Reduce Plastic Waste Research Articles

A review on co-pyrolysis of agriculture biomass and disposable medical face mask waste for green fuel production: recent advances and thermo-kinetic models.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is blessed with agricultural resources, and with the growing population, it will continue to prosper, which follows the abundance of agricultural biomass. Lignocellulosic biomass attracted researchers' interest in extracting bio-oil from these wastes. However, the resulting bio-oil has low heating values and undesirable physical properties. Hence, co-pyrolysis with plastic or polymer wastes is adopted to improve the yield and quality of the bio-oil. Furthermore, with the spread of the novel coronavirus, the surge of single-use plastic waste such as disposable medical face mask, can potentially set back the previous plastic waste reduction measures. Therefore, studies of existing technologies and techniques are referred in exploring the potential of disposable medical face mask waste as a candidate for co-pyrolysis with biomass. Process parameters, utilisation of catalysts and technologies are key factors in improving and optimising the process to achieve commercial standard of liquid fuel. Catalytic co-pyrolysis involves a series of complex mechanisms, which cannot be explained using simple iso-conversional models. Hence, advanced conversional models are introduced, followed by the evolutionary models and predictive models, which can solve the non-linear catalytic co-pyrolysis reaction kinetics. The outlook and challenges for the topic are discussed in detail.

UJI PERFORMANSI ALAT DESTILASI UNTUK PEMURNIAN MINYAK DARI LIMBAH PLASTIK

In everyday life the use of plastic materials is very dominant. The use of this plastic material from year to year has greatly increased, which has resulted in an increase in plastic waste. Various parties have conducted research to reduce plastic waste into something that can have added value, including converting plastic waste into alternative energy sources in the form of fuel. Handling of plastic waste can be done by recycling it by heating it in a reactor so that it becomes liquid oil, then the oil is purified using a distillation apparatus. This study aims to determine the performance of oil refining distillation equipment from the processing of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste which can be used as fuel. The research method used is the performance test for refining oil from the processing of plastic waste which is heated with a distillation apparatus. Testing the plastic oil purification distillation apparatus was carried out 5 times, the test was carried out by means of each oil being put into the reactor totaling 3,500ml each time of testing, from the observations it showed that the results of tests 1 to 5 produced refined oil 1 = 1,592ml, 2 = 1.627ml, 3 = 1.609ml, 4 = 1.616ml, 5 = 1.319ml. The total amount of refined oil is: 7,768ml and the average temperature of the reactor is 184.6oC.

Experimental evaluation of diesel blends mixed with municipal plastic waste pyrolysis oil on performance and emission characteristics of CI engine

The growing population's amassed municipal mixed plastic waste (MMPW) and the depletion of fossil fuels are the major causes of concern. Explosive population growth has put us on the brink of an energy crisis. Therefore, an alternative energy source is required to meet the energy demand of a growing population. The chemical recycling of MMPW may be feasible to reduce plastic waste and recover energy products, especially liquid. Pyrolysis is a chemical recycling process employed in the study to produce high-grade plastic oil (PO). An investigation has been conducted on the pyrolysis of MMPW at 550 °C and has obtained 69.8 wt% PO. Moreover, different blends of PO (PO25D75, PO50D50, PO75D25 and PO100) have been used to analyse the CI engine characteristics. The engine fueled with neat plastic oil produced 6.90% less BTE than the reference diesel. However, increasing the PO proportion in diesel increased cylinder pressure and the net heat release rate (NHRR). The emissions such as CO, HC, and NOx were higher for all plastic oil blends at a 12 kg engine load, whereas CO2 and smoke opacity were reduced by 21.81% and 4.47% for PO100 at a higher engine load (12 kg) as compared to reference diesel.

Analysis of Factors of Single-Use Plastic Avoidance Behavior for Environmental Sustainability in China

Governments have been introducing strategies to reduce plastic waste. The reduction in plastic waste can be possible through single-use plastic avoidance. However, this is only possible with the proper understanding of the behavioral factors of single-use plastic avoidance behavior (SPAB). This study explores the factors that influence the decision-making process regarding SPAB in China, a major environmental problem, climate change, and global warming. The authors used a questionnaire survey to collect data from 421 respondents and analyze it using structural equation modeling (SEM). The study examines the effects of attitude, subjective norms (SNs), perceived behavior control (PBC), and policy intervention (PI) on single-use plastic avoidance behavior (SPAB) mediated by plastic avoidance behavioral intentions (PABI) and plastic-related environmental concerns (PREC). The analysis reveals that attitude, PBC, and PI significantly affect PABI, which affects SPAB. Moreover, PREC influences both PABI and SPAB. Furthermore, PI significantly impacts SPAB through PABI and PREC. The study suggests that effective PIs are crucial to reducing single-use plastic waste by shaping attitude, PBC, PABI, and PREC among the public and promoting pro-environmental behavior to achieve the objective of environmental sustainability.

Emerging Transformations in Material Use and Waste Practices in the Global South: Plastic-Free and Zero Waste in India

This study uses a qualitative approach to address limitations and blockages to current plastics reduction via semi-structured interviews with zero waste business practitioners in India. Although they are nascent, India is home to a budding zero waste community that is grappling with how to reduce plastics—via trial and error—and these stakeholders hold insights from lived experience on how plastic reduction can actualize in the Indian subcontinent. This research involved interviewing zero waste businesses and consultants and makers of plastic alternatives in India to understand their experiences with plastic reduction strategies. The key stakeholder interviews reveal key insights for moving forward with plastic reduction initiatives, including challenges faced at government, business, and social levels; considerations regarding plastic waste generation; motivations for starting zero waste businesses and organizations; how it will be possible to operationalize plastic bans in India; appropriate actions for plastic waste reduction; elements that would help India shift into a more circular, regenerative economy; and locally appropriate alternatives to plastics. The discussion further delves into caveats with various alternatives to plastic materials, economic considerations, and characteristics of the zero waste network, and provides next steps for action at the government, business, and civil levels for reducing plastic waste generation in India and minimizing plastic pollution.

Development of durable building material for window mechanism through sustainable low-cost composites

The aim of the current work is to develop fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) from iron wood fibers that offer superior mechanical properties to traditional synthetic fibers and modern woods and may replace them by overcoming their shortcomings.) is to manufacture. We analysed the mechanical properties at different percentages of fiber content in FRC. H. At 10%, 15% and 20%, including alkaline treatment, at different time intervals from 0 to 8 h, with each percentage increasing by 2 h. This also enables the reuse of polyester resins, reducing plastic waste in the 21st century environment. Considering the overall environmental impact, the excellent cyclical properties of FRC scrap allow up to 20% recycling compared to other composite materials. The hand layup manufacturing process also allowed us to control the weight of the final structure and the cost of manufacturing the prototype pieces. Significant impact of this composite can be seen in the manufacturing sector of the transportation industry and in traditional wood-based home appliances. The market analysis conducted gives a positive direction in assessing the need of a sustainable and durable window mechanism for which the developed material intends to be used.

창의적 문제해결력 함양을 위한 중등 생물영재 대상 SSI 글쓰기 교수-학습 자료 개발 및 적용

In this study, we developed and applied SSI writing teaching-learning lesson plans for middle school biology gifted students on the subject of plastic waste problem, seed war, etc. In this process, we aimed to solve students’ given problems creatively. In this study, a systematic teaching-learning process was presented through the development of a teaching plan, and a series of curriculums such as teaching-learning-evaluation were carried out by performing SSI writing in the evaluation process. The theme of the first teaching-learning lesson plan is ‘Plastic Age, How to solve it’, and the reason for the selection is to recognize the seriousness of environmental pollution caused by discarded plastic through the recognition of the problem of plastic items that are easily used and discarded, and to seek experimental and social countermeasures to solve them. The class was conducted by exploring the current status of plastic appliances, starting with plastic, and finding ways to solve problems through the study of larva eating plastic. The learning objectives were to recognize environmental and social problems caused by plastic, to find ways to reduce plastic waste, and to present scientific methods for problem solving through argumentation. The second subject of the teaching-learning lesson plan was selected as ‘Seeds, Dominate the World’, and the reason for the selection is to examine the seed patent rights of multinational corporations and analyze the problems caused by them, and ultimately to think about why biodiversity is important between the universal interests of mankind and the interests of specific companies. The class established the concepts of species diversity, biodiversity, seed banks, and life patents, identified the current status and problems of agriculture around the world due to patented seeds, and established their own claims through advocacy or refutation of seed bank establishment. The purpose of the study was to identify the current status and problems of the cotton industry in India, identify the seed industry in Korea, identify the status of GMO seeds in the United States, and identify the problems of life patents in multinational companies such as Monsanto. In SSI writing, or evaluation after teaching-learning, students were aware of given social science problems, sought ways to solve problems, and presented scientific methods for problem solving through argumentation.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING GENERASI MILENIAL DALAM MENANGGULANGI SAMPAH

The amount of plastic waste continues to increase every day along with the increasing number of products and consumption patterns of the millennial generation. The only way to overcome this increasing volume of plastic waste is to reduce the amount of plastic waste from its source by encouraging millennials to care about the use of goods and services. The problem in this study is to explain how the role of sustainable living of the millennial generation in plastic waste management and how the current level of sustainable living of the millennial generation. This research uses a descriptive method to describe how millennials' sustainable living in reducing plastic waste. The results show that as a form of millennial generation participation in efforts to improve the environment, millennials have implemented sustainable living in their daily lives such as using tumblers, bringing their own shopping bags, sorting waste starting from their own home environment. The current millennial generation contributes to the practice of sustainable living doing these activities without being forced. They fall into the moderate category where they play a role in plastic waste management but still do not do it fully

Measures to reduce plastic waste in the ulss-6 euganea local health trust in padua (Italy)

Measures to reduce plastic waste in the ulss-6 euganea local health trust in padua (Italy)

Pelaksanaan Pengolahan Sampah Pada Dinas Lingkungan Hidup dan Kebersihan Kota Palembang

This study aims to analyze the waste management carried out by DLHK Palembang City. This study was a qualitative descriptive research. In collecting the research data, the writer conducted observation and interview, literature study and documentation. The results showed that the waste reduction activities implemented by the Environment and Sanitation Service Palembang were the establishment of Garbage Bank and TPS 3R, providing socialization and technical guidance on waste management to community, issuing appeals, circulars and socialization on reducing plastic waste to retail entrepreneurs, using tumblers, and restrictions on using plastic bags. The amount of waste made in Palembang in 2020 was 426,390.66 tones, with waste reduction (19.79%) and waste management (76.69%), managed waste (96.49%) and unmanaged waste (3.51%). The waste composition was dominated by food waste. There were obstacles in waste management, where the Garbage Bank, TPS 3R, waste collectors did not operate due to crowd restrictions, reduced volume of segregated waste from waste sources, and lack of public awareness in waste segregation and the use of re-useable products

Child Health Implications of Plastic Waste Reduction in West Africa

Rapidly growing, unregulated plastic litter has created a multitude of environmental and economic problems in developing countries. The problems are particularly serious for single use plastic (SUP) products that cannot be recycled. While the case for plastic waste reduction is clear, it may conflict with public health and other social objectives. Using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from Ghana and Nigeria, this paper considers the potential for health damage from waste reduction policies that reduce household use of SUP drinking-water containers. The econometric analysis provides strong evidence that SUP containers significantly reduce child mortality and incidence of diarrhea, after controlling for other, widely cited determinants in the literature. By implication, general measures to reduce plastic use may also increase childhood illness and death. The study demonstrates how plastic-waste reduction policies should not be assessed in isolation from their public health implications for poor households and suggests countervailing measures that can be taken to address the SUP waste problem. The study can be replicated in any of the 73 countries where DHS data include the use of plastic containers as household water sources.

I Can Feel Your Pain: Investigating the Role of Empathy and Guilt on Sustainable Behavioral Intentions to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Plastic Bags among College Students

Plastic bag pollution in the marine environment is an urgent issue that has negatively impacted the sustainability of marine biodiversity. Studying effective ways to design advocacy messages that can promote individuals’ intentions to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic bags in order to mitigate plastic bag pollution in the effort to help restore marine biodiversity is necessary. Utilizing emotional appeal messages, such as messages that are designed to elicit audiences’ feelings of empathy, can promote a variety of pro-environmental behaviors. To investigate an effective way to generate empathy, this online experiment study conducted with 257 college students in the U.S. examined whether messages that encourage perspective-taking can successfully elicit empathy among participants. Additionally, the study explored whether messages that encourage perspective-taking can promote viewers’ behavioral intentions to engage in the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic bags) via the mediating roles of empathy and guilt. Results indicated that perspective-taking messages can increase viewers’ empathy, which was positively associated with feelings of guilt, which in turn was positively associated with viewers’ 3Rs behavioral intentions. The study also investigated the influence of self-efficacy on guilt as well as the interaction of self-efficacy and perspective-taking on guilt. Results suggested that self-efficacy did not have an effect on guilt, and the effects of self-efficacy and perspective-taking on guilt were independent of each other. These findings demonstrate that messages encouraging perspective-taking can positively affect individuals’ 3Rs behavioral intentions to reduce plastic waste as a means to restore marine biodiversity.

Investigation Prosperities Of Brick Mixes with Chemically Depolymerized Waste polyethylene terephthalate Aggregates

In order to create environmentally friendly products, this article focuses on reducing plastic waste by recycling polyethylene terephalate (PET) bottles (Green materials). Depolymerized polyethylene terephthalate (DPET) is created by combining PET with ethylene glycol and magnesium oxide (MgO) at a moderate temperature until the mixture reaches 179 oC (ethylene glycol's boiling point) for 40 to 50 minutes. This process first breaks down the polymer into a monomer. Second, bitumen is combined with plastic (either PET or DPET) to create modified bitumen (MB), then modified bitumen is mixed with sand, silica and gravel in order to produce friendly and sustainable construction materials . Bricks have been produced from mixing the modified bitumen with percentage (10-20)% ,sand in percentage (50-60 ) % and gravel in percentage (30)%. The characterization was carried out for the bricks in two steps : The first was to examine the modified bitumen to determine the best ratio that could be used in the mixture. The hardness test showed the best ratio of modified bitumen in percentages (60% of bitumen and 40% of PET or DPET) percentage is due to the formation of a functional group between bitumen and plastic which has appeared with FTIR characterization . Secondly, the compressibility of the mixture was fully examined and the results showed the best compressive strength in 20% of modified bitumen with PET and 18% of modified bitumen with DPET. The compressive strength value is 7MPA and 6.9 MPA respectively. Finally , the recent results are compared with the previous research, and the results showed a reduction in the cost as a result of the use of waste materials and an increase in compression value.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION VALUE OF TENGGER TRIBE’S TRADITIONAL CEREMONY IN SUPPORTING THE MOUNT BROMO TOURISM AREA

This research aimed to determine the environmental conservation value of the Tengger tribe's traditional ceremony in supporting the Mount Bromo tourism area. This research applied a qualitative ethnographic approach in Sukapura District, Indonesia. The data was collected through in-depth interviews, non-participatory observations, and documentation, then analyzed using six steps of a qualitative approach. The pujan kasanga, pujan kasada, and unan-unan ceremonies show the value of belief in the sacredness of Tengger’s land, harmonious relationship with the environment, worship of the occupied land, respect for the environment, and gratitude for the blessing of fertile land. The values are expressed in daily life for self-regulating the environment of the Mount Bromo tourism area. The series of traditional ceremonies provided an additional attraction in the form of the beauty of agroforestry land management, the cultural attraction that many are concerned with reducing plastic waste, and the cultural attractions that show the man and environment harmony.

Studies on Tensile Strength, Fracture Surface and Biodegradation of Biocomposite from Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Filled by Sugarcane Bagasse Fiber

Synthetic plastic is a material that is difficult to decompose in the environment and causes serious problems in long term such as an increase in the volume of waste. To reduce plastic waste, biodegradable composite (biocomposite) is expected to overcome this problem. Natural cellulose fiber can be used as a filler in biopolymer matrix based biocomposite. This study aims to determine the tensile properties, fracture morphology, and biodegradation rate of biocomposite from Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and sugarcane bagasse fiber. The test of biocomposite samples was carried out with a tensile test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and soil burial test. The results show that the highest tensile strength and modulus elasticity was in PVA pure film for 2.15 MPa and 3.468 MPa, respectively. The addition of cellulose fiber from sugarcane bagasse in the PVA matrix does not have a strengthening effect on the tensile strength of the biocomposite. This is due to the presence of porosity, agglomeration, and poor bonding between the matrix and fiber according to the SEM observation. The biodegradation rate showed that all biocomposite samples were degraded in the soil and had weight loss above 40% after 15 days of burial in the soil.

Aerobic biodegradation of untreated polyester–polyether urethanes by newly isolated yeast strains Exophilia sp. NS-7 and Rhodotorula sp. NS-12

Polyester-urethanes as the most widely used polyurethanes (PUs) are among the most recalcitrant plastics in natural conditions. Among existing approaches for managing and reducing plastic waste, biodegradation as a promising approach to reduce plastic waste pollution has drawn scientific society's attention in recent years. In this study, two polyester–polyether urethane degrading yeasts were isolated and identified as two new strains of Exophilia sp. NS-7 and Rhodotorula sp. NS-12. The results showed that Exophilia sp. NS-7 is esterase, protease, and urease positive, and Rhodotorula sp. NS-12 can produce esterase and urease. Both strains can degrade Impranil® as the sole carbon source with the highest growth rate in 4–6 and 8–12 days, respectively. SEM micrograph revealed PU degradation ability in both strains by showing so many pits and holes in treated films. The Sturm test showed that these two isolates can mineralize PU to CO2, and significant decreases in N–H stretching, C–H stretching, C=O stretching, and N–H/C=O bending absorption in the molecular structure of PU were revealed by the FT-IR spectrum. The detection of the deshielding effect in chemical shifts of the H-NMR spectrum after the treatment also confirmed the destructive effects of both strains on PU films.

STRATEGI SAMUDRA PUTIH: MEMANFAATKAN ISU SAMPAH PLASTIK UNTUK MENCIPTAKAN PELUANG BISNIS PRODUK WAKAKA™

The only group representing the Sriwijaya State Buddhist College (STABN) to enter the Student Creativity Development Competition in the Entrepreneurship (PKM-K) competition is the 2022 WAKAKA™ product. Conceptualization and business implementation are raised from the issue of plastic waste. Of course, this issue is a serious problem in many developing countries, including Indonesia. Science and technology have invented ingenious tools to recycle plastic waste into economically valuable recycling materials. PKM-K WAKAKA™ works with producer partners to purchase finished products in the form of T-shirts and hoodies. This product also inspires consumers through the simplicity and wisdom of Zen in the artwork and calligraphy that is printed on the product. Products named with the WAKAKA™ trademark: Wahana Karya Wisdom develop businesses using the White Ocean Strategy. Steps are taken to proclaim or promote to save the planet by reducing plastic waste (reduce), reusing used goods (reuse) and using items made from recycled materials (recycle), Inspiring the community and the students themselves through Zen wisdom. In social steps, Buddhist entrepreneurship is practiced theoretically. Based on the literature review, the white samudara strategy business concept is suitable for product development in the PKM-K program held by the Directorate General of Buddhist Community Guidance, Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia.

Barriers to recycling plastics from the perspectives of industry stakeholders: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Previous research exploring the psychological, social, and environmental barriers to recycling has predominantly focused on consumer attitude and behaviour. However, the plastic system involves a chain of stakeholders with a role in decision-making and actions in relation to plastic production and management post-use, affirming the need to explore the barriers to recycle across various other stakeholders implicated in the lifecycle of plastic product and packaging. To expand this evidence-base, N = 12 in-depth qualitative semi-structured interviews explored the perspectives of some of the stakeholders responsible for various aspects of the plastic life cycle (fast moving consumer goods industry, retailers, and waste management professionals). Using a semi-directed content analysis approach via NVivo, three overarching themes were extracted from the data: 1) Disempowerment and lost opportunities 2) Solutions and opportunities reside with use of legislation 3) The circular economy stakeholders need motivation, and to be more knowledgeable. The themes suggest that stakeholders implicated in the plastic lifecycle lack the drive and perceived personal and organizational efficacy to generate meaningful change in the plastic system. These barriers are exacerbated by a lack of collegial partnerships between stakeholders to facilitate knowledge transfer and collective action. This study recommends greater collaboration and communication between stakeholders implicated in the end-to-end plastic “chain”, and makes a renewed call for further legislation, having shed light on important socio-political and pragmatic barriers to reducing plastic waste.

Pelatihan dan Penyuluhan Tentang Pengolahan Sampah Organik dan Anorganik Berbasis Zero Waste

This community service activity aims to obtain alternative natural products as cleaning fluids, disinfectants, and to reduce plastic waste, as well as recycle it using plastic bottles to make something useful during the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce the impact of environmental pollution. The method of implementation begins with collecting data and information, coordinating with the head of RT12 in self-help gang 3 and with mothers in self-help gang 3, the preparation stage and training activities for mothers in self-help gang 3. Innovation and creativity in making eco-enzymes and ecobrick, is present as the best solution for housewives in processing organic and inorganic waste into something more useful. The housewives have new activities, can save more expenses and indirectly help the cleaners in sorting household waste into organic and inorganic waste. Through this activity, it is hoped that housewives can be more creative and innovative in processing household waste in the future.

Cell-Derived Vesicles for Antibiotic Delivery-Understanding the Challenges of a Biogenic Carrier System.

Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) sparked substantial therapeutic interest, particularly due to their ability to mediate targeted transport between tissues and cells. Yet, EVs' technological translation as therapeutics strongly depends on better biocompatibility assessments in more complex models and elementary in vitro-in vivo correlation, and comparison of mammalian versus bacterial vesicles. With this in mind, two new types of EVs derived from human B-lymphoid cells with low immunogenicity and from non-pathogenic myxobacteria SBSr073areintroduced here. A large-scale isolation protocol to reduce plastic waste and cultivation space toward sustainable EV research is established. The biocompatibility of mammalian and bacterial EVsiscomprehensively evaluated using cytokine release and endotoxin assays in vitro, and an in vivo zebrafish larvae modelisapplied. A complex three-dimensional human cell culture model is used to understand the spatial distribution of vesicles in epithelial and immune cells and again used zebrafish larvae to study the biodistribution in vivo. Finally, vesiclesaresuccessfully loaded with the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin (CPX) and showed lower toxicity in zebrafish larvae than free CPX. The loaded vesiclesarethen tested effectively on enteropathogenic Shigella, whose infections are currently showing increasing resistance against available antibiotics.