Nanotechnological Advances in Plastic Remediation

Plastic pollution is a serious environmental crisis that affects ecosystems, biological diversity, and human health. As the world produces more than 400 million tons of plastic annually, most of this trash is not adequately handled, and it keeps piling up in the environment. The problem is provoked by the durability and resistance of plastics to natural degradation, resulting in the build-up of plastics on land, in waterways, and in the ocean. The traditional approaches, including landfilling, incineration, and mechanical recycling, have challenges. Landfills lead to contamination of the environment, whereas incineration releases greenhouse gases and other toxic byproducts. Recycling, despite being necessary, is impeded by polymer multiplicity, contamination, and insufficient infrastructure. Such restrictions reveal the necessity of an effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly solution. Bionanomaterials (BNMs) have become an innovative way of addressing these challenges. These materials, synthesized using biological materials or produced in keeping with green chemistry principles, combine the potential benefits of nanotechnology, such as high reactivity and surface area, with the sustainability and biocompatibility of biological materials. This chapter discusses various applications of BNMs in reducing plastic pollution. It deals with their synthesis by utilizing sustainable processes, including the use of plants, microorganisms, and biopolymers, along with their mechanisms of action. It also seeks to motivate creative research and partnership in addressing plastic pollution by developing the knowledge and use of BNMs. By introducing BNMs into policy and practice, we pave the way for sustainable, scalable solutions to one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet today.