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Biodegradation of Synthetic Thermoplastic Polymers and Plastics Based on Them (Review)

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Abstract

General issues of biological degradation of the synthetic thermoplastic polymers and plastics based on them that are most commonly used in industry, including varieties of polyethylene (in particular, high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene), polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene are discussed. Data on biodegradation of the above polymers and plastics under the action of the soil and marine microorganisms both under laboratory conditions and in the natural environment are presented. The plastics under consideration were classified by the degree of susceptibility to biodegradation.

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Funding

This work was financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation within the framework of the project “Study and Regionalization of the Potential of the Main Tropical Ecosystems for Biological Degradation of Polymer Materials Using the Example of the Territory of the Republic of Cuba,” unique project identifier RFMEFI62719X0005.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. All Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials, 105005, Moscow, Russia

    D. V. Sevast’yanov, M. I. Daskovskii, E. A. Shein & S. Yu. Skripachev

  2. Cienfuegos Center for Environmental Studies, 59350, Cienfuegos, Cuba

    Z. Usagava, G. P. Avilleira & M. G. Batista

Authors
  1. D. V. Sevast’yanov
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  2. M. I. Daskovskii
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  3. E. A. Shein
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  4. S. Yu. Skripachev
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  5. Z. Usagava
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  6. G. P. Avilleira
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  7. M. G. Batista
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Correspondence to D. V. Sevast’yanov.

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Translated by G. Levit

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Sevast’yanov, D.V., Daskovskii, M.I., Shein, E.A. et al. Biodegradation of Synthetic Thermoplastic Polymers and Plastics Based on Them (Review). Polym. Sci. Ser. D 14, 119–128 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1995421221010226

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1995421221010226

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