Plastic Biodegradation

Abstract

Plastics that are degraded by microbial or enzymatic activity are known as biodegradable plastics. Biodegradable plastics are an alternative to conventional plastics that are chemically synthesized and are responsible for causing environmental pollution due to unwanted accumulation occurring via disposal practices. There was a serious need to introduce biodegradable plastics in the market since the level of plastic pollution in the air, water, and soil has reached its threshold values. The non-biodegradable plastics are increasingly accumulating in the environment, which can be a threat to the planet in the coming future. This chapter provides detailed insight into biodegradables polymers, mostly aliphatic polyesters that are considered as a solution against synthetic plastic. It also gives brief information on the current scenario of plastic biodegradation, recent advancements, opportunities, and future challenges. Also, it comprises precise strategies currently used at a laboratory scale to enhance biodegradation of classical synthetic plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polystyrene, etc.). Moreover, the factors affecting the biodegradation process and the characterization techniques being employed to assess degradation extent are also discussed. The overall work focuses on thrust areas to be improved concerning environmental safety and sustainable vision.