Appraisement and categorization of compostable and non-compostable plastic bags using HHXRF spectrophotometer, A study on brands in Islamabad

Abstract

Plastic bags are polymers usually composed of polypropylene, polyethylene and polystyrene. Rapid development in the industrial sector manufacturing plastic bags is imposing tremendous side effects on human health and the environment. Conventional plastic bags are made from recycled or first use, but authorities restricted lightweight plastic bags (thickness of <50μm) with compostable material. This study examines the degradation of plastic bags collected from the markets of different sectors of Islamabad. Many samples (~100) were gathered from the public market. Using a Hands Held X-Ray Fluorescent (HHXRF) spectrophotometer and the standard approach, the study confirmed the proportions, amounts, and patterns of several heavy metals (additives) utilized in the production of both types of bags. The result showed Titanium (Ti), Copper (Cu) and Calcium (Ca) were used in massive amounts, other carcinogenic metals i.e., Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (Ar), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) were also detected. Long term exposure to this metal can disrupt living cells. We concluded that because of the photolytic qualities of the additives used in degradable plastic bags when the linkages of polymers are generated, degradable plastic bags may be more dangerous than non-degradable plastic bags.