The Impact of Plastic Waste on Ecosystems and Human Health and Strategies for Managing It for A Sustainable Environment

Abstract: Over time, the impact of the sharp increase in plastic consumption was not closely monitored by the global community. This has caused an unprecedented volume of mismanaged mixed plastic garbage to enter the ecosystem. One material that is well-recognized and utilized in many different forms in daily life is plastic. Plastic trash has increased dramatically as a result of the widespread use of a variety of plastic products. Toxic plastic use can be caused by a variety of human health issues, including breathing difficulties, liver dysfunction, eye irritation, respiratory problems, vision loss, birth effects, cancers, cardiovascular, headaches, skin diseases, lung problems, genotoxic, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues. Major environmental pollutants such as water, soil, and air pollution are brought on by the use of plastics. Plastic has been used throughout human history due to its many uses, including great durability, flexibility, inexpensive production costs, and lightweight nature. After the Second World War, plastic became commercially available everywhere in less than a century. Half of the plastic waste produced worldwide comes from packaging plastics. Micro to Nano plastics can break down into smaller particles that are easier for water, soil, and air to disperse. Therefore, a variety of adverse effects, including reduced ingestion, reproduction, ulceration, entanglement, and oxidative stress, affect both terrestrial and aquatic animals. Human health is also harmed by microplastics and nanoplastics because of cancer, birth deformities, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular illnesses, etc. Polymerization or polycondensation is a biochemical process used to make plastics. If plastic waste generated during post-use is not properly handled and managed, it can have numerous negative effects on the environment. The daily usage of plastic and plastic-derived products has become a global concern due to the pollution they cause to the environment and the health of people and wildlife. It is intrinsically challenging to ascertain the destiny of (micro)(nano)plastics in the environment since there are several sources and pathways for their introduction. The public should be made aware of the dangers of plastic and plastic-related items, which can contribute to several human and animal health issues. Therefore, it is imperative to find biodegradable solutions and efficient regulations and to put them into action. The lifecycle of plastic products according to their various categories will be covered in this paper, along with the issues brought on by improper processing of plastic waste and potential remedies that could be offered to maintain a healthy atmosphere and lessen the factors contributing to climate change, which poses a threat to life as we know it. The lifecycle of plastic products according to their various categories will be covered in this paper, along with the issues brought on by improper processing of plastic waste and potential remedies that could be offered to maintain a healthy atmosphere and lessen the factors contributing to climate change, which poses a threat to life as we know it.