BIO-DEGRADATION OF PLASTICS NOT
FAR
Converting plastics into bio-degradable
material is not far. The research taken up by the National Chemical
Laboratory (NCL) at Pune in this regard, is poised for some break-through
sooner or later. However, the NCL scientists have made a significant
progress in their exploratory studies by which a conventional
non-biodegradable plastic can be rendered bio-degradable. This
is by attaching chemically, a sugar moiety to polystyrene. Compared
to polystyrene, the sugar modified polystyrene showed a greater
ease for bio-degradation.
The studies are not
yet complete and the generality of the method to other commonly
used plastic (polyethylene) has not been explored. The mechanism
of bio-degradation is also yet to be established, besides its
industrial application and commercial viability. Once, the commercial
viability and utility of the technique is established, then only
its commercialisation and marketability can be studied.
Waste plastic carry
bags, recycled plastic items etc. is causing a lot of concern
to environmentalists world-wide, as these throw-away items are
not bio-degradable. These wastes are causing innumerable problems
to civic and health authorities also.
With the awareness
created of late, a number of countries have banned the use of
plastic carry bags and re-cycled plastics, imposing heavy fines
and even imprisonment. In India too, a number of state governments
have banned its use and are trying to promote paper bags and recycled
paper bags. This is only a small beginning and massive efforts
are needed in this direction, say environmentalists.
