolymers, acrylate / styrene / acrylonitrile terpolymers, styrene / butadiene / styrene copolymers, styrene / isoprene / styrene copolymers, acrylic-based polymers, vinyl-based polymers, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, copolymers of vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate / butadiene / styrene copolymers, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polymethyl pentene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene copolymers, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene copolymers, polystyrene, styrene / acrylonitrile copolymers, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene terpolymers, acrylate / styrene / acrylonitrile terpolymers, styrene / butadiene / styrene copolymers, styrene / isoprene / styrene copolymers, acrylic- based polymers, vinyl-based polymers, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyethers, polyether esters, polyurethanes, polyacetals, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, copolymers of vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate / butadiene / styrene copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, polyester elastomers, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the polymer is a polyolefin. In some embodiments, the polymer comprises polyethylene and / or polypropylene. In some embodiments, the polymer is polyethylene and / or polypropylene. In some embodiments, the polymer comprises polypropylene. In some embodiments, the polymer is polypropylene. In some embodiments, the polymer comprises polyethylene. In some embodiments, the polymer is polyethylene. In some embodiments, the polyethylene is low density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). In some embodiments, the polymer comprises low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the polymer is low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the polymer comprises low density polyethylene (LDPE) and / or linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). In some embodiments, the polymer comprises a blend of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). In some embodiments, the polymer is low density polyethylene (LDPE). In some embodiments, the polymer is linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). In some embodiments, compositions described herein further comprise a thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polymethyl pentene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene copolymers, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene copolymers, polystyrene, styrene / acrylonitrile copolymers, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene terpolymers, acrylate / styrene / acrylonitrile terpolymers, styrene / butadiene / styrene copolymers, styrene / isoprene / styrene copolymers, acrylic- based polymers, vinyl-based polymers, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyethers, polyether esters, polyurethanes, polyacetals, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, copolymers of vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate / butadiene / styrene copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, polyester elastomers, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer is a polyolefin. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer is polyethylene or polypropylene. In some embodiments, the polymer is a synthetic polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer is an addition polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer is a non-synthetic polymer. In some embodiments, the non-synthetic polymer is starch. In some embodiments, the polymer is an oxidation-prone polymer. For example, polymers which could be modified with the proposed catalytic composition comprise hydrocarbon-based polymer, represented by polyolefins including single or multiple resins from the list of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polymethyl pentene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene copolymers, ethylene propylene rubber, and ethylene propylene diene copolymers. Other classes of polymers include, but are not limited to polystyrene, styrene / acrylonitrile copolymers, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene terpolymers, acrylate / styrene / acrylonitrile terpolymers, styrene / butadiene / styrene and styrene / isoprene / styrene copolymers, acrylic, vinyl based polymers, polycarbonates, and their mixtures and copolymers, polyesters, polyethers, polyether esters, polyurethanes, polyacetals, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, copolymers of vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate / butadiene / styrene copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, or polyester elastomers. Additives In some embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one additive. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of pigments, antioxidants, IR absorbers, unsaturated organic compounds, fatty acids, biodegradable plasticizers, UV stabilizers, biodegradable polymers and oligomers, processing aids, biochars, inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate, talc, organic or inorganic salts of transition, alkali / alkaline earth metals, and bioactive compounds. In some embodiments, a composition described herein further comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of pigments, antioxidants, IR absorbers, unsaturated organic compounds, fatty acids, biodegradable plasticizers, UV stabilizers, biodegradable polymers and oligomers, processing aids, biochars, inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate, talc, organic or inorganic salts of transition and alkali / alkaline earth metals. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises at least one pro-degrading additive based on organic salts of transition metals with or without the presence of other ingredients such as substituted benzophenones, unsaturated organic compounds, peroxides, biodegradable plasticizers, or waxes. Degradation In some embodiments, the composition or product is capable of degrading under ambient conditions in soil, landfill, ground cover, or water. In some embodiments, the water is fresh water or salt water. In some embodiments, the temperature of the ambient conditions is in the range of about 0 °C to about 65 °C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the ambient conditions is in the range of about 0 °C to about 40 °C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the ambient conditions is in the range of about 0 °C to about 25 °C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the ambient conditions is in the range of about 25 °C to about 40 °C. In some embodiments, the temperature of the ambient conditions is in the range of about 25 °C to about 60 °C. In some embodiments, the ambient conditions comprise solar irradiation. In some embodiments, the ambient conditions comprise intermittent solar irradiation. In some embodiments, the composition or product degrades to oligomers, small molecules, and / or biomass. In some embodiments, the composition or product degrades to small molecules and / or biomass. In some embodiments, the composition or product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 90% by weight in three years. In some embodiments, the composition or product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 95% by weight in three years. In some embodiments, the composition or product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 99% by weight in three years. In some embodiments, the composition or product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 90% by weight in two years. In some embodiments, the composition or product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 95% by weight in two years. In some embodiments, the composition or product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 99% by weight in two years. In some embodiments, the composition or product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 90% by weight in 18 months. In some embodiments, the composition or product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 90% by weight in 16 months. In some embodiments, the composition or product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 90% by weight in 14 months. In some embodiments, the composition or product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 90% by weight in 13 months. In some embodiments, the composition or product has a shelf life of at least one year when stored under ambient conditions in darkness. In some embodiments, the composition or product has a shelf life of at least one year when stored indoors. In some embodiments, the composition or product has a shelf life of at least one year when stored with minimal or no exposure to light. In some embodiments, the composition or product has a shelf life of up to five years when stored under ambient conditions in darkness. In some embodiments, the composition or product has a shelf life of up to five years when stored indoors. In some embodiments, the composition or product has a shelf life of up to five years when stored with minimal or no exposure to light. In some embodiments, the described compositions and products accelerate biological recycling of polyolefins in an open environment when engineered biomes or enzymes are additionally applied to the soils containing the described mulch films. In some embodiments, means of biological recycling of polyolefins in reactors which can provide sufficient UV, thermal and oxidative exposure and applicable microorganisms are provided. Examples of the media could be soil, seawater or freshwater. Microorganisms could be natural or specially engineered. Synthetic or natural enzymes could be also used to break down polymers in such reactors. Proposed reactors would serve similar purposes as current technology industrial composters. The present disclosure supports utilization of polymeric resins with low impact life cycle assessment (LCA) for the creation of environmentally biodegradable products requiring lowest amounts of energy for their manufacturing, emitting lowest amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG), and promoting environmental safety. In some embodiments, the disclosed mulch films enrich soil with organic carbon by increasing soil microbial biomass and enzymatic activity. They offer a much more environmentally friendly option versus burning or landfilling which is widely practiced today. In some embodiments, the disclosed materials are formulated to address not just specific useful lifetime properties, but the end-of-life options. This approach is focused on minimization of plastic pollution and prevention of microplastics formation. In some embodiments, the disclosed materials are capable of being recycled via physical, chemical, and biological processes. Fig.10 shows the abiotic and biotic aerobic degradation processes. In one aspect, this disclosure describes ways of designing plastics with lifetime properties required for specific application and addresses the end of life through built-in biological recyclability. The designed products are also recyclable via physical and chemical processes. Biological recyclability is especially advantageous for applications benefiting directly from environmental biodegradation (e.g. agricultural films) or those targeting physical recycling but experiencing high leakage rates during collection (e.g. packaging films, bags). In some embodiments, the described compositions and methods of present disclosure lead to reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and increased retention of organic carbon in soil. Methods According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, methods of compounding and processing of the disclosed compositions into films, fibers, non- wovens, woven fabrics and other typical end forms of plastics including structures when plastic films, fibers, coated paper are laminated together, are described. The applicable processing techniques among others are melt extrusion, melt blowing / casting / drawing, injection / compression / blow molding, fiber spinning, 3D printing, solution coating. In one aspect, described herein are methods for converting a non-biodegradable polymer into a biodegradable product, the method comprising: 1) combining: i) an oxidation-catalyzing composition comprising at least one mineral matter and at least one fossilized organic matter; and ii) a polymer; at a composition:polymer ratio ranging from 1:1000 to 1:10 by weight, thereby forming a mixture; 2) melt-compounding the mixture, thereby producing plastic pellets; and 3) processing the plastics pellets by: a) molding the pellets into specific structures or forms, b) melt blowing, spun bonding or processing the plastic pellets into other types of non-woven products, c) melt coating a paper or other substrate over the plastic pellets, d) extruding the plastic pellets into films or sheet or fibers or filaments, or e) melt extruding the plastic pellets into films. In some embodiments, processing the plastic pellets in 3) comprises e) melt extruding the plastic pellets into films. In some embodiments, the films are used for producing agricultural mulch film. In some embodiments, the films are used for producing packaging of a product. In some embodiments, the method comprises adding at least one other ingredient. In some embodiments, the method comprises adding at least one other ingredient selected from the group consisting of pigments, stabilizers, antioxidants, IR absorbers, unsaturated organic compounds, fatty acids, biodegradable plasticizers, UV stabilizers, biodegradable polymers and oligomers, processing aids, biochars, and inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate, talc, organic or inorganic salts of transition and alkali / alkaline earth metals to the mixture, thereby forming a second mixture. In another aspect, described herein are methods of making a biodegradable plastic product comprising: 1) adding 1 to 50% (1:100 to 1:1) by weight of an oxidation-catalyzing composition to a polymer, thereby forming a mixture, and 2) melt-blending or melt-compounding the mixture to produce concentrated pellets. In some embodiments, the concentrated pellets are added to an unprocessed plastic, to form a film, a sheet, a fiber, a filament, a coated paper, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, adding the concentrated pellets to an unprocessed plastic comprises forming a film. Also provided are methods of using a described composition or product. In some embodiments, the method comprises degrading a plastic product. In some embodiments, the method comprises exposing the plastic product to conditions permitting abiotic degradation, biotic degradation, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting a plastic product with soil, landfill, ground cover, or water, such that abiotic degradation, biotic degradation, or a combination thereof occurs. In some embodiments, degradation begins with abiotic degradation, which then facilitates subsequent biotic degradation. Fig.10 shows the abiotic and biotic aerobic degradation processes. In some embodiments, the method further comprises one or more of increasing crop production, preserving soil moisture, preventing weed growth, preventing erosion, reducing soil compaction, or controlling soil temperature. In some embodiments, the disclosed mulch films increase crop yields, reduce water usage and fertilizer runoff. In some embodiments, the crop yield increase can be very significant, making it superior to other competing mulch films on the market. In addition to increased crop yields the disclosed mulch films offer substantial economic benefits to farmers by allowing them to till films into the soil after harvesting and saving labor costs associated with removal and transportation of films for disposal. Other benefits of coal-derived mineral and organic matter In some embodiments, fine particles of coal, clays, micas, tuffs and tuffaceous minerals, carbon black, biochar or mixtures of the above substances provide environmentally biodegradable products anti-oxidative, antistatic, anti-blocking, UV, visible and IR absorbing properties. In some embodiments, the impact of coal-derived mineral and organic matter in designing environmentally biodegradable materials is demonstrated. Additional value could be seen in providing plastic compounds anti- oxidative, antistatic, and anti-blocking properties as well as optical properties including UV- visible light and IR absorptions, transparency and in some cases iridescence. The disclosure helps diversify the inherently rich carbon and mineral chemistry of coal to produce sustainable non-energy products. Carbon retention in soil and CUE In some embodiments, this disclosure provides means of carbon sequestration in soil or aquatic sediment by promoting higher carbon use efficiency and lower respiratory carbon dioxide emissions in microorganisms when they metabolize polymeric products. If used as an agricultural mulch film, the present disclosure provides , in some embodiments, composition and methods of manufacturing of soil-biodegradable films based on polyolefins which match specific growth cycles of targeted crops, could be tilled into the soil after harvesting, increase crop yields and enrich topsoils with micronutrients and organic carbon. Soil recultivation, stabilization of food chains, strengthening of biological ecosystems, fertility of soils, landscapes and waters and storage of CO2 in biomass represent the core goals of regenerative economy and sustainability. Carbon retention in soil becomes a center of attention in sustainable agriculture. Soil microorganisms are increasingly being discovered to contribute to regulating the feedback of terrestrial ecosystems to global climate changes. Soil microbes are involved in most material transformation processes in the soil and connect the material circulation of the soil, biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere. Soil microorganisms convert part of the photosynthesis of plants into microbial biomass, while the rest is released into the atmosphere via respiratory metabolism. Microbial carbon utilization efficiency (CUE), also known as microbial growth efficiency or substrate utilization efficiency, is the efficiency with which microorganisms convert vegetation productivity into microbial biomass. In some embodiments, improving the CUE improves carbon retention in the soil. There are many ways to increase the CUE, among them are to use diverse populations of microorganisms, substrate quality, oxygen availability, optimal C / N ratios, avoiding high temperatures and drastic temperature changes, environmental stresses. In some embodiments, carbon substrate quality and type increase the CUE. On the one hand, compounds that require a large number of enzymatic steps to be degraded may result in lowered efficiency of conversion to new biomass, on the other hand, a low degree of reduction of C in the substrate (ƔS), a measure of the chemical energy per unit mole of C, decreases CUE. The ƔS is calculated as the number of electron equivalents per mole of carbon and varies between 1 (e.g. for oxalate) and 8 (methane). When ƔS is lower than the degree of reduction of C in the biomass (ƔB 4.2), a unit of substrate does not contain sufficient energy to produce a unit of biomass, hence the assimilation efficiency (defined as the ratio of new biomass C to consumed C in the assimilatory pathways) cannot reach the theoretical limit of one. Accordingly, the CUE remains lower than a maximum value of c.0.8 (i.e.20% of C taken up enters the dissimilatory pathway. As ƔS becomes larger than ƔB, microbial growth becomes limited by the amount of available C in the substrate, whereas the energy content is now sufficient or in excess. The degree of reduction of some substances and polymers is presented in Table 3. From the perspective of the CUE Table 3 Calculated degrees of carbon reduction The exemplary embodiments below provide information on the preparation of the particles of the mineral and organic matter, plastic compounding and processing conditions, and demonstrate performance of the final products. The following examples are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention, but do not exemplify the full scope of the invention. EXAMPLES Example 1 Production of fine mineral matter and organic matter particles. The fine particles with inorganic and organic constituents were obtained by hammer milling or other rough milling techniques to crush a solidified mineral formation into secondary particle aggregates of under 50 microns and jet milling them to collect a fraction with d99=13microns. Jet milling and particle classification was conducted in nitrogen. Example 2. Method of manufacturing of soil-biodegradable plastic. The following exemplary compositions were prepared using a 25:1 L / d 25mm twin screw extruder and compression molded into 0.1-0.2mm thick films. Compounds of Example 2 are based on Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) or on blends of LDPE and Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), film grade, melt flow index of 1 g / 10 min @ 190°C / 2.16 kg. All compositions of Example 2 contained the same loading of the primary antioxidant (hindered phenol). Compounding conditions are listed in Table 4 (feed zone to die). Table 4 Compounding conditions All samples were compounded at the same conditions using the same compounding extruder. After the compounding, plastic pellets were compression molded at 350°F for 1 min and prepared films were tested according to ASTM D6954 standard guide. Accelerated weathering was conducted within a Q-sun Xenon light-based weatherometer Xe-3HSE (manufactured by Q-lab) per ASTM D5071 cycle 2 until the loss of tear strength. After weathering in Q-sun, the carbonyl index (CI) was measured with the aid of ATR FTIR (attenuated total reflection Fourier transmission InfraredSpectroscopy). It was calculated as aratio of absorbance at 17141 / cm (I1714) to theabsorbance at 14651 / cm (I1465), used as areference point.Example 3. Assessment of the impact of organic matter The data in Table 5 demonstrate the impact of organic matter in the composition of oxidation catalyzing natural blend. Table 5 Mineral matter and organic matter concentrations in different minerals Example 4. Assessment of the impact of fossilized organic matter In the experiments below 0.3% of illite clay with no organic matter was compounded with 0.45% of: coal-based mineral (Sample 4); biochar (Sample 5), and micronized cellulose (Sample 6). The data in Table 6 show that fossilized organic matter-containing sample very much overperforms the samples where coal-based portion was replaced with non- fossilized carbon composed organic matter. To confirm that the performance was not due to higher concentration of the mineral matter, Sample 8 was added. It contains coal- derived fossilized carbon. Table 6 Fossilized carbon vs non fossilized carbon in plastic formulations Example 5. Analysis of films by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) Elemental analysis was performed for various mulch films by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The data in Table 7 show concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Al, Si, P, S, K Ca, Ti, and / or Sn relative to the total inorganic fraction. Table 7 Elemental concentrations in mulch films Example 6. Organic / inorganic fractions of mineral matter The organic and inorganic fractions of various mineral matters were determined by STA (Table 8). Exotherm peaks for the organic fractions are also provided. Table 8 Example 7. Characterization of mineral 5 Mineral 5 was found to be of use as mineral matter in compositions of the disclosure. The unit cell, composition (Table 9), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of mineral 5 were characterized by XRD. The XRD spectrum is provided in Fig.11, and peak assignments are provided in Table 10. The CEC of mineral 5 was determined to be 25 meq / 100g. Mineral 5 was determined to comprise the following minerals, including paligorskite (a = 12.7–12.9 Å; b = 17.8–18.1 Å; c = 5.1–5.3 Å) and illite (a ≈ 5.2 Å; b ≈ 9.0 Å; c ≈ 10.0 Å; β ≈ 100–101°) components. Table 9 Table 10 Example 8. Characterization of mineral 8 Mineral 8 was found to be of use as mineral matter in compositions of the disclosure. The unit cell, composition (Table 11), and CEC of mineral 8 were characterized by XRD. The XRD spectrum is provided in Fig.12, and peak assignments are provided in Table 12. The CEC of mineral 8 was determined to be 10 meq / 100g. Mineral 8 was determined to comprise the following minerals, including paligorskite (a = 12.7–12.9 Å; b = 17.8–18.1 Å; c = 5.1–5.3 Å) and illite (a ≈ 5.2 Å; b ≈ 9.0 Å; c ≈ 10.0 Å; β ≈ 100–101°) components. Table 11 Table 12 Example 9. Abiotic degradation (modeled) Abiotic degradation of film samples comprising mixed polyethylenes at the same loading of catalyst blend was evaluated using a Xenon weatherometer according to ASTM D5781 (Table 13). Table 13 Example 10. Abiotic degradation (outdoors) Abiotic degradation of film samples comprising mixed polyethylenes at the same loading of catalyst blend was evaluated outdoors in Massachusetts (Table 14). Table 14 Example 11. Radiocarbon Testing Mulch films (MFs) were prepared containing fossilized carbon having a Δ¹⁴C = - 997.7. Mulch films of Sample 1 comprising the composition of Example 3 at a theoretical loading of 0.75% were applied to soils for 10 or 23 months. Radiocarbon testing was performed on soils with applied mulch films, on soils without plasticulture, and on initial mulch films. Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) was conducted at WHOI NOSAMS (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometry). Soil samples were acidified to remove any inorganic carbon, rinsed to neutral, and then analyzed using an elemental analyzer to determine % organic carbon and combusted for AMS analysis. Results are provided in Table 15. Fraction Modern (F14C) was determined for all samples. This a measurement of the radiocarbon concentration in a sample compared to a "Modern" standard, which represents the atmospheric radiocarbon level in AD 1950. This is an adjustment for current soils or organic materials in the soil (as they are younger than 1950’s baseline). Control soil is also shown to contain “old carbon” (fossil carbon), which could be coming from the gasoline, petroleum-based chemicals, etc. Change of the Δ¹⁴C signature to less negative following the mulch film application suggests biodegradation and replacement of fossil-based carbon with new biomass-derived carbon and its accumulation as time progresses. After 23 mo, it significantly exceeds new carbon presence in the control soil (which suggests that control soil was treated with old carbon-contained chemicals or films). It is believed that mulch-treated soil likely stimulated microbial activity, increased microbial turnover, increased plant growth, and increased crop residue input. The observed increase in modern carbon was more than reduction by the fossil-derived carbon coming from the film and contaminated soil. Table 15 The teachings of all patents, published applications and references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. While example embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the embodiments encompassed by the appended claims. While several embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present invention is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present invention. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A without B (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc. Unless clearly indicated to the contrary, concentrations and percentages described herein are on a mass basis. As used herein, “wt%” is an abbreviation of weight percentage. Some embodiments may be embodied as a method, of which various examples have been described. The acts performed as part of the methods may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include different (e.g., more or less) acts than those that are described, and / or that may involve performing some acts simultaneously, even though the acts are shown as being performed sequentially in the embodiments specifically described above. Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An oxidation-catalyzing composition comprising at least one mineral matter and at least one fossilized organic matter, wherein the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises carbon (C).

2. The composition of claim 1, comprising at least one mineral matter in an amount of from about 46% to about 95% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition and the at least one fossilized organic matter in an amount of from about 10% to about 54% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition.

3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises insoluble organic matter.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises one or more of coal, charcoal, a lignin derivative, a resin, a kerogen, or a kerogen derivative.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises a kerogen.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises an organic component that is at least 50% aromatic by weight relative to total organic material as determined by STA.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the at least one fossilized organic matter has an H / C ratio of less than 1 when measured by elemental analysis.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the at least one fossilized organic matter is stable to at least to 420 °C and has an exotherm maximum from about580 °C to about 680 °C when measured in air by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) or simultaneous thermal analysis.

9. The composition of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises coals with high aromaticity index of >0.82 when calculated as a ratio of C-H aromatic to C-H aliphatic (I3050 / I2855) when measured by FTIR.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the at least one fossilized organic matter comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of C, H, N, O and S, wherein the concentration of at least one element in the composition as measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis ranges from: C from 3 to 50%; H from 0.2 to 3%; N from under 0.05 to 0.8%; O from 2 to 18%; and S from under 0.1 to 3%.

11. An oxidation-catalyzing composition comprising at least one mineral matter and at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative.

12. The composition of claim 11, comprising at least one mineral matter in an amount of from about 46% to about 95% by weight relative to the oxidation-catalyzing composition and the at least one kerogen or kerogen derivative in an amount of from about 10% to about 54% by weight relative to oxidation-catalyzing composition.

13. The composition of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the composition comprises particles having an average particle size ranging from about 1 µm to about 50 µm.

14. The composition of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the composition comprises particles having an average particle size ranging from about 1 µm to about 10 µm.

15. The composition of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the composition comprises particles having an average particle size ranging from about 2 µm to about 4 µm.

16. The composition of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the at least one mineral matter is selected from the group consisting of phengites, micas, 1:1 clays, 2:1 clays, 2:1:1 clays, volcanic rocks, carbonates, iron-based minerals, aluminum oxide-based minerals, hydrous oxide-based minerals, allophanes, kaolinites, calcites, volcanic ash- based minerals, sesquioxide clays, or a combination thereof.

17. The composition of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the at least one mineral matter comprises a 2: 1 mixed layer clay.

18. The composition of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the at least one mineral matter comprises a 2: 1: 1 phyllosilicate.

19. The composition of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the at least one mineral matter comprises mixed layer minerals of multiple layer types.

20. The composition of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the at least one mineral matter has a water of hydration of about 3% to about 16% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by TGA.

21. The composition of any one of claims 1-20, wherein at least a portion of the at least one mineral matter has a monoclinic or orthorhombic unit cell.

22. The composition of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the at least one mineral matter comprises a palygorskite.

23. The composition of any one of claims 1-22, wherein at least a portion of the at least one mineral matter has a unit cell having dimensions: a=12.7-12.9 Å, b=17.8-18.1 Å, c=5.1-5.3 Å.

24. The composition of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the at least one mineral matter has a water of hydration of about 10% to about 16% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by TGA.

25. The composition of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the at least one mineral matter comprises an illite mineral.

26. The composition of any one of claims 1-21 or 25, wherein at least a portion of the at least one mineral matter has a unit cell having dimensions: a~ 5.14-5.2 Å, b~ 8.9-9.0 Å, c~ 7.2-10.0 Å, ß=100-111°.

27. The composition of any one of claims 1-21, 25 or 26, wherein the at least one mineral matter has a water of hydration of about 3% to about 6% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by TGA.

28. The composition of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the at least one mineral matter comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Al, Ti, Si, S, K, and P.

29. The composition of any one of claims 1-28, wherein the composition comprises an amount of each element when measured by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in bulk ranging from: Fe: 15% to 67%; Mn: 80 ppm to 10,000 ppm; Cu: 100 ppm to 1,600 ppm; Zn: 100 ppm to 1,700 ppm; Al: 5% to 18%; Ti: 4,500 ppm to 2.6%; Si: 24.9% to 46.0%; S: 900 ppm to 13.0%; K: 6.2% to 13%; P: 2,800 ppm to 7,200 ppm; andCa: 0% to 15%; by weight of total inorganic material.

30. The composition of any one of claims 1-29, wherein the at least one mineral matter comprises at least one mobile cation selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn or combinations thereof, wherein the concentrations of the at least one mobile cation when measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) ranges from: Fe: 5.6% to 13%; Mn: 1320 to 3521 ppm; Cu: 93 to 1000 ppm; and Zn: 505 to 1600 ppm; by weight of total inorganic material.

31. The composition of any one of claims 4-30, wherein the kerogen comprises one or more of types 1 through 4 kerogens, wherein type 1 refers to alginate, type 2 refers to exinite, type 3 refers to vitrinite and type 4 refers to inertinite coal maceral types.

32. The composition of any one of claims 4-31, wherein the kerogen comprises one or more of types 3 and 4 kerogens, and has a H / C atomic ratio that is less than 1.

33. The composition of any one of claims 4-32, wherein the kerogen comprises one or more of types 3 and 4 kerogens, and has a H / C atomic ratio that is less than 0.

4.

34. The composition of any one of claims 4-33, wherein the kerogen is type 4 kerogen.

35. The composition of any one of claims 4-34, wherein the kerogen comprises an organic component that is at least 50% aromatic by weight relative to total organic material as determined by STA.

36. The composition of any one of claims 4-35, wherein the kerogen has a H / C ratio of less than 1 when measured by elemental analysis.

37. The composition of any one of claims 4-36, wherein the kerogen is stable to at least to 420 °C and has an exotherm maximum from about 580 °C to about 680 °C when measured in air by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) or simultaneous thermal analysis.

38. The composition of any one of claims 4-37, wherein the kerogen comprises coals with high aromaticity index of >0.82 when calculated as a ratio of C-H aromatic to C-H aliphatic (I3050 / I2855) when measured by FTIR.

39. The composition of any one of claims 4-38, wherein the kerogen comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of C, H, N, O and S, wherein the concentration of at least one element in the composition as measured by combustion and colorimetric titration-based elemental analysis ranges from: C from 3 to 50%; H from 0.2 to 3%; N from under 0.05 to 0.8%; O from 2 to 18%; and S from under 0.1 to 3%.

40. The composition of any one of claims 1-39, wherein the composition is capable of oxidizing a polymer.

41. The composition of any one of claims 1-40, wherein the composition is capable of oxidizing a non-biodegradable polymer.

42. The composition of any one of claims 1-41, wherein the composition is capable of degrading a non-biodegradable polymer.

43. The composition of any one of claims 1-42, wherein the composition is capable of oxidizing an oxidation-prone polymer.

44. The composition of any one of claims 1-43, wherein the composition is capable of degrading an oxidation-prone polymer.

45. A modified polymer composition comprising an oxidation-prone polymer and an oxidation-catalyzing composition comprising at least one mineral matter, wherein the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, or at least 25% by weight.

46. The composition of claim 45, further comprising a kerogen.

47. A modified polymer composition comprising an oxidation-prone polymer and a composition according to any one of claims 1-44, wherein the composition according to any one of claims 1-44 is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, or at least 25% by weight.

48. The composition of any one of claims 45-47, wherein the oxidation-catalyzing composition is present in the modified polymer composition in an amount of at least 40% by weight relative to the modified polymer composition.

49. The composition of any one of claims 45-48, further comprising a thermoplastic polymer.

50. The composition of any one of claims 45-49, further comprising a synthetic polymer.

51. The composition of any one of claims 45-50, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polymethyl pentene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene copolymers, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene copolymers, polystyrene, styrene / acrylonitrile copolymers, acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene terpolymers, acrylate / styrene / acrylonitrile terpolymers, styrene / butadiene / styrene copolymers, styrene / isoprene / styrene copolymers, acrylic- based polymers, vinyl-based polymers, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyethers, polyetheresters, polyurethanes, polyacetals, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, copolymers of vinyl alcohol and vinyl acetate, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, methacrylate / butadiene / styrene copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, polyester elastomers, or any combination thereof.

52. The composition of any one of claims 45-51, wherein the polymer is a polyolefin.

53. The composition of claim 52, wherein the polyolefin is polyethylene.

54. The composition of claim 53, wherein the polyethylene is low density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).

55. The composition of any one of claims 44-54, wherein the polymer comprises low density polyethylene (LDPE) and / or linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).

56. The composition of any one of claims 44-55, wherein the polymer comprises a blend of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).

57. The composition of claim 52, wherein the polyolefin is polypropylene.

58. A biodegradable plastic composition, comprising the composition according to any one of claims 45-57.

59. The composition of claim 58, wherein the composition is capable of degrading under ambient conditions in soil, landfill, ground cover, or water.

60. A plastic composition comprising at least one mineral matter having a unit cell having dimensions: a=12.7-12.9 Å, b=17.8-18.1 Å, c=5.1-5.3 Å and a water of hydration of about 3% to about 16% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by TGA and an oxidation-prone polymer, wherein the composition is capable of degrading under ambient conditions in soil, landfill, ground cover, or water.

61. A plastic composition comprising at least one mineral matter having a unit cell having dimensions: a~ 5.14-5.2 Å, b~ 8.9-9.0 Å, c~ 7.2-10.0 Å, ß=100-111° and a water of hydration of about 3% to about 16% by weight of the mineral matter as measured by TGA and an oxidation-prone polymer, wherein the composition is capable of degrading under ambient conditions in soil, landfill, ground cover, or water.

62. The composition of any one of claims 59-61, wherein the water is fresh water or salt water.

63. The composition of any one of claims 59-62, wherein the temperature of the ambient conditions is in the range of about 0 °C to about 65 °C.

64. The composition of any one of claims 59-63, wherein the ambient conditions comprise solar irradiation.

65. The composition of any one of claims 59-64, wherein the composition degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 90% by weight in three years.

66. The composition of any one of claims 59-65, wherein the composition degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 99% by weight in three years.

67. The composition of any one of claims 59-66, wherein the composition degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 99% by weight in two years.

68. The composition of any one of claims 59-67, wherein the composition degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 90% by weight in 14 months.

69. The composition of any one of claims 59-68, wherein the composition degrades to small molecules and / or biomass.

70. The composition of any one of claims 58-69, wherein the composition comprises an oxidation-catalyzing composition.

71. The composition of claim 70, wherein the concentration of oxidation-catalyzing composition is from 0.1 to 3% by weight.

72. The composition of claim 70, wherein the concentration of oxidation-catalyzing composition is from 0.5 to 1.5% by weight.

73. The composition of any one of claims 45-72, further comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of pigments, antioxidants, IR absorbers, unsaturated organic compounds, fatty acids, biodegradable plasticizers, UV stabilizers, biodegradable polymers and oligomers, processing aids, biochars, inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate, talc, organic or inorganic salts of transition, alkali / alkaline earth metals, and bioactive compounds.

74. The composition of any one of claims 58-73, wherein the composition is a mulch.

75. The composition of any one of claims 58-74, wherein the composition is a film.

76. The composition of any one of claims 58-75, wherein the composition is a mulch film.

77. The composition of claim 75 or 76, wherein the film is used for packaging of a product.

78. The composition of any one of claims 58-77, comprising one or more elements selected from: Fe at a concentration of 1 % to 63% by weight of total inorganic material; Mn at a concentration of 0 ppm to 5% by weight of total inorganic material; Cu at a concentration of 200 ppm to 5500 ppm by weight of total inorganic material;Zn at a concentration of 30 ppm to 1 % by weight of total inorganic material; Al at a concentration of 0% to 15% by weight of total inorganic material; Si at a concentration of 16% to 55% by weight of total inorganic material; P at a concentration of 0% to 1.2% by weight of total inorganic material; S at a concentration of 0% to 6% by weight of total inorganic material; K at a concentration of 0% to 20% by weight of total inorganic material; Ti at a concentration of 0.5% to 45% by weight of total inorganic material; and Sn at a concentration of 0.12 to 0.25% by weight of total inorganic material; wherein the concentrations of the individual elements are determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF).

79. The composition of any one of claims 58-78, comprising one or more elements selected from: Fe at a concentration of 1 % to 63% by weight of total inorganic material; Mn at a concentration of 0 ppm to 5% by weight of total inorganic material; Cu at a concentration of 200 ppm to 5500 ppm by weight of total inorganic material; Zn at a concentration of 30 ppm to 1 % by weight of total inorganic material; Al at a concentration of 0% to 15% by weight of total inorganic material; Si at a concentration of 16% to 55% by weight of total inorganic material; P at a concentration of 0% to 1.2% by weight of total inorganic material; S at a concentration of 0% to 6% by weight of total inorganic material; K at a concentration of 0% to 20% by weight of total inorganic material; and Ti at a concentration of 0.5% to 45% by weight of total inorganic material; wherein the concentrations of the individual elements are determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF).

80. The composition of any one of claims 58-79, comprising: Fe at a concentration of 1 % to 63% by weight of total inorganic material; and Sn at a concentration of 0.12 to 0.25% by weight of total inorganic material; wherein the concentrations of the individual elements are determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF).

81. A plastic product, wherein the product has the following properties: i) a thickness of 18-25 µm; ii) a machine direction ultimate tensile strength of 30 MPa to 36 MPa as determined by ASTM D822:18; iii) a machine direction tensile elongation of 360% to 425% as determined by ASTM D822:18; iv) a transverse direction tensile elongation of 600% to 660% as determined by ASTM D822:18; and v) a dart impact of at least 120 g as determined by ASTM D1709.

82. The product of claim 81, wherein the product has an opacity of at least 97.5% as determined by ASTM D1746:

15.

83. The product of claim 81 or 82, wherein the product has a transverse direction ultimate tensile strength of at least 33 MPa.

84. The product of any one of claims 81-83, wherein the product degrades by at least 90% in three years when placed under ambient conditions in soil, landfill, ground cover, or water.

85. A plastic product comprising an oxidation-prone polymer and at least one mineral matter, wherein the product has a shelf life of at least one year when stored under ambient conditions in darkness and degrades by at least 90% in three years when placed under ambient conditions in soil, landfill, ground cover, or water.

86. The product of claim 85, wherein the product is stored with minimal or no exposure to light.

87. The product of any one of claims 84-86, wherein the water is fresh water or salt water.

88. The product of any one of claims 84-87, wherein the temperature of the ambient conditions is in the range of about 0 °C to about 65 °C.

89. The product of any one of claims 84-88, wherein the ambient conditions comprise solar irradiation.

90. The product of any one of claims 84-89, wherein the product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 99% in three years.

91. The product of any one of claims 84-90, wherein the product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 99% in two years.

92. The product of any one of claims 84-91, wherein the product degrades under the ambient conditions by at least 90% in 14 months.

93. The product of any one of claims 81-92, wherein the product has a monolayer structure.

94. The product of any one of claims 81-93, wherein the product has a multi-layer structure.

95. The product of any one of claims 81-94, wherein the product is a barrier, sheet, or film.

96. The product of any one of claims 81-95, wherein the product is a mulch.

97. The product of any one of claims 81-96, wherein the product is a mulch film.

98. The product of any one of claims 81-97, wherein the product comprises a composition of any one of claims 1-80.

99. A method of converting a non-biodegradable polymer into a biodegradable product, the method comprising: 1) combining: i) an oxidation-catalyzing composition comprising at least one mineral matter and at least one fossilized organic matter; and ii) a polymer; at a composition:polymer ratio ranging from 1: 1000 to 1: 10 by weight, thereby forming a mixture; 2) melt-compounding the mixture, thereby producing plastic pellets; and 3) processing the plastic pellets by: a) molding the pellets into specific structures or forms, b) melt blowing, spun bonding or processing the plastic pellets into other types of non-woven products, c) melt coating a paper or other substrate over the plastic pellets, d) extruding the plastic pellets into films or sheet or fibers or filaments, or e) melt extruding the plastic pellets into films.

100. The method of claim 99, wherein processing the plastic pellets in 3) comprises e) melt extruding the plastic pellets into films.

101. The method of claim 100, wherein the films are used for producing agricultural mulch film.

102. The method of claim 100, wherein the films are used for producing packaging of a product.

103. The method of any one of claims 99-102, further comprising adding at least one other ingredient selected from the group consisting of pigments, stabilizers, antioxidants, IR absorbers, unsaturated organic compounds, fatty acids, biodegradable plasticizers, UV stabilizers, biodegradable polymers and oligomers, processing aids, biochars, inorganicfillers such as calcium carbonate, talc, organic or inorganic salts of transition and alkali / alkaline earth metal to the mixture, thereby forming a second mixture.

104. A method of making a biodegradable plastic product comprising: 1) adding 1 to 50% (1: 100 to 1: 1) by weight of the composition according to any one of claims 1-44 to a polymer, thereby forming a mixture; and 2) melt-blending or melt-compounding the mixture to produce concentrated pellets.

105. The method of claim 104, further comprising adding the concentrated pellets to an unprocessed plastic to thereby form a film, a sheet, a fiber, a filament, a coated paper, or a combination thereof.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein adding the concentrated pellets to an unprocessed plastic comprises forming a film.

107. A method of degrading a plastic product, comprising exposing the plastic product to conditions permitting abiotic degradation, biotic degradation, or a combination thereof.

108. A method comprising contacting a plastic product with soil, landfill, ground cover, or water, such that abiotic degradation, biotic degradation, or a combination thereof occurs.

109. The method of claim 107 or 108, wherein the plastic product comprises a composition of any one of claims 37-49 or a product of any one of claims 50-58.

110. A method using a composition of any one of claims 58-80 or a product of any one of claims 81-98, comprising applying the composition or product to soil, landfill, ground cover, or water and allowing the composition or product to degrade.

111. The method of any one of claims 107-110, further comprising one or more of increasing crop production, preserving soil moisture, preventing weed growth, preventing erosion, reducing soil compaction, or controlling soil temperature.

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