<!DOCTYPE article
  PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD Journal Publishing DTD v2.0 20040830//EN" "http://dtd.nlm.nih.gov/publishing/2.0/journalpublishing.dtd">
<article xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" article-type="research-article" dtd-version="2.0" xml:lang="EN">
  <front>    <journal-meta>
      <journal-title>International Journal of Physical Sciences</journal-title>
      <issn pub-type="epub">1992-1950</issn>      <publisher>
        <publisher-name>Academic Journals</publisher-name>
      </publisher>
    </journal-meta>
    <article-meta>
      <article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.5897/IJPS2016.4554</article-id>
      <title-group>
        <article-title><![CDATA[Plastics: The good, the bad and the ugly]]></article-title>
      </title-group>
      <contrib-group>
        <contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple">
        		        	<name name-style="western">
	            <surname>Kamweru</surname>
            <given-names>Paul K.</given-names>
	          </name>	
        		        	<name name-style="western">
	            <surname>Tindibale</surname>
            <given-names>Edward L.</given-names>
	          </name>	
        	        </contrib>
      </contrib-group>
      <author-notes>
		<corresp id="cor1">* E-mail: <email xlink:type="simple">pkamweru@gmail.com</email></corresp>
      </author-notes>
      <pub-date pub-type="collection">
        <year>2021</year>
      </pub-date>
      <pub-date pub-type="epub">
      	<day>31</day>
        <month>10</month>
        <year>2021</year>
      </pub-date>
      <history>
      			<date date-type="received">
			<day>29</day>
			<month>08</month>
			<year>2016</year>
		</date>
						<date date-type="accepted">
			<day>23</day>
			<month>09</month>
			<year>2016</year>
		</date>
			  </history>
      <volume>16</volume>
      <issue>4</issue>
	  	  <fpage>170</fpage>
	  <lpage>179</lpage>
      <permissions>
		<license xlink:type="simple">
			<license-p>
			This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
			</license-p>
		</license>
	  </permissions>
	  <self-uri xlink:href="http://politicalwaffle.uk/journal/IJPS/article-abstract/55D9D5868406">
		This article is available from http://politicalwaffle.uk/journal/IJPS/article-abstract/55D9D5868406	  </self-uri>
	  <self-uri xlink:href="http://politicalwaffle.uk/journal/IJPS/article-full-text-pdf/55D9D5868406">
		The full text article is available as a PDF file from http://politicalwaffle.uk/journal/IJPS/article-full-text-pdf/55D9D5868406	  </self-uri>
	  
      <abstract><![CDATA[Plasticsrsquo; demand and consumption is on the increase since 1950s due to their unique properties. Their high use coupled with challenges in end-of-use handling and their inherent resistance to degradation has led to their accumulation in the environment, which is a matter of grave concern. This review presents a general overview of the state of knowledge of the diverse faces of plastics with special reference to polyethylene. This includes an outline of the polyethylene blends and grades put into most use, disposal methods, polyethylene degradation and its effects on the environment. The Current state of knowledge suggests that future trends and policies should be directed towards increased efforts to recycling and minimizing the introduction of virgin materials into the cycle.

	Key words: Polyethylene, degradation, polymers, plastics, environment.]]></abstract>
    </article-meta>
  </front>
      <body/>
    <back>
		<ref-list>
			<title>References</title>
						<ref id="ref1">
				<label>1</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Andrady AL (1994). Assessment of Environmental Biodegradation of Synthetic Polymers. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part C. 34(1):25-76.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref2">
				<label>2</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Andrady AL (2000). Handbook of Polymer Degradation, 2nd edn (ed. S.H. Hamid), Marcel Dekker, New York P 441.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref3">
				<label>3</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Andrady AL (2011). Micro plastics in the marine environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin 62:1596-1605.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref4">
				<label>4</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Arutchelvi J, Sudhakar M, Arkatkar A, Doble M, Bhaduri S, Uppara PV (2008). Biodegradation of polyethylene and polypropylene Indian Journal of Biotechnology 7:9-22]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref5">
				<label>5</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Azzarello MY, van Vleet ES (1987). Marine birds and plastic pollution. Marine Ecology Progress Series 37:295-303.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref6">
				<label>6</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Bai L, Li YM, Yang W, Yang MB (2010). Rheological behavior and mechanical properties of high-density polyethylene blends with different molecular weights. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 118:1356-1363.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref7">
				<label>7</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Baird RW, Hooker SK (2000). Ingestion of plastic and unusual prey by a juvenile harbour porpoise. Marine Pollution Bulletin 40:719-720.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref8">
				<label>8</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Barnes DKA, Galgani F, Thompson RC, Barlaz M (2009). Accumulation and fragmentation of plastic debris in global environments. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. B 364:1985-1998.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref9">
				<label>9</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Barreiros JP, Barcelos J (2001). Plastic ingestion by a leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea from the Azores (NE Atlantic). Marine Pollution Bulletin 42:1196-1197.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref10">
				<label>10</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Caruso MM, Davis DA, Shen Q, Odom SA, Sotto NR, White SR, Moore JS (2009). Mechanically-Induced Chemical Changes in Polymeric Materials. Chemical Reviews. 109(11):5755-5798.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref11">
				<label>11</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Corcoran PL, Biesinger MC, Grifi M (2009). Marine Pollution Bulletin Plastics and beaches: A degrading relationship. Marine Pollution Bulletin 58(1):80-84.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref12">
				<label>12</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[DeMatteo R (2011). Chemical exposure and plastics production: issues for womens health | A Review of literature. National Network on Environments and Womens, Health.
				
					View]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref13">
				<label>13</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Denuncio P, Bastida R, Dassis M, Giardino G, Gerpe M, Rodriguez D (2011). Plastic ingestion in Franciscana dolphins, Pontoporia blainvillei (Gervais and dOrbigny, 1844), from Argentina. Marine Pollution Bulletin 62(8):1836-1841.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref14">
				<label>14</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Desriac P (1991). The effect of pesticides on the life of greenhouse films. FAO.
				
					View]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref15">
				<label>15</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Dilara PA, Briassoulis D (2000). Degradation and Stabilization of Low-density Polyethylene Films used as Greenhouse Covering Materials. Journal of Agricultural Engineering 76(4):309-321.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref16">
				<label>16</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Dyson R (1992). Specialty Polymers. Blackie Academic and Professional. Willy science publishers. Great Britain P 16.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref17">
				<label>17</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Fakirov S, Krasteva B (2000). On the Glass Transition Temperature of Polyethylene as Revealed by Microhardness Measurements. Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part B-Physics 39(29):297-301.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref18">
				<label>18</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Frost A, Cullen M (1997). Marine debris on northern New South Wales beaches (Australia): Sources and the role of beach usage. Marine Pollution Bulletin 34(5):348-352.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref19">
				<label>19</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Gaca P, Drzewiecka M, Kaleta W, Kozubek H, Nowi?ska K (2008). Catalytic Degradation of Polyethylene over Mesoporous Molecular Sieve MCM-41 Modified with Heteropoly Compounds. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 17(1):25-31.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref20">
				<label>20</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Gewert B, Plassmann MM, MacLeod M (2015). Pathways for degradation of plastic polymers floating in the marine environment (Critical Review). Environmental Science: Processes and Impacts. 17(9):1513-1521.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref21">
				<label>21</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Gilan I, Hadar Y, Sivan A (2004). Colonisation and biofilm formation and biodegradation of polyethylene by a strain of Rhodococcus rubber. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 65(1):97-104.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref22">
				<label>22</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Gu JD (2003). Microbiological deterioration and degradation of synthetic polymeric materials: Recent research advances. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation 52(2):69-91.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref23">
				<label>23</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Hakkarainen M, Albertsson AC (2004). Long Term Properties of Polyolefins Chapter; Environmental Degradation of Polyethylene. 169:177-200. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref24">
				<label>24</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Hato MJ, Luyt AS (2007). Thermal fractionation and properties of different polyethylene/wax blends. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 104(4):2225-2236.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref25">
				<label>25</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Hayden KW, Jaimys A, Russell JC, Elena PI (2013). Plastic Degradation and Its Environmental Implications with Special Reference to Poly(ethylene terephthalate). Polymers 5:1-18
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref26">
				<label>26</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Henninger F, Pedrazetti E (1988). Aspects of greenhouse film stabilization. Plasticulture 80(4):5-24.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref27">
				<label>27</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Hill MJ, Barham PJ, Keller A (1992). Phase segregation in blends of linear with branched polyethylene: the effect of varying the molecular weight of the linear polymer. Polymer 33(12):2530.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref28">
				<label>28</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Hirai H, Takada H, Ogata Y, Yamashita R, Mizukawa K, Saha M, Kwan C, Moore C, Gray H, Laursen D, Zettler ER, Farrington JW, Reddy CM, Peacock EE, Ward MW (2011). Organic micropollutants in marine plastic debris from the open ocean and remote and urban beaches. Marine Pollution Bulletin 62(8):1683-1692.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref29">
				<label>29</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Hollander A, Behnisch J (1998). Vacuum-ultraviolet photolysis of polymers. Surface and Coatings Technology 98(1-3):855-858.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref30">
				<label>30</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Hopewell J, Dvorak R, Kosior E (2009). Plastics recycling: challenges and opportunities. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences 364(1526):2115-2126.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref31">
				<label>31</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Ivar do Sul JA, Costa MF (2007). Marine debris review for Latin America and the wider Caribbean region: From the 1970s until now, and where do we go from here? Marine Pollution Bulletin 54:1087-1104.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref32">
				<label>32</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Kreiger M, Anzalone GC, Mulder ML, Glover A, Pearce JM (2013). Distributed Recycling of Post-Consumer Plastic Waste in Rural Areas. MRS Online Proceedings Library, 1492.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref33">
				<label>33</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Krishnaswamy P (2007). Report on review of literature on the use of polyethylene (pe) piping in nuclear power plant safety-related class 3 service water systems. A report to the United States nuclear regulatory commission.
				
					View]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref34">
				<label>34</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Laist DW (1997). Impacts of marine debris: entanglement of marine life in marine debris including a comprehensive list of species with entanglement and ingestion records. In: J.M. Coe, D.B. Rogers (Eds.), Marine Debris-sources, Impacts and Solutions, Springer-Verlag New York Inc., New York pp. 99-139.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref35">
				<label>35</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Lazar B, Gracan R (2011). Ingestion of marine debris by loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, in the Adriatic sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin 62(1):43-47.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref36">
				<label>36</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Lee EJ, Park JK, Lee YS and Lim KH (2010). Comparison of thermal properties of crude by-product polyolefin wax, fractionated paraffin wax and their blend. Journal of Chemical Engineering 27(2):524-530.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref37">
				<label>37</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Lee GF, Jones-Lee A (1996). Dry Tomb Landfills. MSW Management 6(1):82-89.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref38">
				<label>38</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Leja K, Lewandowicz G (2010). Polymers Biodegradation and Biodegradable Polymers-a Review. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 19(2):255-266.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref39">
				<label>39</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Lithner D, Damberg J, Dave G, Larsson K (2009). Leachates from plastic consumer products--screening for toxicity with Daphnia magna. Chemosphere 74(9):1195-200.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref40">
				<label>40</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Luyt AS, Hato MJ (2005). Thermal and mechanical properties of linear low-density polyethylene/low-density polyethylene/wax ternary blends Journal of Applied Polymer Science 96(5):1748-1755.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref41">
				<label>41</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Malek MI, Shaaban MG (2008). Landfill Common Method and Practices of Solid Wastes Disposal in Malaysia. Conference Paper  November 2008.Conference: ISWA, At Singapore.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref42">
				<label>42</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Massardier-Nageotte V, Pestre C, Cruard-Pardet T, Bayard R (2006). Aerobic and anerobic biodegradability of polymer films and phsyico-chemical characterization. Polymer Degradation and Stability 91(3):620-627.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref43">
				<label>43</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Mato Y, Isobe T, Takada H, Kanehiro H, Ohtake C, Kaminuma T (2001). Plastic resin pellets as a transport medium for toxic chemicals in the marine environment. Environmental Science and Technology 35(2):318-324.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref44">
				<label>44</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Matsumura S (2005). Mechanism of biodegradation, in Biodegradable polymers for industrial applications, edited by R Smith (Woodhead, England) pp. 357-409.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref45">
				<label>45</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Moore CJ, Moore SL, Leecaster MK, Weisberg SBA (2001). Comparison of plastic and plankton in the north Pacific central gyre. Marine Pollution Bulletin 42(12):1297-1300.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref46">
				<label>46</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Mort-Ferguson S, Law KL, Proskurowski G, Murphy EK, Peacock EE, Reddy CM (2010). The size, mass, and composition of plastic debris in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Marine Pollution Bulletin 60(10):1873-1878.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref47">
				<label>47</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Neway B, Gedde UW (2004). Influence of the method of mixing on homogeneity and crystallization kinetics of blends of linear and branched polyethylene. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 94(4):1730-1736.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref48">
				<label>48</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Ogino Y, Fukushima H, Matsuba G, Takahashi N, Nishida K, Kanaya T (2006). Effects of high molecular weight component on crystallization of polyethylene under shear flow. Polymer 47(15):5669-5677.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref49">
				<label>49</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Pemberton D, Brothers NP, Kirkwood R (1992). Entanglement of Australian fur seals in man-made debris in Tasmanian waters. Wildlife Research 19(2):151-159.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref50">
				<label>50</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Plastics Europe (2012). Plastics-The Facts 2012.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref51">
				<label>51</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Plastics Europe (2013). Plastics - the Facts 2013. An analysis of European latest plastics production, demand and waste data. Plastics Europe, European Plastics Converters, European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organizations and European Plastics Recyclers.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref52">
				<label>52</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Pospisil J, Nespurek S (1997). Highlights in chemistry and physics of polymer stabilization. Macromolecular Symposia 115:143-163.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref53">
				<label>53</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Rabek JF (1987). Mechanism of Photophysical Process and Photochemical Reaction in polymers. New York: John Wiley and Sons.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref54">
				<label>54</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Raju SS, Murali M, Rengaraju VR (2007). Reuse of polyethylene waste in road construction. Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering 49(1):67-70.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref55">
				<label>55</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Ranby B, Rabek JF (1983). In: The Effects of Hostile Environments on Coatings and Plastics (Garner D P; Stahl G A eds), ACS Symposium Series pp. 291-307.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref56">
				<label>56</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Rappaport H (2011). Ethylene and Polyethylene Global Overview. SPI Film and Bag.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref57">
				<label>57</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Restrepo-Flrez J, Bassi A, Thompson MR (2014). Microbial degradation and deterioration of polyethylene. A review. Int. Biodeterior. Biodegradation 88:83-90.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref58">
				<label>58</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Rios LM, Moore C, Jones PR (2007). Persistent organic pollutants carried by synthetic polymers in the ocean environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin 54(8):1230-1237.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref59">
				<label>59</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Sazima I, Gadig OBF, Namora RC, Motta FS (2002). Plastic debris collars on juvenile carcharhinid sharks (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) in southwest Atlantic. Marine Pollution Bulletin 44(10):1147-1149.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref60">
				<label>60</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Schnabel W (1981). Polymer Degradation, Principles and Practical Applications. Macmillan Publishing Co. New York pp. 95-151.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref61">
				<label>61</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Shah AA, Hassan F, Hameed A, Ahmed S (2008). Biological degradation of plastics: A comprehensive review. Biotechnology Advances 26(3):246-265.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref62">
				<label>62</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Shen C, Tang X, Yao J, Shi D, Fang J, Khan MI, Cheema SA, Chen Y (2010). Levels and patterns of polycyclic aromatic hydrocabons and polychlorinated biphenyls in municipal waste incinerator bottom ash in Zhejiang province, China. Journal of Hazardous Materials 179(1-3):197-202.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref63">
				<label>63</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Sinha V, Patel MR, Patel JV (2010). PET waste management by chemical recycling: A review. Journal of Polymers and the Environment 18(1):8-25.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref64">
				<label>64</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Stoeckel TM, Blasius J, Crist B (1978). Chain Rupture and Tensile Deformation of Polymers. Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics Ed. 16:485-500.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref65">
				<label>65</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Suslick KS, Price GJ (1999). Applications of Ultrasound to Materials Chemistry. Annual Review of Material Research 29(1):295-326.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref66">
				<label>66</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Tansel B, Yildiz BS (2011). Goal-based waste management strategy to reduce persistence ofcontaminants in leachate at municipal solid waste landfills. Environment, Development and Sustainability. 13(5):821-831.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref67">
				<label>67</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Teuten EL, Saquing JM, Knappe DRU, Barlaz MA, Jonsson S, Bjrn A, Rowland SJ, Thompson RC, Galloway TS, Yamashita R, Ochi D, Watanuki Y, Moore C, Viet PH, Tana TS, Prudente M, Boonyatumanond R, Zakaria MP, Akkhavong K, Ogata Y, Hirai H, Iwasa S, Mizukawa K, Hagino Y, Imamura A, Saha M, Takada H (2009). Transport and release of chemicals from plastics to the environment and to wildlife. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B 364:2027-2045.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref68">
				<label>68</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Thompson RC, Moore CJ, vom Saal FS, Swan SH (2009). Plastics, the environment and human health: current consensus and future trends. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B 364:2153-2166.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref69">
				<label>69</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Thompson RC, Olsen Y, Mitchell RP, Davis A, Rowland SJ, John AW, McGonigle D, Russell AE (2004). Lost at sea: where is all the plastic? Science 304(5672):838.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref70">
				<label>70</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Tollner EW, Annis PA, Das KC (2011). Evaluation of strength properties of polypropylene-based polymers in simulated landfill and oven conditions. Journal of Environmental Engineering 137(4):291-296.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref71">
				<label>71</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Tsuchida D, Kajihara Y, Shimidzu N, Hamamura K, Nagase M (2011). Hydrogen sulfide production by sulfate-reducing bacteria utilizing additives eluted from plastic resins. Waste Management and Research 29(6):594-601.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref72">
				<label>72</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Urase T, Okumura H, Panyosaranya S, Inamura A (2008). Emission of volatile organic compounds from solid waste disposal sites and importance of heat management. Waste Management and Research 26(6):34-538.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref73">
				<label>73</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Utracki LA (2003). Introduction to Polymer Blends. In: Utracki L.A. (eds) Polymer Blends Handbook. Springer, Dordrecht.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref74">
				<label>74</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Utracki LA, Schlund B (1987). Linear low density polyethylenes and their blends: Part 4 shear flow of LLDPE blends with LLDPE and LDPE. Polymer Engineering and Science 27:1512-1522.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref75">
				<label>75</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Valenza A, LaMantia FP, Acierno DJ (1986). The Rheological Behavior of HDPE/LDPE Blends. V. Isothermal Elongation at Constant Stretching Rate. Journal of Rheology 30:1085.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref76">
				<label>76</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[van Franeker JA, Blaize C, Danielsen J, Fairclough K, Gollan J, Guse N, Hansen PL, Heubeck M, Jensen JK, Guillou GL, Olsen B, Olsen KO, Pedersen J, Stienen EW, Turner DM (2011). Monitoring plastic ingestion by the northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis in the North Sea. Environmental Pollution 159(10):2609-2615.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref77">
				<label>77</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Vasile C (1993). Degradation and decomposition, in Handbook of polyolefins synthesis and properties, edited by Vasile C, Seymour RB (Marcel Dekker Inc, New York) pp. 479-506.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref78">
				<label>78</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Vasile C, Pascu M (2005). Practical Guide to Polyethylene. Rapra Technology Ltd. Shawbury, UK. 15 p.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref79">
				<label>79</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Velis CA (2014). Global recycling markets - plastic waste: A story for one player - China. Report prepared by FUELogy and formatted by D-waste on behalf of International Solid Waste Association - Globalisation and Waste Management Task Force. ISWA, Vienna, September 2014.]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref80">
				<label>80</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Webb HK, Arnott J, Crawford RJ, Ivanova EP (2013). Plastic Degradation and Its Environmental Implications with Special Reference to Poly (ethylene terephthalate). Polymers 5(1):1-18.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref81">
				<label>81</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Wright SL, Thompson RC, Galloway TS (2013). The physical impacts of microplastics on marine organisms: A review. Environmental pollution 178:483-492.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref82">
				<label>82</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Xu SY, Zhang H, He PJ, Shao LM (2011). Leaching behaviour of bisphenol A from municipal solid waste under landfill environment. Environmental Technology 32(11):1269-1277.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref83">
				<label>83</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Yakuphanoglu F, Sekerci M, Balaban A (2005). The effect of film thickness on the optical absorption edge and optical constants of the Cr (III) organic thin films. Optical Materials 27(8):1369-1372.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref84">
				<label>84</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Yamaguchi M (2006). Anomalous rheological properties of polyethylene molecular composites. Polymer Engineering and Science 46(9):1284-1291.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref85">
				<label>85</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Yamashita R, Takada H, Fukuwaka M, Watanuki Y (2011). Physical and chemical effects of ingested plastic debris on short-tailed shearwaters, Puffinus tenuirostris, in the North Pacific ocean. Marine Pollution Bulletin 62(12):2845-2849.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref86">
				<label>86</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Yang L, Somani RH, Sics I, Hsiao BS, Klob R, Fruitwala H, Ong C (2004). Shear-Induced Crystallization Precursor Studies in Model Polyethylene Blends by in-Situ Rheo-SAXS and Rheo-WAXD. Macromolecules 37(13):4845-4859.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref87">
				<label>87</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Zaikov GE, Gumargalieva KZ (2010). Biodegradation of Polymeric Materials. Generalized Kinetic Data. Mol. Crystals and Liquid Crystals 523(1):148/(720)-159/(731).
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref88">
				<label>88</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Zang YH, Carreau PJ (1991). A correlation between critical end-to-end distance for entanglements and molecular chain diameter of polymers. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 42(7):1965-1968.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref89">
				<label>89</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Zhang J, Wang X, Gong J, Gu Z (2004). A study on the biodegradability of polyethylene terephthalate fiber and diethylene glycol terephthalate. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 93(3):1089-1096.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
						<ref id="ref90">
				<label>90</label>
				<mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">
				<![CDATA[Zhao L, Choi P (2006). A Review of the Miscibility of Polyethylene Blends. Materials and Manufacturing Processes 21(2):135-142.
					]]>
				</mixed-citation>
			</ref>
					</ref-list>
	</back>
    </article>