Disposal of plastics waste in aquatic environment: mitigation strategies in climate change perspective

3^rd International Conference on Hydrology & Meteorology

September 15-16, 2014 Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India

Vartika Agarwal, G. Saxena and V. P. Sharma

Posters: Hydrol Current Res

Abstract :

In an era of plastic, where plastic is used in every sphere, from packaging to construction, it might contribute to serious damage to environment from its production to its disposal. Plastics composed of toxic chemicals such as benzene and vinyl chloride which causes cancer, other gases and liquid hydrocarbons that pollutes earth and may lead to climate change. A great portion of solid waste consists of plastic waste, which is usually disposed-off by dumping in landfills or by incineration. These conventional methods of disposal may pose threat to our environment through potential emission of greenhouse gases. Biophysical factors like climate change and socioeconomic factors, intensive human activities are the main reasons for ecosystem degradation. Ecological restoration can be tool to mitigate catastrophic effects of climatic change and it is supposed to be novel and more innovative method to combat threats for reversing ecosystem fragmentation. It includes re-afforestation and rehabilitation that helps the earth to maintain its energy flux and may support a better quality of life. Strategies for mitigation of global climate may change include development and switching over towards new technologies viz. carbon offsets, renewable energy resources, energy conservation methods ,carbon taxes, enhancing natural carbon dioxide sinks , population control, carbon capture and storage, waste prevention and recycling, improved waste treatment technologies and facilities. There is need to encourage individual action against global warming, often aimed at the consumer, and there has been business action on climate change.