Vol. 3, Issue 2, Part A (2019)

Abstract: Plastics are synthetic organic polymer materials that are widely utilized in homes, hospitals, and a variety of other settings, including the manufacture of water bottles, medical equipment, clothes, food packaging, electronic products, and construction materials. The majority of plastics in use are manufactured from organic polymers derived from petroleum-based sources. High density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low density polyethylene, are the major examples of plastics found in the marketplace. Numerous chemicals and toxic materials, including poly-fluorinated compounds, brominated flame retardants, and bisphenol A (BPA), which pose major risks to human and animal health and the environment, are present in plastics. Landfilling and the implementation of government usage restrictions on plastics are two ways to manage the disposal of plastics. The incineration and recycling of waste are further control methods. The impact of plastic trash on animals, people, and the ecosystem has drawn public attention, which necessitates the need to protect the environment. Despite the fact that plastic items are widely used every day, the hazardous chemicals used in their production must be limited in order to protect the environment, human and animal health. Microorganisms destroy complex polymers by a variety of processes, such as the direct use of plastic fragments as food or the indirect action of numerous microbial enzymes.