Problem Of Plastic Pollution Research Articles

Innovations in plastic remediation: Catalytic degradation and machine learning for sustainable solutions

Plastic pollution is an extreme environmental threat, necessitating novel restoration solutions. The present investigation investigates the integration of machine learning (ML) techniques with catalytic degradation processes to improve plastic waste management. Catalytic degradation is emphasized for its efficiency and selectivity, while several machine learning techniques are assessed for their capacity to enhance these processes. The review goes into ML applications for forecasting catalyst performance, determining appropriate reaction conditions, and refining catalyst design to improve overall process performance. Briefing about the reinforcement, supervised, and unsupervised learning algorithms that handle all complex data and parameters is explained. A techno-economic study is provided, evaluating these ML-driven system's performance, affordability, and environmental sustainability. The paper reviews how the novel method integrating ML with catalytic degradation for plastic cleanup might alter the process, providing new insights into scalable and sustainable solutions. This review emphasizes the usefulness of these modern strategies in tackling the urgent problem of plastic pollution by offering a comprehensive examination.

A transcontinental threat: Plastic waste from Africa invades Brazil's coast

Identifying the origin of plastic pollution is essential for the development of effective preventive and mitigatory strategies and guidelines for companies, governments, and stakeholders. In 2022, a considerable amount of plastic waste stranded on beaches of the northeastern coast of Brazil. A preliminary analysis of this waste revealed that most of the items were likely foreign made, and a brand auditing approach was applied to identify the brands, parent companies, and potential origin of the plastic waste. The items were also examined to determine their degree of degradation, polymer resin codes, colors, and probable uses. Given their probable foreign origin, a numerical simulation was employed using the OpenDrift dispersion model to determine the likely route each item would have taken before reaching the Brazilian coast. The brand audit confirmed that most of the plastic waste came from Africa (78.5 % of the items), followed by Brazil (15.7 %), and other nations (5.8 %). A total of 31 brands from seven African countries were identified, of which, >90 % originated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Drift simulations were consistent with the results of the brand audit, indicating that the plastics originated from the west coast of African, primarily between latitudes 5° N and 10° S. This analysis indicated that the Congo river was the principal source of the plastic waste that found its way to the Brazilian beaches. The present study highlights the widespread occurrence of plastic pollution across the Atlantic Ocean and underscores the need for mitigatory and regulatory measures that consider foreign sources, as well as local drivers of pollution. In this context, continuous monitoring programs will be essential to advance our understanding of the magnitude of the international plastic pollution problem, and provide insights to delineate specific enforcements dealing with this issue.

Preparation and characterization of biochar/polypropylene composites from recycled waste plastics and agricultural waste-reed straw

To alleviate the increasingly serious plastic pollution problem, developing biomass-plastic composite materials has become a research hotspot. In this study, waste polypropylene (PP) and reed biochar (RC) are used as raw materials to prepare biochar/polypropylene composites (BPCs), and γ-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (KH550) is used as an interfacial modifier to improve the interficical compatibility between RC and PP. Benefiting from the coupling effect of KH550, the obtained KH550-modified reed charcoal/polypropylene (K-RC/PP) composites exhibit enhanced tensile and bending strengths compared to the RC/PP. When 2.4 wt% of KH550 is applied, the tensile and flexural strengths of K-RC/PP reach 22.77 MPa and 49.6 MPa, respectively. Moreover, the interfacial modification simultaneously improves the thermal stability and hydrophobicity of the composites, which not only significantly reduces the fire risks but also improves the durability of the material. This work provides a feasible solution for developing biochar/plastic composites with excellent mechanical performances and high fire safety.

Preparation and Characterization of Biodegradable Plastic from Red Seaweed (Gracilaria sp.) from Coastal Areas in Bangladesh

AbstractBioplastics are biobased or biodegradable plastic synthesized from natural resources with similar features to conventional plastic and environmental sustainability. Seaweed species abundant in the coastal regions of Bangladesh are yet to be explored for developing biodegradable plastic to solve the plastic pollution problem. Semi‐refined kappa carrageenan was extracted from Gracilaria sp. with Pressurized Hot Water Extraction (PHWE) and blended with sorbitol and polyethylene glycol 1540 in this study, respectively. The presence of carrageenan and other functional groups was confirmed with FTIR analysis. The bioplastic films showed over 90 % biodegradability after 16 days of soil burial test and 98 % water solubility after immersion for 16 days. Maximum 20 MPa tensile strength and 44 % elongation were observed from the bioplastic films. The polyethylene glycol 1540 blended films showed better physical and mechanical properties. SEM analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of tensile strength and elongation on the surface integrity of the bioplastic films. The findings indicate that Gracilaria sp. found in the coastal regions of Bangladesh, can be a potential candidate for developing bioplastics for food packaging and many other applications.

Degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics by wastewater bacteria engineered via conjugation.

Wastewater treatment plants are one of the major pathways for microplastics to enter the environment. In general, microplastics are contaminants of global concern that pose risks to ecosystems and human health. Here, we present a proof-of-concept for reduction of microplastic pollution emitted from wastewater treatment plants: delivery of recombinant DNA to bacteria in wastewater to enable degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Using a broad-host-range conjugative plasmid, we enabled various bacterial species from a municipal wastewater sample to express FAST-PETase, which was released into the extracellular environment. We found that FAST-PETase purified from some transconjugant isolates could degrade about 40% of a 0.25 mm thick commercial PET film within 4 days at 50°C. We then demonstrated partial degradation of a post-consumer PET product over 5-7 days by exposure to conditioned media from isolates. These results have broad implications for addressing the global plastic pollution problem by enabling environmental bacteria to degrade PET.

Bioplastic Compounds of Succinic Acid from Agriculture Waste; Date Palm Syrup And Date Palm Fronds

Excessive use of petrochemical-based plastics lead to severe plastic pollution by accumulation in soil, drainage system blockage, also each year trillions of plastic residues released into the ocean. In some cases, burning plastic waste releases toxic gases and may cause acid rain. Bioplastics, biodegradable, are eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, reduce environmental impacts and utilize non-edible waste products for decomposition by microorganisms, making them a significant topic in the twenty-first century. Succinic acid has wide medical and industrial application, in addition to being a solution to the problem of plastic pollution for use in the manufacture of bioplastics. One of the most important biomass wastes in the Iraqi environment that are candidates for biorefinery is palm waste due to its environmental friendliness and high sugar content. In this study, succinic acid was investigated in the fermentation product of poor-quality date palms Zahid and palm fronds. The residues of Zahid dates with palm fronds and the addition of soybean were used for the production of succinic through the process of batch fermentation and solid-state fermentation using a mixture of yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and P. stipitis ATCC 58785 and fungi Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger after pretreatment. The succinic acid was estimated using GC mass, and the quantities of acid produced from date juice from Zuhdi dates syrup were 20.6g/L, while the optimal ratio of acid produced from palm fronds with soybeans was estimated at 2.28g/L and production improved to 3.51 g/L by fed batch fermentation. Biotonic acid, oxalic acid malic acid were detected in significant amount as 10.82,23.68 and 70.40 g/L respectively from date syrup. This research opens the horizons for the use of the biomass of the dates palm in the production of bioplastics. Consolidated bioprocessing of lignocellulose to succinic acid through a microbial cocultivation system consolidated bioprocessing.

Direct Reactive Extrusion of PLA in the Presence of a Multifunctional Chain Extender

The environmental impact of non-renewable, fossil fuel-based polymers has led to growing interest in sustainable alternatives such as Poly(lactic acid) (PLA). PLA is biodegradable and suitable for packaging application, however due to limited number of efforts to effectively recycle PLAs, its disposal still contributes to the plastic pollution problem. In general, plastic recycling methods could be categorized into three main groups: (i) incineration for energy generation, (ii) chemical recycling, and (iii) mechanical recycling. Among those strategies, mechanical recycling would be the optimal choice due to its applicability to current plastic production lines. However, limited thermal stability of PLA during melt mixing make its mechanical recycling challenging. This study explores the direct use of ketene-based chain extenders in the melt mixing step without any pre-treatments to enhance PLA's properties during thermal recycling. Those ketene-based chain extenders could increase the molecular weight and hence melt viscosity of PLA by reacting its hydroxyl and carboxylic acid end groups. For this purpose, copolymers of styrene, methyl methacrylate and 2,2,5-trimethyl-5-(4-vinylbenzyl)-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione (MA) were synthesized and directly melt mixed with PLA in micro compounder at 210 °C for 3 mins. Final molecular weights and thermal properties of PLAs were analyzed through GPC and DSC analyses.

Environmental Pollution and Its Design Presentation in Advertising (Plastic Pollution as a Model)

The relentless pursuit of technological and industrial advancement, coupled with population growth, has erected obstacles that have exacerbated the problem of environmental pollution. Environmental pollution has caused significant losses to living organisms and health systems worldwide. However, there is a realistic hope that many of us will see an improvement in the situation in the coming years. This study explores ways to present environmental advertising as a source of information that can influence individual and societal decisions, and the change it brings about in the thoughts and behaviors of individuals and societies. It also identifies appropriate strategies for designing environmental advertising by highlighting the collection and amplification of the design elements to show the problem of environmental pollution on a wide scale. The first chapter addresses the research problem and is summarized by the question: What is environmental pollution and how can it be presented in advertising design? The importance of the study is as follows: Theoretical importance: The possibility of benefiting from this study in environmental studies, and the benefit of learning about the scientific results produced by this study. The research objective is to identify ways to present the problem of plastic pollution in environmental advertising designs. The second chapter presents previous studies and the theoretical framework, which includes two sections: the first deals with (environmental pollution), and the second deals with (environmental advertising). After completing the theoretical framework, the indicators that were used in the axis analysis questionnaire were extracted. The third chapter is dedicated to the research procedures. And among the results that the researcher reached: Finding the motivation for change through image, text, and color. One of the most important conclusions of the study is that: Environmental advertising is an effective tool in spreading environmental awareness, by providing information, statistics, and urging individual and social responsibility towards the various environmental problems. The communication of environmental advertising is based on strategies for conveying information to the public, largely through images, especially in linguistically and culturally heterogeneous societies.

Plastic waste management through biological methods: an approach towards sustainable development

At present, the massive plastic pollution load into the environment has become an alarming issue in the world. Plastic wastes enter into the food chain through different ways and can cause serious health issues in aquatic animals and humans besides environmental pollution. Several techniques, including adsorption, coagulation, photocatalysis, and microbial degradation, as well as approaches such as reduction, reuse, and recycling, are currently popular. These techniques vary in their efficiency and the way they interact. Additionally, this review emphasizes the significant benefits and difficulties linked to these methods and strategies in order to comprehend the process of choosing viable paths toward a sustainable future. However, besides reducing plastic waste in the ecosystem, other alternative avenues have also been recently investigated to convert plastic wastes into value-added products for the circular economy. This review paper provides an overview of the currently documented methods and strategies focusing on the biological approaches used for the elimination of plastic trash and bioplastic development approaches. Furthermore, it is crucial to gain a comprehension of the key variables that must be highlighted while contemplating various methods and possibilities for bioplastic production, or insights into the potential utilization of these trashes as valuable resources or converting the plastic wastes into electricity, and transforming it into fuel. This review aims to offer readers a thorough summary of the current state of research about tactics and strategies to address the worldwide problem of plastic pollution. Bioresearch Commu. 10(2): 1597-1608, 2024 (July)

Prevention policies for the marine ecological environment in the South China Sea as a consequence of excessive plastic compound use in Vietnam.

Vietnam suffers from a distressing predicament: It ranks among the most heavily contaminated nations on earth. Its coastal and marine domains are plagued by an excess of plastic waste. Vietnam has consistently discharged a substantial amount of waste into the oceans, ranging from 0.28 to 0.73 million metric tons annually. Numerous areas have emerged as focal points of plastic pollution throughout its extensive seashore and marine areas. The escalating presence of marine litter poses an increasingly grave threat to the intricate equilibrium of Vietnam's marine ecosystems. This comprehensive policy study reveals that the mounting problem of ocean plastic pollution, characterized by the abundance of floating plastic debris, imperils both plant and animal life, placing various marine species such as seabirds, fish, turtles, and cetaceans at risk. The consumption of minuscule plastic particles and the harmful impact of chemical pollutants from plastic waste in the ocean not only endangers the vitality of marine life but also poses a substantial hazard to human well-being because plastic waste infiltrates the food chain. This research reveals that, despite the existence of numerous laws and policies-including the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, the Marine Plastic Waste Management Initiative for the Fisheries Sector 2020-2030, and the National Action Plan for Management of Marine Plastic Litter-a significant amount of plastic waste is infiltrating the river network and eventually infiltrating oceans as a result of improper monitoring and ineffective enforcement of these legislations. Relying primarily on existing data released by the government and other sources and a wide range of gray literature retrieved from reputable databases, this study aims to evaluate the role of Vietnam's legal framework for combating the critical issue of marine plastic pollution in the South China Sea. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2088-2106. © 2024 SETAC.

Waste Plastic-Supported Pd Single-Atom Catalyst for Hydrogenation.

As worldwide plastic pollution continues to rise, innovative ideas for effective reuse and recycling of waste plastic are needed. Single-atom catalysts (SACs), which are known for their high activity and selectivity, present unique advantages in facilitating plastic degradation and conversion. Waste plastic can be used as a support or raw material to create SACs, which reduces waste generation while simultaneously utilizing waste as a resource. This work successfully utilized waste plastic polyurethane (PU) as a support, through a unique Rapid Thermal Processing Reactor (RTPR) to synthesize an efficient Pd1/PU SACs. At 25 °C and 0.5 MPa H2, Pd1/PU displayed outstanding activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation of styrene, as well as remarkable stability. Pd1/PU performed well in hydrogenating a variety of common substrates. These findings highlight the great potential of SACs in plastic waste reuse and recycling, offering intriguing solutions to the global plastic pollution problem.

Environmental Protection: Regulations to Reduce and Eliminate Single-use Plastic in Response to Climate Change

This article examines how the Philippines’ numerous legislations address the problem of single-use plastic pollution in accordance with the concepts of sustainable development. By examining scholarly and related literature on plastic manufacturing and use, plastic ban and restrictions, and other policies connected to plastic pollution, the study found that the national government agencies worked together to address a wide range of climate change solutions to significantly reduce plastic production as well as usage. Plastic usage regulations have been enacted in each of the 17 local government units that fall under Metro Manila’s authority. Individual cities and municipalities, however, may impose varying restrictions due to the fact that their legislation may permit the inclusion of a large variety of different types of plastic compounds. Given this complexity, the rationale behind gradually reducing the consumption of single-use plastic products becomes paramount. Local government agencies require reliable data and effective programs to prevent plastic pollution as global plastic production grows. Regardless of their economic situation, more Philippine cities and municipalities are participating in projects that show their ability to have a global impact on environmental preservation.

Bioplastics: No solution to healthcare's plastic pollution problem.

As Canadian policy-makers recognize the urgency for concerted actions to reduce plastics (e.g., Canada's involvement in the international plastics treaty negotiations, zero plastic waste strategy, and single-use plastics regulations), the healthcare sector must also consider a more sustainable plastics system. In this context, the potential for novel bioplastics to mitigate healthcare's substantial plastic waste problem must be carefully interrogated. Our analysis examines the complexities of bioplastics, highlighting the technical challenges of identifying legitimate sustainable alternatives, and the practical barriers for implementing bioplastics as substitutes for consumable plastics in healthcare. We focus on the Canadian healthcare sector and regulatory landscape with the insights gained being applicable to other sectors and countries. Given the limitations identified, the focus on reducing consumption should remain the priority.

Selective Photoreforming of Waste Plastics into Diesel Olefins via Single Reactive Oxygen Species

AbstractThe accumulation of plastic waste poses a pressing environmental challenge. Catalytic conversion stands out as an ideal approach for plastics upcycling, particularly through solar‐driven plastics photoreforming. However, due to the common effects of multiple reactive oxygen species (ROS), selectively generating high‐value chemicals becomes challenging. In this study, we developed a universal strategy to achieve >85 % selective production of diesel olefins (C15–C28) from polyolefin waste plastics via single ROS. Using tetrakis (4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin supramolecular (TCPP) with different central metals as an example to regulate single ROS generation, results show Ni‐TCPP facilitates triplet exciton production, yielding 1O2, while Zn‐TCPP generates ⋅O2− due to its strong built‐in electric field (IEF). 1O2 directly dechlorinates polyvinyl chloride (PVC) due to the electro‐negativity of chlorine atoms and the low dissociation energy of C−Cl bonds, while ⋅O2− promotes direct dehydrogenation of polyethylene (PE) due to the electro‐positivity of hydrogen atoms and the high dissociation energy of C−H bonds. This method is universally applicable to various single ROS systems. Installation experiments further affirm the application potential, achieving the highest diesel olefin production of 76.1 μmol h−1. Such a universally adaptive approach holds promise for addressing the global plastic pollution problem.

Selective Photoreforming of Waste Plastics into Diesel Olefins via Single Reactive Oxygen Species.

The accumulation of plastic waste poses a pressing environmental challenge. Catalytic conversion stands out as an ideal approach for plastics upcycling, particularly through solar-driven plastics photoreforming. However, due to the common effects of multiple reactive oxygen species (ROS), selectively generating high-value chemicals becomes challenging. In this study, we developed a universal strategy to achieve >85 % selective production of diesel olefins (C15-C28) from polyolefin waste plastics via single ROS. Using tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin supramolecular (TCPP) with different central metals as an example to regulate single ROS generation, results show Ni-TCPP facilitates triplet exciton production, yielding 1O2, while Zn-TCPP generates ⋅O2 - due to its strong built-in electric field (IEF). 1O2 directly dechlorinates polyvinyl chloride (PVC) due to the electro-negativity of chlorine atoms and the low dissociation energy of C-Cl bonds, while ⋅O2 - promotes direct dehydrogenation of polyethylene (PE) due to the electro-positivity of hydrogen atoms and the high dissociation energy of C-H bonds. This method is universally applicable to various single ROS systems. Installation experiments further affirm the application potential, achieving the highest diesel olefin production of 76.1 μmol h-1. Such a universally adaptive approach holds promise for addressing the global plastic pollution problem.

Process drama as a tool for participation in explorations of ‘wicked problems’ in upper secondary chemistry education

This study targets a special form of educational drama called process drama, as a potential means for enabling student engagement with wicked problems. The overarching aim is to explore how process drama may afford student agency in dealing with wicked problems in upper secondary chemistry education. It is a design-based study with two cycles of intervention in two schools. A process drama plan was designed to focus on the wicked problem of plastic pollution. The interventions were video- and audiotaped and thereafter transcribed. The data were analysed using a combination of qualitative content analysis and a sociocultural framework of the two dialectics agency|structure and margin|centre. The analysis resulted in three themes regarding how plastic pollution and plastic use was explored in the process drama. The students participated in a constant flow between margin and centre where different spaces for students’ agency was afforded. In brief, our main finding is that process drama enables students and teachers to participate in a variety of ways in the exploration of wicked problems, and talk about plastic pollution and plastic use, while drawing on knowledge and perspectives of science as well as values and societal and social science perspectives and knowledge.

Biodegradation of polypropylene plastics in vitro and natural condition by Streptomyces sp. isolated from plastic-contaminated sites

Most plastic degradation studies are conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. The current study investigated the ability to degrade Polypropylene (PP) plastic by Streptomyces ardesiacus strain NBI0111 under both laboratory and natural conditions. This strain exhibited the ability to degrade PP when cultured in BH medium and using PP plastics as carbon sources. After a 90-day incubation period, the weight loss of PP plastics reached 17.52 % (p < 0.05). The surface of the PP plastic showed significant changes compared to the control group. Chemical changes in the plastic were also detected on the 60th and 90th days, as confirmed by FTIR and GC-MS analyses. This strain was applied to degrade PP plastic in soils under natural conditions. Strain NBI0111 also resulted in a notable weight loss. The biodegradation test group exhibited a significant 12.5 % decrease compared to only a 3.88 % decrease in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a strong positive correlation between the weight loss of PP plastic cups and the density of microbial populations was observed. The capabilities demonstrated by Streptomyces ardesiacus strain NBI0111 in this study hold great promise for on-site plastic remediation, offering a sustainable solution to the problem of plastic pollution in the future.

First documented evidence of mesoplastic pollution in the Philippines: The case of the sandy beaches in Iligan City

The problem of marine plastic pollution is multifaceted and a substantial threat to the environment and human well-being. Despite being a leading marine plastic contributor in the world, the prevalence of mesoplastics in the Philippines is yet to be ascertained. The study aimed to quantify and characterize the mesoplastics on the 10 sandy beaches (inside and outside the city center) of Iligan City, Philippines. Samples were extracted, quantified, and characterized based on their morphology and chemical composition. A total of 166 mesoplastics were collected from the ten sampling sites. Fragment mesoplastics accounted for 66.9 % of the plastic debris found across all sites, with sizes in the range of 21–25 mm (31.3 %), and white/transparent (31.1 %) being predominant. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy identified polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene as the dominant mesoplastic polymer. We also found that mesoplastics were significantly more abundant on beaches within the city center (39.67 ± 3.11 items/m2) than on beaches away from the city center (13.02 ± 1.80 items/m2). This study provides a useful baseline of information on mesoplastic distributions in densely populated urban areas. Our results suggest that there is a pressing need to strengthen existing policies on solid waste management and develop new strategies to mitigate plastic pollution. Addressing this issue is of utmost importance considering the potentially harmful effects of mesoplastics on marine organisms and ecosystems. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on mesoplastic pollution in the Philippines.

All-natural, hydrophobic, strong paper straws based on biodegradable composite coatings

Plastic-coated paper straws are insufficient to solve the plastic pollution problem because microplastics are formed during their degradation. In this study, upgraded paper straws were prepared by coating with biodegradable sodium alginate/cellulose nanofiber/stearic acid (SA/CNF/STA) on the surface of paper without additional adhesives. The tensile strength of the paper was enhanced synergistically by the coated SA and CNF after cross-linking with Ca2+ ions, reaching a maximum (26.46 MPa) when the mass ratio of SA to CNF was 4:1. The straws were prepared by spirally winding coated paper into tubes. Subsequent STA modification with different concentration (1–40%) improved the water stability of the paper straws. The paper straws exhibited excellent mechanical properties (including 13.45 MPa of flexural strength, 13.30 MPa of compressive strength) and hydrophobicity (103.67° of maximum water contact angle). After 130 days of soil burial, the paper straws were completely degraded. The comprehensive performance of prepared straws exceeds that of commercially available products in the same category, and they are safe and biodegradable. Paper straw in the work is in line with the concept of green and low-carbon development.

Visual Observation to Detect Macroplastic Object in River: A Review of Current Knowledge

Currently, the world is facing the problem of plastic pollution in water bodies. Plastic waste has become an abundant pollutant in the marine, coastal and river environments, making it a major threat to aquatic life. Visual Observation in plastic monitoring is a popular method used to measure quantity, composition, and distribution, identify emerging trends, and design preventive measures or mitigation strategies. This study attempts to review recent studies regarding visual observation for detecting macroplastic objects in terms of current research trends and methodologies and suggests promising future research directions. This study used a systematic method with a bibliometric approach and qualitative content analysis to identify and review 108 articles on detecting litter objects in the water. The study results show that automatic object detection is starting to become a trend in visual Observation by relying on artificial intelligence (AI) with UAV devices and cameras that are processed using Machine Learning and Deep Learning methods which provide promising accuracy results.