STUDY OF USE OF PLASTIC AND ITS ADVERSE EFFECTS ON

ENVIRONMENT
A PROJECT WORK

Submitted by:
Name: Nujal Acharya
Class: 11 C
Roll no: 346

Submitted to:
Department of Chemistry
St. Xavier’s College,
Maitighar Kathmandu, Nepal
2026
 CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL

This project entitled “Study of use and adverse effects of plastic on the
environment” by Nujal Acharya under the supervision of Dil Laxmi Sinkemana is
here submitted for the partial fulfillment of project work of grade 11 has been accepted.

………………
Supervisor
(Dil Laxmi Sinkemana)
Department of
Chemistry St. Xavier’s
College Kathmandu,
Nepal

Date: 4th January 2026

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The final outcome of this project required a lot of guidance and assistance from a
number of people and I am extremely fortunate to receive such proper supervision for
the completion of the project. Whatever I have done in this project is only due to such
instructions and assistance, and I would not forget to thank them. I am indebted to the
Department of Chemistry, St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar, for providing me with
such an expressive platform for the project. I am heartily grateful to the project
supervisor and our gratified lecturer of Chemistry, Dil Laxmi Sinkemana.

I am thankful and fortunate enough to get constant encouragement, support and

guidance from them, who have helped me in finalizing my project work. I also thank
all the organizations that provided the necessary information for this report.

Lastly, I thank all my friends, my parents for their tremendous contributions and support
both morally and financially towards the completion of this project.

Nujal Acharya
Level: +2
Roll: 346

4ᵗʰ January, 2024

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 ABBREVIATIONS

PE - Polyethylene
PP – Polypropylene
PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride
PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate
PS – Polystyrene
HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene
LDPE – Low-Density Polyethylene
IV – Intravenous
CO₂ – Carbon Dioxide

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 ABSTRACT

Chemistry is the branch of science which deal with the study of composition,
transformation and properties of matter. We were allocated with a project entitled
“Study of use and adverse effects of plastic on the environment”. The main objective
of this study was to observe the use of plastic in daily life and its adverse effects on the
environment. Plastic is widely used in daily life due to its convenience and low cost.
However, excessive use of plastic causes serious environmental problems. This study
highlights the harmful effects of plastic on land, water, wildlife, and human health. It
also emphasizes the need for reducing plastic use, promoting recycling, and adopting
eco-friendly alternatives to protect the environment. After this study, I got to learn that
chemistry is related to our everyday life in different aspects. The concept of chemistry
is very essential in our life. Different academic research centers, chemistry laboratories,
governmental organizations have been found working to expand the scope of chemistry.
If such work continues for a long time, the field of chemistry will expand even more
resulting in development of the present field of chemistry.

 Keywords:

Plastic Pollution, Plastic Waste, Microplastics, Environmental Impact, Recycling

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE .............................................................................................................................. i

Certificate of Approval.................................................................................................................ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...........................................................................................................iii

ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................................... iv

ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................. v

TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................. vi

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 General Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1

1.2. History of Plastic .................................................................................................................. 1

1.3. Types and Properties of Plastic ............................................................................................. 2

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ................................................................................................. 4

LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................. 5

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION .................................................................................................... 5

Organic Compounds ................................................................................................................... 5

Inorganic Compounds ................................................................................................................. 6

CONCLUSIONS .......................................................................................................................... 7

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH......................................................................... 8

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 9

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 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Introduction:

Plastic is a kind of material that is commonly known and used in everyday life. Plastics
are inexpensive, lightweight, strong, durable, corrosion-resistant materials, with high
thermal and electrical insulation properties [1]. Plastics are persistent and pervasive
throughout the environment and have now been reported from the deepest parts of the
ocean to the tops of the highest and most remote mountains. End of life plastic items
are now a major component of waste, and substantial quantities are accumulating as
litter in the environment. To understand their sources, consequences, and accumulation
in the environment, we must first place plastics into context within the wider topic of
litter. Subsequently, plastics, in particular single-use plastic packaging, have
contributed to almost every aspect of modern life, displacing other materials used in
various facets of society, such as in health care, agriculture, transport, and construction
[2].

1.2 History of Plastic:

Leo Hendrik Baekeland seems to have been the first person to use the term “plastic
materials” to describe products made from macromolecules (resins, elastomers and
artificial fibers). That was in 1909. Two years earlier, he had invented the first synthetic
plastic: bakelite. Telephones were made of this material for many years. In fact, plastic
had been invented well before then. In 1833, Frenchman Henri Braconnot had produced
nitrocellulose, which the Hyatt brothers manufactured
industrially in the United States from 1868 to make billiard balls. And so plastic started
its long career as an “imitation” – in this case, to replace ivory. But as it was
manufactured from cellulose, we were still in the realm of synthesis.

The first plastic bottles appeared in 1968 (Vittel mineral water in France). In 1980, the
world produced 60 million metric tons of plastic. By 2000, production reached 187
million metric tons, then 265 million in 2010 and 348 million in 2017. That is an

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average growth rate of 8.5% per year since 1950 when it was 1.5 million metric tons.
Today, China accounts for one-third of global production, a lower proportion than for
other basic industries such as steel and aluminum. Since 1950, 8.3 billion metric tons
of plastic have been produced. In a 2018 study, the International Energy Agency
predicts production of around 600 million metric tons by the middle of the century [3].

1.3 Types and Properties of Plastic:

Plastics can be classified according to whether they are made from converted natural
products (regenerated cellulose) or from completely synthetic products. They can then
be further classified according to their manufacturing method in terms of their
polymerization reactions, either condensation or addition reactions. They are then
further divided, according to their physical properties, into thermoplastics, elastomers
and thermosets.

The combining of carbon atoms in unlimited number through covalent bonding leads
to the synthesis of macromolecules with hundreds to millions of carbon atoms.
Depending on the way that covalent bonding occurs, heteroatoms besides carbon such
as oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur can be included.

Thermoplastics are composed of threadlike chain molecules tangled together. This

group of plastics takes its name from the properties resulting from such structures.
Thermoplastics soften with increasing temperature, which allows them to be formed
and then become hard again as they cool. A network of covalent bonds crosslinking the
polymer chains leads to the formation of elastomers. Thermosets are composed of
networks of primary valence covalently crosslinked molecular structures. The
crosslinking step occurs during forming and afterwards the plastics are heat stable (not
thermoplastic).
Thermoplastics are delivered in the form of granules and powders to production sites
that are separate from the plastic synthesis. The raw plastic materials are often referred
to as polymers. After addition of the necessary additives, e.g. plasticizers, the final
material is referred to as a plastic [6].

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Plastics consist of synthetic polymers and are used to create a multitude of products that
bring numerous societal benefits. There are many variants, with the most common
plastics including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride,
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS). Some applications of plastics
have a long service life, such as components in vehicles or those used in the construction
industry. However, approximately 40% of all the plastic produced is used for
packaging, which is predominantly single use [2].

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 CHAPTER 2
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The specific objectives of this study and research are to:

To study the use of plastic in daily life and its importance in modern society.
To examine the adverse effects of plastic on the environment, including its impact
on land, water, living organisms, and human health.

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 CHAPTER 3
LITERATURE REVIEW

Gandhi (2014) highlighted the harmful effects of plastic on the environment, noting its
role in soil pollution, water contamination, and ecological imbalance. The study
explained that improper plastic disposal blocks drainage systems, degrades agricultural
land, and harms living organisms. It also emphasized the long-lasting nature of plastic
waste and stressed the need for public awareness and effective waste management to
reduce environmental damage [1].

Napper and Thompson (2023) focused on the fragmentation of plastics into

microplastics and their persistence in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Their research
showed that microplastics pose potential risks to food chains and biodiversity. The
study emphasized growing global concern over plastic pollution and called for
coordinated efforts to reduce plastic production and improve waste management
practices [2].

Chalmin (2019) examined the historical development of plastics, explaining how their
versatility and low cost led to widespread use while environmental impacts were
initially ignored. This historical perspective helps explain today’s overdependence on
plastics and the difficulty of reducing their use [3].

Geyer, Jambeck, and Law (2017) analyzed global plastic production and waste,
revealing that much plastic has accumulated in landfills or the natural environment due
to low recycling rates. Their study highlighted the imbalance between production and
waste management and emphasized the need for sustainable solutions [4].

Brandsch and Piringer (2000) discussed the durability and chemical stability of plastics,
noting that these useful properties also cause plastics to persist in the environment.
Their findings explain why plastic waste accumulates over time and creates long-term
environmental challenges [5].

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 CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS:

4.1. Uses of Plastic in Daily Life

Modern plastics have been around for the past century, but what was the need for the
first start of plastics. Going back thousands of years, the Olmecs in Mexico played with
balls made of a natural polymer – rubber. Years since there have been countless
discoveries and uses of polymers, but the first use of modern synthetic plastics started
in the early 1900s. By the 1930s the plastic industry was booming due to the war effort.
They were used for military vehicles to radar insulation, but unfortunately after World
War II the industry faced a halt. Soon after, products like Tupperware and drink bottles
were being produced for every household. Modern-day plastics are found in almost
every household ranging from bed frames to kitchen spoons. Plastic has become an
everyday use for humans and the thought of a different reality is hard to imagine [4].
The primary uses can be categorized into several major industries:
• Packaging: This is the largest application globally, accounting for over a third
of all plastic consumption. Uses include single-use and reusable items such as bottles
(PET, HDPE), containers, bags (LDPE), films, wraps, and disposable cutlery.
• Building and Construction: Plastics are essential for their resistance to
corrosion and excellent insulation properties. Applications include:
o Piping for water supply and sewage (PVC)
o Window frames and door profiles (PVC)
o Insulation materials (polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam)
o Cladding, flooring panels, and protective sheeting.
• Textiles and Consumer Goods: Synthetic fibers derived from plastics, such as
polyester and nylon, are used in clothing, carpets, and upholstery. Plastics are also
widely used for household items, furniture, toys, and sporting goods due to their
durability and ease of manufacturing.
• Transportation: The lightness of plastics makes them invaluable in the
automotive, aviation, and marine industries, as they help reduce vehicle weight, which
dramatically cuts fuel consumption and emissions. Uses include interior panels, seating,
bumpers, body parts, and insulation.
• Electrical and Electronics: Plastics are poor conductors of electricity, making
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 them ideal for insulation and safety. Applications include wire and cable coatings
(PVC), electrical switches and sockets (Bakelite), and casings for computers, phones,
and other appliances.
• Healthcare and Medical: Specialized, sterile plastics are critical in medical
applications because of their hygiene and low toxicity. Uses range from disposable
items that reduce contamination risks to life-saving devices:
o Syringes, IV bags, and medical tubing
o Surgical gloves and masks
o Artificial joints, prosthetics, and implant components.

4.2. Plastic Generation

Total Generation: Over 400 million tons of plastic produced annually, with
waste exceeding 350 million tons recently.
 Recycling Rate: Less than 10% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled.

 Major Sources: Packaging (40%), consumer goods, and textiles are

major contributors.

 Environmental Leakage: Around 11 million tons enter oceans annually,

and 79% ends up in landfills or nature.

4.3. Impacts of Plastic on Environment

Plastic pollution severely impacts the environment by contaminating soil/water,
harming wildlife through entanglement and ingestion, and contributing significantly
to climate change via greenhouse gas emissions from its fossil fuel origins and
lifecycle, leading to ecosystem disruption, biodiversity loss, and potential human
health issues from chemical leaching and microplastics.

Key Environmental Impacts:

Soil & Water Contamination: Plastics break down slowly, releasing toxic chemicals
(like dioxins, benzene) that poison land, groundwater, and marine environments,
reducing soil fertility and water quality.

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Harm to Wildlife: Animals, especially marine life, mistake plastic for food, causing
internal blockages or starvation, while others get entangled in debris, leading to injury
or death. Over 90% of seabirds have plastic in their stomachs.
Climate Change: Plastic production, reliant on fossil fuels, and its disposal
(incineration, landfills) release massive amounts of greenhouse gases (methane, CO2),
worsening global warming.
Ecosystem Disruption: Plastic pollution alters food webs, disrupts nutrient cycles,
and degrades habitats, reducing ecosystems' ability to adapt to climate change.
Microplastic Pollution: Plastics fragment into tiny microplastics that spread
everywhere, entering food chains, soil, and even human bodies (lungs, kidneys,
placentas), with unknown long-term health effects.
Fossil Fuels: Nearly all plastics come from oil and gas, increasing demand for these
non-renewable resources.

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 CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION:

This project helped me enhance my understanding of the widespread use of plastic and
its serious adverse effects on the environment. Through observation, study of literature,
and analysis of real-life situations, I was able to understand how plastics have become
an integral part of daily life due to their low cost, durability, and convenience. At the
same time, this research helped me visualize how improper disposal and excessive use
of plastic contribute to environmental pollution. The study strengthened the connection
between theoretical knowledge and practical environmental issues, helping me realize
the long-term consequences of plastic accumulation on land, water bodies, and living
organisms.

The findings of this research support established environmental principles regarding

plastic pollution. The results clearly showed that plastic, being non-biodegradable,
persists in the environment for long periods, leading to soil degradation, water
pollution, and harm to wildlife. Observations related to drainage blockage, formation
of microplastics, and risks to ecosystems align with previous studies on environmental
degradation caused by plastic waste. This research highlights the importance of
reducing single-use plastics, improving waste management practices, and promoting
public awareness. Overall, the study emphasizes that sustainable alternatives and
responsible human behavior are essential to minimize the adverse effects of plastic and
protect the environment for future generations.

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 CHAPTER 6
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS:

This study provided valuable insight into the extensive use of plastic and its harmful
impacts on the environment. However, there remain several opportunities for future
research and practical intervention to further strengthen the findings of this study. Since
the scope of this research was limited to general observation and secondary data, future
studies could enhance the outcomes by incorporating broader field investigations,
advanced analytical techniques, and policy-based approaches. Below are some
recommendations for individuals and researchers who wish to conduct further study on
this topic:

1. Promote Reduction and Responsible Use of Plastics:

Future studies should focus on strategies to reduce single-use plastics by encouraging
the use of reusable and biodegradable alternatives. Awareness programs at schools,
colleges, and community levels can play a significant role in changing consumer
behavior and minimizing plastic waste generation.
2. Strengthen Waste Management and Recycling Practices:
Further research should examine efficient systems for waste segregation, collection,
and recycling of plastics. Emphasis should be placed on understanding local waste
management challenges and evaluating the effectiveness of recycling technologies in
reducing environmental pollution.
3. Study the Impact of Microplastics on Ecosystems and Health:
Advanced studies can be conducted to analyze the formation and accumulation of
microplastics in soil and water bodies. Research on their entry into food chains and
potential effects on human and animal health would provide deeper insight into long-
term environmental risks.

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 REFERENCES

[1] Dr. Bindu Gandhi, Study of adverse effects of plastic on environment, 2014

[2] I.E. Napper and R.C. Thompson, Plastics and the Environment, 2023

[3] Philippe Chalmin, The history of plastics: from the Capitol to the Tarpeian Rock,
2019

[4] Geyer, Roland; Jambeck, Jenna R.; Law, Kara Lavender, Production, use, and fate
of all plastics ever made, 2017

[5] Characteristics of Plastic Materials, Johannes Brandsch and Otto Piringer, 2000

[6] [Link] (Accessed December, 2025)

[7] [Link] (Accessed December, 2025)

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