Recent Advances in the Plastics Recycling and Upcycling

Dear Colleagues,

Plastic products are routinely deposited into the environment because of a broad range of human activities. Sources of plastic pollution include industrial waste, personal care products, littering, etc. The accumulation of plastics in the environment is associated with negative effects that include the harmful release of chemicals, the alteration of soil systems leading to negative agricultural effects, unknown effects on the digestive tracts of wildlife, and alterations in species diversity. Additional concern relates to microplastics, which are defined as plastic particles under 5 mm in diameter that provide novel microbial growth environments and related shifts in microbial species diversity towards the colonization of microplastic surfaces with known human pathogens. For both macroscopic plastics and microplastics, advancements in plastic recycling and upcycling are critically needed to combat their continued accumulation in aquatic and soil environments. In addition, knowledge of plastic biodegradation processes will also allow for the rational design of improved recycling and upcycling processes. This Special Issue brings together perspectives from a diverse range of authors that broadly discuss recent advances in the field.

Dr. Justin M. Miller
Guest Editor

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