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Microplastics and biobased polymers to combat plastics waste
Summary
This review covers the health risks of microplastics and examines how biobased polymers like polylactic acid and other plant-derived plastics could help reduce plastic pollution. While these alternatives show promise for replacing conventional plastics, the review notes that some bioplastics still produce microplastics as they break down. The takeaway is that switching to biobased materials is part of the solution, but it will not eliminate microplastic pollution entirely.
Microplastics (MPs) have become the major global concern due to their adverse effects on the environment, human health, and hygiene. These complex molecules have numerous toxic impacts on human well-being. This review focuses on the methods for chemically quantifying and identifying MPs in real-time samples, as well as the detrimental effects resulting from exposure to them. Biopolymers offer promising solutions for reducing the environmental impact caused by persistent plastic pollution. The review also examines the significant progress achieved in the preparation and modification of various biobased polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), lignin-based polymers, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), and poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHA), which hold promise for addressing the challenges associated with unplanned plastic waste disposal.
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