Plastics possess some special characteristics but most of the potential environmental problems and their solutions are common to other materials and industries. This review considers their environmental impact in terms of industrial systems (e.g. eco-profile and life-cycle systems), and looks at energy consumption and recovery, as well as recycling. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database provides useful references for further reading.

Plastic has become a ubiquitous part of modern life. A cheap, lightweight material, it is used in everything from food packaging to consumer electronics and microbeads in cosmetic products. However, we are becoming increasingly aware of the problems our reliance on plastic is causing in the environment. For example, recent campaigns have highlighted the build-up of microbeads in the marine environment and the damage this is doing to wildlife, and the problem of marine litter, often in very remote locations. There are also concerns over exposure to plasticisers and their possible consequences for health. The plastics industry is under increasing pressure, not only from the government and environmental groups, but also from consumers, to improve the environmental impact of their products. This book presents an introduction to the uses of plastics and an overview of how they interact with the environment. It is a valuable resource for students studying environmental science as well as researchers working in the plastics industry, and policy makers and regulators concerned with waste disposal and environmental planning and conservation.

This book reviews the role of plastics in society and examines the environmental impact of different types of plastics.

Plastic pollution has been a growing concern globally, especially under the COVID-19 pandemic due to the use of personal protective equipment. While many engineers and environmental scientists have been addressing global plastic pollution, special attention must also be paid to smaller plastics such as micro- and nano-plastics. These smaller plastics pollute and affect the health of the public, environment, and marine life. Risk assessment of plastics is required to evaluate currently available treatment technologies and identify the significance of plastic pollution. Assessing the Effects of Emerging Plastics on the Environment and Public Health assesses the harmful effects of plastics on the environment and public health. It evaluates the potential risks of micro- and nano-plastics and reviews applications of modeling tools and prevention approaches using technologies to minimize plastic pollution through the development of biodegradable plastics or recycling and reusing plastics in environmentally friendly ways. Covering topics such as agroecosystems, preventive measures, and bioplastics, this book is an indispensable resource for environmentalists, environmental engineers, government officials, libraries, business leaders, students and educators of higher education, academicians, and researchers.

Survey’s the issues typically raised in discussions of sustainability and plastics Discusses current issues not covered in detail previously such as ocean litter, migration of additives into food products and the recovery of plastics Covers post-consumer fate of plastics on land and in the oceans, highlighting the environmental impacts of disposal methods Details toxicity of plastics, particularly as it applies to human health Presents a clear analysis of the key plastic-related issues including numerous citations of the research base that supports and contradicts the popularly held notions

This book is intended to be an introductory reference to green technology and design for the environment (GTDFE) for working professionals as well as a basic text for graduate course work in engineering, covering all facets of GTDFE.

This report presents the results of a study on agricultural plastic products used globally in a range of different value chains. The study assessed the types and quantities of plastic products, their benefits and trade-offs. Sustainable alternative products or practices were identified for products assessed as having high potential to cause harm to human and ecosystem health or having poor end-of-life management. The report is based on data derived from peer-reviewed scientific papers, governmental and non-governmental organization’s research reports, as well as from industry experts, including relevant trade bodies. The report’s recommendations were verified during extensive consultation and review with FAO and external experts. The authors hope that the study will provide an impetus for discussion about the use of agricultural plastics, their benefits and trade-offs, and ultimately stimulate action to reduce their potential for harm to human health and the environment.

Microplastics in the Ecosphere Discover the environmental impact of microplastics with this comprehensive resource Microplastics are the minute quantities of plastic that result from industrial processes, household release and the breakdown of larger plastic items. Widespread reliance on plastic goods and, particularly, single-use plastics, which has been increased by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made microplastics ubiquitous; they can be found throughout the ecosphere, including in the bloodstreams of humans and other animals. As these plastics emerge as a potential threat to the environment and to public health, it has never been more critical to understand their distribution and environmental impact. Microplastics in the Ecosphere aims to cultivate that understanding with a comprehensive overview of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems. It analyzes microplastic distribution in aerosphere, hydrosphere, and soil, tracing these plastics from their production on land to their distribution—overwhelmingly—in maritime ecosystems. The result is a book that will inform researchers and policymakers as we look to tackle this emerging challenge globally. Microplastics in the Ecosphere readers will also find: Introductory information about the production and distribution of single-use plastics An emphasis on management and mitigation strategies designed to reduce contamination over time A multidisciplinary approach, combining concepts and analytical techniques from a range of scientific fields Microplastics in the Ecosphere is a valuable guide for researchers and scientists, advanced undergraduate and graduate students, industry professionals, and policymakers looking to understand the impact of these widespread materials.

The open access publication of this book has been published with the support of the Swiss National Science Foundation. The massive accumulation of plastics in marine environments is one of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time. This book examines the relevant international legal framework applying to land-based sources of plastic pollution. Against the backdrop of the dynamics of recent policy formulation in this field, it outlines the main developments and provides a snapshot inventory of state obligations related to plastic pollution mitigation. The Mitigation of Marine Plastic Pollution in International Law identifies the main barriers and opportunities, and points out the possible building blocks of an enhanced regime.