Plastic Waste Research Articles (Page 1)

Background: Plastic pollution, particularly from polystyrene, has emerged as a serious environmental concern, prompting growing interest in its biodegradation. We investigated the potential of four chewing insects; mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), superworm (Zophobas morio), American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), and cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) to biodegrade polystyrene paper (PSP). Methods: Using a randomized complete block design, four chewing insects were divided into two groups after 48-hour fasting with water. One group received PSP only; the other received PSP mixed with tapioca starch. Weight loss of PSP was recorded after 72 hours. Results: Z. morio demonstrated the highest degradation efficiency for PSP (92.10%), followed by P. americana (32.17%). When tapioca starch was added, Z. morio remained the highest effective (95.45%), followed by T. molitor (59.15%). Supplementing starch significantly enhanced degradation rates (P < 0.05). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed signs of depolymerization, oxidation, and surface cracking. FTIR indicated new functional groups of carbonyl (C=O, 1650 cm⁻¹) and hydroxyl (O–H, 3200–3550 and 3584–3700 cm⁻¹). Conclusion: Certain chewing insects, especially Z. morio and T. molitor, possess strong potential for PSP degradation, likely aided by their gut microbiota. Notably, this study is the first to report PSP degradation by P. americana and G. bimaculatus. Further research is needed to explore the microbial mechanisms within insect guts that facilitate plastic biodegradation.

ABSTRACT The primary objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of fully replacing aluminium trihydrate (ATH) with glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) waste dust in resin-based composite formulations while ensuring mechanical integrity, fire performance, and impact resilience. For the first time, ATH was substituted with GFRP waste, and the composites were comprehensively assessed. Viscosity increased due to the heterogeneous and complex particle size distribution of GFRP waste, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and particle size analysis. Despite this, the optimised formulation R2 100 retained properties very close to the control (R0), with a tensile strength of 118.56 MPa (95% retention), a cross-breaking strength of 188.04 MPa (98% retention), and an interfacial shear strength of 32 MPa (91% retention). Fire testing confirmed compliance with industrial safety benchmarks, achieving a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 29, a smoke density of 260 Ds, and a toxicity index of 5. Finite element analysis of laminate was carried in accordance with ASTM D7136 boundary conditions, revealed comparable stress distributions and dent depths for both ATH- and GFRP-based formulations. This unique substitution underscores the industrial viability of GFRP waste as a sustainable alternative filler, aligning with circular economy principles.

Plastic waste in Indonesia continues to increase and poses a complex environmental problem. Poor waste management leads to pollution and decreases the quality of life. Therefore, a solution is needed that is not only environmentally friendly but also integrates social, economic, technological, and educational aspects. This study aims to systematically review the potential of ecobricks as a multidimensional solution for plastic waste management. It analyzes 18 community service articles published between 2015 and 2025 from five national and international databases using a narrative-thematic synthesis method. The results show that ecobricks encourage community participation in waste management, open up economic opportunities through value-added products, and significantly reduce plastic waste volume. Technologically, ecobricks have sufficient strength for non-structural construction. In the education sector, ecobricks help improve environmental awareness and literacy among students and the general public. This study recommends strengthening local policies, continuous training, and further research to assess the durability of ecobricks in various environmental conditions.

In LA County, contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus require 7.3 million gowns annually generating 506 tons of plastic waste and 1.73 million kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents, which cause the loss of 4.07 disability-adjusted life-years. Unintended consequences of gown use necessitates exploration of infection prevention alternatives.

This article outlines three strategies to transform mixed plastic waste into fuels and new chemicals, offering a multiple path solution for a circular economy.

Turning plastic and biomass waste into adsorbents: CO2/CH4 separation and comparison with commercial carbons.

Discovery and characterization of novel polyacrylic urethane-degrading bacteria from intestine of the red-veined darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii).

Plastic pollution in the Ganga river: sources, impacts, and sustainable mitigation strategies in the Himalayan regions

Microalgae for polymer bioremediation: Mechanisms, efficiency, and future applications.

Abstract The global plastic pollution crisis urgently demands closed-loop chemical recycling strategies. While recyclable polymers via olefin metathesis have been widely explored, the development of metal-free methods operating under mild conditions remains a significant challenge. Here, we present the lifecycle design of polar-olefin-derived macrocycles as novel monomers capable of undergoing reversible entropy-driven ring-opening polymerization (ED-ROP) through organic base-catalyzed metathesis of polar olefin bonds. High-molecular-weight polymers were efficiently produced via bulk melt polymerization. Kinetic studies and mass analyses indicated the formation of cyclic polymer topologies through insertion and ring expansion, with polymerization thermodynamically driven by an increase in conformational entropy. By shifting the equilibrium of polar-olefin metathesis in dilute solution, these polymers enable efficient closed-loop depolymerization and monomer recovery. This approach establishes a versatile platform based on polar olefin chemistry, advancing the design of recyclable materials with tailored dynamic functionalities.

Synthesis and characterization of a novel 3D carbon allotrope: supercubane-like structure derived from plastic waste via a three-stage thermal decomposition process

Traditional photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems struggle to simultaneously achieve high efficiency, high stability, and low cost. Replacing water oxidation with oxidation of organic molecules emerges as an attractive strategy to enhance the hydrogen production efficiency of PEC systems while generating value-added anodic products. Here, a PEC system utilizing a Mo, N co-doped BiVO4 photoanode and NaClO4 electrolyte for the glycerol oxidation reaction to approaching the theoretical limit of current doubling that enables a two-electron reaction to be driven by a single photon, is reported. While nitrogen doping optimizes the bulk charge separation/transport performance of Mo-doped BiVO4 photoanodes, NaClO4 as the supporting electrolyte further enhances the reaction kinetics and surface charge extraction efficiency. The optimized system reaches a record photocurrent density of 9.73mAcm-2 at 1.23V versus RHE and a maximum internal quantum efficiency of 182%. It predominantly produces C-C cleavage products, including glycolaldehyde and formaldehyde, and can maintain stable performance for over 500h. DFT calculations reveal that glycerol can undergo adjacent hydroxyl bidentate chelation adsorption on the BiVO4 surface. This system is applicable for the current doubling reaction of various polyhydroxy alcohols, providing a potential pathway for efficient valorization of platform molecules and effective recycling of waste plastics.

While biodegradable plastics alleviate plastic pollution, their degradation-derived biodegradable microplastics (BMPs) pose new ecological risks, necessitating efficient quantification methods. This study explores a label-free approach by leveraging the intrinsic fluorescence of common biodegradable polyesters (PLA, PHB, PBS, PBAT, PCL). We find that biodegradable microplastics exhibit two types of characteristic fluorescence emission: one originating from molecular functional groups and the other originating from the chromophore formed by the aggregation of conjugated groups. Using PBAT as a model, we confirm that fluorescence intensity depends on the BMPs’ size and shape. Under 380 nm excitation, concentration-dependent signals are observed at 436 nm (indirectly from PBAT-enhanced water Raman scattering) and 465 nm (directly from PBAT intrinsic fluorescence), leading to successful linear models between BMPs’ mass concentration and fluorescence intensity over 100–500 mg/L, with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.877 and 0.963, respectively. Compared with the fluorescence labeling method, the intrinsic fluorescence approach achieves comparable R2 while exhibiting lower signal intensity (~103). Nevertheless, its operational simplicity offers a distinct advantage for the rapid quantification of pre-isolated and purified microplastics.

Polypropylene (PP) geotextiles and composite materials, though valued for their durability and cost-effectiveness, contribute significantly to environmental plastic pollution. This review evaluates the degradation mechanisms and environmental fate of PP and its blends, particularly under field-relevant exposure conditions. Emphasis is placed on the formation and transport of microplastics (MPs) in soil systems, driven by mechanical stress, thermal aging, UV exposure, and biodegradation. The review examines the impacts of PP-derived MPs and additive leachates on soil biota, including microbial community shifts, enzyme activity disruption, and rhizosphere function impairment. Modeling approaches are presented to explore the feedback loops between polymer surface morphology, degradation rate, and exposure intensity. Comparative analysis of biopolymer-reinforced PP composites (e.g., PLA, jute, coir) highlights trade-offs between mechanical stability and environmental degradability. Key knowledge gaps are identified in MP transport in soils and toxicity pathways of chemical additives. This synthesis supports the development of predictive frameworks and sustainable materials engineering strategies to mitigate the long-term ecological risks associated with PP-based geotextiles.

Abstract 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.

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.

Abstract The global push for climate neutrality and circularity has intensified interest in converting plastic waste into valuable chemical feedstocks. This study examines the techno‐economic feasibility of producing syngas from post‐consumer plastic waste (PCPW) via chemical looping partial oxidation (CLPO) and compares it to more established syngas production techniques, namely dry reforming of methane (DRM) and gasification of PCPW. Process simulations are conducted in Aspen Plus, targeting a syngas stoichiometric number (SN) of 2.0, which is ideal for downstream Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The CLPO process, conceptualized in a dual fluidized bed reactor setup, is modeled using literature data and compared to DRM and gasification in terms of capital and operational expenditures (CAPEX and OPEX). A detailed separation train is designed to meet severe syngas purity requirements, accounting for typical impurities present in process feedstocks. Results show that, although CLPO offers flexibility and avoids direct air separation, it suffers from high CAPEX and OPEX, leading to a significantly higher levelized cost of syngas (LCOS) of 616 € t −1 , compared to 503 and 494 € t −1 for the DRM and gasification benchmarks, respectively. Sensitivity analyses highlight syngas selling price and reactor CAPEX as key economic drivers.

Plastic waste accumulation poses a critical environmental challenge, while the road construction industry continues to rely heavily on energy intensive, non-renewable binders. Integrating waste plastics into asphalt offers a dual solution to these issues by enhancing pavement performance and promoting circular economy principles. This review provides a comprehensive and data-driven synthesis of global research on plastic-waste-modified asphalt (PWMA), covering six major plastic types and both wet- and dry-processing technologies. Unlike prior reviews, this study employs a systematic PRISMA-based selection framework to evaluate 42 peer-reviewed experimental studies from 2000 to 2024, quantitatively comparing rheological, mechanical, and environmental outcomes. The review identifies polymer bitumen compatibility mechanisms, microstructural interactions revealed through microscopy, and the role of pre-treatment processes (glycolysis and pyrolysis) in improving dispersion and stability. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data reveal 20–35% reductions in carbon emissions and 10–12% life cycle cost savings compared to conventional and SBS-modified asphalt. The review proposes a strategic roadmap addressing performance variability, microplastic emissions, and compatibility challenges. By integrating material science, sustainability assessment, and field implementation data, this review advances a novel multidisciplinary perspective on waste plastic valorization in road infrastructure, bridging the gap between laboratory research and policy-ready, scalable applications.

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.

Improper plastic waste management contributes to environmental accumulation and poses significant risks to marine ecosystems and human health. Once in aquatic environments, plastics undergo weathering, leading to physical and chemical changes and fragmentation into microplastics (MPs). This study examines the weathering of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam containers and polypropylene (PP) bags under ten simulated conditions including UV exposure in dry and wet environments (seawater and deionized water), with and without artificial waves. Surface changes were assessed using stereo microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). EPS foam exhibited discoloration, surface cracking, and fragmentation, particularly under UV exposure. These effects were pronounced in both dry and wet environments and confirmed by SEM imaging. PP showed gradual surface changes and fragmentation only under UV exposure with wave agitation, mainly in dry and seawater conditions, without clear discoloration. Carbonyl index (CI) analysis indicated more advanced chemical degradation in EPS foam compared to PP. FTIR spectra revealed new peaks corresponding to C = O and O–H bonds, consistent with photo-oxidative degradation. These results highlight material-specific weathering behaviors and underscore the roles of UV radiation and hydrodynamics in accelerating secondary MP formation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive plastic waste management strategies.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-22367-7.