Microplastics in the environment: The role of polymer science.

In this paper we highlight some fundamental aspects regarding the role of polymer science in the behavior of microplastics (MP) and in understanding the effects of MP on the environment and on the health of humans and other living species. We stress that MP is not just another type of microparticle that affects our environment. Instead, MP has polymer-specific interactions with the environment and living species, which cannot be fully understood without polymer science.

Enhanced production, functionalization, and applications of polyhydroxyalkanoates from organic waste: A review.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) represent a promising class of biodegradable polyesters synthesized by various microorganisms as energy storage compounds. Their versatility and environmental friendliness make them potential candidates for replacing conventional plastics across numerous applications. However, challenges such as limited mechanical properties, high production costs, and thermal instability have hindered their widespread adoption.

Comparative evaluation of cellulose nanocrystals from bagasse and coir agro-wastes for reinforcing PVA-based composites.

In order to increase resilience of planters against climate change and bring additional economic benefits, agro-wastes can be exploited for extracting nanocellulose to produce eco-friendly composites. This paper focused on extracting nanocellulose from sugarcane bagasse and coir () using chemical methods including mercerisation, bleaching and acid hydrolysis. Taguchi Design of Experiment showed that the optimum alkaline treatment conditions of bagasse were at 2 wt% NaOH at 90 °C for 16 h.

A perspective on galactose-based fermentative hydrogen production from macroalgal biomass: Trends and opportunities.

This review analyses the relevant studies which focused on hydrogen synthesis by dark fermentation of galactose from macroalgal biomass by discussing the inoculum-related pretreatments, batch fermentation and inhibition, continuous fermentation systems, bioreactor designs for continuous operation and ionic liquid-assisted catalysis. The potential for process development is also revisited and the challenges towards suppressing glucose dominance over a galactose-based hydrogen production system are presented. The key challenges in the pretreatment process aiming to achieve a maximum recovery of upgradable (fermentable) sugars from the hydrolysates and promoting the concomitant detoxification of the hydrolysates have also been highlighted.

Assessing the potential of biofuel (biochar) production from food wastes through thermal treatment.

This work primarily investigated the feasibility of generating high quality biochar from food wastes (FW) torrefaction. The thermal behavior of FW torrefaction was studied between 225 and 300°C for 1 and 3h at a fixed heating rate of 15°C/min. Torrefaction upgraded the energy density, calorific value and carbon content of FW compared to the untreated feedstock.