Chapter 16 - Biodegradation of plastic materials with biotechnological approaches

Abstract

The recalcitrant nature of plastic is a matter of huge concern, and its increasing demand made it more complicated to handle the issue of plastic waste, and hence new challenges are encountered in response to plastic degradation. The degradation of non-recoverable plastic wastes is another necessity to treat the omnipresent pollution. With the increasing demand for plastics and increasing pressure for its safe disposal, biodegradable plastics and plastic biodegradation gained a lot of attention in the recent years. Various recycling technologies have been developed to deal with plastic problems, but they face considerable economic and technological challenges in practice. Biodegradation of plastics is one of the best possible ways to treat these recalcitrant plastics in an environment-friendly manner. This chapter compiles an overview on the conversion of plastic wastes toward value-added products and catalytic degradation of non-recoverable plastic wastes. Based on an examination of traditional recycling technologies and products, we summarize the state-of-the-art design and development of plastic conversion to high-value and high-performance fuels, chemicals, and materials. The present chapter mainly focuses on the challenges involved in the process of plastic degradation, conventional treatments available to treat these plastics, and the best possible routes of biodegradation and associated impacts on the society, as well as on the environment.