Recent advancements in the chemical recycling and biodegradation of post-consumer polystyrene waste

Abstract

The difficulties of recycling and degrading polystyrene waste result in its end-of-life cycle posing significant threats to humans, organisms, and the environment. To fully achieve environmental protection and green sustainable development goals (SDGs), this review focuses on introducing innovative chemical recycling and biodegradation approaches for polystyrene waste from recent advancements. First, innovative chemical recycling methods such as pyrolysis, chemical structure control, and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are introduced. Next, innovative biodegradation approaches including microbial degradation and insect-gut microbiota synergistic degradation are presented. Finally, the advantages and drawbacks of these polystyrene waste treatment methods are systematically summarized, along with future perspectives addressing existing challenges.