Biodegradable Plastics & Marine Litter PDF Download

Author: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Publisher: United Nations
ISBN: 9210601610
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 36

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Book Description
This report concludes that "the adoption of plastic products labelled as ‘biodegradable’ will not bring about a significant decrease either in the quantity of plastic entering the ocean or the risk of physical and chemical impacts on the marine environment". Indeed, biodegradable polymers degrade significantly slower in the marine environment than on land. Therefore, a widespread use is said to lead to continuing littering problems and its negative impacts. Furthermore, oxo-degradable polymers would only increase the quantity of microplastics in the environment and claims stating otherwise are likely motivated by commercial interests rather than scientific evidence.

Author: United Nations Publications
Publisher: UN
ISBN: 9789280734942
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 34

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Book Description
"This briefing paper provides a concise summary of some of the key issues surrounding the biodegradability of plastics in the oceans. It explores whether the adoption of biodegradable plastics will reduce the impact of marine plastics overall. The paper also addresses the lack of public knowledge about biodegradable plastics. Moreover, it the raises concern over the labeling of products as 'biodegradable' as it may result in more littering behaviors due to a perceived technical fix that removes responsibility from individuals"--Publisher's description.

Author: Marilena Streit-Bianchi
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030389456
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 261

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Book Description
This book, written by a multidisciplinary team of authors comprising scientists, artists and communicators, explores one of the most pressing issues of our time – the menace plastics pose to marine environments and organisms. It takes readers on a journey that begins on the beaches of Galicia, where the beach litter formed the starting point for an exhibition that combines art and science to alert the audience to the urgent need for action. The journey culminates with a short “plastic story”, which reveals a disturbing vision of the future significance of plastics for humans, and an example of how comics can deliver information to a younger audience. Along the way there is plenty of fascinating science, such as insights into the impacts of plastics and microplastics; the new marine ecosystem, known as the “plastisphere”; and the current status of the oceans, from the Arctic to the Mediterranean. The book also explores the historical developments; sustainable solutions, including the use of circular economy methodologies; and protective measures, like those being tried in China and the Far East. Lastly, it describes the role played by rivers as transport vectors for plastic, with special reference to the Danube, and to complete the picture, since most of the plastic is of terrestrial origin, it investigates problems related to microplastics in soils.

Author: Melanie Bergmann
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319165100
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 447

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Book Description
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.

Author: United States. General Accounting Office
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Federal aid to research
Languages : en
Pages : 44

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Book Description

Author: Alice A Horton
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9811259127
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 410

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Book Description
Plastic pollution is a growing environmental problem that is attracting increasing interest across society, from academics to the general public. A significant factor in the wide public interest in plastics is its visibility; present throughout urban and rural environments, washing up on beaches and even visible from space. However, 'invisible' microplastics and nanoplastics are also an issue. With growing plastic production and usage, plastic waste within the environment will continue to increase. This increased input along with its persistence leads to accumulation and increasing ecosystem exposure, with as-yet unknown consequences.This book brings together a collection of chapters written by world-leading experts in environmental plastic pollution inputs, fate, effects and solutions. It provides an accessible overview of the current scientific understanding, future implications and key considerations for the management and mitigation of plastic waste within the global ocean.Related Link(s)

Author:
Publisher: Nordic Council of Ministers
ISBN: 9289350008
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 24

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Book Description
The Nordic programme on a sustainable approach to plastics is a strategic tool for developing knowledge and measures, as well as enhancing synergies, networks and awareness at the Nordic level. The programme will support the ambitions of the Nordic countries in reaching their goals in relation to prevention of plastic waste, re-use and recycling of plastics, circular economy and minimizing marine plastic litter and microplastics. The program runs over 2017-18 and will be implemented through various projects and activities within the framework of the Nordic Council of Ministers or projects financed by the Nordic Council of Minister.

Author: United States. Congress. Senate. National Ocean Policy Study
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Marine pollution
Languages : en
Pages : 136

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Book Description

Author: Michael Niaounakis
Publisher: William Andrew
ISBN: 0323443990
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 436

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Book Description
Management of Marine Plastic Debris gives a thorough and detailed presentation of the global problem of marine plastics debris, covering every aspect of its management from tracking, collecting, treating and commercial exploitation for handing this anthropogenic waste. The book is a unique, essential source of information on current and future technologies aimed at reducing the impact of plastics waste in the oceans. This is a practical book designed to enable engineers to tackle this problem—both in stopping plastics from getting into the ocean in the first place, as well as providing viable options for the reuse and recycling of plastics debris once it has been recovered. The book is essential reading not only for materials scientists and engineers, but also other scientists involved in this area seeking to know more about the impact of marine plastics debris on the environment, the mechanisms by which plastics degrade in water and potential solutions. While much research has been undertaken into the different approaches to the increasing problem of plastics marine debris, this is the first book to present, evaluate and compare all of the available techniques and practices, and then make suggestions for future developments. The book also includes a detailed discussion of the regulatory environment, including international conventions and standards and national policies. Reviews all available processes and techniques for recovering, cleaning and recycling marine plastic debris Presents and evaluates viable options for engineers to tackle this growing problem, including the use of alternative polymers Investigates a wide range of possible applications of marine plastics debris and opportunities for businesses to make a positive environmental impact Includes a detailed discussion of the regulatory environment, including international conventions and standards and national policies

Author: Tatsuo Kaneko
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 981994354X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 155

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Book Description
This book presents the novel concept of photo-switched biodegradation of bioplastics which is one of the important methods to overcome plastic waste issues in oceans. The different chapters discuss topics associated with a wide range of biorefinery plant cultivation, cell bioengineering in silico/wet, plastic design with photo-controlled biodegradation, photocatalysis design, evaluation of biodegradability, polymer toxicity, and plastic edibility. The book contributes to various Sustainable Development Goals such as SDG 14—Life Below Water; SDG 9—Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production; and SDG 15—Life on Land. It is a useful source for academic scientists in the fields of organic chemistry, photocatalysts, organic/inorganic composites, cell biology, plant biology, plastic processing, social control of wastes, environmental science, marine technology, and engineers. The book plays a big part in paradigm-changing innovation and transforms the petrochemical industry which has reached maturity, into a biochemical industry.