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Feature Article_______________________________________________________________________

DOI: 10.13140/2.1.3419.1360

Plastics and strategies for recycling, waste management and pollution control.
Sivakumaran Sivaramanan*

Environmental Officer, EIA, EM& A, Central Environmental Authority Bataramulla, Sri Lanka.

6/1, Dr. E. Cooray mawatha, Wellawatha, Colombo-06. E-mail: sivaramanansr@hotmail.com

Abstract

Plastic is a non- biodegradable organic polymer, which is very commonly used in materials, large
amounts of discarded plastics accumulating in oceans as Garbage islands and in land as landfills or
blocking streams and waterways. Leaching of waste plastics from landfilling and fumes released during
incineration resulting major health impacts to living things as well as polluting the air, water, and soil,
burning PVC releases cancer causing dioxins and PCB. Addition to recycling waste plastics also used in
production of energy or in co-processing. Oxo-degradable plastics end up in fragments which cannot be
compostable and also resulting in particles that can cause bioaccumulation. This study analyses plastics,
and their path way in the environment, it also figure out the hazardous effects of plastics to living things
and to the environment, and ends with practically feasible solutions.

1. Introduction

Plastics have involved in every instance of our life. They are organic polymers. However, they are not
biodegradable, they exist in the environment and releases toxic fumes during combustion or pollute water
and soil this confirms the need of recycling. Consumption of plastic materials increasing rapidly, in 1990
worldwide production was 86 million tons it reaches 190 million tons in 2004 and 259million tons in
2010. Almost same amount of plastics has to be discarded or recycled every year.

2. History of plastics

Plastic was made for the first time by Alexander Parkes, who demonstrated it in international exhibition at
1862 in London. It was named as Parkesine, it is derived from cellulose, and thus the first plastic was
plant origin. Celluloids (Cellulose Nitrate) were initially used for the Ballard balls and photographic
films, by 1897 formaldehyde resins were used, in 1899, Arthur Smith patented for his use of phenol-
formaldehyde resins as the substitute for ebonite and in 1907, Leo Hendrik Baekeland made an upgraded
phenol-formaldehyde and named as Bakelite. However, Polystyrene (PS) was discovered even before
Parkesine in 1839 by Eduard Simon. In 1941 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was invented by
Whinfield and Dickson, low density polyethylene (LDP) was in 1942, in 1951 High-density polyethylene
(HDPE) and Poly propylene (PP) were made by Paul Hogan and Robert Banks, in 1954 Styrofoam was
invented by Ray McIntire, in 1970 thermoplastic polyesters were made, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was
made by a German chemist Eugen Baumann in 1872, in 1978 Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDP)
and in 1985 liquid crystal polymers were made for the first time (Mary, n.d.).
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3. Types of Thermo Plastics an overview ( safest choice, use with caution, avoid )

3.1 PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)

Commonly found in water bottles, soft drink bottles, oil and peanut butter containers and Cosmetics,
projector film, weather balloons. PET is for onetime use only, because it has toxic chemical antimony,
exposure to solar heat and washing may cause the chemical to leach out.

3.2 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

It is a thermo plastic made from petroleum, used in the production of chairs, tables, jugs, cans, mugs,
buckets, toys and bottles of laundry detergents. HDPE is durable strong plastic.

Safe to use still there is no health caution reported, However, manufacturing HDPE emits carbon dioxide,
non-methane hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates matter and sulfur oxides,
water pollution (like acids, ammonia, chromium, dissolved and suspended solids, and iron), and solid
waste (such as coal ash and other particulates from burning fuel). (Baby green thumb, 2013).

3.4 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a thermo plastic polymer

Is a thermoplastic, due to its fire resistance it is mostly used in buildings, shower curtains, cling wraps,
interior of vehicles, pipes, flooring, furniture cables and waterproof fabrics. Addition of plasticizers
makes it softer. It is the most environmentally harmful plastic releases chlorides which contain dioxins or
toxic hydrogen chloride gas when heated during its production and usage may cause cancer, immune
system damage and disruption of hormone cycle it is the least recyclable of all plastics but PVC has
highest service life or durability, thus, made it possible to be used at the exterior of buildings under the
solar radiation (Greenpeace, 2003).

3.4 Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Often used as plastic grocery bags often found in markets, juice and milk cartons. And it’s very low
density forms used in flexible tubing such as toothpaste tube, squeeze bottles, it is found as either
translucent or opaque, however, it is breakable (Stephen lower,2009).

3.5 Poly propylene (PP)

It is a thermoplastic polymer; it is also used with ethylene. Due to its high resistance to heat it is used in
boiling tubes further, it is used in yogurt and margarine tubs, baby bottles, microwave containers and their
lids kitchen ware and plastic cups, rope, binder covers, plastic bottles, staple yarns, non-woven fabrics,
electric kettles, fans. It is translucent but not transparent and resists fatigue (Baby green thumb, 2013).
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3.6 Polystyrene (PS)

It is a petroleum based plastic used as hard or in the form of Styrofoam, it is transparent but either brittle
or yellows under UV rays.

disposable cutlery, CD and DVD cases, egg cartons, foam cups, packaging from restaurant, take-out
trays, foam packaging peanuts, foam-walled drink cups. (Stephen lower,2009). Neurotoxic causes fatigue,
nervousness, difficulty sleeping, hematological (low platelet and hemoglobin
values), cytogenetic (chromosomal and lymphatic abnormalities), and carcinogenic.

3.7 Other

Other plastics are given as follows.

Polycarbonate, is made from Bisphenol (BBA), tough, heat resistant, and lightweight formable and
chemical resistant provides bacteria proof property, BBA is an endocrine disrupter which mimics
estrogen, and a carcinogen, causes early puberty, obesity, behavioral, reproductive and developmental
problems. (Stephen lower,2009).

3.8 Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)

It is a thermoplastic, trade names are Cycolac and Lustran chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and
creep resistance. It is electroplatable, glowish and inexpensive used in electronic housings, auto parts,
consumer products, pipe fittings, waste pipes, computer housings (electroplated on the inside), and
automotive interior and exterior trim. (Efunda, 2014)

3.9 Nylon

Belongs to the class of polymers called polyamides and it is a thermoplastic. Silky material, first used
commercially in nylon bristled toothbrush women's stockings, clothes fabrics, bridal veils, package paper,
carpets, musical strings, pipes, and rope and in parachutes as a substitute for silk Solid nylon is used in
hair combs.

3.10 Polycarbonate

It is tough, dimensionally stable and transparent thermoplastic that has many applications which demand
high performance properties. This versatile thermoplastic maintains its properties over a wide range of
temperatures, from -40"F to 280"F. It is available in three types: machine grade: window and glass-filled
having great dimensional and thermal stability, stain resistant and non-toxic with low water absorption.
Lenses, high temperature and pressure windows, face shields, industrial equipment and housing
components, medical equipment’s, Instruments such as electrical insulators and connectors, aircraft and
missile components, portholes in pressure chambers, Jet pump impellers and diffusers, automotive parts,
card guides, assembly line cog (Stephen lower, 2009).

3.11 Polyesters
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Polyester is a thermo plastic. Polyester is a term often defined as long-chain polymers chemically
composed of ester and a dihydric alcohol and a terephthalic acid. Reaction of alcohol with carboxylic acid
results in the formation of esters. Stretching and shrinking resistant, mildew and abrasion resistant.
Polyester is hydrophobic in and quick drying. It can be used for insulation by manufacturing hollow
fibers. Used as fiber in garments and cushion (Geno Jezek, 2013).

3.12 Acrylic

It is a polymer called polymethylacrylate(PMMA), trade names are Lucit, Plexigals and Perpex. It is a
hardy substance for glasses of aquarium, aircraft windows, helmetvisors, lenses of lights of automobiles,
used in making signs and logos. In medicine it is used in bone cement and to eplace eye lenses.

3.13 Teflon

Teflon is a brand name of polytetrafluroethylene(PTFE), which is belongs to a class of plastic known as

fluropolymers. It is chemically inert and used as coating for non-stick cookware also used in making
containers and pipes that come in contact with reactive chemicals. It is also being used as lubricant to
reduce friction of wear such as gears, bushing and bearing. (Stephen lower,2009).

3.14 Silicone

Silicones are synthetic compounds together with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen. They are heat resistant and
robber like. Often found in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, cooking utensils, insulation and medical
applications as silicone oils, silicone grease, silicone rubber, silicone resin, and silicone caulk.

3.15 Tetron

Is belongs to family of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) they are used as seals, seats, pickings, chevrons,
piston rings, glide rings, back up rings, lantern rings, slide bearings and electrical and thermal insulators.
Tetron is affected by only a few chemicals and solvents, has good dielectric properties, can operate
continuously at 260ºC, and has low-temperature toughness, slippery non-stick surface, and excellent UV-
resistance. After adding of filler it gains improved resistance to cold flow, reduced wear and friction,
increased stiffness and surface hardness, improved thermal conductivity and dimensional stability. Filled
formulations often consists glass, carbon fibres, graphite, bronze or stainless steel and a specialty area of
polymer fillers including Polyamides and Ekonol. Such as hard and soft carbon alloys permit close
tolerance machining, bronze fillers offer the best creep resistance and graphite has good wear properties
against soft metals characteristics attempted in hydraulic, pneumatic and fluid handling applications.
Tetron range includes Tetron S as the chemically inert material Tetron G is glass filled, Tetron C is
carbon filled, Tetron B is bronze filled, Tetron GR is filled with glass graphite and Tetron T and Ticomp
S Series are modified for special applications such as Traditional insulating materials, even at high
temperatures and frequencies. Tetron pin insulators are used in high frequency cable plugs for coaxial
cables. As they absorb no moisture, it has a great service life. Tetron is available as stock shape in rod,
sheet and thin section sheet or rolls, these materials are machined into seals, gaskets, seats, rings,
expansion bellows, insulators and other components where the special characteristics of virgin and
modified Tetron are used to bring advantage to mechanical solutions (Dotmar, 2007).

4 Thermosets
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Thermoset materials cannot be remolded or softened by applying heat such as unsaturated polyester,
melamine, urea formaldehyde, phenol, epoxy and polyurethanes and melamine’s, these plastics are non-
recyclable.

4.1 Polyurethane (PUR and PU)

it is a polymer composed of a chain of units called carbamates most ly thermoset and do not melt when
heated, thermo plastics also found.

Polyurethane polymers are formed by reaction between isocyanite with a polyol. Polyurethanes are used
in the manufacture of flexible, high-resilience foam seating, rigid foam insulation panels, microcellular
foam seals and gaskets elastomeric wheels and tires (such as wheels of roller coaster and escalator,
automotive suspension bushings, electrical potting compounds, adhesives, surface coatings and surface
sealants, synthetic fibers, carpet, hard-plastic parts of electronic instruments, hoses.

5 Plasticizers

These are compounds used in certain types of plastics to furnish them more flexibility by lowering the
transition temperature of glass. They took the space between the chains of polymer and act as a lubricant,
enabling the chains to slip over Polyvinyl chloride is one of the most widely used plasticizer used in
association with vinyl materials such as waterbeds, garden hoses, and rain coat and in cheap shower
curtains, they are known endocrine disrupters.

6 Recycling of Plastics

Recycling plastics saves landfill space, energy, water, resources, and reduces pollution. Furthermore, it is
derived from oil which is a limited natural resource and depleting. This can be segmented in to primary,
secondary, tertiary and quaternary recycling.

6.1 Primary recycling

Includes using either uniform or contaminated plastics it also can be added with virgin resin at different
ratios. Change in the structure of polymer such as reduction in average molecular weight, increase in
average molecular weight (radical combustion), formation of unsaturation or cyclization
(dehydrohalogenation).

6.2 Secondary recycling

This includes Mechanical recycling, chemical modification and co-extrusion and co-injection molding.

6.2.1 Mechanical recycling of thermoplastics

Mechanical recycling of thermo plastics includes following steps of mechanical recycling

1. Collection – it includes roadside collection, from recycle bins and directly from industries.
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2. Manual sorting – collected plastics are sorted according to its type by referring recycling symbols
on them.

3. Chipping – sorted plastics are placed in to machines which break them into tiny particles, plastic
bags are chopped.

4. Washing- here non-plastic contaminants such as labels, adhesives are removed by washing in an
abrasive agitating tank and washing solution includes alkaline, cationic compounds which
actively removes the stains and labels.

5. Pelleting- cleaned and chipped plastics are then melted and put through an extruder which shapes
it into noodle like tubes which are then cut into pallets, pallets are used to make new plastic
products.

6.2.1.1 Recycling of PET

After washing PET bottles and containers are used for recycling. After grinding them into particles they
are melted and reformed in to plastic objects. Such as containers, carpet, clothing, protective packaging,
industrial strapping, automotive parts, construction materials (figure 1). Dirty PET materials or heavily
contaminated materials are burned as fuels, this is known as thermal recycling. Polyesters can be made
from recycled PET. It is the most recycled plastic all over the world. Furthermore, Pet releases 10,900 Btu
/pounds of energy during incineration thus, it can be used as energy source.

Figure 1Pet Recycling (Zhongda, 2014)

Recycling PET bottles into Polyester

After sorting, the bottles go into a grinder and are ground into small flakes. The flakes are tossed in hot
air to give them a hard candy coating and then dried to remove moisture. crispy flakes are shoved
through hot pipes and are melted into a thick liquid. That liquid gets filtered through a dye plate with 68
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tiny holes. When the liquid polyester flows through the holes, it forms filaments that are five times finer
than human hair. The filaments pool and harden and are then sent over rollers, air entangles the filaments
to create a dental floss-like yarn. The machine spools the yarn and then pulls it over hot metal rollers to
stretch it and realign the polyester thread. The resulting yarn is ready to be woven into polyester cloth.

6.2.1.2 Recycling of HDPE

Milk jugs, bottles, jars and bags made up of HDPE are recycled. HDPE releases 18,700 Btu/ pounds of
energy during incineration.

6.2.1.3 Recycling PVC

It is difficult to recycle PVC products; however, there are some low quality products are made using
recycled PVC such as binders, pipes, park benches, flooring- mats, tiles, resilient flooring, decking and
fencing, film plastic, carpet backing and cables, and also it is advisable to reuse vinyl flooring and
handbags when possible.

6.2.1.4 Recycling LDPE

Many LDPE products are accepted by curbside recycling program. Grocery store drop-off program they
accepts grocery bags, it is also suggested to reuse them if possible.

6.2.1.5 Recycling PP

Curbside recycling program is not traditionally recycling PP. Mail in and drop off programs do accept
yogurt containers and bottle lids.

6.2.1.6 Recycling PS

Some curbside recycling programs accepts PS, Drop-off programs and mail-in programs. Since it is light
weighted it doesn’t cost much, they do accept foam products as well as CD and DVD cases.

6.2.1.7 Recycling other plastics

Other plastics are hardly accepted by recyclers. However, they can be used as alternative energy source in
incineration as they produce 16000-18000 Btu/ pounds of energy. It depends on the type of material it is
made from. Bio-based plastics Polyactic acid (PLA) can be sent to commercial recyclers, in some
instances curbside recyclers do accept plastic 7.

6.2.1.8 Sheeting

Includes formation into sheets by vacuum molding such as fruit trays

6.2.1.9 Injection molding

This includes molding the used plastics, assembly and produced into stationary such as pen and ruler.

6.2.1.10Stretch blow molding

This is used in the production of bottles.

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6.2.1.11Co-extrusion and co-injection molding

This includes providing a coat or skin using virgin resin over old recycled resin.

6.3 Tertiary recycling

This converts discarded plastics into high-value petrochemical or fuel feed stocks. This includes chemical
recycling and thermolysis

6.3.1 Chemical recycling

This is breaking down of polymer by reaction with certain chemical agents, leading back to oligomer or
starting monomers which are identical to monomers of virgin polymers, suitable for clean mono-resin
plastic waste, applicable in condensation of polymers such as polycarbonates, polyacetals, polyamides,
polyesters, ect.

6.3.2 Condensation polymerization

Here Terephthalic acid (TPA) is added with Ethylene glycol (EG) to produce
bis(hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (BHET) which then give rise to PET or TPA is added with CH 3OH this
give rise to dimethyl terephthalate(DMT) which is converted into BHET by adding DMT. BHET is
purified in to PET or unsaturated polyester

6.3.3 Chemolysis alternatives such as glycolysis, hydrolysis, methanolysis , ammonolysis

6.3.3.1 Glycolysis

Simplest and ancient method of PET depolymerization occur at 180-240 oC with excess of low molecular
weight methylene glycol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol requires catalyst zinc or lithium acetate.

6.3.3.2 Methanolysis

Reaction occurs at under 20-40 atm pressure and temperature of 180-280 oC with methanol which
requires catalysts such as Zn, Mg and Co acetate or lead dioxide which may resulted in DMT and EG.

6.3.3.3 Supercritical methanolysis

Reaction occurs under pressure of 80 atm and temperature of 300 oC it is much faster than liquid MeOH.

6.3.3.4 Hydrolysis

When PET added with water it gives TPA and EG the reaction is carried out in varying pH.

6.3.3.5 Ammonolysis

Reaction occurs at high temperature and low pressure by addition of Ammonia.

6.3.4 Thermolysis or Thermal depolymerization

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Under the pressure and heat long chain polymers decompose into short chain petroleum hydrocarbons
with a maximum length around 18 carbons into oil and useful by product. It can be categorized into
pyrolysis, Gasification and Hydrogenation.

6.3.4.1 Pyrolysis

Physical and chemical decomposition of organic materials at elevated temperatures (400-1000 oC in low
oxygen pressure) in order to produce basic chemicals and fuels and char from waste plastics, pyrolizer
vaporize the plastic and resulting gas condensed to produce Gasoline, diesel and heavy oil. Pyrolysis
reduces the volume of waste by 90% or more and does not cause air pollution and requires little space and
recovers the energy from waste.

6.3.4.2 Gasification

A partial oxidation or incomplete combustion process of carbonaceous materials leading predominantly a

mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen resulted syngas. Syngas is used as substitute fuel for existing
industrial boilers, steam in power generation, and conversion of chemicals to produce Methanol,
Ammonia and other chemicals, liquefaction to transportation fuels such as diesel gasoline and jet fuel and
methanization such as synthesis of natural gas. Gasification has many advantages such as efficient
treatment to mixed plastics, due to high pressure less toxic gases are released, absence of hazardous heavy
metals and considerable lower consumption of energy.

6.3.5 Hydrogenation(hydrocracking)

Here the plastic wastes (PE, PP, PS) are heated with hydrogen in order to produce methane, ethane,
propane, gasoline, diesel, lubrication oil, while PVC hydrated and mixed with HC mixture, HCl and
sodium sulfide to produce sodium chloride.

6.4 Quaternary recycling

It is useful retrieval of energy within plastics by using plastics as the source of energy to produce steam
then the electricity. However, incineration releases small amount of toxic residue than thermal
decomposition and incineration was in highly oxidizing environment while gasification requires reducing
environment. However, Gasification releases carbon monoxide with hydrogen.

Polymer blended bitumen road

Is a process of road laying using waste plastics.

Co-processing of plastics.

Co-processing of waste plastic as energy source in alternative fuel or in cement kiln are some other
techniques (Datchanee, n.d.).

7. Oxo-biodegradable plastics

This refers using pro-oxidant additives with the plastics. Such additives are metals such as cobalt,
manganese and iron, they fragments the plastics during their oxidation in the presence of sunlight.
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However, Oxo-fragmentation does not mean biodegradation. These small plastic fragments can remain as
harmful substances in the environment, particles such as PCB, DDE are toxic to aquatic animals when
leach into water ways and causing bioaccumulation. Due to fragmentation into smaller structures organic
recovery is not feasible, and it hampers the normal plastic recycling scheme as the additives reduce the
chemical stability of relevant plastics. Unfortunately the term biodegradable or compostable is used for
oxo-fragmentable plastic products. Currently bags and bottles are produced mentioning compostable
plastics. Due to its name it is actually a promotion to littering. However, oxo-fragmentable plastics are not
specified as a solution for littering by UNEP (European bio plastics, 2009).

8. Harmful effects of plastics to health

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most harmful plastic, where dioxins are released during it manufacture.
Dioxins causing cancer and affect the immune system and leads to developmental reproductive disease.
Burning of PVC releases chlorinated compounds includes Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), PCB
accumulates in fishes and other organisms and undergo bioaccumulation which result in high value in
top- level carnivore such as humans, PCB also absorbable via skin and inhaled or ingested causing
neurotoxicity, liver damage, tumors, immunosuppression and behavioral changes, and reproductive
disorders, abnormal sperms (Allsopp et al. 1999, Allsopp et al. 2000). Using PVC has to be avoided using
in toys and other daily wears. PAH (Poly aromatic hydrocarbon) is a persistent organic matter . PAH are
formed during the incomplete combustion of coal, oil, gas, garbage and other organic substances,
Prolonged exposure to PAH causes lung/bladder/gastrointestinal cancer, liver damage, breathing
problems, asthma-like symptoms, and lung function abnormalities, and repeated contact with skin may
induce skin inflammation (Toxipedia, as cited in European Commission, 2011).

Among plasticizers phthalates are harmful to health. Phthalates such as DEHP in tis monomer form
effects the development of testis, Butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) also
hazardous to reproduction exposure to phthalates in pregnancy reduces ano-genetal index in male child
(distance between anus and genitals) (Swan et al. 2005), DINP and DIDP (diisodecyl phthalate) effects
liver and kidneys. Chlorobenzene causes acute and chronic effects in mammals, effects CNS (central
nervous system), liver and thyroid. Increasing degree of chlorination such as tetrachlorobenzenes also
affects kidneys. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is group 2B carcinogens it damages immune system, liver,
thyroid, CNS, kidney and nervoussystem (van Birgelen 1998). It is also reported the bioaccumulation of
HCB.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is an environmentally persistent compound used as flame

retardant, which is also reported in bioaccumulation, it causes abnormal brain development during the
initial development of a fetus, it also associated with impacts on learning, memory, behavior and thyroid,
oestrogen hormone systems and effecting the immune system (Legler & Brouwer 2003). When PBDEs
are burnt they produce brominated dioxins/furans which are similarly hazardous. Triphenyl phosphates
(TPP) are a contaminant in human blood (Jonsson et al. 2001), potent inhibitor of a key enzyme
(monocyte carboxyl esterase) in human blood cells (Amini & Crescenzi 2003). Polycarbonates are plastic
7, many containers are coated with bisphenol A (BPA), that may linked with many health problems
including cancer, endocrine disruption, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and miscarriages, and it is an extremely
harmful plastic.
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Teflon and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is used as coatings of non-stick pans. Teflon cook wares
should be handled carefully; when they are mistakenly placed on lit (inner side of pan) they may release
harmful substances at ≥260°C, Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is used during the processing PTFE and it
may cause cancer. Polystyrene it is used in lunch packs but when they come into contact with food
directly they are poisons. It is avoided using them in coffee cups and lunch covering directly in contact
with food. Plastics block the digestive tract of marine turtles and entangles with marine birds leading to
their death, similarly animals consuming polythene bags face many digestive troubles, and plastic is also
used by birds as nesting material, coral reefs and underwater vegetation are also affected by plastic debris
such as plastic nylon nets snagged on reefs and causing breakage and plastic gyres also block the
available sunlight. Many habitats including forests and sea floor are occupied by plastics which is hardly
replaceable.

9. Environmental pollution by accumulation of plastic wastes

Floating garbage islands of pacific consists of about 10% of the 100 million tons of plastics which are
produced every year, they are plastic gyres, found between California and Hawaii spanning about 3.43
million km2 (the size of Europe), similar patches also found in Mediterranean and the North Sea. They are
broken down by wave action and taken to various parts of the world. Hundreds of leather back turtles die
by swallowing plastics and about 100,000 marine mammals suffered by plastics annually. Swans and
gulls are suffering due to fishing lines and nylon nets. Nurdles are very small pallets of plastics which are
transported to sea persistent organic pollutants like DDT and PCB are gloomed in the sea and harming
marine life, Eskimos have dangerously high levels of PCBs in their breast milk. Toxic emissions of
broken plastics such as bisphenol-A (BPA), polystyrene based oligomers, are harmful to growth and
development of marine animals. Smothering of floating to small creatures is another impact on marine
life. It is difficult to trawl up these plastics as it is harmful to many marine algae and planktons. Main
causes of these garbage islands are global influence though great Pacific garbage patches between Japan
and Hawaii as the trash come from US, Canada and Asia. 80% of the trash come from land source, city
litter is also another source, some industrial effluents consists plastic wastes and also the beach visitors
through many plastic items such as water bottles. In addition, plastic wastes has the ability to attract
contaminants such as Persistent organic pollutants (POP), these pollutants are hydrophobic (not mix with
water) stay long and transmitted by the food chain.

Van Franeker as cited in European Commission (2011) stated that fulmars (a seabird) reduce the size of
plastic particles in their muscular stomach and excrete them back into the environment in the form of
micro plastics, it is estimated that fulmars reshape and redistribute about 630 million plastic particles
every year, representing about six tons in plastic mass. plastics tend to fragment into smaller particles as
aided by the action of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, waves and wind in the ocean as well as on land, In
landfills, leachate acidity and chemicals can break down plastics. Auman et al. as cited in European
Commission (2011) and Young et al. as cited in European Commission (2011) demonstrated evidence of
plastic ingestion by Laysan albatross chicks. Ryan as cited in European Commission (2011) investigated
this in an experiment by feeding polyethylene pellets to domestic chickens; results showed that ingested
plastics reduced the capacity of the stomach and therefore the meal size. Spear et al. as cited in European
Commission (2011) provided evidence that the higher the number of plastic particles ingested sea birds of
tropical Pacific physically get worsen in body weight (Figure 2).
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Tomás et al. as cited in European Commission (2011) found that plastic debris ingestion was evidenced in
over three quarters of a sample of loggerhead turtles caught by fishermen in the western Mediterranean,
while Casale et al. as cited in European Commission (2011) found about almost half of their sample in the
central Mediterranean had ingested plastic. Lazar and Gracan as cited in European Commission (2011)
found just over a third of sea turtles had ingested plastic debris. Among Cetaceans (aquatic mammals), at
least 26 species have been documented with plastic debris in their stomach (Denuncio et al. as cited in
European Commission, 2011). In Argentina, accidently captured Franciscana dolphins found that 28 per
cent of the sample had plastic debris in their stomachs (Denuncio et al. as cited in European Commission,
2011). Murray and Cowie as cited in European Commission (2011) investigated plastic ingestion by
Nephrops norvegicus (langoustines). They found 81 % of their sample contained plastic debris, they also
found that N. norvegicus that were fed with fish containing plastic. Amphipods, barnacles and lugworms
ingest microplastics (Thompson et al., as cited in European Commission, 2011). According to studies on
mussels Browne et al. as cited in European Commission (2011) indicated that microplastics are
translocated from the gut to the circulatory system within 3 days and then remain in circulation for over
48 days, however there is no toxicological effect observed.

Figure 2 Plastics injected by a sea bird (Jan Lundberg, 2014)

10. Ways to prevent plastic garbage reaching the environment and other living things

Properly dispose the plastic trash and better keeping separate bin for plastic wastes, keeping strict rules
and getting penalty for improper disposals, recycle almost every plastic matter and also avoid using
plastics or introducing biodegradable substitutes for plastic, conducting life cycle impact analysis to
identify the total impact on the environment. Avoid dumping plastics in landfills as the toxic chemicals
may leach out to ground water, or to the soil. Also incineration of plastics has to be prohibited as they
release hazardous fumes such as cancer causing dioxin and PCB. It is important to educate the public by
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keeping awareness programs and encourage them to use compostable substitutes such as paper made
shopping bags, cardboards and metals. Internationally there are policy responses to marine litter, some
specifically figure out plastic waste such as Annex V to International Convention for Prevention of
Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the UNEP Global Programme of Action for Protection of the Marine
Environment from Land-based activities and the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The
Basel Convention on the control of trans boundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal was
adopted in 1989, UNEP (DTIE IETC) Global Partnership on Waste Management was created in 2009 has
drafted a framework on coordination of different waste management, Barcelona Convention for the
protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution, or the OSPAR EcoQO initiatives or HELCOM
convention’s Strategy on Port Reception Facilities for Ship-Generated Waste in the Baltic (Galgani et al.
as cited in European Commission, 2011). Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine
Environment from Land-based Activities and the EU’s recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone
Management involved in trans boundary movement of plastics (Galgani et al. as cited in European
Commission, 2011).

11. Conclusion

Plastics are non- biodegradable organic polymers, they are being used excessively, and large piles of
plastic wastes end up in landfills and oceanic garbage islands. Leaching chemicals also mixed with
underground waters, toxic fumes are released when burnt many marine mammals, birds and other animals
are died due to plastics. PVC is hazardous as it releases cancer causing dioxins and PCB to the
environment. Oxo-degradable plastics end up in fragments which cannot be compostable and also
resulting in particles that can cause bioaccumulation. Waste plastics also used in production of energy or
in co-processing. However, recycling plastics is essential and plastic litter recovery is important to ensure
the cleanness and safety of other living organisms. Best possible solutions is avoiding plastics or find
proper biodegradable substitutes, It may take longer time to get rid of plastic wastes from the
environment, it is essential for environmental organizations to keep monitoring and implementing proper
waste management and recycling systems also to enlighten the public by team surveys and seminar
presentation about the hazards and handling the plastic wastes, introduce bio mimicry and reduce the
number of polymers used during the manufacture of plastics, finding cheap and energy efficient ways to
manufacture plastic alternatives. It is also duty of every state government to ensure the sustainable use of
their home environment and delivery to the next generation as the same or better.

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