This book provides a comprehensive exploration of microplastics, starting with an introduction that defines them, their proliferation, and their geographical distribution around the world. It highlights the alarming prevalence of these small plastic particles and sets the stage for understanding their complex nature.
The discussion then shifts to the chemical components of microplastics, examining both the original materials and those that result from degradation processes. This exploration of their composition leads to an analysis of their morphology, detailing their physical characteristics and the various forms they take in different environments.
A crucial section is dedicated to the mechanisms of microplastic formation, shedding light on how these particles originate and evolve. The book also covers methods for detecting and analyzing microplastics, emphasizing the importance of accurate identification in assessing their impact.
Additionally, it identifies key commercial products (24 groups of products) that are significant sources of microplastics, raising awareness about consumer choices and their environmental consequences. The examination of microplastics from various polymers (46 polymers) delves into their formation, properties, and hazards, providing a detailed understanding of the types of plastics involved.
The environmental impact of microplastics is addressed thoroughly, with discussions on their presence in air, water, and soil, illustrating their pervasive nature. This leads to an examination of the potential effects on human health, highlighting growing concerns over exposure and associated risks.
The book also explores the effects of microplastics on wildlife, including plants, animals, birds, insects, and organisms in aquatic habitats, showcasing the extensive ecological disruption caused by these pollutants. The discussion on microplastics in the food chain underscores the serious implications for both ecosystems and human diets.
Current policy measures aimed at combating microplastic pollution are reviewed, providing insights into governmental and international efforts. The final chapters propose potential methods for reducing, eliminating, and preventing microplastics, stressing the urgency of innovative solutions and collective action.
In conclusion, the book offers a forward-looking perspective on the future of microplastics, emphasizing the need for ongoing research, policy adaptation, and public awareness. By addressing these critical issues, the book serves as a vital resource for understanding the challenges posed by microplastics and the importance of taking action to mitigate their impact on the environment and human health.
1. Microplastics – introduction, definition, proliferation, and geographical distribution
2. Chemical components of microplastics -original and produced by degradation
3. Mechanism of microplastic formation
4. Methods of analysis of microplastics
a. Adsorption
b. Biochemical analysis (oxidative stress, enzymatic activity)
c. Identification (ED-XRF, FTIR, Py–GC/MS, Raman)
d. Morphology (AFM, SEM, stereomicroscope, TEM)
e. Purification (organic matter digestion)
f. Size
g. Toxicity (LDH assay, NMR, TXRF)
h. Standard methods
5. Commercial products that are the main source of their formation
a. Adhesives and sealants
b. Agricultural films
c. Biodegradable polymers
d. Bottles
e. Building and construction
f. Carpets
g. City dust
h. Coatings and paints
i. Cleaners
j. Coffee and tea bags
k. Dishwashers
l. Fishing gear
m. Foams
n. Food and beverage containers
o. Industrial wastes
p. Marine coatings
q. Personal care products
r. Pipes
s. Plastic bags
t. Plastic utensils
u. Plastic wrap
v. Road markings
w. Textiles
x. Tires
y. Toys
6. Microplastics from different polymers – their formation, properties, and hazards
a. ABS Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
b. CA Cellulose acetate
c. CR Polychloroprene
d. EP Epoxy resin
e. EPDM Ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer
f. EVAC Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer
g. EVOH Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer
h. HDPE High-density polyethylene
i. LDPE Low-density polyethylene
j. LLDPE Linear low-density polyethylene
k. MF Melamine-formaldehyde resin
l. PA Polyamide
m. PAAm Polyacrylamide
n. PAC Polyacetylene
o. PAN Polyacrylonitrile
p. PBD Polybutadiene
q. PBT Poly(butylene terephthalate)
r. PC Polycarbonate
s. PCL Poly(e-caprolactone)
t. PDMS Polydimethylsiloxane
u. PE Polyethylene
v. PEEK Polyetheretherketone
w. PET Poly(ethylene terephthalate)
x. PF Phenol-formaldehyde resin
y. PHB Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)
z. PHBV Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxy valerate)
aa. PHEMA Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)
bb. PLA Poly(lactic acid)
cc. PLGA Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)
dd. PMAA Poly(methacrylic acid)
ee. PP Polypropylene
ff. PPS Poly(p-phenylene sulfide)
gg. PPSU Poly(phenylene sulfone)
hh. PPTA Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide)
ii. PS Polystyrene
jj. PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
kk. PU Polyurethane
ll. PVAc Polyvinylacetate
mm. PVAl Polyvinylalcohol
nn. PVC Polyvinylchloride
oo. PVDF Poly(vinylidene fluoride)
pp. PVF Poly(vinyl fluoride)
qq. PVP Poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone)
rr. SBR Poly(styrene-co-butadiene)
ss. SBS Styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymer
tt. UF Urea-formaldehyde resin
7. Microplastics in the environment – air, water, and soil
8. Potential effects of microplastics on human health
9. Effect of microplastics on plants, animals, birds, insects, and organisms living in aquatic habitats
10. Microplastics in the food chain
11. Policy measures
12. Microplastic prevention, reduction, and elimination
George Wypych has PhD Eng. The professional expertise includes university teaching (full professor) and research & development (university and corporate). He has published 48 books (PVC Plastisols, Wroclaw University Press; Polyvinylchloride Degradation, Elsevier; Polyvinylchloride Stabilization, Elsevier; Polymer Modified Textile Materials, Wiley & Sons; Handbook of Material Weathering, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th Edition, ChemTec Publishing; Handbook of Fillers, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Edition, ChemTec Publishing; Recycling of PVC, ChemTec Publishing; Weathering of Plastics. Testing to Mirror Real Life Performance, Plastics Design Library, Handbook of Solvents, Vol. 1. Properties 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Edition, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Solvents, Vol. 2. Health & Environment 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Edition, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Plasticizers, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Edition, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Antistatics, 1st and 2nd Edition, ChemTec Publishing, Databook of Antistatics, 1st and 2nd Edition, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Antiblocking, Release and Slip Additives, 1st , 2nd and 3rd Edition, ChemTec Publishing, Industrial Solvents in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (two editions), John Wiley & Sons, PVC Degradation & Stabilization, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Editions, ChemTec Publishing, The PVC Formulary, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Editions, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Material Biodegradation, Biodeterioration, and Biostabilization, 1st and 2nd Editions, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of UV Degradation and Stabilization, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Editions, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Polymers, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Editions, ChemTec Publishing, Atlas of Material Damage, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Editions, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Odors in Plastic Materials, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Editions, ChemTec Publishing, Databook of Solvents (two editions), ChemTec Publishing, Databook of Blowing and Auxiliary Agents, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Foaming and Blowing Agents (two editions), ChemTec Publishing, Databook of Green Solvents, ChemTec Publishing (two editions), Self-healing Products (two editions), ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Adhesion Promoters (two editions), ChemTec Publishing, Databook of Surface Modification Additives (two editions), ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Surface Improvement and Modification (two editions), ChemTec Publishing, Graphene – Important Results and Applications, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Curatives and Crosslinkers, ChemTec Publishing, Chain Mobility and Progress in Medicine, Pharmaceutical, Polymer Science and Technology, Impact of Award, ChemTec Publishing, Databook of Antioxidants, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Antioxidants, ChemTec Publishing, Databook of UV Stabilizers (two Editions), ChemTec Publishing, Databook of Flame Retardants, ChemTec Publishing, Databook of Nucleating Agents, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Flame Retardants, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Nucleating Agents, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Polymers in Electronics, ChemTec Publishing, Databook of Impact Modifiers, ChemTec Publishing, Databook of Rheological Additives, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Impact Modifiers, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Rheological Additives, ChemTec Publishing, Databook of Polymer Processing Additives, ChemTec Publishing, Handbook of Polymer Processing Additives, ChemTec Publishing, Functional Fillers (two editions), 2 databases (Solvents Database, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Edition and Database of Antistatics 1st and 2nd Edition, both by ChemTec Publishing), and 42 scientific papers and obtained 16 patents. He specializes in PVC, polymer additives, material durability, and the development of sealants and coatings. He was included in the Dictionary of International Biography, Who's Who in Plastics and Polymers, and Who's Who in Engineering, and was selected International Man of the Year 1996-1997 in recognition of services to education.