| Abstrakt: |
The discovery of the first artificial plastic in 1869, initially known as celluloid and invented by John Hyatt, aimed to replace ivory in ornaments and artistry, reducing the demand for elephant tusks. Hyatt's breakthrough involved dissolving camphor in nitrocellulose and alcohol under heat. While celebrated as a pioneering scientific achievement, little attention was paid to the long-term consequences of plastic proliferation. Today, the widespread use of plastics poses severe threats to marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including habitat competition, water contamination, and the release of environmental toxins, leading to widespread pollution. Developing countries, such as Nigeria, face disproportionate impacts due to the global surge in plastic production and consumption, which outpaces efforts in degradation and recycling. This article reviews the environmental effects of biodegradable (BPs) and non-biodegradable plastics (NBPs), focusing on disposal challenges and management strategies in such regions. It explores microbial degradation as a sustainable solution, synthesizing data from academic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) spanning 2000 to 2023. Studies were screened based on relevance to plastic production, usage, disposal methods, and environmental outcomes, particularly in developing countries. The findings highlight that while developed nations manage plastic waste effectively through stringent regulations and innovative recycling, developing countries struggle with inefficient disposal methods, like landfilling and incineration, which contribute to soil and water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions. Microbial degradation is a promising, cost-effective approach to naturally breaking down plastics. The study advocates for enhanced research into microbial degradation and adopting bioremediation technologies globally, emphasizing knowledge sharing and best practices transfer from developed to developing nations. This review underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution through sustainable waste management practices, particularly in regions facing significant environmental and health challenges. Prioritizing microbial degradation aligns with environmental sustainability goals and offers a pragmatic solution for tackling plastic waste worldwide [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
