Plastic Waste Research Articles

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is the major process for heavy oil conversion in current refineries and is explored for the intake of renewable feedstocks, like biomass and plastic waste. Due to coke deposition, FCC catalysts undergo continuous reaction-regeneration cycles. However, many gas pollutants are generated in the FCC regeneration process, and their emission characteristics and formation mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we conducted stack tests of three industrial FCC units to monitor pollutant emissions. The spent catalysts were characterized to identify the carbon deposits formed. We developed a method to correlate the decomposition of carbon deposits and the formation of gas pollutants in regeneration experiments using in situ Raman spectroscopy, operando FT-IR spectroscopy, and online gas-phase FT-IR spectroscopy. The evolution of coke species is significantly influenced by the oxygen content of the regeneration gas, leading to differences in emission concentration and formation temperature of various gas pollutants. The experimental results are compared with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to explain the formation of the major gas pollutants. This work is expected to advance pollutant emission prediction and control in FCC regeneration, thereby laying the foundation of future work in which different fossil-based and renewable feedstock compositions can be compared, including their effect on gas pollutant formation.

Purpose Most traditional packaging materials such as plastics are obtained from materials that are not environmentally friendly and could constitute health hazards. The ongoing battle against plastic pollution had pushed development of a number of new technologies that include edible films as modern alternatives, biodegradable coatings and active or intelligent packaging. This study aims to shed light based on developments in innovative biomaterials on the most recent advancements in food packaging technologies that potentially surpass traditional plastics in terms of cost, performance, safety and sustainability. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric analysis of a quantitative approach was used to analyze large volumes of scientific literature. A database of 236 papers was obtained by doing a thorough search using keywords like sustainable biopolymer applications in value-added and functional food packaging across major bibliometric information sources like Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar. The review criteria were satisfied by 28 publications. Findings A number of environmentally friendly packaging choices were found, including biopolymers like polylactic acid and polybutylene adipate terephthalate. Nonetheless, polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, gelatin or protein-based films comprise the majority of effective packaging methods. Although the technology seems adequately developed for real-world application, a substantial research gap has been found with relation to the expansion of natural polymer-based packaging materials. Research has shown that adding nanoparticles can enhance the properties of natural polymer films. For instance, adding TiO2 nanoparticles to chitosan-cassava starch films improved tensile strength by over 15% and reduced UV transmittance by 97%. Incorporating TiO2 nanotubes into carrageenan films improved their UV-blocking, mechanical strength and antibacterial activity, which resulted in significantly better banana preservation over 12 days. Originality/value The introduction of biopolymer-based food packaging on a global scale and use it as a substitute for plastic packaging has not been fully studied. The information gathered will assist professionals and researchers in understanding the importance of biopolymers as sustainable materials in functional and value-added food packaging.

Food and plastic waste generation at a large-scale religious festival and implications for sustainable management.

Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental concern globally, especially in marine ecosystems. In this study, the evaluation of the potential ingestion of plastic, mostly in the form of microplastics (MPs), by fledglings of Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) from the Canary Islands (Spain) was conducted. The total number of plastics found in the stomach samples was 674, primarily comprising large MPs (1–5 mm: 82%), followed by mesoplastics (>5–25 mm: 18%). The predominant morphology was threadlike (31.6%), followed by hard, irregularly shaped fragments (28.3%), microspheres (22.4%), and sheets (15.7%). Loads were found to overlap with those described for the same species in highly populated areas such as the Mediterranean Sea. Plastic counts above Cory’s threshold value may suggest poor environmental status for the Canary Current region. FTIR-ATR analysis evidenced the predominance of polyethylene (PE) (46.7%), polypropylene (PP) (24.6%) and polyamide (PA) (20.4%). This is likely linked not only to the fact that PE is the most produced plastic worldwide, but also the fact that, along with PP, it makes up the highest amount of single-use plastic products. Overall, findings provide a contamination-controlled, FTIR-verified baseline for fledglings from Tenerife; however, given the limited, single-season sample (n = 33) and opportunistic design, results are descriptive and not intended for population-level inference. Yet, the potential of Cory’s shearwater as a sentinel species to monitor plastic pollution is highlighted, emphasizing the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies to address plastic pollution in marine environments.

Plastic pollution is a major environmental concern. In humans, ingestion through contaminated seafood is a recognized exposure route to microplastics, which may impact gut health. However, the extent to which microplastics interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption remains unclear. To this end, the present work aimed to assess, for the first time, the influence of microplastic particles (polyethylene terephthalate, PET, and polylactic acid, PLA) on the digestibility of three selected seafood species (gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata; Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar; and hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria) using an in vitro human digestion model. Furthermore, this study evaluated the potential degradability of microplastics along the gastrointestinal tract and examined how particle type and exposure level (10 or 20 particles) may influence seafood digestibility. Protein digestibility in S. aurata and S. salar filets was ~86%, while in M. mercenaria it was ~73%, regardless of microplastic presence or quantity. PET and PLA integrity was affected differently by digestion, with PLA showing greater surface degradation. These findings provide preliminary insight into the mutual interactions between microplastics and the human digestive process, highlighting the importance for further research into how the leaching of plastics additives may or may not influence the bioaccessibility of essential nutrients.

The transition toward a Circular Economy (CE) presents a transformative solution to global sustainability challenges by promoting resource efficiency, waste minimization, and material regeneration. This study explores the pivotal role of chemical engineering in advancing circular practices through innovative waste valorization and resource recovery strategies. Key technologies—including biomass conversion, plastic and electronic waste recycling, and food waste bioprocessing—are analyzed for their capacity to mitigate environmental impacts and close material loops. Chemical engineering principles such as catalysis, separation processes, and process intensification underpin these approaches, enhancing energy efficiency and resource utilization. Integration of digital tools, artificial intelligence (AI), and system optimization further enables real-time process control and sustainability assessment. However, widespread CE implementation faces barriers including technological limitations, high capital costs, and fragmented regulations. Overcoming these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration among industry, academia, and policymakers to develop scalable, cost-effective solutions. The study emphasizes the importance of next-generation catalysts, bio-based processing, and data-driven systems in achieving a resilient, low-waste industrial future. By bridging science, technology, and policy, chemical engineering can catalyze the global transition to a sustainable and circular economy.

The co-conversion of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), CO2, and renewable carbon resources offers a sustainable strategy for reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions, but remains challenging. Here, we develop a one-pot cycloaddition-transesterification-glycolysis (CTG) tandem process to efficiently convert PET, CO2, and glycerol into bis-hydroxyethyl terephthalate (BHET) and glycerol carbonate, achieving yields of 92% and 99%, respectively. The process begins with the cycloaddition of ethylene oxide and CO2 in an ionic liquid, followed by transesterification with glycerol to produce glycerol carbonate and ethylene glycol. The in situ-generated ethylene glycol participates in PET glycolysis to yield BHET catalyzed by zinc acetate. Kinetic studies, isotope labelling, and theoretical calculations reveal that ethylene oxide serves two functions: (i) swelling the PET matrix to enhance mass transfer and (ii) providing ethylene glycol. The synchronized kinetics of cycloaddition, transesterification, and glycolysis enable ethylene oxide to play both roles effectively, significantly accelerating PET depolymerization at mild temperatures.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major cause of polymer degradation in outdoor environments, accelerating mechanical failure and color change, leading to plastic waste accumulation. Effective UV-protective strategies that preserve polymer functionality are therefore critical for extending material longevity in UV-intense environments. Here, we present a synergistic approach combining vapor phase infiltration (VPI) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) to engineer nanoscale zinc oxide (ZnO) coatings on poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a UV-sensitive polymer. Individually, ALD and VPI offer minimal enhancement in UV stability; however, their sequential application enables the formation of conformal, polycrystalline ZnO films that dramatically improve UV resistance in both 3D-printed structures and thin-film PLA models. In situ microgravimetry and cross-sectional electron microscopy reveal that VPI introduces ZnO nucleation sites within and atop the polymer matrix, promoting a >10-fold increase in ZnO growth per ALD cycle. The resulting ZnO-PLA hybrids absorb over 90% of incident UV-C radiation while maintaining high optical transparency in the visible range. This low-temperature, scalable process provides a promising platform for the development of transparent, durable UV-barrier coatings on polymers for use in environmentally demanding applications.

Environmental nanoplastics (ENPs) are generated from natural weathering of larger plastic waste. These nanoplastics are capable of disrupting normal cellular functions. Despite the growing threats of plastic pollution, >90% of current research on interactions between nanomaterials and biological systems employs pristine nanoparticles of uniform shape and size, most often polystyrene (PS) nanospheres. Pristine nanoparticles are incomplete models because true ENP waste is morphologically diverse. In this work, we describe how lipid composition and ENP shape affect particle-membrane interactions, using simulated environmental ENPs (sENPs) and giant unilammelar vesicles (GUVs) as models of plasma membranes. Critically, we provide the first systematic quantitative analysis of how ENP shape controls their capacity to permeabilize membranes. Compared to pristine spherical nanoparticles, sENPs damaged membranes with a wider variety of lipid types and charge states. The capacity to damage membranes is determined in large part by ENP shape: angular, more sharply cornered particles tend to increase membrane disruption, demonstrating how the true biophysical effects of ENP pollution cannot be fully captured using pristine materials alone.

Microplastic particles with a size of less than 5 mm make up a significant component of the plastic pollution in freshwater and the ocean. This study was designed to investigate the effects of eight-week exposure to high-molecular-weight polyvinyl chloride (HMW-PVC) on young rats. A total of 40 rats were divided into two assay groups of 15 rats (Group 1, Group 2, a total of 30 rats) and a control group of 10 rats. The rats in the first and second assay groups were fed with food containing HMW-PVC at rates of 1 and 2% of their weight, respectively. The control group was fed food without HMW-PVC. The rats’ weights were recorded every 15 days. After eight weeks of feeding, the rats’ intestines, kidneys, and livers were removed and underwent histopathological examinations. Additionally, mRNA expression levels of Cyp3A2, Pepck, and Fasn genes in the liver, UT-A1, UT-A2, renin, and Cyp27B1 genes in the kidney, and Muc2, Fabp2, and PepT1 genes in the intestine were determined by using the RT-PCR technique. Our study revealed that rats exposed to microplastic particles exhibited non-significant weight loss and obvious organ degeneration. Furthermore, mRNA expression levels of the examined genes were either elevated or suppressed by regular exposure to high-molecular-weight PVC.

Biomanufactured fibers produced through fermentation processes provide a promising pathway to decouple textile production from agricultural land. This would free up arable land for food cultivation and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. Protein fibers from natural sources such as cocoon silk, collagen, and soy have attracted attention since the last century. However, commercial production declined with the rise of cheaper synthetic fibers and competition for food crops. Recently, renewed interest in protein fibers has emerged as a means to minimize plastic pollution, fueled by advances in fermentation, even though challenges related to yield, costs, and industrial spinning persist. Here, we studied a lyocell-based technique for spinning protein fibers using yeast biomass purified through an enzymatic method. We demonstrated that the enzymatic approach produces insoluble proteins that can be continuously spun for over 100 h of production time. Pilot-scale production exhibited stable spinning behavior with high viscosity and consistency quality. We achieved fiber fineness between 1.7 and 2.2 dtex, with strength values reaching 23 cN/tex, which is 50% higher than those of natural protein fibers such as wool. Life cycle assessment indicates that fermentation-based protein fibers require significantly less land and water than natural fibers while providing a reduced environmental footprint. Techno-economic analysis indicates a cost of $6 per kilogram at a production rate of 6,750 t annually. Adopting biomanufacturing-based protein fibers marks a significant advancement toward a future where fiber needs are fulfilled without compromising the planet's capacity to nourish its growing population.

This comprehensive review compiles current knowledge about the connection between plastic waste and the selection and transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic ecosystems, which can result in ARG contamination of fishery products—a significant source of microplastic (MP) introduction into the food chain. Plastic debris in aquatic environments is covered by a biofilm (the plastisphere) in which antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) are selected and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs is facilitated. The types of plastic waste considered in this study for their role in ARG enrichment are mainly microplastics (MPs), and also nanoplastics (NPs) and macroplastics. Studies regarding freshwaters, seawaters, aquaculture farms, and ARG accumulation favored by MPs in aquatic animals were considered. Most studies focused on the identification of the microbiota and its correlation with ARGs in plastic biofilms, while a few evaluated the effect of MPs on ARG selection in aquatic animals. A higher abundance of ARGs in the plastisphere than in the surrounding water or natural solid substrates such as sand, rocks, and wood was repeatedly reported. Studies regarding aquatic animals showed that MPs alone, or in association with antibiotics, favored the increase in ARGs in exposed organisms, with the risk of their introduction into the food chain. Therefore, reducing plastic pollution in water bodies and aquaculture waters could mitigate the ARG threat. Further investigations focused on ARG selection in aquatic animals should be conducted to better assess health risks and increase awareness of this ARG transmission route, enabling the adoption of appropriate countermeasures.

Disposable masks, predominantly made from polypropylene, share similar environmental challenges as plastic waste due to their persistence and limited biodegradability. This study evaluates the degradation of three-ply disposable masks in freshwater environments, focusing on the synergistic effects of Enterococcus faecalis and Chlorella vulgaris microorganisms. Four experimental reactors were prepared with varying treatments: freshwater alone, freshwater with E. faecalis, Chlorella vulgaris medium, and a combination of Chlorella vulgaris medium with E. faecalis. Over three months, mask samples were analyzed biweekly using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Results indicated significant morphological and chemical changes in masks exposed to the consortium of E. faecalis and Chlorella vulgaris including increased amorphous structure, reduced crystallinity, and enhanced surface erosion. E. faecalis promoted biofilm formation, increasing microbial activity, while Chlorella vulgaris facilitated oxidative degradation. The combination treatment outperformed single-organism or abiotic controls, demonstrating its potential for enhancing mask biodegradability in aquatic systems. This research provides crucial insights into managing disposable mask waste sustainably, emphasizing the need for further exploration of microbial consortia for plastic waste biodegradation in natural environments.

Water pollution is a growing concern for aquatic ecosystems worldwide, with threats like plastic waste, nutrient pollution, and oil spills harming biodiversity and impacting human health, fisheries, and local economies. Traditional methods of monitoring water quality, such as ground sampling, are often limited in how frequently and widely they can collect data. Satellite imagery is a potent tool in offering broader and more consistent coverage. This review explores how Multispectral Imagery (MSI) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), including polarimetric SAR (PolSAR), are utilised to monitor harmful algal blooms (HABs) and other types of aquatic pollution. It looks at recent advancements in satellite sensor technologies, highlights the value of combining different data sources (like MSI and SAR), and discusses the growing use of artificial intelligence for analysing satellite data. Real-world examples from places like Lake Erie, Vembanad Lake in India, and Korea’s coastal waters show how satellite tools such as the Geostationary Ocean Colour Imager (GOCI) and Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) are being used to track seasonal changes in water quality and support early warning systems. While satellite monitoring still faces challenges like interference from clouds or water turbidity, continued progress in sensor design, data fusion, and policy support is helping make remote sensing a key part of managing water health.

Marine fungi play a crucial role in maintaining the ocean ecosystem functions by participating in organic matter degradation, carbon and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles, and interactions with other marine organisms. Nevertheless, many marine habitats remain poorly explored for fungal diversity, as fungi have historically been overlooked in marine research. In this study, we investigated marine fungi in two underexplored coastal habitats (PET plastic waste and seafoam) collected from the intertidal zone of Udo Island, South Korea. A total of 88 fungal strains were isolated and identified as 45 taxa (22 taxa from PET waste and 24 from seafoam) based on multigene phylogenetic analysis and morphological characteristics. The distinct fungal communities recovered from PET plastic waste and seafoam highlight the ecological value of anthropogenic and ephemeral marine habitats. Among these, we report two novel species – Leptospora conidiifera sp. nov. and Neodevriesia oceanoplastica sp. nov. – along with five previously unrecorded marine fungi species in Korea. These findings suggest that the two habitats can serve as reservoirs of unique fungal biodiversity and marine fungi may play unrecognized roles in marine nutrient cycling and microbial interactions.

Abstract The co‐conversion of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), CO 2 , and renewable carbon resources offers a sustainable strategy for reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions, but remains challenging. Here, we develop a one‐pot cycloaddition–transesterification–glycolysis (CTG) tandem process to efficiently convert PET, CO 2 , and glycerol into bis‐hydroxyethyl terephthalate (BHET) and glycerol carbonate, achieving yields of 92% and 99%, respectively. The process begins with the cycloaddition of ethylene oxide and CO 2 in an ionic liquid, followed by transesterification with glycerol to produce glycerol carbonate and ethylene glycol. The in situ‐generated ethylene glycol participates in PET glycolysis to yield BHET catalyzed by zinc acetate. Kinetic studies, isotope labelling, and theoretical calculations reveal that ethylene oxide serves two functions: (i) swelling the PET matrix to enhance mass transfer and (ii) providing ethylene glycol. The synchronized kinetics of cycloaddition, transesterification, and glycolysis enable ethylene oxide to play both roles effectively, significantly accelerating PET depolymerization at mild temperatures.

From sea to cell: Investigating the potential health impacts of marine plastic pollution in the Philippines.

Navigating towards a plastic-free future: A holistic review of microplastic accumulation and management for land and environmental sustainability.

Rapid detection and identification of plastic waste based on multi-wavelength laser Raman spectroscopy combining machine learning methods.

Addressing the plastic waste crisis: Advanced catalytic strategies for upcycling and fuel production.