Biodegradation of Synthetic Thermoplastic Polymers and Plastics Based on Them (Review)

General issues of biological degradation of the synthetic thermoplastic polymers and plastics based on them that are most commonly used in industry, including varieties of polyethylene (in particular, high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene), polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene are discussed. Data on biodegradation of the above polymers and plastics under the action of the soil and marine microorganisms both under laboratory conditions and in the natural environment are presented. The plastics under consideration were classified by the degree of susceptibility to biodegradation.