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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Food & Water Human Health Effects Remediation Sign in to save

A Review on Natural Biodegradation of Plastics

International Journal of Polymer and Textile Engineering 2022
Siddhartha Saha, Md. Ibrahim H. Mondal, Md. Ibrahim H. Mondal

Summary

This review examines the natural biodegradation of plastics in soil and water environments by microorganisms and photochemical processes, discussing why conventional disposal methods are insufficient for addressing the growing global plastic waste problem. The paper distinguishes between plastics that are highly sensitive to microbial degradation and those that remain stable in natural environments, reviewing the mechanisms and limitations of biological breakdown.

Pollution due to plastic wastes has led to a severe increasing the demand for plastic materials globally. Micro-plastics (less than 5 mm) can enter the food chain and cause several health impacts. There are some conventional methods for the reduction of plastic pollution; heat treatment, chemical treatment, incineration, recycling, landfill, etc., which are not sufficient. Besides, biodegradation of plastic materials by micro-organisms and light (photochemical biodegradation) is very slow. Some plastics are very sensitive to Nature and decomposed by micro-organisms very quickly, but some are very stable. This present review discusses the biodegradation of plastic materials in Nature (soil, water).

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