Plastic
Introduction
Plastic is a synthetic polymer made from petrochemicals.
It is lightweight, durable, cheap, and moldable into different shapes.
However, plastics are mostly non-biodegradable, causing major environmental challenges.
In Bihar, plastic waste has led to urban drainage issues, prompting state-level bans and eco-alternative programs.
Characteristics of Plastics
- Made from polymers (long chains of repeating units)
- Derived from petroleum products
- Non-biodegradable โ persists for hundreds of years
- Can be molded into fibers, sheets, containers, pipes, etc.
- Poor conductor of electricity โ used in insulation
๐ PYQ (BPSC): Plastics are made from? โ Petrochemicals
๐ Expected MCQ: Why are plastics harmful? โ Non-biodegradable
Types of Plastics
1. Thermoplastics
- Soften on heating and can be reshaped
- Examples: Polyethylene, PVC, Polystyrene
- Used in carry bags, toys, bottles
2. Thermosetting Plastics
- Cannot be reshaped once set
- Hard, heat-resistant
- Examples: Bakelite, Melamine
- Used in switches, handles, cookware
๐ Expected MCQ: Which plastic is used for electric switches? โ Bakelite
๐ Expected MCQ: Example of thermoplastic? โ Polythene
Uses of Plastic
- Household: bottles, buckets, toys, containers
- Medical: syringes, IV tubes, gloves
- Industrial: insulation, automotive parts
- Agriculture: plastic mulch, water pipes
- Packaging: food wrap, bags, containers
Environmental Hazards
- Non-biodegradable โ leads to land and water pollution
- Causes drain blockage during floods
- Microplastics enter food chain โ harmful to humans and animals
- Burning plastics releases toxic gases (dioxins, furans)
๐ Expected MCQ: Which gas is released from burning plastic? โ Dioxin
Bihar-Specific Relevance
๐ซ Plastic Ban in Bihar
- Banned plastic carry bags below 50 microns since 2018
- Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) enforces rules
- Fine and penalties for violators in urban areas like Patna, Muzaffarpur
๐ฑ Alternatives & Campaigns
- Har Ghar Plastic Mukta campaigns under Swachh Bharat
- Promotion of cloth/jute bags, biodegradable plates (Sal leaves)
- SHG-led eco-product businesses via JEEViKA
- Municipal corporations conduct plastic-free drives in schools, colleges
๐ Expected MCQ: Which Bihar scheme promotes eco-alternatives to plastic? โ JEEViKA SHG programs
Bioplastics โ A Green Alternative
- Made from starch, corn, or sugarcane waste
- Biodegradable and eco-friendly
- Limited adoption due to cost and awareness
๐ Expected MCQ: Which plastic is biodegradable? โ Bioplastic
PYQs + Expected MCQs
๐ PYQ (BPSC): Plastics are what type of substance? โ Synthetic polymer
๐ PYQ (CDPO): Why is plastic harmful for soil? โ It blocks air and water passage
๐ Expected MCQ: Which plastic is thermosetting? โ Bakelite
๐ Expected MCQ: Plastic pollution leads to...? โ Drain clogging and soil infertility
๐ Expected MCQ: Unit enforcing plastic ban in Bihar? โ Bihar State Pollution Control Board
๐ Expected MCQ: Which plastic is used for pipes and raincoats? โ PVC
Quick Revision Points
- Plastic = non-biodegradable polymer
- Types: Thermoplastics (can reshape), Thermosetting (permanent)
- Uses: household, industrial, medical, agriculture
- Hazards: drain clogging, microplastics, toxic gases
- Bihar: plastic ban, JEEViKA eco-products, BSCPB enforcement
- Alternatives: cloth bags, bioplastics
Sources Used
- NCERT Class 8 Science โ Synthetic Fibres & Plastics
- Lucent GK โ Chemistry
- Drishti Quick Book โ Environment & Science
- BPSC & DPRO PYQs โ EduTeria, Ghatna Chakra
- Bihar State Pollution Control Board Official Updates
- JEEViKA Reports โ Bihar SHG eco-initiatives
- Swachh Bharat Bihar Reports โ Plastic Mukti Campaigns