A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture
A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture

Author: Michael Orzolek

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2017-03-16

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 0081021763

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The use of plastics in agriculture – to increase crop output, improve food quality and improve sustainability – has grown substantially in both quantity and the range of applications. Many of the early researchers that conducted field research in the use of plastics in agriculture have either retired or are deceased. These early pioneers in plasticulture research, the basis of plant production using plastics, were very creative and persistent in discovering uses of plastics in agricultural applications. A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture contains both references not only to their accomplishments but also their publications. The book discusses plasticulture-the basis of plant production using plastics – including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnels. It covers the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in plant and animal production agriculture, and the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production. This book introduces a range of academics and industrial practitioners to the impact of plastics in agriculture, both historically and in a range of current applications. It also provides new perspectives on future developments to enable further research and application. It is an invaluable reference on the use of polyethylene, polypropylene films, and such products in all aspects of agricultural production. - Discusses plasticulture, the basis of plant production using plastics, including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnels - Contains 10 chapters that cover the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in agriculture - Covers the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production

Particulate Plastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments
Particulate Plastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments

Author: Nanthi S. Bolan

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2020-07-30

Total Pages: 466

ISBN-13: 1000081419

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The manufacture of plastic as well as its indiscriminate disposal and destruction by incineration pollutes atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems. Synthetic plastics do not break down; they accumulate in the environment as macro-, micro-, and nanoplastics. These particulate plastics are a major source of pollutants in soil and marine ecosystems. Particulate Plastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments provides a fundamental understanding of the sources of these plastics and the threats they pose to the environment. The book demonstrates the ecotoxicity of particulate plastics using case studies and offers management practices to mitigate particulate plastic contamination in the environment. Features · Describes physical and chemical properties of particulate plastics in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems · Presents information on characteristics of particulate plastics as impacted by weathering processes · Provides numerous approaches for managing particulate plastic contamination · Identifies sources of particulate plastics in the environment; distribution and characteristics of particulate plastics; and management strategies of particulate plastics Written by a global team of scientists, this book is for researchers in the fields of environmental safety and waste management or individuals interested in the impact of particulate plastics on environmental health.

Biopolymers and Biocomposites from Agro-waste for Packaging Applications
Biopolymers and Biocomposites from Agro-waste for Packaging Applications

Author: Naheed Saba

Publisher: Woodhead Publishing

Published: 2020-11-07

Total Pages: 302

ISBN-13: 0128204230

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Biopolymers and Biocomposites from Agro-waste for Packaging Applications looks at the utilization of biocomposites and biopolymers for packaging applications. The book focuses on the development of affordable, innovative, sustainable packaging products made from biopolymers and biocomposites derived from agricultural waste/biomass and how they that result in improved shelf-life performance. In addition, it explores how these affordable packaging products can reduce food loss across the supply chain, the future direction of setting-up platforms for broader uses, and how these products can also contribute to minimizing waste-to-landfill problems. - Focuses on the application and use of non-exploited cheap agricultural waste for food packaging applications - Contains information on the modeling and processing of biopolymers and biocomposites to predict thermal and mechanical behavior - Features a discussion of coatings on packaging products to enhance shelf life

Microplastics in fisheries and aquaculture:
Microplastics in fisheries and aquaculture:

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2018-11-09

Total Pages: 147

ISBN-13: 9251098824

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An overview of the occurrence and effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms, with recommendations regarding seafood safety and security, environmental risk assessment approaches and targeted monitoring of microplastics in the environment.

Plastics and the Environment
Plastics and the Environment

Author: Anthony L. Andrady

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2003-02-20

Total Pages: 792

ISBN-13: 9780471095200

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Plastics offer a variety of environmental benefits. However, their production, applications, and disposal present many environmental concerns. Plastics and the Environment provides state-of-the-art technical and research information on the complex relationship between the plastic and polymer industry and the environment, focusing on the sustainability, environmental impact, and cost—benefit tradeoffs associated with different technologies. Bringing together the field’s leading researchers, Anthony Andrady’s innovative collection not only covers how plastics affect the environment, but also how environmental factors affect plastics. The relative benefits of recycling, resource recovery, and energy recovery are also discussed in detail. The first of the book’s four sections represents a basic introduction to the key subject matter of plastics and the environment; the second explores several pertinent applications of plastics with environmental implications–packaging, paints and coatings, textiles, and agricultural film use. The third section discusses the behavior of plastics in some of the environments in which they are typically used, such as the outdoors, in biotic environments, or in fires. The final section consists of chapters on recycling and thermal treatment of plastics waste. Chapters include: Commodity Polymers Plastics in Transportation Biodegradation of Common Polymers Thermal Treatment of Polymer Waste Incineration of Plastics The contributors also focus on the effectiveness of recent technologies in mitigating environmental impacts, particularly those for managing plastics in the solid waste stream. Plastic and design engineers, polymer chemists, material scientists, and ecologists will find Plastics and the Environment to be a vital resource to this critical industry.

Introduction to Bioplastics Engineering
Introduction to Bioplastics Engineering

Author: Syed Ali Ashter

Publisher: William Andrew

Published: 2016-03-29

Total Pages: 302

ISBN-13: 0323394078

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Introduction to Bioplastics Engineering is a practical, user-friendly reference for plastics engineers working with biopolymers and biodegradable plastics that addresses topics that are required for the successful development of cohesive bioplastic products. While there has been considerable demand for the use of bioplastics in industry, processing these bioplastics is a big challenge. The book provides plastics engineers and researchers with a fundamental, practical understanding of the differences between bioplastics and biodegradable polymers, along with guidance on the different methods used to process bioplastics. The book also covers additives and modifiers for biopolymers and their effect on properties. Examples include commercial applications of bioplastics, current bioplastics being developed, and future trends in the industry. This enables engineers, researchers, technicians, and students to understand the decisive relationship between different processing techniques, morphology, mechanical properties, and the further applications of bio-based polymers. The book presents a true engineering approach for the industry on the processing of biopolymers and biodegradable plastics – discussing the ease of use of the polymer, mechanical and thermal properties, rate of biodegradation in particular environments, and pros and cons of particular bioplastics. - Enables engineers, researchers, technicians, and students to understand the decisive relationship between different processing techniques, morphology, mechanical properties, and the further applications of bio-based polymers. - Covers additives and modifiers for biopolymers and their effect on properties - Includes examples that illustrate the commercial applications of bioplastics, current bioplastics being developed, and future trends in the industry

Plasticulture Engineering and Technology
Plasticulture Engineering and Technology

Author: Rohitashw Kumar

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2022-05-05

Total Pages: 439

ISBN-13: 1000555925

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The utilization of successful plasticulture engineering technology can ideally optimize crop yields and provide both economic and environmental benefits, such as reducing the need for water and fertilizer. This book discusses the myriad important aspects of crop production that utilize plastic, such as micro-irrigation, water management, plastic mulch films, protected cultivation and low tunnels, crop covers, canal linings, silage bags, and more. It also examines the latest methods for vertical farming and technological aspects, such as smart agriculture using the internet of things (IoT).The current state of the art, as well as potential future uses,ofplastics isdiscussed in addition to the benefits and limitations of plastics applications in agriculture generally. Features Illustrates application of plastic in protected cultivation, water management, aquaculture, and hi-tech horticulture using innovative technologies to enhance water use efficiency and crop productivity Presents precision farming for climate-resilient technologies Includes real-world examples to present practical insights of plastic engineering for climate change mitigation strategies. Plasticulture Engineering and Technology will serve as a useful resource for students, professionals, and researchers in agriculture and agricultural engineering, hydrology, hydraulics, water resources engineering, irrigation engineering, and environmental science.

Progress in Polymer Degradation and Stability Research
Progress in Polymer Degradation and Stability Research

Author: Herbert W. Moeller

Publisher: Nova Publishers

Published: 2007-06-11

Total Pages: 406

ISBN-13: 9781600218286

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Polymer degradation is a change in the properties -- tensile strength, colour, shape, etc -- of a polymer or polymer based product under the influence of one or more environmental factors such as heat, light or chemicals. These changes may be undesirable, such as changes during use, or desirable, as in biodegradation or deliberately lowering the molecular weight of a polymer. Such changes occur primarily because of the effect of these factors on the chemical composition of the polymer. In a finished product such a change is to be prevented or delayed. However, the degradation process can be useful from the view points of understanding the structure of a polymer or recycling/reusing the polymer waste to prevent or reduce environmental pollution. Polymers molecules are very large on the molecular scale which derive their unique and useful properties from their size.

Green Plastics
Green Plastics

Author: E. S. Stevens

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 9780691049670

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Appendix includes formulas and procedures for making plastics.