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Purpose of Review <p>Plastics, owing to their durability, affordability and versatility, have become an indispensable global commodity. Unfortunately, the mismanagement of plastics has led to the widespread occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), posing unpredictable environmental risks. Thus, it is essential to update the masses regarding this alarming situation and to acquaint them to the conventional as well as emerging plastic waste management strategies.</p> Recent Findings <p>Plastic waste management-biotechnology approaches are developing as viable solutions, as seen in <i>Ideonella sakaiensis</i>, a bacterium that completely degrades PET plastics within six weeks. The <i>Aspergillus</i> sp. fungus can destroy polyethene by as much as 70% within 21&#xa0;days. Biodegradable polymers, such as PHA, can decompose in marine environments within 1.5 to 3.5&#xa0;years, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. Despite the challenges in scaling these remedies, the combination of microbial and enzymatic degradation holds promise for mitigating the growing threat of microplastic pollution.</p> Summary <p>Traditional plastic disposal methods, such as landfilling and incineration, present environmental limitations. Bioremediation, chemical recycling, and bioplastics offer promising, sustainable alternatives. However, economic feasibility, policy integration, and societal awareness remain critical challenges. This review provides explicit information on the invention of plastics, the scale of plastic pollution, its ecological and health hazards, and critically evaluates traditional, contemporary and emerging strategies for plastic waste remediation within the sustainability framework. A multidisciplinary approach combining technological innovation (integrated waste management system: IWM). regulatory frameworks, and public engagement is essential to mitigate plastic pollution and foster a circular economy.</p>

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Plastics: From Revolutionary Innovation to Global Menace—Strategies for Remediation

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月1日

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  • Baveesh Pudhuvai,
  • Bhupendra Koul,
  • Aswathy Sreekumar

摘要

Purpose of Review

Plastics, owing to their durability, affordability and versatility, have become an indispensable global commodity. Unfortunately, the mismanagement of plastics has led to the widespread occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), posing unpredictable environmental risks. Thus, it is essential to update the masses regarding this alarming situation and to acquaint them to the conventional as well as emerging plastic waste management strategies.

Recent Findings

Plastic waste management-biotechnology approaches are developing as viable solutions, as seen in Ideonella sakaiensis, a bacterium that completely degrades PET plastics within six weeks. The Aspergillus sp. fungus can destroy polyethene by as much as 70% within 21 days. Biodegradable polymers, such as PHA, can decompose in marine environments within 1.5 to 3.5 years, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. Despite the challenges in scaling these remedies, the combination of microbial and enzymatic degradation holds promise for mitigating the growing threat of microplastic pollution.

Summary

Traditional plastic disposal methods, such as landfilling and incineration, present environmental limitations. Bioremediation, chemical recycling, and bioplastics offer promising, sustainable alternatives. However, economic feasibility, policy integration, and societal awareness remain critical challenges. This review provides explicit information on the invention of plastics, the scale of plastic pollution, its ecological and health hazards, and critically evaluates traditional, contemporary and emerging strategies for plastic waste remediation within the sustainability framework. A multidisciplinary approach combining technological innovation (integrated waste management system: IWM). regulatory frameworks, and public engagement is essential to mitigate plastic pollution and foster a circular economy.