Bioplastic as an Alternative to Microplastic

Abstract

Microplastics pose an imminent risk to the marine environment, biota, and ecosystem. Their consumption threatens organisms because of the material's ability to absorb and concentrate environmental contaminants in oceans and then transfer them through food chains. Microplastic may harm soil biota, such as earthworms, and can alter soil biophysical parameters, such as soil bulk density, aggregation, and water-holding capacity. To find alternatives to microplastics, scientists have developed biodegradable plastics that can be discarded in the environment and broken down quickly by the enzymatic activity of micro-organisms. Bioplastics are made from biological or renewable components. The bioplastic produced from potato peels, corn, sugarcane, wheat, rice, banana peels, and other natural materials is eco-friendly and biodegradable. Bioplastic is also known as Low-carbon plastic. The use of low-carbon plastic aids in the regulation of global temperature rise. It is used to make toys, home interiors, shopping bags, bottles, labels, trash bags, and packaging materials. It has wide applications for bone nails and tissue scaffolds in the medical industry. Its development also faces other obstacles, including price difficulties, technical improvements, and waste collection and treatment. Synthesis and characterization methods will help overcome these obstacles. The present chapter will focus on bioplastic and its types, the synthesis of bioplastic, the difference between microplastic and bioplastic, and bioplastic as an alternative approach.