Paper Title
CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF ADVANTAGES AND HARMFUL EFFECTS OF CHEMICALS/METALS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES IN THE CONTEXT OF WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITES AND PLASTIC AND ASSUMPTION OF USING WASTE ENRICHED IN METALS FROM THE MINING SITES AT WEST BALKAN

Abstract
Abstract - WPCs and plastics are two products that are highly useful and their utilization is increasing progressively.These are composed of polymers (usually polyethylene and Polyvinyl chloride), wood fibers, and, chemical additives (organic and inorganic) and their formation involves chemical, thermal and mechanical treatment, and processing. Moreover, metals in form of additives play a vital role in enhancing the durability of plastic and compatibility between wood fiber and plastic, also metals play different roles as coupling agents, lubricants, flame retardants, and antistatic agents, which are essential for the formation of WPCs and plastic. A Research paper by J.A.Omolaoya et al. on heavy metal assessment of some soft plastic toys imported into Nigeria from China reveals that PVC and non-PVC Chinese-made toys contain heavy metals in varying concentration.17% of toy samples contain lead, cadmium, chromium, and other metals. Therefore, plastic containing metals and metal derivatives are one of the reasons which cause environmental pollution and health hazards. But, metals are essential to be used in plastics and WPCs for the enhancement of their characteristics and sustainability. Therefore, where recycling WPCs or plastic is given importance, it is also important to use metals from metallic waste from mining sites suffering from metallic waste pollution. A case study of mining carried out in West Balkan by Robert Sajn shows that it is suffering from metallic waste pollution because of mining activities and tailing piles, though it has an enriched source of metals. However, environmental policies, laws, lack of economic and political support, and the need for further research could be a challenge in implementing this thought. However, an assumption can be considered that an ecological area can be preserved by taking it as a source of metals to be used in the formation of plastics and wood plastic composites which is beneficial for the environment as well as for the circular economy worldwide. Keywords - Wood Plastic Composites, Tailing piles, Hazardous material, additives, Ecosystem, Bioleaching