Topic 2: Persistent waste materials (plastics) in the environment
Discuss the issue and develop an overview of the problem as described in the Topic below. Your report should address the points as indicated, estimated of
quantities, materials and other relevant information.
Please limit your report to about 4-6 pages (appendices are OK) including ****figures, tables, calculations, references.*****
Decomposition characteristics of plastics in the environment depends on both the conditions in the environment and the characteristics of the polymeric
material. Degradation rates of the plastics (even those with added starch) depends strongly on the type and amount of additives used. The half-life of most
plastics is over 100 years in landfills or the environment.
Select one type of plastic (PP: polypropylene, PS: polystyrene, PET: polyethylene terephthalate, LDPE: low density polyethylene, HDPE: high density
polyethylene PVC: polyvinyl chloride) and discuss:
-where it is used
-how much is used and discarded
-provide preliminary calculations for use and discarding rates of the specific -type of plastic
