The myth of hazardous-to-wealth concept: transformation of marine microplastics to pyrolysis gas

ABSTRACT

Microplastics, identified as an emerging environmental pollutant in marine ecosystems, necessitate immediate and comprehensive attention from organizations across various levels. The microsize of these plastic particles poses a significant threat to the environment as they effortlessly disperse throughout the biosphere via ocean waves. This study focuses on investigating the physicochemical properties of microplastic waste in a specific Southeast Asian regional area and evaluating its potential conversion into gaseous products through the pyrolysis process. Remarkably, the pyrolysis of microplastics resulted in an average syngas yield of 34.79%, demonstrating the viability of microplastic valorization. Furthermore, the pyro-solid-char produced exhibits a highly porous structure with minimal amounts of metal oxides, suggesting its potential utilization as fertilizer or catalyst.

KEYWORDS:

• Microplastic
• pyrolysis gas
• thermal conversion
• marine environment
• SWOT

Highlights

• Physiochemical properties of microplastics have been studied.

• Conversion of microplastic to syngas is feasible through thermochemical methods.

• SWOT analysis has been carried out to elucidate the way forward of microplastic valorization.

• More samplings are required to further support the results obtained in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). However, we would like to thank our Malaysian collaborators to provide the data samplings. More information will be given upon request.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mohammed B. Al Rayaan

Mohammed B. Al Rayaan is a professional environmental engineer and hydrogeologist with more than a decade of experience in the field. Currently serving as a lead hydrogeologist at Saudi Aramco, Mohammed has been instrumental in spearheading numerous environmental projects. His expertise lies primarily in groundwater investigations, data collection and analysis, environmental evaluation, and project management. Throughout his tenure at Saudi Aramco, he has worked on significant projects, including leading the Aramco environmental team on several acquisition projects in different countries (environmental-related) and conducting comprehensive environmental assessments He also led projects including waste management, environmental impact assessment for several categories, and projects including marine protection, air quality, health hazards, etc.

Ali M. Qasem

Ali M. Qasem is an Environmental Consultant in the Marine Environment Protection Unit of Saudi Aramco Environmental Protection Department. He Joined Saudi Aramco in Dec. 1995 as Marine Scientist. He is also the Environmental Advisor of the Oil Spill Response Team in the company. He is also the leading expert in Saudi Aramco Mangrove Plantation program, Artificial Reef Program, Coastal and Offshore Monitoring and other Environmental Programs. In addition, He is also Saudi Aramco Environmental Protection Department SME in the offshore project environmental assessment, and the environmental focal point for all governmental discussion in these projects.