Abstract
Plastics i.e. polymers are long chains or networks of monomer molecules which can be fabricated in desired shape, colour and specifications. The multi-functionality of this macromolecule has made it an integral part of society. Due to being given immense importance in various industrial sectors, like information technology, electrical, as well as electronics industries, intelligent, smart and advanced packaging systems, agriculture, automobiles, biomedical applications, etc., they are quite indispensable for the modern generation. The huge demand and high frequency usage have alarmed a number of countries littered with plastic wastes which need to be attended immediately. The effects of plastic solid waste on environmental living and non-living components are noticeable in the ever-increasing level of plastic pollution both on land and in the oceans globally. This paper compiles the various aspects and prospects of disposal methods like landfilling, recycling, progress in recovery and management of plastic waste (i.e. primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary) in order to minimize its huge volumes. The depolymerisation process is the key technology behind its success which provides a high yield of product and a minimal amount of waste. Few innovative methods other than recycling published by different researchers are also discussed in this paper.
Highlights
Mankind is struggling with too many problems related to environment, like pollution, crisis of demand and supply of energy, soil quality, food security, waste management, population explosion, loss of biodiversity etc
The scientists from the Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre have reported plastic pollution commonly referred to as “plasticrusts” in marine ecosystems (Madeira, a volcanic Portuguese island of northwest Africa). They observed the deposition of grey and blue patches of melted plastics encrusted on the rocks of the oceans which may cause damaging impacts on flora and fauna of the aquatic ecosystem
Research and development studies are focused on exploring whether ingestion of plastic rubble by aquatic organisms renders lethal exposures for individuals who depend on seafood with specific relevance to lead, cadmium, methyl mercury, plasticizers, phthalates, stabilizers, Bisphenol A, etc
Summary
Mankind is struggling with too many problems related to environment, like pollution, crisis of demand and supply of energy, soil quality, food security, waste management, population explosion, loss of biodiversity etc. The quantum of post-consumer plastic waste is regularly increasing due to rapid rise in population, developmental activities and changes in lifestyle It generally ends up in unplanned dumpsites in developing countries and persists in environment for a long period of time. Plastics are the chains of combined carbon atoms, comprising oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur These are prepared from organic materials found in nature, such as crude oil, coal, cellulose, minerals and natural gas. The adversity of plastic waste lies in the unplanned dumping and disposal of plastic waste It affects the aesthetics and hygiene of the area and has a negative impact on the natural environment by creating complications for plants, wildlife, and human population. Plastic wastes clog the drain passage and sewer network They release a lot of contaminants into water bodies and pollute them. The different methods to manage the plastic waste are discussed below
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