2.5 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Abstract Plastics are major assets for mankind due to their widespread applications
in all spheres of life. The major drawbacks are their after-use handling, as it may take
hundreds and thousands of years for its biodegradation. While major advancement
has been made in the development of nontoxic and eco-friendly plastics, the
accumulation of plastics in the environment has been a major concern in landfills,
natural ecosystem, and oceans. The deleterious effects of plasticizers, additives, and
dioxins from plastic pollutions on human health include endocrine disruption,
reproductive disorders, and breast cancer. A well-managed plastic production,
consumption, and disposal system must be put in place, to address this global
problem. The development and application of biocompatible plastics and incentives
on plastic reuse and recycle, within circular economy framework, must be
implemented and enforced. This chapter will provide information about plastic; its
types, nature and chemistry, consumption, and pollution impact; and the solutions
and remedies. Different techniques to process various types of plastic wastes are
discussed. Primary recycling of plastic wastes is a low-impact process. Mechanical
recycling is widely used due to its effectiveness, where the waste is firstly converted
into appropriate shapes and sizes through different processes. Chemical recycling
involves the breakdown of polymers by heating in the absence of oxygen. Plastics
are also degraded by means of ultraviolet light because these are not naturally
degraded even by biotic means. The 3R scheme, which represents reduction, reusability, and recycling of plastic wastes, and the alternative measures through incentives to promote eco-friendly plastic products and a safer environment will be
elaborated.
Keywords Plastics · Pollutions · Contaminants · Environmental impacts · Water
pollution · Plastic degradation · Biodegradability · Additives · Remediation · Ecofriendly products
Abbreviations
ATR
Attenuated total reflectance
BBP
Butyl benzyl phthalate
BFR
Brominated flame retardants
BPA
Bisphenol A
BTBPE 1, 2-Bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane
CNS
Central nervous system
DBP
Dibutyl phthalate
DEHP
Diethylhexyl phthalate
DEP
Diethyl phthalate
46
Z. Tahir et al.
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Abstract Plastics are major assets for mankind due to their widespread applications
in all spheres of life. The major drawbacks are their after-use handling, as it may take
hundreds and thousands of years for its biodegradation. While major advancement
has been made in the development of nontoxic and eco-friendly plastics, the
accumulation of plastics in the environment has been a major concern in landfills,
natural ecosystem, and oceans. The deleterious effects of plasticizers, additives, and
dioxins from plastic pollutions on human health include endocrine disruption,
reproductive disorders, and breast cancer. A well-managed plastic production,
consumption, and disposal system must be put in place, to address this global
problem. The development and application of biocompatible plastics and incentives
on plastic reuse and recycle, within circular economy framework, must be
implemented and enforced. This chapter will provide information about plastic; its
types, nature and chemistry, consumption, and pollution impact; and the solutions
and remedies. Different techniques to process various types of plastic wastes are
discussed. Primary recycling of plastic wastes is a low-impact process. Mechanical
recycling is widely used due to its effectiveness, where the waste is firstly converted
into appropriate shapes and sizes through different processes. Chemical recycling
involves the breakdown of polymers by heating in the absence of oxygen. Plastics
are also degraded by means of ultraviolet light because these are not naturally
degraded even by biotic means. The 3R scheme, which represents reduction, reusability, and recycling of plastic wastes, and the alternative measures through incentives to promote eco-friendly plastic products and a safer environment will be
elaborated.
Keywords Plastics · Pollutions · Contaminants · Environmental impacts · Water
pollution · Plastic degradation · Biodegradability · Additives · Remediation · Ecofriendly products
Abbreviations
ATR
Attenuated total reflectance
BBP
Butyl benzyl phthalate
BFR
Brominated flame retardants
BPA
Bisphenol A
BTBPE 1, 2-Bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane
CNS
Central nervous system
DBP
Dibutyl phthalate
DEHP
Diethylhexyl phthalate
DEP
Diethyl phthalate
46
Z. Tahir et al.