The accumulation of plastics in the environment is of critical concern. Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most commonly utilised polymers in different applications among all the other types because of its low production costs, simplistic nature that enables it to be modified, and historically predominant research material. The common methods for plastic disposal are troubled by limitations, and there is a growing need for more appropriate and environmentally friendly methods for its disposal. This study highlights several ways that can be used to assist PE biodegradation and mitigate its waste disposal impact. Biodegradation (microbiological activity-driven) and photodegradation (radiation-driven) are the most promising solutions for PE waste control. This paper relates the most significant results regarding PE degradation studies, followed by weight loss (WL) analysis, surface morphology changes, oxidation degree (for photodegradation), and mechanical properties assessment, which are promising methods to minimise the polyethylene impact.
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,[…]