Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a growing global challenge, with tiny plastic particles (< 5 mm) from sources like tire wear, synthetic textiles, and packaging infiltrating air, water, and soil. Each year, millions of tons plastics such as 2.9 million tons from tires alone enter the environment, posing risks to ecosystems and human health through bioaccumulation and toxicity. Conventional methods like landfilling, incineration, and mechanical recycling fail to manage these persistent pollutants effectively, often creating secondary pollution and requiring high energy. This chapter explores green solutions as a sustainable alternative to tackle MPs waste. It highlights the urgent need for eco-friendly approaches that reduce environmental harm and promote a circular economy. The discussion begins with the scale and limitations of current MPs challenges, followed by the principles of sustainability, biodegradability, and minimal impact that guide green strategies. Innovative technologies—such as biodegradable polymers (e.g., PLA), bio-based filtration, microbial degradation, and green nanotechnology—are examined for their potential to prevent and remove MPs. Practical waste management strategies, including source reduction and upcycling, are presented alongside the critical role of policies, economic incentives, and public awareness in scaling these solutions. Future research needs, like testing biodegradable materials in real conditions, are also addressed. By integrating science-based, low-impact methods, this chapter offer a roadmap for researchers, policymakers, and communities to combat MPs pollution, aiming for a cleaner, healthier planet through sustainable innovation.

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Green Solution: A Sustainable Solutions Microplastics Management

  • Vikas Kumar Joshiya

摘要

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a growing global challenge, with tiny plastic particles (< 5 mm) from sources like tire wear, synthetic textiles, and packaging infiltrating air, water, and soil. Each year, millions of tons plastics such as 2.9 million tons from tires alone enter the environment, posing risks to ecosystems and human health through bioaccumulation and toxicity. Conventional methods like landfilling, incineration, and mechanical recycling fail to manage these persistent pollutants effectively, often creating secondary pollution and requiring high energy. This chapter explores green solutions as a sustainable alternative to tackle MPs waste. It highlights the urgent need for eco-friendly approaches that reduce environmental harm and promote a circular economy. The discussion begins with the scale and limitations of current MPs challenges, followed by the principles of sustainability, biodegradability, and minimal impact that guide green strategies. Innovative technologies—such as biodegradable polymers (e.g., PLA), bio-based filtration, microbial degradation, and green nanotechnology—are examined for their potential to prevent and remove MPs. Practical waste management strategies, including source reduction and upcycling, are presented alongside the critical role of policies, economic incentives, and public awareness in scaling these solutions. Future research needs, like testing biodegradable materials in real conditions, are also addressed. By integrating science-based, low-impact methods, this chapter offer a roadmap for researchers, policymakers, and communities to combat MPs pollution, aiming for a cleaner, healthier planet through sustainable innovation.