Sources and Fate of Plastics into Microplastics
G. M. S. S. Gunawardhana, U. L. H. P. Perera, Amila Sandaruwan Ratnayake
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in the oceans has continuously increased during the last five decades. However, the characteristics of plastic-making polymers, their degradation/weathering mechanisms, and remediation measures are poorly discussed. Therefore, this book chapter discusses up-to-date facts on plastics production as pollutants (nurdles, polymers) and weathering and degradation of plastics (physical/mechanical, photodegradation/photooxidative, chemical, thermal and biological degradations) into primary and secondary microplastics and their toxicity/potential impacts and removal procedures (sorption and filtration, chemical, and biological methods) from the environment. We also provided evidence for plastic nurdles degradation for a one-year period and continuous/long-term marine pollution after the X-Press Pearl maritime accident.