**1. Introduction**

Synthetic materials of modern society are made from a range of organic polymers, viz., polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), etc. Plastics are thus wide range of high molecular weight organic polymers obtained from the hydrocarbon and petroleum derivatives. We are experiencing increasing trend of production as well as consumption of plastics due to extensive applications in different sectors, viz., domestic, industrial, agricultural, health, etc. They may be molded into different shapes, color, and functionality. Additives added to monomers convert them into plastics with specific properties [1–17].

These may be available in various ranges of cost depending on ingredients, features, specifications, and applications. Based on production, economy, and demand, supply aspects' usage is dynamically changing. Plastics are versatile, indispensable, and cost-effective, and require less energy to produce than alternative materials like metal or glass, and may be produced with different properties for a more sustainable consumption in next few decades. Several advancement of human civilization has attributes and facilitation by the use of new polymeric products. As a consumer, one finds himself at crossroads at different stages of downsides of plastics and benefits [5–30]. There is a need to conduct SWOT analysis, determine gaps, and identify the opportunities so as to change the composition and practices of disposal for these invaluable polymers.

According to Water World report of 2016, the microscopic fibers of plastic may be released during each cycle of washing of clothes and ultimately reach to environment. According to WHO report of 2018, the microplastics may be in tap water or bottled water sources. It creates a concern to the scientific community, so as to potential preventive measures, and raise awareness at different levels.

Depending on characteristics, polymers are finding usage in packaging, spacecrafts, entertainment, toys industry, varied medical applications like disposable syringes, transfusion devices, intravenous bags, sterile or aseptic packaging for medical instruments, joint replacements, tissue engineering, intelligent, innovative packaging, etc.

Although generally inert in nature, they may also pose health risks. The biggest asset of durability is in fact the curse for the plastics in the recent scenario due to environmental consciousness. This is due to chemicals (EDCs), e.g., Bisphenol A or its analogs, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEI--IP), etc. [11–14]. The selection of the best packaging material depends on the cost viability, design that satisfies the competing needs in reference to the characteristics of the product, marketing considerations, environment and waste management issues, etc. In addition to these, it may also require a different analysis for individual item with consideration of properties of the packaging material, type of food to be stored, interactions, shelf life, environmental conditions, product end use, production, and distribution processes. The consumer wants to confirm that the products are capable of protecting the food ingredients and may not be damaged during transportation or storage till it is consumed under the specified period. Thus, roles of food packaging are very diverse and vary from perspective of regulators to stakeholders.

### **2. Degradability of polymers and anthropogenic interactions**

Most of the polymers have the issue of degradability and creating marine pollution with degradation moieties which take couple of years. The extensive indiscriminate overuse of plastics, lack of adequate waste management practices, and casual community behavior toward their proper disposal pose a significant threat to the environment [2–10, 18–24]. Several animal species are on the verge of extinction, and thus biodiversity is slowly depleting. These are due to anthropogenic activities which comprise with life activities. Each species has specific and exclusive attributes. We are aware that the ecological integrity of the planet is under threat from exploitative activities of human beings. Moreover, the health of modern civilization, intellectual capabilities, and ethical and esthetic values are slowly fragmented with passage of time. Indiscriminate usage of plastics may be harmful to the environment, and one needs to curb excessive consumption. Let customers' be made aware for intuition within, rather than compel to buy bags with extra price to safe guard environment.

**41**

*Polymers and Microplastics: Implications on Our Environment and Sustainability*

**2.1 Degradation of plastics and effect at cellular/molecular level**

and metabolomic studies are yet to be established in this context.

**2.2 Sustainability aspects: Environmental-friendly plastics**

bags, compostable garbage bags, eco-friendly cutlery, etc.

regulations so as to reduce the amounts generated.

**2.3 Degradable polymers**

**3. Ecosystem and plastics**

Plastic breaks into smaller fragments which acquire properties that may increase the risk substantially. As per UN report, this may affect the ecological functions and impact on species exposed to toxic moieties. It is well known that the chemical effects are especially due to additives, viz., phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), poly brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which may migrate from plastic particles or under exposure conditions [11–17, 28–30]. The phthalates are well documented to disrupt the hormone system of the animal kingdom. Moreover, the nanoparticles may cause inflammation, cellular barriers, or cross the blood-brain barrier and the placenta. Cytological changes in gene expression and biochemical reactions may be triggered. More studies are in progress to understand the change in behavior or cognitive variations beside the implications on hepatic, nephrology, or reproductive systems. The genomic, transcriptomics,

The environment lovers and academicians efforts toward sustainability need to be directed to make cost-effective, environment-friendly plastics. These are needed to safeguard the environment for future generations and instill a feeling of association with environment. The traditional plastics often create adverse effect on the environment due to indiscriminate disposal practices and over usage. Most of the drains and water bodies are choked with plastic or other associated waste. They may fill up landfills or end up as litter for several decades on land or in water and they are toxic to several animals. We may make the transformational change from being plastic user to environment-friendly bamboo toothbrushes, stainless-steel/glass water bottles, eco-friendly coffee tumblers, cloth pads/diapers, reusable shopping

Biodegradable plastics take 3–6 months to decompose fully depending on factors,

Biodegradable or bioplastics are generally perceived as the alternative solution for the waste management issues. Active, smart, or intelligent packaging is the need of the hour due to the fast changing consumer demands. Nowadays, there is another class of packaging which are known as responsive packaging. The waste from varied packaging forms a significant part of municipal solid waste and has caused increasing environmental concerns. There are requirements of strengthening various

Several marine creatures die annually due to plastic entanglement and these are the ones found. Plastic does not decompose because very few organisms derive their energy from complex hydrocarbons such as oil depending on the plastic.

viz., temperature, pressure, and the amount of moisture present. Biodegradable plastics have multiple applications—packaging, sutures etc. The economic, environmental, and health benefits are closely linked to health sector. The concept of materials coming from nature with environmental advantages of being biodegradable and/or bio-based is very attractive to the industry and to the consumers. In spite of increasing usage of bioplastics, they play a vital role in the fields of packaging, tapestry, buildings, defense, sports, agriculture, electronics, automotive, etc.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.89571*

*Polymers and Microplastics: Implications on Our Environment and Sustainability DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.89571*

#### **2.1 Degradation of plastics and effect at cellular/molecular level**

Plastic breaks into smaller fragments which acquire properties that may increase the risk substantially. As per UN report, this may affect the ecological functions and impact on species exposed to toxic moieties. It is well known that the chemical effects are especially due to additives, viz., phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), poly brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which may migrate from plastic particles or under exposure conditions [11–17, 28–30]. The phthalates are well documented to disrupt the hormone system of the animal kingdom. Moreover, the nanoparticles may cause inflammation, cellular barriers, or cross the blood-brain barrier and the placenta. Cytological changes in gene expression and biochemical reactions may be triggered. More studies are in progress to understand the change in behavior or cognitive variations beside the implications on hepatic, nephrology, or reproductive systems. The genomic, transcriptomics, and metabolomic studies are yet to be established in this context.

#### **2.2 Sustainability aspects: Environmental-friendly plastics**

The environment lovers and academicians efforts toward sustainability need to be directed to make cost-effective, environment-friendly plastics. These are needed to safeguard the environment for future generations and instill a feeling of association with environment. The traditional plastics often create adverse effect on the environment due to indiscriminate disposal practices and over usage. Most of the drains and water bodies are choked with plastic or other associated waste. They may fill up landfills or end up as litter for several decades on land or in water and they are toxic to several animals. We may make the transformational change from being plastic user to environment-friendly bamboo toothbrushes, stainless-steel/glass water bottles, eco-friendly coffee tumblers, cloth pads/diapers, reusable shopping bags, compostable garbage bags, eco-friendly cutlery, etc.

#### **2.3 Degradable polymers**

*Emerging Technologies, Environment and Research for Sustainable Aquaculture*

of disposal for these invaluable polymers.

packaging, etc.

These may be available in various ranges of cost depending on ingredients, features, specifications, and applications. Based on production, economy, and demand, supply aspects' usage is dynamically changing. Plastics are versatile, indispensable, and cost-effective, and require less energy to produce than alternative materials like metal or glass, and may be produced with different properties for a more sustainable consumption in next few decades. Several advancement of human civilization has attributes and facilitation by the use of new polymeric products. As a consumer, one finds himself at crossroads at different stages of downsides of plastics and benefits [5–30]. There is a need to conduct SWOT analysis, determine gaps, and identify the opportunities so as to change the composition and practices

According to Water World report of 2016, the microscopic fibers of plastic may be released during each cycle of washing of clothes and ultimately reach to environment. According to WHO report of 2018, the microplastics may be in tap water or bottled water sources. It creates a concern to the scientific community, so as to

Depending on characteristics, polymers are finding usage in packaging, spacecrafts, entertainment, toys industry, varied medical applications like disposable syringes, transfusion devices, intravenous bags, sterile or aseptic packaging for medical instruments, joint replacements, tissue engineering, intelligent, innovative

Although generally inert in nature, they may also pose health risks. The biggest asset of durability is in fact the curse for the plastics in the recent scenario due to environmental consciousness. This is due to chemicals (EDCs), e.g., Bisphenol A or its analogs, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEI--IP), etc. [11–14]. The selection of the best packaging material depends on the cost viability, design that satisfies the competing needs in reference to the characteristics of the product, marketing considerations, environment and waste management issues, etc. In addition to these, it may also require a different analysis for individual item with consideration of properties of the packaging material, type of food to be stored, interactions, shelf life, environmental conditions, product end use, production, and distribution processes. The consumer wants to confirm that the products are capable of protecting the food ingredients and may not be damaged during transportation or storage till it is consumed under the specified period. Thus, roles of food packaging are very

potential preventive measures, and raise awareness at different levels.

diverse and vary from perspective of regulators to stakeholders.

**2. Degradability of polymers and anthropogenic interactions**

Most of the polymers have the issue of degradability and creating marine pollution with degradation moieties which take couple of years. The extensive indiscriminate overuse of plastics, lack of adequate waste management practices, and casual community behavior toward their proper disposal pose a significant threat to the environment [2–10, 18–24]. Several animal species are on the verge of extinction, and thus biodiversity is slowly depleting. These are due to anthropogenic activities which comprise with life activities. Each species has specific and exclusive attributes. We are aware that the ecological integrity of the planet is under threat from exploitative activities of human beings. Moreover, the health of modern civilization, intellectual capabilities, and ethical and esthetic values are slowly fragmented with passage of time. Indiscriminate usage of plastics may be harmful to the environment, and one needs to curb excessive consumption. Let customers' be made aware for intuition within, rather than compel to buy bags with extra price

**40**

to safe guard environment.

Biodegradable plastics take 3–6 months to decompose fully depending on factors, viz., temperature, pressure, and the amount of moisture present. Biodegradable plastics have multiple applications—packaging, sutures etc. The economic, environmental, and health benefits are closely linked to health sector. The concept of materials coming from nature with environmental advantages of being biodegradable and/or bio-based is very attractive to the industry and to the consumers. In spite of increasing usage of bioplastics, they play a vital role in the fields of packaging, tapestry, buildings, defense, sports, agriculture, electronics, automotive, etc.

Biodegradable or bioplastics are generally perceived as the alternative solution for the waste management issues. Active, smart, or intelligent packaging is the need of the hour due to the fast changing consumer demands. Nowadays, there is another class of packaging which are known as responsive packaging. The waste from varied packaging forms a significant part of municipal solid waste and has caused increasing environmental concerns. There are requirements of strengthening various regulations so as to reduce the amounts generated.

#### **3. Ecosystem and plastics**

Several marine creatures die annually due to plastic entanglement and these are the ones found. Plastic does not decompose because very few organisms derive their energy from complex hydrocarbons such as oil depending on the plastic.

Plastic sheeting may break down under the UV light in sunlight within a couple of years. The aquatic ecosystem may include plants, animals, and micro-organisms present in ponds, rivers, beaches, and wetlands. Freshwater habitats are often classified by various factors, including temperature, light penetration, nutrients, and vegetation. Estuaries house flowers with the distinctive adaptation of having the ability to survive in contemporary and salty environments. Mangroves and Pickleweed are just few examples of estuarine plants. The fresh community is created from any of body of water that is made from fresh water like lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers [4, 8–10, 20–25]. They cover approximately 20% of the earth, and are in various locations spreading all over the globe. The Lentic ecosystem refers to stationary or relatively still water, from the Latin lentus, which means sluggish, e.g., lakes. Together, these two fields form the significant quantities of freshwater biosystems. Lentic systems are diverse, ranging from a small, temporal rainwater collection in a pool of few inches deep to Lake Baikal, which has a maximum depth of >1600 m. The major components of a freshwater ecosystem are producer, consumers such as zooplankton, diatoms, fish, turtles, and/or decomposers, viz., bacteria and fungi. Healthy, functioning fresh ecosystems give reliable and quality water flows upon which these basic human wants rely. Freshwater ecosystems, such as wetlands and rivers, also provide crucial regulating services, such as water purification, flood mitigation, and the treatment of human and industrial wastes.

The water quality plays a vital role in the process of leaching of materials. Leaching and permeation may occur in soft, inadequately buffered water from industries or varied processes of manufacturing units. The phthalic acid esters (PAEs), which are endocrine disruptors or hormonally active agents, are essentially added to provide flexibility and durability [4–8, 11–14, 18, 19, 28]. They have the ability to interfere with the endocrine system in the body of living organisms. With disposal of food packaging, cosmetic pouches, containers, bottles, toys, tubing's, transfusion bags, intravenous fluid bags, etc., used in medicals, they may reach to the ecosystem. PAEs are also associated with oxidative stress and alterations in cytokine expressions. The metabolites of phthalates in urine have been established to be associated with allergies and pulmonary implications in multiple studies or on public health. In vivo and in vitro studies are also in progress to understand the transgenerational and developmental effects.
