This study explores the opportunity of optimising plastic waste implementation in producing eco-friendly cement bricks with high thermal resistance and proper compressive strength. The research revealed that the use of plastic waste in cement bricks in a limited amount can be a promising sustainable method for disposing of plastic waste. Laboratory experiments were carried out to measure the compressive strength, indirect tensile strength, bulk density, and thermal conductivity of the new composites. The measured results revealed better performance for the samples with HDPE than PET. The best mechanical behaviour and the highest thermal resistance were obtained by the partial replacement of coarse aggregates with 7.5% and 20% HDPE, respectively. The results represent a good contribution to energy conservation, waste management, and sustainability. This study offers a promising application of plastic waste in the construction industry that has several environmental benefits. However, further studies should also be undertaken to investigate the influence of implementing plastic waste on other types of bricks, such as hollow blocks.
This paper characterizes the fungal and bacterial colonizers of 5 types of plastic films (High-Density Polyethylene, Low-Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, and Polyethylene Terephthalate) throughout a 242-day incubation in the south-eastern Mediterranean and relates them to the chemical changes observed on the surface of the samples via ATR-FTIR. Neither bacterial nor fungal community structures were related[…]
This paper provides insights into the sustainable alternatives that can replace conventional plastic mulches, such as biodegradable mulches made from natural fibers and biopolymers. The microscopic and FTIR analyses conducted during the study showed the degradation of the fibers from the mulches during the exposure time to a certain extent. The nonwoven mulches provide higher[…]
This paper investigates the degradation of biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactic acid (PBAT/PLA) and traditional polyethylene (PE) plastic under two typical abiotic conditions: ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and mechanical abrasion (MA) for up to nine months. The quantitative analysis of the degradation products was carried out using membrane filtration and total organic carbon determination (MF-TOCD). The results[…]
This paper identifies technological innovation, policy formulation, advocacy and sensitization, and bioremediation as some of the approaches that are currently used for the mitigation of plastic pollution in Nigeria. This chapter also highlights the need to encourage, enhance, and disseminate scientific research on mitigating the harmful effects of plastic pollution in Nigeria. It concluded with[…]
This review provides insights into the sources of microplastics, the ecotoxicity of microplastics, and the impact microplastics have on aquatic and marine life, management, and bioremediation of microplastics. Policies and strategies adopted by the government to combat microplastic pollution are also discussed in this review. Microplastics tend to accumulate in many aquatic systems, contaminate them,[…]