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Photo-switched biodegradation of bioplastics in marine environments

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 14Life Below Water; SDG 9Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 12Responsible Consumption and Production; and SDG 15Life 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.

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Marine plastic debris & microplastics : global lessons and research to inspire action and guide policy change

This report presents both short- and long-term approaches to the problem of marine plastic debris and micro plastics. It provides an overview of the latest science and experiences, identifies priority areas of action, and points out areas requiring more research. Improved waste management is urgently needed to reduce the flow of plastic into our oceans.

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Policy options to eliminate additional marine plastic litter by 2050 under the G20 Osaka Blue Ocean vision : an international resource panel think piece

The annual discharge of plastic into the ocean is estimated to be 11 million tonnes. Globally, national plastics policies are rare and tend to focus on banning or taxing individual plastic items rather than focusing on systemic change of the plastics economy. Indeed, the current policy mix will not deliver the changes needed to reduce additional marine plastic litter to zero. However, marine plastic litter entering the ocean can be reduced exponentially compared to "business as usual" using known technology and approaches. This publication qualitatively considers possible policy options to ensure that by 2050 the net volume of plastic entering the ocean is zero, in line with the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision. It shows the marine plastic litter trends relevant to 2050, summarizes the current plastic policy landscape and explores upstream and downstream interventions, concluding with a set of policy messages to deliver on the Vision and implement the systemic changes needed to improve the plastic economy.