Environmental degradation of ordinary plastic wastes: a review on present awareness and disposal prospects

Abstract

Plastic waste has emerged as a major global environmental challenge, posing detrimental impacts on ecosystems and human health. This review critically analyzes the existing level of awareness about the adverse effects of plastic waste on the environment, encompassing issues such as land and marine pollution, micro-plastic contamination, and the disruption of ecological balance. The issue of plastic garbage accumulation has gained significant recognition in recent times as an effective environmental problem with global implications. It has been observed to affect various living forms, natural ecosystems, and the economy. Given the current threat, it is imperative to prioritize exploring alternative alternatives, such as biodegradation, as a substitute for conventional disposal methods. There is a shortage of information regarding the processes and efficacy of plastic biodegradation. The objective of this review is to examine the adverse environmental impacts resulting from the accumulation commonly used the materials polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl chlorides, polyethylene terse and polyol trash, which are examples of waste from plastics. Additionally, this review aims to assess the potential for degradation of these plastics through both abiotic and biotic processes. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis is conducted on the capacity of several microbial species to degrade these polymers. The current study examines the involvement of invertebrates namely insects, in the process of plastic degradation, emphasizing the significant potential they possess in shaping future outcomes.