Plastic Degradation Using Different Techniques-A Review


Authors : Kadimisetty Naga Nirmal; Sunayana Ch; Gopinath

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 1 - January


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5xvxwwps

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/52z26vte

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14651179


Abstract : Due to its versatility and cost effectiveness, the widespread use of plastic has led to significant environmental problems such as pollution and waste accumulation. This review examines various methods of plastic degradation, focusing on their mechanisms, efficiency and environmental impact. It deals with microbes, chemicals, and mechanical degradation processes and emphasizes the role of enzymes, photochemical reactions, and physicochemical changes in the degradation of polymers into ecologically benign components. Particular attention is paid to emerging approaches such as photocatalysis and the use of extremophilic bacteria, the persistent and widespread nature of plastic pollution severe conditions. Despite progress, the persistent and widespread nature of plastic pollution requires continues research and the development of innovation, scalable solution to reduce the impact on ecosystems. This review highlights the importance of reducing plastic use and developing degradation technologies to address global environmental health threats.

References :

  1. Baljit Singh, Nisha Sharma, March 2008. Polymer Degradation and Stability Volume 93, Issue 3, pages561-584. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2007.11.008.
  2. Sameh Samir Ali, Tamer Elsamahy, Eleni Koutra, Michael Kornaros, Mostafa El-Sheekh, Esraa A. Abdelkarim, Daochen Zhu, Jianzhong Sun, June 2021. “Degradation of conventional plastic wastes in the environment: A review on current status of knowledge and future perspectives of disposal”, Science of The Total Environment Volume 771. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144719.
  3. Qian Ying Lee and Hong Li, July 2021. “ Photocatalytic Degradation of Plastic Waste: A Mini Review ”. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi12080907.
  4. Tim O’Brine, Richard C. Thompson, December 2010. “ Degradation of plastic carrier bags in the marine environment ”. Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 60, Issue 12, Pages 2279-2283. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.marpolbul.2010.08.005.
  5. Henry L. Friedman, 1964. “ Kinetics of thermal degradation of char-forming plastics from thermogravimetry. Application to a phenolic plastic ”, Journal of Polymer Science Part C: Polymer Symposia. https://doi.org/10.1002/polc.5070060121.
  6. Rucha V. Moharir, Sunil Kumar, January 2019. “Challenges associated with plastic waste disposal and allied microbial routes for its effective degradation: A comprehensive review ”, Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 208, pages 65-76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.10.059.
  7. Berit Gewert, Merle M. Plassmanna and Matthew MacLeod, 2015. “ Pathways for degradation of plastic polymers floating in the marine environment ”. DOI https://doi.org/10.1039/C5EM00207A.
  8. Nikolina Atanasova, Stoyanka Stoitsova, Tsvetelina Paunova-Krasteva and Margarita Kambourova, 2021. “ Plastic Degradation by Extremophilic Bacteria ”. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22115610.
  9. Prem Chandra , Enespa , Devendra P. Singh, 2020. “ Microplastic degradation by bacteria in aquatic ecosystem ”, Microorganisms for Sustainable Environment and Health, Pages 431-467. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819001-2.00022-X.
  10. Aneta K. Urbanek, Waldemar Rymowicz & Aleksandra M. Mirończuk, 2018. “ Degradation of plastics and plastic-degrading bacteria in cold marine habitats ”.

Due to its versatility and cost effectiveness, the widespread use of plastic has led to significant environmental problems such as pollution and waste accumulation. This review examines various methods of plastic degradation, focusing on their mechanisms, efficiency and environmental impact. It deals with microbes, chemicals, and mechanical degradation processes and emphasizes the role of enzymes, photochemical reactions, and physicochemical changes in the degradation of polymers into ecologically benign components. Particular attention is paid to emerging approaches such as photocatalysis and the use of extremophilic bacteria, the persistent and widespread nature of plastic pollution severe conditions. Despite progress, the persistent and widespread nature of plastic pollution requires continues research and the development of innovation, scalable solution to reduce the impact on ecosystems. This review highlights the importance of reducing plastic use and developing degradation technologies to address global environmental health threats.

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe