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Biodegradation of Polyurethane (PU) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

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Advanced Strategies for Biodegradation of Plastic Polymers

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Abstract

The accumulation of plastic trash has been recognized as a significant environmental issue that impacts all forms of life, natural ecosystems, and the global economy. In these circumstances, it is crucial to prioritize the search for environmentally friendly alternatives, such as biodegradation instead of conventional disposal methods. Currently, there is limited knowledge regarding the mechanisms and effectiveness of plastic biodegradation. The purpose of this study is to provide a concise overview of the biodegradation processes of polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), highlighting their significance in terms of environmental sustainability and waste management. Biodegradation, which harnesses the power of microbes and enzymes, holds immense promise in tackling the environmental issues associated with synthetic polymers. Biodegradation refers to the natural process by which microbes and enzymes break down organic matter. To effectively develop strategies for managing plastic waste and promoting sustainability, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the mechanisms and factors that affect the biodegradation of polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Laxman Singh Mahar Campus (affiliated to Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora), Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India

    Manjul Gondwal, Akanksha Gwasikoti, Anjum Qureshi & Bhanu Pratap Singh Gautam

  2. Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Prem Prakash Solanki

  3. Department of Zoology, Laxman Singh Mahar Campus (affiliated to Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora), Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India

    Rakesh Kumar Verma

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  1. Manjul Gondwal
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  2. Akanksha Gwasikoti
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  3. Anjum Qureshi
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  4. Prem Prakash Solanki
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  5. Rakesh Kumar Verma
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  6. Bhanu Pratap Singh Gautam
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

    Ravindra Soni

  2. Department of Botany, Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar College, Belonia, Tripura, India

    Prasenjit Debbarma

  3. Department of Science, Vidyadayini Institute of Science, Management, and Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

    Deep Chandra Suyal

  4. Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Chaumuhan, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Reeta Goel

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Gondwal, M., Gwasikoti, A., Qureshi, A., Solanki, P.P., Verma, R.K., Gautam, B.P.S. (2024). Biodegradation of Polyurethane (PU) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). In: Soni, R., Debbarma, P., Suyal, D.C., Goel, R. (eds) Advanced Strategies for Biodegradation of Plastic Polymers. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-55661-6_5

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