Beneath the Surface of Plastic Pyrolysis: Unveiling the Promise and Pitfalls - By Abhierr Goyal
Image generated u sing DALL-E
"Plastic, Plastic Everywhere" - it's a mantra that's become all too familiar in our modern world. But have you ever stopped to consider the gravity of this issue and taken action to combat it? Plastic pollution isn't just an eyesore; it's a grave threat to our health and the environment. Picture this: animals confusing plastic for food, ingesting it, and suffering internal injuries. Birds, turtles, and marine life ensnared in plastic debris, struggling for survival. And let's not forget about the toxic chemicals leaching from plastic waste, contaminating our soil, water, and ultimately, our bodies.
I vividly remember my first encounter with the dire consequences of plastic pollution. It was during a visit to the serene and sustainable haven of Govardhan Eco Village. Amidst the lush greenery, I was introduced to the concept of plastic pyrolysis—an innovative solution that seemed like a silver bullet at first glance. However, as I delved deeper into the process, I unearthed its inherent flaws.
You see, plastic pyrolysis is touted as a beacon of hope, promising to break down plastic waste into valuable resources like oil and gas through controlled heating. But behind the veil of progress lies a dark truth: the process leaves behind a trail of toxic residue and emits harmful fumes when the derived fuel is burned.
As disillusioned as I was by this revelation, I refused to lose hope. I embarked on a quest to explore alternative solutions, driven by a deep-seated desire to combat plastic pollution. And lo and behold, the journey led me to remarkable discoveries.
One such revelation came from the far reaches of Japan, where a groundbreaking enzyme was discovered. Ideonella Sakaiensis, a bacterial marvel, possesses the extraordinary ability to break down PET plastic—the kind commonly used in bottles and containers—thanks to its PETase enzyme. Witnessing nature's ingenuity firsthand reignited my faith in the power of innovation.
But innovation isn't confined to laboratories; sometimes, it's born out of sheer determination. Inspired by my father, a seasoned builder, I witnessed firsthand his ingenious method of transforming plastic waste into sturdy bricks. Through a process of pulverization and compression under extreme conditions, he breathed new life into discarded plastic, paving the way for a sustainable future.
And then there's Singapore, a beacon of excellence in waste management. Their revolutionary approach to incineration not only eliminates plastic waste but also harnesses its energy to power homes, all while maintaining pristine environments and safeguarding public health.
In the face of plastic pollution, we stand at a crossroads. Will we succumb to despair, or will we rise to the occasion, armed with innovation and determination? The choice is ours to make. So let's dare to dream of a world where "Plastic, Plastic Everywhere" is but a distant memory, replaced by a future where sustainability reigns supreme.
Explore Under the Microscope
Under The Microscope is an online community for high school students, all across the world, interested in exploring the life sciences. It presents a unique opportunity not only for exploring and advancing intellectual interests, but also doing so in a way that’s accessible and collaborativeーeven through the disruptions caused by the ongoing pandemic. As a student-run initiative, the club works on researching and sharing knowledge on a diverse range of topics and streams within biology, and is currently doing a series of articles examining the far reaching impacts of COVID-19 on everything from the economy to the environment and much more. As part of the club’s the current focus on COVID-19, they also focus on various organisations providing relief and support to communities during this time. Students have the opportunity to choose and explore their specific interests, and to develop their writing and research skills through the articles they work on.
To see more of the club’s activities visit: https://coda.io/@edbrand/under-the-microscope.