A Review of Plastic Threat to Environment
Farjana Islam *
Water Analysis Laboratory, Institute of Radiation and Polymer Technology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Ruhul A. Khan
Water Analysis Laboratory, Institute of Radiation and Polymer Technology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Due to low weight, great strength, and wide range of applications the invention of plastic has generally been viewed as a blessing for modern living. The world purchases around one million plastic bottles every minute and uses one billion plastic bags every hour. Bangladesh is also witnessing a surge in plastic production employed in our RMG sector, the healthcare industry, and the automobile industry. The amount of plastic pollution in Bangladesh has received very little attention over the years. Plastics are blamed for significant contamination of the air, soil, and water bodies because of their low biodegradability, excessive use, and pervasive mishandling. As a result, plastics are now found in every environmental compartment threatening biodiversity and human health as well. This manuscript discusses plastic pollution as a global environmental issue, offering an in-depth analysis of its effects on soil, water bodies, the atmosphere, and ecosystems. It also emphasizes the consequences for human health, the environment, and the economy, particularly focusing on Bangladesh. Enforcing strict regulations on plastic production and usage is the only way to mitigate its harmful environmental impacts.
Keywords: Plastic pollution, environment, soil, water, air, pollution, plastic