8.1 Introduction 8.2 Methodology 8.3 Results 8.4 Conclusions and Future Perspectives References
14 9 Bio‐Based and Biodegradable Plastics as Alternatives to Conventional Plastics 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Definition and Classification of Plastics 9.3 Current Status of Conventional Plastics and Effect on Environment 9.4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Conventional Plastics 9.5 Current Status of Biodegradable Plastics and Effect on Environment 9.6 How Plastic Degrades 9.7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Bio‐Based Plastics 9.8 National and International Agreements and Conventions to Control Use of Plastics 9.9 The Future of Plastics 9.10 Conclusions References
15 10 Biodegradable Plastics 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Biopolymers of Microbial Systems 10.3 Biopolymers of Plants and Higher Organisms 10.4 Factors Affecting the Rate of Degradation of Bio‐plastics and Biodegradable Plastics 10.5 Future Aspects and Challenges for Development of Bio‐based and Biodegradable Plastics 10.6 Conclusions Acknowledgement References
16 11 Current Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities for Plastic Recycling 11.1 Introduction: The Pollution Problem Involving Plastic 11.2 Sources, Types, and Transportation of Plastics in the Environment 11.3 An Introduction to Waste Management 11.4 Plastic Recycling Systems 11.5 Latest Industry Trends and a Future Perspective 11.6 Conclusions References
17 12 Microbial Degradation of Micro‐Plastics 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Plastic Categorization Based on Biodegradability 12.3 Microplastics Cycling into the Environment 12.4 Microorganisms and Interactions with Microplastics 12.5 Factors Affecting Biodegradation of Microplastics 12.6 Mechanisms of Microplastic Biodegradation 12.7 Conclusion and Future Perspectives References
18 13 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Plastics 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Plastics 13.3 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) 13.4 Plastics Sustainability by LCA 13.5 Discussion and Conclusion References
19 14 Role of Education and Society in Dealing Plastic Pollution in the Future 14.1 Introduction 14.2 Consumption 14.3 Global Dimension of Plastic Pollution 14.4 Plastic Pollution in Natural Environments 14.5 Role of Education for Plastic Waste Management 14.6 Significance of Plastic Waste Education 14.7 Role of NGOs and General Public 14.8 Conclusion References
20 Index
List of Tables
1 Chapter 1Table 1.1 Summary of selected studies on MP contamination in natural freshw...
2 Chapter 2Table 2.1 Concentrations and sizes of microplastics reported in samples fro...
3 Chapter 3Table 3.1 The occurrence of MPs in marine organisms reported in some studie...
4 Chapter 6Table 6.1 Categories of plastics based on their size.Table 6.2 Regional loss of microplastics (%) to the environment as of 2018....
5 Chapter 7Table 7.1 Microplastic detection in seawater