The degradation of plastics is most important for the removal and recycling of plastic wastes. The book presents a comprehensive overview of the field. Topics covered include plastic degradation methods, mechanistic actions, biodegradation, involvement of enzymes, photocatalytic degradation and the use of cyanobacteria. Also covered are the market of degradable plastics and the environmental implications. Keywords: Degradable Plastics, Bioplastics, Biodegradable Plastics, Enzymes, Cyanobacteria, Photocatalytic Degradation, Wastewater Treatment, Degradable Plastic Market, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polyurethane, and Polyethylene Terephthalate.

Enzymatic Plastic Degradation, Volume 648 in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with chapters authored by leaders in the field. Chapters in this latest release include Evaluating plastic pollution and environmental degradation, Assessment methods for microplastic pollution in the oceans and fresh water, Exploring microbial consortia from various environments for plastic degradation, Characterization of filamentous fungi for attack on synthetic polymers via biological Fenton chemistry, Synthesis of radioactive-labeled nanoplastics for assaying the environmental (microbial) PS degradation, Exploring metagenome for plastic degrading enzymes, Cutinases from thermophilic bacteria (actinomycetes): from identification to functional and structural characterization, and much more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series - Covers the latest research and technologies in enzymatic plastic degradation

Biotechnology for Zero Waste The use of biotechnology to minimize waste and maximize resource valorization In Biotechnology for Zero Waste: Emerging Waste Management Techniques, accomplished environmental researchers Drs. Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain and Ravi Kumar Kadeppagari deliver a robust exploration of the role of biotechnology in reducing waste and creating a zero-waste environment. The editors provide resources covering perspectives in waste management like anaerobic co-digestion, integrated biosystems, immobilized enzymes, zero waste biorefineries, microbial fuel cell technology, membrane bioreactors, nano biomaterials, and more. Ideal for sustainability professionals, this book comprehensively sums up the state-of-the-art biotechnologies powering the latest advances in zero-waste strategies. The renowned contributors address topics like bioconversion and biotransformation and detail the concept of the circular economy. Biotechnology for Zero Waste effectively guides readers on the path to creating sustainable products from waste. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to modern perspectives on zero waste drives, including anaerobic co-digestion as a smart approach for enhancing biogas production Comprehensive explorations of bioremediation for zero waste, biological degradation systems, and bioleaching and biosorption of waste Practical discussions of bioreactors for zero waste and waste2energy with biotechnology An in-depth examination of emerging technologies, including nanobiotechnology for zero waste and the economics and commercialization of zero waste biotechnologies Perfect for process engineers, natural products, environmental, soil, and inorganic chemists, Biotechnology for Zero Waste: Emerging Waste Management Techniques will also earn a place in the libraries of food technologists, biotechnologists, agricultural scientists, and microbiologists.

This book describes how man-made litter, primarily plastic, has spread into the remotest parts of the oceans and covers all aspects of this pollution problem from the impacts on wildlife and human health to socio-economic and political issues. Marine litter is a prime threat to marine wildlife, habitats and food webs worldwide. The book illustrates how advanced technologies from deep-sea research, microbiology and mathematic modelling as well as classic beach litter counts by volunteers contributed to the broad awareness of marine litter as a problem of global significance. The authors summarise more than five decades of marine litter research, which receives growing attention after the recent discovery of great oceanic garbage patches and the ubiquity of microscopic plastic particles in marine organisms and habitats. In 16 chapters, authors from all over the world have created a universal view on the diverse field of marine litter pollution, the biological impacts, dedicated research activities, and the various national and international legislative efforts to combat this environmental problem. They recommend future research directions necessary for a comprehensive understanding of this environmental issue and the development of efficient management strategies. This book addresses scientists, and it provides a solid knowledge base for policy makers, NGOs, and the broader public.

Describes harmful elements and their bioremediation techniques for tannery waste, oil spills, wastewater, greenhouse gases, plastic and other wastes. Microenvironmental conditions in soil provide a natural niche for ultra-structures, microbes and microenvironments. The natural biodiversity of these microenvironments is being disturbed by industrialization and the proliferation of urban centers, and synthetic contaminants found in these micro-places are causing stress and instability in the biochemical systems of microbes. The development of new metabolic pathways from intrinsic metabolic cycles facilitate microbial degradation of diverse resistant synthetic compounds present in soil. These are a vital, competent and cost-effective substitute to conventional treatments. Highly developed techniques for bioremediation of these synthetic compounds are increasing and these techniques facilitate the development of a safe environment using renewable biomaterial for removal of toxic heavy metals and xenobiotics. Soil Microenvironment for Bioremediation and Polymer Production consists of 21 chapters by subject matter experts and is divided into four parts: Soil Microenvironment and Biotransformation Mechanisms; Synergistic Effects between Substrates and Microbes; Polyhydroxyalakanoates: Resources, Demands and Sustainability; and Cellulose-Based Biomaterials. This timely and important book highlights Chapters on classical bioremediation approaches and advances in the use of nanoparticles for removal of radioactive waste Discusses the production of applied emerging biopolymers using diverse microorganisms Provides the most innovative practices in the field of bioremediation Explores new techniques that will help to improve biopolymer production from bacteria Provides novel concepts for the most affordable and economic societal benefits.

This volume consists of 15 chapters and focuses on hazardous chemicals, how they are associated with plastics, and their environmental risks. It includes background information on plastics and additives chemistry, and their observed or potential effects on living organisms as well as the oceanographic aspects of marine debris dispersion. The respective chapters provide insights into the sorption/desorption of chemicals in and out of plastics, the mechanisms and kinetics, but also the scale of the concentrations of chemicals found in marine debris, particularly in microplastics. The occurrence of the various chemicals is analyzed, as well as the distribution profiles of the chemicals in microplastics throughout the world’s oceans. The implications of the fact that plastics carry within them several chemicals are discussed in detail. In closing, new research topics that warrant further attention are identified. The book will appeal to all scientists who are already working or interested in starting to work on the topic of marine debris, as well as policymakers, NGOs and the broader informed public.

This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. This volume focuses on microscopic plastic debris, also referred to as microplastics, which have been detected in aquatic environments around the globe and have accordingly raised serious concerns. The book explores whether microplastics represent emerging contaminants in freshwater systems, an area that remains underrepresented to date. Given the complexity of the issue, the book covers the current state-of-research on microplastics in rivers and lakes, including analytical aspects, environmental concentrations and sources, modelling approaches, interactions with biota, and ecological implications. To provide a broader perspective, the book also discusses lessons learned from nanomaterials and the implications of plastic debris for regulation, politics, economy, and society. In a research field that is rapidly evolving, it offers a solid overview for environmental chemists, engineers, and toxicologists, as well as water managers and policy-makers.

Plastic objects are included more than ever in museums and galleries collections these days, but these items can start to deteriorate when they a just a few years old. In this book Yvonne Shashoua provides the essential knowledge needed to keep plastic pieces in the best possible condition so that they can continue to be enjoyed for many years. The historical development of plastics, as well as the technology, their physical and chemical properties, identification, degradation and conservation are all clearly and concisely covered within this single volume, making it an invaluable reference for the increasing number of conservators and curators that are encountering plastics in their day to day work.