Recent global insight into mitigation of plastic pollutants, sustainable biodegradable alternatives, and recycling strategies

Abstract

Plastics are organic polymers mainly derived from petrochemicals which can be flexibly molded into different shapes. Due to the many benefits of petroleum plastics, including their low cost, high durability, resistance to oxidation, flexibility, water resistance, and inertness, their demand continuously increases. Accumulation of plastic waste in nature is a serious concern. Small plastic particles which are highly resistant to biodegradation gather within organisms, leading to unknown health impacts. Here we present global efforts in diminishing plastic pollutants by identifying recent interdisciplinary contributions to plastic biodegradation and chemical degradation, suitable recycling strategies, and sustainable alternatives derived from biobased material.