Chapter 23, Problem 20STP

To determine

To explain: Two ways by which the problem of decomposition of plastics can be solved.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Plastics do no disintegrate in nature and hence accumulate on land and water causing huge problems for the environment.

Two ways in which the problem of decomposition of plastics can be solved are:

1. The plastics can be recycled to make new products. Recycled plastics are now used to make a variety of products. The problem of plastic accumulation in landfills can be solved to a certain extent.
2. Since plastics are polymers, a process called depolymerizaton is used to break the polymer molecules into monomers which can be reused. However, this process has its drawbacks as a lot of research is yet to be done.

Conclusion:

Recycling plastics are an effective way to stop plastics from accumulating in our environment.