Integrated Plastic Waste Management: Environmental and Improved Health Approaches

Plastics are integral part of society and have varied application. Plastics are composed of a network of molecular monomers bound together to form macromolecules. There are increasing concerns due to non degradability and generation of toxic gases on combustion during incineration. Due to fabrication of desired shape colour and specification convenient to customers there is increasing application in packaging, agriculture, automobiles and biomedical.

They are indispensable to the modern generation due to development in information technology, intelligent and smart packaging system. Efforts are in progress for development of efficient and precise conversation of renewable raw materials into innovative polymeric product through recent technologies which are superior in terms of performance, environmental and cost perspectives. In rivers and at coastal regions the marine pollution is increasing at a faster rate due to indiscriminate disposal by the consumers. R&D studies are now centred for investigating whether consumption of plastic debris by marine organism translates into toxic exposures for people who consume seafood with particular relevance to plasticisers, stabilizers, heavy metals viz phthalates, BPA, lead cadmium, methyl mercury. Biological effects from pollution are linked with resulting economic effects and losses. A cornerstone of sustainable development is the establishment of affordable, effective and truly sustainable Plastic waste management practices in developing countries.

Plastic waste management is a critical issue. Over 300 million metric tons of plastics are produced in the world annually and about fifty percent of this volume is for disposal applications, product that are discarded within a year of their purchase. It is the boon and bane of our times. Although there are multiple uses, its waste and the resultant pollution clogs up our rivers, oceans, lands and adversely affects the biodiversity. We need to plan for disposal of new synthetic product, implants etc which have completed their shelf life. In future polymeric adhesives and implants are to be developed which address total joint replacement features for patients with varied complications and age. It should be robust, biocompatible with surface treatment options to allow for reduced friction and wear throughout the implant life. In a CPCB supported study we have found that the soil and ground water quality may be affected in dumpsite areas.

The International Organisation for standardization [ISO] Organisation for Economic Cooperation [OECD] and development, British specification [BS] Indian Standards [IS] need to be implemented for appropriate application and safe disposal. Globally steps are being taken for development of environmental friendly, innovative plastic items using the concept of green chemistry and also with safe disposal methods. Integrated waste management practices are to be encouraged, strengthened and supported with state of art scientific applications.