Manisha K. Sangale – författare

Plastic is one of the widely used polymers around the globe since its discovery.  It is highly impossible to think the ease of life without the aid of plastic. Every year billion tons of plastic waste gets accumulated in the environment and leads to death of both marine and terrestrial animals. Plastic is very durable and needs around 1000 years to degrade under the natural environment.  The present book illustrates the importance and significance of the bioremediation to tackle the problem of plastic waste. Previously, we have reported elite rhizobacterial isolates (Lysinibacillus fusiformis strain VASB14/WL and Bacillus cereus strain VASB1/TS) of Avicennia marina Vierh (Forsk.)  from the West Coast of India with the potential to degrade plastic (polythene). The present book attempted to address the bioremediation scenario of plastic waste (including micro plastic) using microbes with bacteria in particular. Various strategies used to tackle with the plastic waste were highlighted with case studies of plastic waste management, including in vitro, in situ and ex situ with a special reference to biodegradation technology. After the biodegradation of the plastic using microbes, the generated plastic (polythene) degradation products (PE-DPs) were also documented using GC-MS technique followed by their deleterious effect on both animal and plant systems. The book also enhances the awareness of the plastic-free society and also suggests some alternative materials to be used instead of plastic. Lastly, the book suggests/recommends the strategies to be followed by the lawmakers in the government organizations/non-government organizations/social organizations to frame the regulations and guidelines to implement at mass level to reduce the generation of plastic waste.

This contributed volume focuses on the effects of macro, meso, micro, and nanoplastic waste on marine biota. It discusses the threats posed by plastic waste on the flora and fauna in the marine environment. This book will help in understanding different aspects of plastic waste generation, its transportation with different natural and anthropogenic ways, its accumulation at the seacoast, and its impact on marine biota. The book also suggests strategies for saving marine life from threats posed by plastic waste and presents methods to reduce its generation using different strategies. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, climate change scientists, capacity builders, and policymakers. It also serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and postgraduate students of Ecology, Botany, and Environmental Sciences.