A Revision for the Different Reuses of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Water Bottles

Abstract

According to studies on global plastic manufacturing and the resulting pollution, plastic wastes have been identified as a serious environmental concern. The impact of plastic garbage on marine species, humans, and the environment is a source of public concern, necessitating the need to save ecosystems and the lives that depend on them. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles have a significant carbon footprint and represent tremendous waste. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), PET water bottles are widely utilized, with yearly consumption reaching 450 water bottles per person. This study aims to review the literature on using PET water bottles in the UAE. A systematic literature search was conducted on journal articles, peer-reviewed journal articles, etc., published in the last 12 months. The main aspects of this systematic literature review include information on how plastic wastes are managed in the UAE and worldwide. In addition, it discusses the public health effects caused by plastic wastes, how the consumers of plastic bottles responded to the environmental policies, and so on. The article selection criteria included studies related to plastic water bottles in the UAE, waste management, environmental consequences, etc. A total of 30 articles were selected by initial screening, and 20 met the selection criteria and were included in the final review. To establish the credibility of this research, we understood that it was necessary to survey the UAE population to see the best approach to deal with PET water bottles.

An Empirical Investigation on Plastic Waste Issues and Plastic Disposal Strategies to Protect the Environment: A UAE Perspective

“…This linear system is also commonly used in industry to regulate the water supply and wastewater discharge. From the initial process of converting groundwater into tap or industrial water to its final conversion back into wastewater, the system, comprised of kilometers of pipelines, guarantees that everyone receives the appropriate amount of water [3].…”

“…Furthermore, the removal of medical leftovers will reduce environmental pollution. Finally, this system will allow green minerals, such as fertilizer and compost, to be recovered from water so as to prevent the loss of these precious resources [3].…”

“…In total, 11 billion plastic bags are used each year according to the United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Environment and Water. This brings the annual total waste to 912.5 kg per capita and the municipal solid waste generation to nearly 2.1 kg/day of, which includes chemicals as well [3]. The shocking rise in municipal solid waste indicates the escalating rise in plastic bag and water bottle usage.…”

“…One such initiative is the formation of the Waste Management Center (CWM) by the government of Abu Dhabi. Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and many different groups in the community are actively collecting plastic waste [2][3][4]. There is significant ongoing debate about whether plastic is a benefit or a burden.…”

“…Since the use of plastic has positive and negative effects on the economy and socioeconomics, it must be monitored [5]. Non-government organizations (NGOs) and various community groups are actively participating in plastic trash collection [2][3][4]. The culture and customs of UAE nationals have impacts on how often they use water bottles.…”