The Growing Problem of Plastic Waste and Its Impact on the Environment

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 76 views

The Growing Problem of Plastic Waste and Its Impact on the Environment

Plastic is now an inseparable material from human daily life, and its use has increased significantly over the last few decades. However, this surge in plastic use has led to a substantial increase in plastic waste, which has a very difficult property and can have a negative impact on the environment. The management of plastic waste is one of the serious issues that requires global attention. According to the United Nations, plastic waste has become a major environmental concern, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering the world's oceans every year. The consequences of plastic waste on the environment are devastating, including the death of marine life, pollution of water sources, and damage to ecosystems.

The Potential of Using PET Plastic Waste as an Aggregate in Making Light Bricks

One solution that can be applied in the field of civil engineering is to use plastic waste as an aggregate in making lightweight bricks. This innovative approach not only provides a solution to the problem of plastic waste but also offers additional benefits in terms of insulation and aesthetics. Light bricks produced by PET substitution can function as more environmentally friendly building materials, and provide better energy efficiency in buildings. The use of PET plastic waste in making light bricks is an attractive option for several reasons. Firstly, PET plastic waste is abundant and easily available, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional aggregates. Secondly, PET plastic waste has a high melting point, which makes it suitable for use in high-temperature applications. Finally, PET plastic waste can be recycled and reused, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and minimizing the environmental impact of plastic waste.

The Objectives of This Study

This study aims to determine the effect of the use of PET plastic waste as a partial aggregate substitution in making light bricks on compressive strength, content weight, and water absorption. The study also aims to investigate the potential of using PET plastic waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates in making light bricks. The objectives of this study are:

To determine the effect of PET plastic waste on the compressive strength of light bricks
To investigate the effect of PET plastic waste on the content weight of light bricks
To determine the effect of PET plastic waste on the water absorption of light bricks
To investigate the potential of using PET plastic waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates in making light bricks

Methodology

The study used a total of six different PET plastic waste variations, ranging from 0% to 50% of the aggregate weight. The test was carried out in accordance with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 8640-2018. The test results show that the compressive strength for the PET aggregate variation is 0.983 MPA; 0.733 MPA; 0.683 MPA; 0.6 MPA; 0.516 MPA; and 0.43 MPa. In addition, the results of the oven dry weight of the oven are 822.9 kg/m³; 775 kg/m³; 765.3 kg/m³; 750.3 kg/m³; 748.1 kg/m³; and 746.6 kg/m³. For water absorption testing, the results show the number 12.83%; 13.5%; 14,975%; 18.21%; 19.93%; and 23.79%.

Results and Discussion

The test results show that the compressive strength of light bricks decreases as the percentage of PET plastic waste increases. This is because PET plastic waste has a lower compressive strength than traditional aggregates. However, the results also show that the content weight of light bricks decreases as the percentage of PET plastic waste increases. This is because PET plastic waste has a lower density than traditional aggregates. Finally, the results show that the water absorption of light bricks increases as the percentage of PET plastic waste increases. This is because PET plastic waste has a higher water absorption than traditional aggregates.

Conclusion

The use of PET plastic waste in making light bricks is an innovative step that is in line with the sustainability trend in construction. It also encourages awareness of the importance of managing plastic waste and positive contributions to the environment. With further research and extensive application, it is expected that the use of plastic waste can reduce the negative impact on the environment while meeting the needs of building materials that are increasing. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of using PET plastic waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates in making light bricks. The results of this study can be used as a reference for future research and development of sustainable building materials.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research is needed to investigate the potential of using PET plastic waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates in making light bricks.
The use of PET plastic waste in making light bricks should be encouraged and promoted as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
The development of new technologies and processes is needed to improve the quality and performance of light bricks made from PET plastic waste.
The use of PET plastic waste in making light bricks should be regulated and monitored to ensure that it is used in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the study only investigated the effect of PET plastic waste on the compressive strength, content weight, and water absorption of light bricks. Further research is needed to investigate the potential of using PET plastic waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates in making light bricks. Secondly, the study only used a total of six different PET plastic waste variations, ranging from 0% to 50% of the aggregate weight. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of different PET plastic waste variations on the compressive strength, content weight, and water absorption of light bricks. Finally, the study only used a small sample size, which may not be representative of the larger population. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of PET plastic waste on the compressive strength, content weight, and water absorption of light bricks using a larger sample size.

Future Research Directions

This study provides valuable insights into the potential of using PET plastic waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates in making light bricks. However, further research is needed to investigate the potential of using PET plastic waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates in making light bricks. Some potential future research directions include:

Investigating the effect of different PET plastic waste variations on the compressive strength, content weight, and water absorption of light bricks
Investigating the potential of using PET plastic waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates in making light bricks using a larger sample size
Developing new technologies and processes to improve the quality and performance of light bricks made from PET plastic waste
Investigating the economic and environmental benefits of using PET plastic waste in making light bricks

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of PET plastic waste in making light bricks is an innovative step that is in line with the sustainability trend in construction. It also encourages awareness of the importance of managing plastic waste and positive contributions to the environment. With further research and extensive application, it is expected that the use of plastic waste can reduce the negative impact on the environment while meeting the needs of building materials that are increasing. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of using PET plastic waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates in making light bricks.

Q: What is the main objective of using PET plastic waste as a substitute for aggregate in making light bricks?

A: The main objective of using PET plastic waste as a substitute for aggregate in making light bricks is to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional aggregates. This approach aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills and minimize the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Q: What are the benefits of using PET plastic waste in making light bricks?

A: The benefits of using PET plastic waste in making light bricks include:

Reduced plastic waste sent to landfills
Minimized environmental impact of plastic waste
Improved insulation and aesthetics of light bricks
Increased energy efficiency in buildings
Sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional aggregates

Q: How does the use of PET plastic waste affect the compressive strength of light bricks?

A: The use of PET plastic waste can affect the compressive strength of light bricks. The test results show that the compressive strength of light bricks decreases as the percentage of PET plastic waste increases. However, the results also show that the content weight of light bricks decreases as the percentage of PET plastic waste increases.

Q: How does the use of PET plastic waste affect the content weight of light bricks?

A: The use of PET plastic waste can affect the content weight of light bricks. The test results show that the content weight of light bricks decreases as the percentage of PET plastic waste increases. This is because PET plastic waste has a lower density than traditional aggregates.

Q: How does the use of PET plastic waste affect the water absorption of light bricks?

A: The use of PET plastic waste can affect the water absorption of light bricks. The test results show that the water absorption of light bricks increases as the percentage of PET plastic waste increases. This is because PET plastic waste has a higher water absorption than traditional aggregates.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include:

The study only investigated the effect of PET plastic waste on the compressive strength, content weight, and water absorption of light bricks.
The study only used a total of six different PET plastic waste variations, ranging from 0% to 50% of the aggregate weight.
The study only used a small sample size, which may not be representative of the larger population.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Some potential future research directions include:

Investigating the effect of different PET plastic waste variations on the compressive strength, content weight, and water absorption of light bricks
Investigating the potential of using PET plastic waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates in making light bricks using a larger sample size
Developing new technologies and processes to improve the quality and performance of light bricks made from PET plastic waste
Investigating the economic and environmental benefits of using PET plastic waste in making light bricks

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study include:

Using PET plastic waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates in making light bricks
Developing new technologies and processes to improve the quality and performance of light bricks made from PET plastic waste
Investigating the economic and environmental benefits of using PET plastic waste in making light bricks
Encouraging awareness of the importance of managing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry.

Q: What are the potential challenges and risks associated with using PET plastic waste in making light bricks?

A: Some potential challenges and risks associated with using PET plastic waste in making light bricks include:

The potential for PET plastic waste to contaminate soil and water sources
The potential for PET plastic waste to affect the quality and performance of light bricks
The potential for PET plastic waste to be mismanaged or disposed of improperly
The potential for PET plastic waste to have unintended consequences on the environment.

Q: What are the potential solutions to the challenges and risks associated with using PET plastic waste in making light bricks?

A: Some potential solutions to the challenges and risks associated with using PET plastic waste in making light bricks include:

Developing new technologies and processes to improve the quality and performance of light bricks made from PET plastic waste
Implementing proper management and disposal practices for PET plastic waste
Conducting further research to investigate the potential effects of PET plastic waste on the environment
Encouraging awareness of the importance of managing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry.