desafios do uso ambientalmente sustentável de plásticos

Abstract

Como resultado de sua grande versatilidade e utilização, as matrizes plásticas tornaram-se fundamentais como uma das matérias primas básicas para a revolução tecnológica durante o período pós-Segunda Guerra Mundial. A importância significativa desses "novos" materiais é confirmada, pois muitos pesquisadores em todo o mundo consideram que as camadas sedimentares de plástico como um indicativo do início da Era Antropocênica. Durante todo o período de industrialização, a produção anual de plástico aumentou de menos de dois milhões de toneladas em 1950 para mais de 350 milhões de toneladas hoje, e se a demanda atual continuar, espera-se que exceda 30 bilhões de toneladas até 2050 (Porta, 2021).

The prevalence of microplastics on the earth and resulting increased imbalances in biogeochemical cycling

“…Discovered during the 1930s and produced on a large scale from the 50-60s, plastics now play an important role in the daily lives of human beings. The properties of these man-made long-chain polymeric materials, such as strength and durability, together with flexibility, thermal and electrical insulation, corrosion resistance, and low cost, have made them important in the production of a wide diversity of items such as clothes, cosmetics, tools, paints, appliances and others [15,17] . Additionally, these same characteristics represent a threat to human beings in the medium and long term; the refractory nature of plastics offers great ecotoxicological potential.…”

“…Exposure to and bioaccumulation of these particles can impact human health [15] as they can adsorb toxic chemicals [20] and bioaccumulate in food and tissue [21,22] . Microplastics can also alter and negatively influence soil microbiomes [23,24] and impact physiological and resulting ecological processes [22,25] .…”

“…MP pollution in the salty marine environment has received more attention than in other ecosystems. First, because MPs are frequently recorded in high levels in both the water column [64] and in the bottom sediments [65] , where they can be available to the marine biota, and secondly, since seafood is a primary source of protein for a significant percentage of the world's population [66] , MP contamination in marine ecosystems represents a potential human health risk [15] . Sources of MPs for the oceans include terrestrial runoff [67] , plastic industrial wastes [68] , abandoned fishing nets [69] and many others.…”

“…The plastic matrix has an extremely versatile nature, being able to attract and sorb other contaminants, thus changing the trajectory of these potentially toxic compounds in the natural environment [13] . This may intensify their bioavailability and toxicity to other levels of the trophic chain [14,15] . Thus, only through the understanding of its nature and behavior in a global way will it be possible to effectively manage and attenuate the impact of plastic pollution [16] .…”