The production of plastics, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), has been increasing rapidly, with annual production reaching 348 million metric tons in 2017. However, this has led to a significant problem of plastic waste accumulation in the environment, with plastics never fully decomposing and breaking down into microplastics. Microplastics have been found in the Arctic, Antarctica, and even in rain in protected areas, and are extremely dangerous to marine and seacoast animals. It is estimated that over 800 animal species are affected by plastic waste, and around 90% of seabirds ingest plastic. Additionally, microplastics have been found in zooplankton and phytoplankton, which are consumed by organisms from higher levels of the food chain.
To address this issue, several methods have been proposed for degrading PET, including mechanical and chemical methods, as well as biological methods involving enzymes and microorganisms. However, these methods have limitations, including low thermal stability and the need for high temperatures and catalysts. Therefore, further research is needed to develop more effective and sustainable methods for degrading PET and preventing plastic waste accumulation.