51
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Town RM, van Leeuwen HP, Duval JFL. Effect of Polymer Aging on Uptake/Release Kinetics of Metal Ions and Organic Molecules by Micro- and Nanoplastics: Implications for the Bioavailability of the Associated Compounds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16552-16563. [PMID: 37856883 PMCID: PMC10620988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The main driver of the potential toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics toward biota is often the release of compounds initially present in the plastic, i.e., polymer additives, as well as environmentally acquired metals and/or organic contaminants. Plastic particles degrade in the environment via various mechanisms and at different rates depending on the particle size/geometry, polymer type, and the prevailing physical and chemical conditions. The rate and extent of polymer degradation have obvious consequences for the uptake/release kinetics and, thus, the bioavailability of compounds associated with plastic particles. Herein, we develop a theoretical framework to describe the uptake and release kinetics of metal ions and organic compounds by plastic particles and apply it to the analysis of experimental data for pristine and aged micro- and nanoplastics. In particular, we elucidate the contribution of transient processes to the overall kinetics of plastic reactivity toward aquatic contaminants and demonstrate the paramount importance of intraparticulate contaminant diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raewyn M. Town
- ECOSPHERE,
Department of Biology, Universiteit Antwerpen, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Herman P. van Leeuwen
- ECOSPHERE,
Department of Biology, Universiteit Antwerpen, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Physical
Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University
& Research, Stippeneng
4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
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52
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Lamparelli EP, Marino M, Szychlinska MA, Della Rocca N, Ciardulli MC, Scala P, D’Auria R, Testa A, Viggiano A, Cappello F, Meccariello R, Della Porta G, Santoro A. The Other Side of Plastics: Bioplastic-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Systems in the Brain. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2549. [PMID: 38004530 PMCID: PMC10674524 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastics have changed human lives, finding a broad range of applications from packaging to medical devices. However, plastics can degrade into microscopic forms known as micro- and nanoplastics, which have raised concerns about their accumulation in the environment but mainly about the potential risk to human health. Recently, biodegradable plastic materials have been introduced on the market. These polymers are biodegradable but also bioresorbable and, indeed, are fundamental tools for drug formulations, thanks to their transient ability to pass through biological barriers and concentrate in specific tissues. However, this "other side" of bioplastics raises concerns about their toxic potential, in the form of micro- and nanoparticles, due to easier and faster tissue accumulation, with unknown long-term biological effects. This review aims to provide an update on bioplastic-based particles by analyzing the advantages and drawbacks of their potential use as components of innovative formulations for brain diseases. However, a critical analysis of the literature indicates the need for further studies to assess the safety of bioplastic micro- and nanoparticles despite they appear as promising tools for several nanomedicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Pavel Lamparelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Marianna Marino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Marta Anna Szychlinska
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, Italy;
| | - Natalia Della Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Maria Camilla Ciardulli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Pasqualina Scala
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Raffaella D’Auria
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonino Testa
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Francesco Cappello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement and Wellbeing Sciences, Parthenope University of Naples, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Della Porta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
- Research Centre for Biomaterials BIONAM, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Antonietta Santoro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
- Research Centre for Biomaterials BIONAM, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
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53
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Quade J, López-Ibáñez S, Beiras R. UV Dosage Unveils Toxic Properties of Weathered Commercial Bioplastic Bags. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14807-14816. [PMID: 37750591 PMCID: PMC10569051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that weathered conventional plastics and bioplastics pose ecotoxicological risks. Here, the effects of artificial and natural weathering on the ecotoxicity of three compostable bags and a conventional polyethylene (PE) bag are investigated. With that aim, a 21-day artificial indoor weathering experiment featuring UV light, UV-filtered light, and darkness was run simultaneously to a 120-day outdoor littoral mesocosm exposure featuring natural light, UV-filtered light, and shaded conditions. Acute toxicity of so-weathered plastic specimens was tested in vivo using the sensitive Paracentrotus lividus sea-urchin embryo test. PE was nontoxic from the beginning and did not gain toxicity due to UV weathering. In contrast, for bioplastics, dry artificial UV weathering increased toxicity in comparison to the dark control. Weathering in outdoor mesocosm led to a rapid loss of toxic properties due to leaching in rainwater. With a higher UV dosage, a plastic-type-dependent regain of toxicity was observed, most likely driven by enhanced availability or transformation of functional additives or due to bioplastic degradation products. PE showed moderate UV absorbance, while bioplastics showed high UV absorbance. This study highlights the potential of biodegradable plastics to pose enhanced ecotoxicological risk due to weathering under environmentally relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Quade
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Sara López-Ibáñez
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Beiras
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
- Facultade
de Ciencias do Mar, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
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54
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Wang T, Hosseinzadeh M, Cuccagna A, Alakenova R, Casademunt P, Reyes Rovatti A, López-Rubio A, Porte C. Comparative toxicity of conventional versus compostable plastic consumer products: An in-vitro assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132123. [PMID: 37499498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the toxicity of methanolic extracts obtained from compostable plastics (BPs) and conventional plastics (both virgin and recycled). Additionally, it explores the potential influence of plastic photodegradation and composting on toxic responses using a battery of in vitro assays conducted in PLHC-1 cells. The extracts of BPs, but not those of conventional plastics, induced a significant decrease in cell viability (<70%) in PLHC-1 cells after 24 h of exposure. Toxicity was enhanced by either photodegradation or composting of BPs. Extracts of conventional plastics, and particularly those of recycled plastics, induced 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and micronucleus formation in exposed cells, indicating the presence of significant amounts of CYP1A inducers and genotoxic compounds in the extracts, which was enhanced by photodegradation. These findings highlight the importance of investigating the effects of degradation mechanisms such as sunlight and composting on the toxicity of BPs. It is also crucial to investigate the composition of newly developed formulations for BPs, as they may be more harmful than conventional ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Wang
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain.
| | - Mahboubeh Hosseinzadeh
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alice Cuccagna
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Rakhat Alakenova
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Paula Casademunt
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Alcira Reyes Rovatti
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Amparo López-Rubio
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cinta Porte
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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55
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Lehman-Chong A, Cox CL, Kinaci E, Burkert SE, Dodge ML, Rosmarin DM, Newell JA, Soh L, Gordon MB, Stanzione JF. Itaconic Acid as a Comonomer in Betulin-Based Thermosets via Sequential and Bulk Preparation. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:14216-14225. [PMID: 37771764 PMCID: PMC10526528 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c04178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The inherent chemical functionalities of biobased monomers enable the production of renewably sourced polymers that further advance sustainable manufacturing. Itaconic acid (IA) is a nontoxic, commercially produced biobased monomer that can undergo both UV and thermal curing. Betulin is a biocompatible, structurally complex diol derived from birch tree bark that has been recently studied for materials with diverse applications. Here, betulin, IA, and biobased linear diacids, 1,12-dodecanedioic acid (C12) and 1,18-octadecanedioic acid (C18), were used to prepare thermosets using sequential and bulk curing methods. Thermoplastic polyester precursors were synthesized and formulated into polyester-methacrylate (PM) resins to produce sequential UV-curable thermosets. Bulk-cured polyester thermosets were prepared using a one-pot, solventless melt polycondensation using glycerol as a cross-linker. The structure-property relationships of the thermoplastic polyester precursors, sequentially prepared PM thermosets, and bulk-cured polyester thermosets were evaluated with varying IA content. Both types of thermosets exhibited higher storage moduli, Tgs, and thermal stabilities with greater IA comonomer content. These results demonstrate the viability of using IA as a comonomer to produce betulin-based thermosets each with tunable properties, expanding the scope of their applications and use in polymeric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra
M. Lehman-Chong
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
- Advanced
Materials & Manufacturing Institute (AMMI), Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
| | - Casey L. Cox
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
- Advanced
Materials & Manufacturing Institute (AMMI), Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
| | - Emre Kinaci
- Advanced
Materials & Manufacturing Institute (AMMI), Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
| | - Sarah E. Burkert
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lafayette College, 740 High Street, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042, United States
| | - Megan L. Dodge
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lafayette College, 740 High Street, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042, United States
| | - Devin M. Rosmarin
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lafayette College, 740 High Street, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042, United States
| | - James A. Newell
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
- Advanced
Materials & Manufacturing Institute (AMMI), Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
| | - Lindsay Soh
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lafayette College, 740 High Street, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042, United States
| | - Melissa B. Gordon
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lafayette College, 740 High Street, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042, United States
| | - Joseph F. Stanzione
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
- Advanced
Materials & Manufacturing Institute (AMMI), Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
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56
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Boots B, Green DS, Olah-Kovacs B, De Falco F, Lupo E. Physical and chemical effects of conventional microplastic glitter versus alternative glitter particles on a freshwater plant (Lemnaceae: Lemna minor). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115291. [PMID: 37494737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Glitters are primary microplastics which are directly littered into the environment, yet the ecological effects have seldom been tested. When microplastics enter the environment, their physical presence and chemical leachate may alter the physiology of primary producers. Glitter can be composed of plastic or natural and/or biodegradable materials, often with additives. Three experiments were run for 14 days to separate chemical and physical effects of different types of glitter: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biodegradable modified regenerated cellulose (MRC), synthetic mica, and a natural particle control (kaolinite) on several physical characteristics of Lemna minor (common duckweed). L. minor was exposed to either fresh (chemical and physical effects), leachate from glitter (chemical) or aged glitter (physical). Overall, there was little effect of PET, synthetic mica, kaolinite or of any aged glitter. High concentrations of fresh MRC glitters, however, decreased root length, biomass and chlorophyll content of L. minor. Some of these effects were also present when exposed to leachate from MRC glitters, but were less pronounced. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of metals in MRC glitters which may explain these responses. Short-term ecotoxicity of biodegradable glitters can arise due to their physical and chemical properties, but may lessen over time as their surface coating degrades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Boots
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Dannielle Senga Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom.
| | - Brigitta Olah-Kovacs
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca De Falco
- International Marine Litter Unit, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Emanuele Lupo
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
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57
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Sudheer S, Bandyopadhyay S, Bhat R. Sustainable polysaccharide and protein hydrogel-based packaging materials for food products: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 248:125845. [PMID: 37473880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable food packaging is a necessary element to ensure the success of a food system, the accomplishment of which is weighed in terms of quality retention and ensured products safety. Irrespective of the raised environmental concerns regarding petroleum-based packaging materials, a sustainable analysis and a lab to land assessment should be a priority to eliminate similar fates of new material. Functionalized bio-based hydrogels are one of the smartest packaging inventions that are expected to revolutionize the food packaging industry. Although in this review, the focus relies on recent developments in the sustainable bio-based hydrogel packaging materials, natural biopolymers such as proteins and polysaccharides from which hydrogels could be obtained, the challenges encountered in hydrogel-based packaging materials and the future prospects of hydrogel-based food packaging materials are also discussed. Moreover, the need for 'Life Cycle Assessment' (LCA), stress on certifications and a sustainable waste management system is also suggested which can bring both food and packaging into the same recycling bins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya Sudheer
- ERA-Chair for Food (By-) Products Valorisation Technologies (VALORTECH), Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 510014, Estonia.
| | - Smarak Bandyopadhyay
- Centre of Polymeric Systems, University Institute, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Tř. T. Bati 5678, Zlin 76001, Czech Republic
| | - Rajeev Bhat
- ERA-Chair for Food (By-) Products Valorisation Technologies (VALORTECH), Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 510014, Estonia.
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58
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Strik DPBTB, Heusschen B. Microbial Recycling of Polylactic Acid Food Packaging Waste into Carboxylates via Hydrolysis and Mixed-Culture Fermentation. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2103. [PMID: 37630663 PMCID: PMC10458239 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To establish a circular economy, waste streams should be used as a resource to produce valuable products. Biodegradable plastic waste represents a potential feedstock to be microbially recycled via a carboxylate platform. Bioplastics such as polylactic acid food packaging waste (PLA-FPW) are theoretically suitable feedstocks for producing carboxylates. Once feasible, carboxylates such as acetate, n-butyrate, or n-caproate can be used for various applications like lubricants or building blocks for making new bioplastics. In this study, pieces of industrial compostable PLA-FPW material (at 30 or 60 g/L) were added to a watery medium with microbial growth nutrients. This broth was exposed to 70 °C for a pretreatment process to support the hydrolysis of PLA into lactic acid at a maximum rate of 3.0 g/L×d. After 21 days, the broths of the hydrolysis experiments were centrifugated and a part of the supernatant was extracted and prepared for anaerobic fermentation. The mixed microbial culture, originating from a food waste fermentation bioprocess, successfully fermented the hydrolyzed PLA into a spectrum of new C2-C6 multi-carbon carboxylates. n-butyrate was the major product for all fermentations and, on average, 6.5 g/L n-butyrate was obtained from 60 g/L PLA-FPW materials. The wide array of products were likely due to various microbial processes, including lactate conversion into acetate and propionate, as well as lactate-based chain elongation to produce medium-chain carboxylates. The fermentation process did not require pH control. Overall, we showed a proof-of-concept in using real bioplastic waste as feedstock to produce valuable C2-C6 carboxylates via microbial recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P. B. T. B. Strik
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
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59
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Ruini C, Neri P, Cavalaglio G, Coccia V, Cotana F, Raspolli Galletti AM, Morselli D, Fabbri P, Ferrari AM, Rosa R. Innovative Bioplasticizers from Residual Cynara cardunculus L. Biomass-Derived Levulinic Acid and Their Environmental Impact Assessment by LCA Methodology. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:12014-12026. [PMID: 37593378 PMCID: PMC10428505 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c02269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
This work is focused on the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology for the quantification of the potential environmental impacts associated with the obtainment of levulinic acid from residual Cynara cardunculus L. biomass and its subsequent valorization in innovative bioplasticizers for tuning the properties as well as the processability of biopolymers. This potentially allows the production of fully biobased and biodegradable bioplastic formulations, thus addressing the issues related to the fossil origin and nonbiodegradability of conventional additives, such as phthalates. Steam explosion pretreatment was applied to the epigean residue of C. cardunculus L. followed by a microwave-assisted acid-catalyzed hydrolysis. After purification, the as-obtained levulinic acid was used to synthesize different ketal-diester derivatives through a three-step selective synthesis. The levulinic acid-base additives demonstrated remarkable plasticizing efficiency when added to biobased plastics. The LCA results were used in conjunction with those from the experimental activities to find the optimal compromise between environmental impacts and mechanical and thermal properties, induced by the bioadditives in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), PHB biopolymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ruini
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Metodi dell’Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, via G. Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia 42122, Italy
| | - Paolo Neri
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Metodi dell’Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, via G. Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia 42122, Italy
| | - Gianluca Cavalaglio
- Università
Telematica Pegaso, Centro Direzionale Isola f2, Napoli 80143, Italy
| | - Valentina Coccia
- Centro
Interuniversitario di Ricerca sull’Inquinamento e sull’Ambiente
“Mauro Felli”, Centro di Ricerca sulle Biomasse, University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 63, Perugia 06125, Italy
| | - Franco Cotana
- Centro
Interuniversitario di Ricerca sull’Inquinamento e sull’Ambiente
“Mauro Felli”, Centro di Ricerca sulle Biomasse, University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 63, Perugia 06125, Italy
| | | | - Davide Morselli
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Civile, Chimica, Ambientale e dei Materiali, Università di Bologna, via U. Terracini 28, Bologna 40131, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Nazionale per Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali
(INSTM), via Giusti 9, Firenze 50121, Italy
| | - Paola Fabbri
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Civile, Chimica, Ambientale e dei Materiali, Università di Bologna, via U. Terracini 28, Bologna 40131, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Nazionale per Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali
(INSTM), via Giusti 9, Firenze 50121, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Ferrari
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Metodi dell’Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, via G. Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia 42122, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Nazionale per Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali
(INSTM), via Giusti 9, Firenze 50121, Italy
- Centro
Interdipartimentale En&Tech, Università
degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Tecnopolo di Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa 1, Reggio Emilia 42123, Italy
| | - Roberto Rosa
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Metodi dell’Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, via G. Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia 42122, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Nazionale per Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali
(INSTM), via Giusti 9, Firenze 50121, Italy
- Centro
Interdipartimentale En&Tech, Università
degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Tecnopolo di Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa 1, Reggio Emilia 42123, Italy
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60
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Le Gué L, Davies P, Arhant M, Vincent B, Tanguy E. Mitigating plastic pollution at sea: Natural seawater degradation of a sustainable PBS/PBAT marine rope. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115216. [PMID: 37437477 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
This paper evaluates the use of a PBS/PBAT biodegradable rope to reduce the environmental impact of fishing gear lost at sea. The study aims to better understand the degradation mechanisms that the rope and its monofilaments may encounter due to the long term exposure to seawater. The monofilaments were immersed in natural seawater for up to 18 months, and rope samples were also immersed to study aging at a larger scale and evaluate the ability of a modelling tool to predict initial and aged states of the rope. At low temperatures, no loss of properties was observed for the monofilament and rope. However, at higher temperatures, biodegradation and hydrolysis processes were observed, leading to a faster loss of properties in the monofilament compared to the rope. The modelling tool provided conservative predictions due to severe mechanical test conditions of aged monofilament and a degradation gradient within the rope structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Le Gué
- Ifremer RDT, Research and Technology Development Unit, 1625 route de Sainte-Anne, Plouzané, 29280, France; DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability), IFREMER, INRAE, Institut Agro, Lorient, 56325, France.
| | - Peter Davies
- Ifremer RDT, Research and Technology Development Unit, 1625 route de Sainte-Anne, Plouzané, 29280, France
| | - Mael Arhant
- Ifremer RDT, Research and Technology Development Unit, 1625 route de Sainte-Anne, Plouzané, 29280, France
| | - Benoit Vincent
- DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability), IFREMER, INRAE, Institut Agro, Lorient, 56325, France
| | - Erwan Tanguy
- Le Drezen, 12 rue de Kélareun, Le Guilvinec, 29730, France
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61
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Li A, Sheng Y, Cui H, Wang M, Wu L, Song Y, Yang R, Li X, Huang H. Discovery and mechanism-guided engineering of BHET hydrolases for improved PET recycling and upcycling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4169. [PMID: 37443360 PMCID: PMC10344914 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39929-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although considerable research achievements have been made to address the plastic crisis using enzymes, their applications are limited due to incomplete degradation and low efficiency. Herein, we report the identification and subsequent engineering of BHETases, which have the potential to improve the efficiency of PET recycling and upcycling. Two BHETases (ChryBHETase and BsEst) are identified from the environment via enzyme mining. Subsequently, mechanism-guided barrier engineering is employed to yield two robust and thermostable ΔBHETases with up to 3.5-fold enhanced kcat/KM than wild-type, followed by atomic resolution understanding. Coupling ΔBHETase into a two-enzyme system overcomes the challenge of heterogeneous product formation and results in up to 7.0-fold improved TPA production than seven state-of-the-art PET hydrolases, under the conditions used here. Finally, we employ a ΔBHETase-joined tandem chemical-enzymatic approach to valorize 21 commercial post-consumed plastics into virgin PET and an example chemical (p-phthaloyl chloride) for achieving the closed-loop PET recycling and open-loop PET upcycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Li
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijie Sheng
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyang Cui
- RWTH Aachen University, Templergraben 55, Aachen, 52062, Germany
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Minghui Wang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Luxuan Wu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yibo Song
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Yang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiujuan Li
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - He Huang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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62
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Rennert M, Hiller BT. Influence of Coffee Variety and Processing on the Properties of Parchments as Functional Bioadditives for Biobased Poly( butylene succinate) Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2985. [PMID: 37514375 PMCID: PMC10386071 DOI: 10.3390/polym15142985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fermented polymers like biobased poly(butylene succinate) (BioPBS) have become more relevant as technical substitutes for ductile petrochemical-based polymers but require biogenic functional additives to deaccelerate undesired thermo-oxidative degradation and keep a fully biobased character. In this paper, the influence of coffee parchment (PMT) from two different varieties and processings on the thermo-oxidative stabilization and mechanical properties of poly(butylene succinate) composites up to 20 wt.-% PMT were investigated. Micronized with a TurboRotor mill, both PMT powders differ in particle size and shape, moisture ab- and adsorption behavior and antioxidative properties. It could be shown that pulped-natural PMT consists partially of coffee cherry residues, which leads to a higher total polyphenol content and water activity. The homogeneous PMT from fully washed processing has a higher thermal degradation resistance but consists of fibers with larger diameters. Compounded with the BioPBS and subsequent injection molded, the fully washed PMT leads to higher stiffness and equal tensile strength but lower toughness compared to the pulped-natural PMT, especially at lower deformation speed. Surprisingly, the fully washed PMT showed a higher stability against thermo-oxidative decomposition despite the lower values in the total phenol content and antioxidative activity. The required antioxidative stabilizers might be extracted at higher temperatures from the PMT fibers, making it a suitable biogenic stabilizer for extrusion processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Rennert
- Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers at Hof University (ibp), Hof University of Applied Sciences, 95028 Hof, Germany
| | - Benedikt T Hiller
- Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers at Hof University (ibp), Hof University of Applied Sciences, 95028 Hof, Germany
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63
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Lenzi L, Degli Esposti M, Braccini S, Siracusa C, Quartinello F, Guebitz GM, Puppi D, Morselli D, Fabbri P. Further Step in the Transition from Conventional Plasticizers to Versatile Bioplasticizers Obtained by the Valorization of Levulinic Acid and Glycerol. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:9455-9469. [PMID: 37389191 PMCID: PMC10302884 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c01536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
In the last two decades, the use of phthalates has been restricted worldwide due to their well-known toxicity. Nonetheless, phthalates are still widely used for their versatility, high plasticization effect, low cost, and lack of valuable alternatives. This study presents the fully bio-based and versatile glycerol trilevulinate plasticizer (GT) that was obtained by the valorization of glycerol and levulinic acid. The mild-conditions and solvent-free esterification used to synthesize GT was optimized by investigating the product by Fourier transform infrared and NMR spectroscopy. An increasing content of GT, from 10 to 40 parts by weight per hundred parts of resin (phr), was tested with poly(vinyl chloride), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly(lactic acid), and poly(caprolactone), which typically present complicated processability and/or mechanical properties. GT produced a significant plasticization effect on both amorphous and semicrystalline polymers, reducing their glass-transition temperature and stiffness, as observed by differential scanning calorimetry measurements and tensile tests. Remarkably, GT also decreased both the melting temperature and crystallinity degree of semicrystalline polymers. Furthermore, GT underwent enzyme-mediated hydrolysis to its initial constituents, envisioning a promising prospective for environmental safety and upcycling. Furthermore, 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) tests, using mouse embryo fibroblasts, proved that GT is an unharmful alternative plasticizer, which makes it potentially applicable in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Lenzi
- Department
of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Università di Bologna, Via U. Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
- National
Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Micaela Degli Esposti
- Department
of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Università di Bologna, Via U. Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
- National
Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Simona Braccini
- National
Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- BIOLab
Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Università di Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Siracusa
- Institute
of Environmental Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and
Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Agrobiotechnology, IFA-Tulln, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 20, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | - Felice Quartinello
- Institute
of Environmental Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and
Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Agrobiotechnology, IFA-Tulln, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 20, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | - Georg M. Guebitz
- Institute
of Environmental Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and
Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Agrobiotechnology, IFA-Tulln, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 20, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | - Dario Puppi
- National
Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- BIOLab
Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Università di Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide Morselli
- Department
of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Università di Bologna, Via U. Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
- National
Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Paola Fabbri
- Department
of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Università di Bologna, Via U. Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
- National
Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
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64
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Tsochatzis ED, Vidal NP, Bai W, Diamantidou D, Theodoridis G, Martinez MM. Untargeted screening and in silico toxicity assessment of semi- and non-volatile compounds migrating from polysaccharide-based food contact materials. Food Chem 2023; 425:136499. [PMID: 37285625 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The chemical safety of representative polysaccharide films made with pea starch, organocatalytic acetylated pea starch and pectin was investigated at different migration conditions (20 °C/10 days, 70 °C/2 h) using two official simulants signifying hydrophilic (simulant A, 10% ethanol) or lipophilic (simulant D1, 50% ethanol) foods. Migrating semi-volatile and non-volatile compounds were identified and semi-quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-trap ion mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TIMS-TOF-MS/MS), whereas their toxicity was evaluated by in silico models based on qualitative structure activity (QSAR). Physicochemical analysis revealed polymer wash-off into the simulants. Migration testing at 70 °C for 2 h using simulant D1 resulted in detectable concentrations of glycerol (≤72.1 mg/kg), monoacetylated maltose (≤6.5 mg/kg), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (≤0.5 mg/kg, compliant with the existing legislative migration limits) in samples containing acetylated starch. Migrating 3-β-galactopyranosyl glucose (≤8.9 mg/kg) and 2,5-diketo-d-gluconic acid (≤4.9 mg/kg) were detected at 20 °C/10 days. In-silico toxicity emphasized no significant toxicity and categorized organocatalytic acetylated pea starch of no safety concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil D Tsochatzis
- Centre for Innovative Food (CiFOOD), Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark
| | - Natalia P Vidal
- Centre for Innovative Food (CiFOOD), Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark; Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Wenqiang Bai
- Centre for Innovative Food (CiFOOD), Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark
| | - Dimitra Diamantidou
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Biomic_AUTh, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center B1.4, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, P.O. Box 8318, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Theodoridis
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Biomic_AUTh, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center B1.4, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, P.O. Box 8318, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Mario M Martinez
- Centre for Innovative Food (CiFOOD), Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark.
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65
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Détrée C, Labbé C, Paul-Pont I, Prado E, El Rawke M, Thomas L, Delorme N, Le Goic N, Huvet A. On the horns of a dilemma: Evaluation of synthetic and natural textile microfibre effects on the physiology of the pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121861. [PMID: 37245792 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Fast fashion and our daily use of fibrous materials cause a massive release of microfibres (MF) into the oceans. Although MF pollution is commonly linked to plastics, the vast majority of collected MF are made from natural materials (e.g. cellulose). We investigated the effects of 96-h exposure to natural (wool, cotton, organic cotton) and synthetic (acrylic, nylon, polyester) textile MF and their associated chemical additives on the capacity of Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas to ingest MF and the effects of MF and their leachates on key molecular and cellular endpoints. Digestive and glycolytic enzyme activities and immune and detoxification responses were determined at cellular (haemocyte viability, ROS production, ABC pump activity) and molecular (Ikb1, Ikb2, caspase 1 and EcSOD expression) levels, considering environmentally relevant (10 MF L-1) and worst-case scenarios (10 000 MF L-1). Ingestion of natural MF perturbed oyster digestive and immune functions, but synthetic MF had few effects, supposedly related with fibers weaving rather than the material itself. No concentration effects were found, suggesting that an environmental dose of MF is sufficient to trigger these responses. Leachate exposure had minimal effects on oyster physiology. These results suggest that the manufacture of the fibres and their characteristics could be the major factors of MF toxicity and stress the need to consider both natural and synthetic particles and their leachates to thoroughly evaluate the impact of anthropogenic debris. Environmental Implication. Microfibres (MF) are omnipresent in the world oceans with around 2 million tons released every year, resulting in their ingestion by a wide array of marine organisms. In the ocean, a domination of natural MF- representing more than 80% of collected fibres-over synthetic ones was observed. Despite MF pervasiveness, research on their impact on marine organisms, is still in its infancy. The current study aims to investigate the effects of environmental concentrations of both synthetic and natural textile MF and their associated leachates on a model filter feeder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Détrée
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France.
| | - Clémentine Labbé
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Ika Paul-Pont
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Enora Prado
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Détection, Capteurs et Mesures (LDCM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Maria El Rawke
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Détection, Capteurs et Mesures (LDCM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Lena Thomas
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France; Ifremer, Laboratoire Détection, Capteurs et Mesures (LDCM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Nicolas Delorme
- Institut des Molécules et Matériaux Du Mans, UMR,, CNRS-Le Mans Université, Av. O. Messiaen, 72085, 6283, Le Mans, Cedex 9, France
| | - Nelly Le Goic
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Arnaud Huvet
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
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66
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Feng D, Li X, Fan X, Guo Y, Zhang J, Yuan H, Wang W, Zhao T, Han T. Cytotoxicity, endocrine disrupting activity, and chemical analysis of 42 food contact silicone rubber products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162298. [PMID: 36801328 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
After migration in 95 % ethanol (food simulant) at 70 °C for 2 h (accelerated conditions), the cytotoxicity and endocrine-disruption activity of 42 food contact silicone products (FCSPs) obtained from the Chinese market were studied. Of 31 kitchenwares, 96 % showed mild or above cytotoxicity (relative growth rate < 80 %) using the HeLa neutral red uptake test; and 84 % showed estrogenic (64 %), anti-estrogenic (19 %), androgenic (42 %), and anti-androgenic (39 %) activities by the Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The mold sample induced late phase HeLa apoptosis as detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining flow cytometry, in addition, the migration of mold sample has a higher risk of endocrine disruption at high temperature usage. Encouragingly, 11 bottle nipples had neither cytotoxic nor hormonal activity. Utilizing multiple mass spectrometry techniques, non-intentionally added substances (NIASs) in 31 kitchenwares were analyzed, and the migration levels of 26 organic compounds and 21 metals were quantified, furthermore, the safe risk of single migrant was evaluated through their special migration limit (SML) or threshold of toxicological concern (TTC). Using "nchoosek" statement and Spearman's correlation analysis in MATLAB, the migration of 38 compounds or combinations including metals, plasticizers, methylsiloxanes, and lubricants, had strong correlation with cytotoxicity or hormonal activity. The coexistence of various chemical substances in migrants leads to complex biological toxicity of FCSPs, so it is very important to detect the toxicity of the final products. The combination of bioassays and chemical analyses are valuable tools to facilitate the identification and analyses of FCSPs and migrants that have potential safety risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Feng
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xueyan Li
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaojie Fan
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Yifan Guo
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwei Zhang
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Yuan
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Han
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.
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67
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Boisseaux P, Hopkinson P, Santillo D, Smith C, Garmulewicz A, Powell Z, Galloway T. Environmental safety of second and third generation bioplastics in the context of the circular economy. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 256:114835. [PMID: 37003058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics derived from organic materials other than crude oil are often suggested as sustainable solutions for tackling end-of-life plastic waste, but little is known of their ecotoxicity to aquatic species. Here, we investigated the ecotoxicity of second and third generation bioplastics toward the freshwater zooplankton Daphnia magna. In acute toxicity tests (48 h), survival was impacted at high concentrations (g.L-1 range), within the range of salinity-induced toxicity. Macroalgae-derived bioplastic induced hormetic responses under chronic exposure (21 d). Most biological traits were enhanced from 0.06 to 0.25 g.L-1 (reproduction rate, body length, width, apical spine, protein concentration), while most of these traits returned to controls level at 0.5 g.L-1. Phenol-oxidase activity, indicative of immune function, was enhanced only at the lowest concentration (0.06 g.L-1). We hypothesise these suggested health benefits were due to assimilation of carbon derived from the macroalgae-based bioplastic as food. Polymer identity was confirmed by infra-red spectroscopy. Chemical analysis of each bioplastic revealed low metal abundance whilst non target exploration of organic compounds revealed trace amounts of phthalates and flame retardants. The macroalgae-bioplastic disintegrated completely in compost and biodegraded up to 86 % in aqueous medium. All bioplastics acidified the test medium. In conclusion, the tested bioplastics were classified as environmentally safe. Nonetheless, a reasonable end-of-life management of these safer-by-design materials is advised to ensure the absence of harmful effects at high concentrations, depending on the receiving environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Boisseaux
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK.
| | - Peter Hopkinson
- Exeter Business School, Building One, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK
| | - David Santillo
- Greenpeace laboratory, Innovation Centre, University of Exeter, EX4 4RN Exeter, UK
| | | | - Alysia Garmulewicz
- Materiom C.I.C, E8 4QS London, UK; Faculty of Administration and Economics, Department of Administration, University of Santiago of Chile, 9170022 Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Tamara Galloway
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK
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68
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Tamayo-Belda M, Venâncio C, Fernandez-Piñas F, Rosal R, Lopes I, Oliveira M. Effects of petroleum-based and biopolymer-based nanoplastics on aquatic organisms: A case study with mechanically degraded pristine polymers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 883:163447. [PMID: 37094675 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mismanaged plastic litter submitted to environmental conditions may breakdown into smaller fragments, eventually reaching nano-scale particles (nanoplastics, NPLs). In this study, pristine beads of four different types of polymers, three oil-based (polypropylene, PP; polystyrene, PS; and low-density polyethylene, LDPE) and one bio-based (polylactic acid, PLA) were mechanically broken down to obtain more environmentally realistic NPLs and its toxicity to two freshwater secondary consumers was assessed. Thus, effects on the cnidarian Hydra viridissima (mortality, morphology, regeneration ability, and feeding behavior) and the fish Danio rerio (mortality, morphological alterations, and swimming behavior) were tested at NPLs concentrations in the 0.001 to 100 mg/L range. Mortality and several morphological alterations were observed on hydras exposed to 10 and 100 mg/L PP and 100 mg/L LDPE, whilst regeneration capacity was overall accelerated. The locomotory activity of D. rerio larvae was affected by NPLs (decreased swimming time, distance or turning frequency) at environmentally realistic concentrations (as low as 0.001 mg/L). Overall, petroleum- and bio-based NPLs elicited pernicious effects on tested model organisms, especially PP, LDPE and PLA. Data allowed the estimation of NPLs effective concentrations and showed that biopolymers may also induce relevant toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Tamayo-Belda
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cátia Venâncio
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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69
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Riboni N, Bianchi F, Cavazza A, Piergiovanni M, Mattarozzi M, Careri M. Mass Spectrometry-Based Techniques for the Detection of Non-Intentionally Added Substances in Bioplastics. SEPARATIONS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/separations10040222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The safety of food contact materials is a hot topic since chemicals can migrate from packaging into food, thus raising health concerns about and/or producing changes in the organoleptic properties of foodstuffs. Migration tests are required to demonstrate the compliance with current regulations and to investigate the transferred compounds. In this context, mass spectrometry is the analytical technique of choice for the detection and quantitation of both intentionally added substances, such as antioxidants, stabilizers, processing aids, and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS). Untargeted strategies represent a major analytical challenge, providing a comprehensive fingerprinting of the packaging material and migrating components, allowing for NIAS identification. Hyphenated mass spectrometry-based techniques have been devised for screening the presence of migrating contaminants and for quantitation purposes. Both low-resolution (LRMS) and high-resolution (HRMS) methods were screened, with a special emphasis on the latter because of its capability to directly characterize food contact materials with minimal/no sample preparation, avoiding chromatographic separation, and reducing sample handling, analysis costs, and time. Examples related to the migration of contaminants from existing or newly developed bioplastic materials will be discussed, providing an overview of the most used MS-based methods, covering the state-of-the-art approaches from 2012 up to 2022.
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70
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Versino F, Ortega F, Monroy Y, Rivero S, López OV, García MA. Sustainable and Bio-Based Food Packaging: A Review on Past and Current Design Innovations. Foods 2023; 12:foods12051057. [PMID: 36900574 PMCID: PMC10000825 DOI: 10.3390/foods12051057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Food loss and waste occur for many reasons, from crop processing to household leftovers. Even though some waste generation is unavoidable, a considerable amount is due to supply chain inefficiencies and damage during transport and handling. Packaging design and materials innovations represent real opportunities to reduce food waste within the supply chain. Besides, changes in people's lifestyles have increased the demand for high-quality, fresh, minimally processed, and ready-to-eat food products with extended shelf-life, that need to meet strict and constantly renewed food safety regulations. In this regard, accurate monitoring of food quality and spoilage is necessary to diminish both health hazards and food waste. Thus, this work provides an overview of the most recent advances in the investigation and development of food packaging materials and design with the aim to improve food chain sustainability. Enhanced barrier and surface properties as well as active materials for food conservation are reviewed. Likewise, the function, importance, current availability, and future trends of intelligent and smart packaging systems are presented, especially considering biobased sensor development by 3D printing technology. In addition, driving factors affecting fully biobased packaging design and materials development and production are discussed, considering byproducts and waste minimization and revalorization, recyclability, biodegradability, and other possible ends-of-life and their impact on product/package system sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Versino
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos (CIDCA), UNLP-CONICET-CICPBA, 47 y 116, La Plata 1900, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 47 y 115, La Plata 1900, Argentina
- Correspondence:
| | - Florencia Ortega
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos (CIDCA), UNLP-CONICET-CICPBA, 47 y 116, La Plata 1900, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 47 y 115, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Yuliana Monroy
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos (CIDCA), UNLP-CONICET-CICPBA, 47 y 116, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Sandra Rivero
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos (CIDCA), UNLP-CONICET-CICPBA, 47 y 116, La Plata 1900, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 47 y 115, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Olivia Valeria López
- Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química (PLAPIQUI), UNS-CONICET, Camino La Carrindanga km.7, Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina
| | - María Alejandra García
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos (CIDCA), UNLP-CONICET-CICPBA, 47 y 116, La Plata 1900, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 47 y 115, La Plata 1900, Argentina
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71
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Guan MY, Zhong HN, Wang ZW, Yu WW, Hu CY. Chemical contaminants from food contact materials and articles made from or containing wood and bamboo - a review. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2023; 40:434-453. [PMID: 36693199 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2023.2167003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Due to recently introduced 'so-called' bio- and plant-based friendly food contact materials and articles (FCM/FCA), some neglected safety issues need to be raised. In this review, potential chemical contaminants from FCM/FCA made from or containing wood and bamboo are presented. Sources, migration, and analytical issues in determining contaminants including intentionally and non-intentionally added substances (IAS and NIAS, respectively) are reviewed. Most of the contaminants are components from melamine-formaldehyde-resin (MFR), paints and coatings, preservatives, and bleaching agents. Tableware made of MFR containing bamboo fibres as a filler are not always suitable for use as tableware since harmful amounts of melamine and formaldehyde can migrate from the tableware into food and even accelerate the degradation of certain polymers with which they are mixed. In addition, in the EU bamboo in plastic FCM is not authorized under Regulation (EU) 10/2011. Paints and coatings used to provide surface coverage for bamboo and wooden articles also pose a risk of migration of heavy metals. Limits on preservatives in wood FCM are covered by legislation in many countries, nevertheless their contamination should not be ignored. Some wood species are considered 'toxic' or contain 'toxic' constituents that should not be used in contact with food, which are worth considering for legislation. IAS analyses in bamboo and wooden FCM is generally not a problem, but has proven to be more challenging for NIAS. Due to a complex mixture of substances contained in plant-based materials, there is a need to improve databases for non-target screening of such chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Ying Guan
- Department of Food Science & Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Huai-Ning Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Wang
- Packing Engineering Institute, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Wen-Wen Yu
- Department of Food Science & Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Chang-Ying Hu
- Department of Food Science & Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou City, China
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Abad López AP, Trilleras J, Arana VA, Garcia-Alzate LS, Grande-Tovar CD. Atmospheric microplastics: exposure, toxicity, and detrimental health effects. RSC Adv 2023; 13:7468-7489. [PMID: 36908531 PMCID: PMC9993231 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra07098g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are micro-particulate pollutants present in all environments whose ubiquity leads humans to unavoidable exposure. Due to low density, MPs also accumulate in the atmosphere, where they are easily transported worldwide and come into direct contact with the human body by inhalation or ingestion, causing detrimental health effects. This literature review presents the sources of atmospheric MPs pollution, transport routes, physicochemical characteristics, and environmental interactions. The document also explains the implications for human health and analyzes the risk of exposure based on the potential toxicity and the concentration in the atmosphere. MPs' toxicity lies in their physical characteristics, chemical composition, environmental interactions, and degree of aging. The abundance and concentration of these microparticles are associated with nearby production sources and their displacement in the atmosphere. The above elements are presented in an integrated way to facilitate a better understanding of the associated risk. The investigation results encourage the development of future research that delves into the health implications of exposure to airborne MPs and raises awareness of the risks of current plastic pollution to promote the establishment of relevant mitigation policies and procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Patricia Abad López
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Programa de Maestría en Ciencias Químicas. Universidad del Atlántico Carrera 30 Número 8-49 Puerto Colombia 081008 Colombia +57-5-3599-484
| | - Jorge Trilleras
- Grupo de Investigación en Compuestos Heterocíclicos, Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Químicas, Universidad del Atlántico Carrera 30 No 8-49 Puerto Colombia 081007 Colombia
| | - Victoria A Arana
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias, Educación y Tecnología-CETIC, Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Químicas, Universidad del Atlántico Carrera 30 No 8-49 Puerto Colombia 081007 Colombia
| | - Luz Stella Garcia-Alzate
- Grupo de Investigación Ciencias, Educación y Tecnología-CETIC, Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Químicas, Universidad del Atlántico Carrera 30 No 8-49 Puerto Colombia 081007 Colombia
| | - Carlos David Grande-Tovar
- Grupo de Investigación de Fotoquímica y Fotobiología, Programa de Maestría en Ciencias Químicas. Universidad del Atlántico Carrera 30 Número 8-49 Puerto Colombia 081008 Colombia +57-5-3599-484
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Capolupo M, Rafiq A, Coralli I, Alessandro T, Valbonesi P, Fabbri D, Fabbri E. Bioplastic leachates characterization and impacts on early larval stages and adult mussel cellular, biochemical and physiological responses. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 319:120951. [PMID: 36581238 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics are promoted as safer alternatives to tackle the long-term persistence of conventional plastics. However, information on the potential release of additives and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in the surrounding environment is limited, and biological effects of the leachates have been little studied. Leachates produced from three bioplastics, i.e. compostable bags (CB), bio-polyethylene terephthalate bottles (bioPET) and polylactic acid cups (PLA), and a control polymeric material, i.e. rubber tire (TR), were examined. The chemical nature of bioplastic polyesters PET, PLA and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) in CB, was confirmed by analytical pyrolysis. Fragments were incubated in artificial sea water for 14 days at 20 °C in darkness and leachate contents examined by GC-MS and HPLC-MS/MS. Catalysts and stabilizers represented the majority of chemicals in TR, while NIAS (e.g. 1,6-dioxacyclododecane-7,12-dione) were the main components of CB. Bisphenol A occurred in all leachates at a concentration range 0.3-4.8 μg/L. Trace metals at concentrations higher than control water were found in all leachates, albeit more represented in leachates from CB and TR. A dose response to 11 dilutions of leachates (in the range 0.6-100%) was tested for biological effects on early embryo stages of Mytilus galloprovincialis. Embryotoxicity was observed in the whole range of tested concentrations, the magnitude of effect depending on the polymers. The highest concentrations caused reduction of egg fertilization (CB, bioPET, TR) and of larvae motility (CB, PLA, TR). TR leachates also provoked larvae mortality in the range 10-100%. Effects on adult mussel physiology were evaluated after a 7-day in vivo exposure to the different leachates at 0.6% concentration. Nine biomarkers concerning lysosomal functionality, neurotransmission, antioxidant and immune responses were assessed. All lysosomal parameters were affected, and serum lysozyme activity inhibited. Harmonized chemical and biological approaches are recommended to assess bioplastic safety and support production of sustainable bioplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Capolupo
- Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Rome, Italy
| | - Ayesha Rafiq
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences University of Bologna, Campus of Ravenna via S. Alberto 163, 48123, Ravenna
| | - Irene Coralli
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Technopole of Rimini, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Tanya Alessandro
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences University of Bologna, Campus of Ravenna via S. Alberto 163, 48123, Ravenna
| | - Paola Valbonesi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences University of Bologna, Campus of Ravenna via S. Alberto 163, 48123, Ravenna
| | - Daniele Fabbri
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Technopole of Rimini, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Fabbri
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences University of Bologna, Campus of Ravenna via S. Alberto 163, 48123, Ravenna.
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Paul-Pont I, Ghiglione JF, Gastaldi E, Ter Halle A, Huvet A, Bruzaud S, Lagarde F, Galgani F, Duflos G, George M, Fabre P. Discussion about suitable applications for biodegradable plastics regarding their sources, uses and end of life. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 157:242-248. [PMID: 36577275 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This opinion paper offers a scientific view on the current debate of the place of biodegradable plastics as part of the solution to deal with the growing plastic pollution in the world's soil, aquatic, and marine compartments. Based on the current scientific literature, we focus on the current limits to prove plastic biodegradability and to assess the toxicity of commercially used biobased and biodegradable plastics in natural environments. We also discuss the relevance of biodegradable plastics for selected applications with respect to their use and end of life. In particular, we underlined that there is no universal biodegradability of plastics in any ecosystem, that considering the environment as a waste treatment system is not acceptable, and that the use of compostable plastics requires adaptation of existing organic waste collection and treatment channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ika Paul-Pont
- Univ Brest, Ifremer, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280, Plouzané, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France.
| | - Jean-François Ghiglione
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne (LOMIC), UMR 7621, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, Banyuls sur mer, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Emmanuelle Gastaldi
- INRAE, Univ Montpellier, IATE, Montpellier, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandra Ter Halle
- IMRCP, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Arnaud Huvet
- Univ Brest, Ifremer, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280, Plouzané, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Stéphane Bruzaud
- Institut de Recherche Dupuy de Lôme (IRDL), Université Bretagne Sud, UMR CNRS 6027, Lorient, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Fabienne Lagarde
- Institut des Molécules et Matériaux du Mans (IMMM, UMR CNRS 6283), Le Mans Université, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, F-72085 Le Mans, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - François Galgani
- IFREMER/ RMPF, Tahiti, Polynésie Française; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Duflos
- ANSES - Laboratoire de Sécurité des Aliments, Boulevard du Bassin Napoléon, F-62200, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Matthieu George
- Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C), UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, Place Eugène Bataillon, Montpellier, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Pascale Fabre
- Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C), UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, Place Eugène Bataillon, Montpellier, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
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75
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Zhang H, Su QZ, Shang GQ, Weng YX, Zhu L. Elucidation of Non-Intentionally Added Substances from Plant Fiber/Plastic Composites by UPLC-QTOF/MS. Foods 2023; 12:foods12030678. [PMID: 36766206 PMCID: PMC9913899 DOI: 10.3390/foods12030678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant fiber/plastic composites (PPCs) have been widely used in food contact materials (FCMs) for many benefits, such as their claimed better environmental footprint compared to conventional plastics. However, their safety is still not fully understood and must be comprehensively evaluated. Non-volatiles extracted from six PPCs with different plant fibers and polymer matrices were characterized by employing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry in combination with various spectral libraries and manual elucidation, taking into account spectral similarity and characteristic product ions. A total of 115 compounds were tentatively identified, 50 of which were oligomers or their derivatives from the sample with polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) as the polymer matrix, and some of them were Cramer rules class III substances based on the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC). Seven reaction products between PLA and PBAT monomers, as well as four derivatives of melamine, were elucidated and well detailed for the first time. In addition, bisphenol S was detected in all samples even though its origin remains to be further explored. Isoprothiolane, as an insecticide and fungicide used to control a range of rice pests, was identified in the sample with rice husk as fillers, experimentally confirming the presence of agrochemicals in samples containing plant fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhang
- School of Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100022, China
| | - Qi-Zhi Su
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Gui-Qin Shang
- Nanjing Customs Testing Center for Dangerous Goods and Packaging, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Yun-Xuan Weng
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Plastic Hygiene and Safety Quality Evaluation Technology, Beijing 100048, China
- Correspondence: (Y.-X.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lei Zhu
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100022, China
- Correspondence: (Y.-X.W.); (L.Z.)
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Akoueson F, Paul-Pont I, Tallec K, Huvet A, Doyen P, Dehaut A, Duflos G. Additives in polypropylene and polylactic acid food packaging: Chemical analysis and bioassays provide complementary tools for risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159318. [PMID: 36220465 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic food packaging represents 40 % of the plastic production worldwide and belongs to the 10 most commonly found items in aquatic environments. They are characterized by high additives contents with >4000 formulations available on the market. Thus they can release their constitutive chemicals (i.e. additives) into the surrounding environment, contributing to chemical pollution in aquatic systems and to contamination of marine organism up to the point of questioning the health of the consumer. In this context, the chemical and toxicological profiles of two types of polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) food packaging were investigated, using in vitro bioassays and target gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses. Plastic additives quantification was performed both on the raw materials, and on the material leachates after 5 days of lixiviation in filtered natural seawater. The results showed that all samples (raw materials and leachates) contained additive compounds (e.g. phthalates plasticizers, phosphorous flame retardants, antioxidants and UV-stabilizers). Differences in the number and concentration of additives between polymers and suppliers were also pointed out, indicating that the chemical signature cannot be generalized to a polymer and is rather product dependent. Nevertheless, no significant toxic effects was observed upon exposure to the leachates in two short-term bioassays targeting baseline toxicity (Microtox® test) and Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas fertilization success and embryo-larval development. Overall, this study demonstrates that both petrochemical and bio-based food containers contain harmful additives and that it is not possible to predict material toxicity solely based on chemical analysis. Additionally, it highlights the complexity to assess and comprehend the additive content of plastic packaging due to the variability of their composition, suggesting that more transparency in polymer formulations is required to properly address the risk associated with such materials during their use and end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fleurine Akoueson
- ANSES - LSAl, Boulevard du Bassin Napoléon, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.; Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, UMR 1158 BioEcoAgro, EA 7394, Institut Charles Viollette, USC ANSES, INRAe, Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Picardie Jules Verne, Uni. Liège, F-62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
| | - Ika Paul-Pont
- Univ Brest, Ifremer, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Kévin Tallec
- Univ Brest, Ifremer, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France; Cedre, 715 rue Alain Colas, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Arnaud Huvet
- Univ Brest, Ifremer, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Périne Doyen
- Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, UMR 1158 BioEcoAgro, EA 7394, Institut Charles Viollette, USC ANSES, INRAe, Univ. Lille, Univ. Artois, Univ. Picardie Jules Verne, Uni. Liège, F-62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
| | - Alexandre Dehaut
- ANSES - LSAl, Boulevard du Bassin Napoléon, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
| | - Guillaume Duflos
- ANSES - LSAl, Boulevard du Bassin Napoléon, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer, France..
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77
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Celletti S, Fedeli R, Ghorbani M, Loppi S. Impact of starch-based bioplastic on growth and biochemical parameters of basil plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159163. [PMID: 36191700 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The recent use of bioplastics in agriculture is considered an ecological choice, aimed at limiting the environmental impact of plastics, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. However, the impact of bioplastic residues on the environment is unclear as knowledge is lacking. This is the first study investigating the effect of a starch-based bioplastic on the growth and biochemical parameters of basil. Bioplastic was experimentally prepared and added to the soil at 2.5 % (w/w), corresponding to twice the concentration of plastic mulch film residues currently found in cultivated soils, in view of the increasing agricultural use of bioplastics. Basil plants were grown without (controls) and with bioplastic addition for 35 days, under controlled experimental conditions. Compared to the control, plants exposed to bioplastic showed stunted growth (in terms of shoot fresh weight, height, and number of leaves). Significant reductions in the content of chlorophyll, protein, ascorbic acid, and glucose were also observed. Finally, the treatment caused oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increased content of malondialdehyde in the shoots. The addition of bioplastic increased the electrical conductivity and reduced the cation exchange capacity of the cultivation soil. These results suggest that bioplastic in soil may promote the onset of stressful conditions for plant growth in a similar manner to plastic. They will be complemented by further investigations to unravel the mechanisms underlying these responses, involving different doses and types of bioplastics and other crop species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Celletti
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Fedeli
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Majid Ghorbani
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; BAT Center - Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Napoli, Italy..
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78
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Zou Y, Yang M, Tao Q, Zhu K, Liu X, Wan C, Harder MK, Yan Q, Liang B, Ntaikou I, Antonopoulou G, Lyberatos G, Zhang Y. Recovery of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) polymers from a mixed microbial culture through combined ultrasonic disruption and alkaline digestion. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 326:116786. [PMID: 36410150 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PHAs are a form of cellular storage polymers with diverse structural and material properties, and their biodegradable and renewable nature makes them a potential green alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics. PHAs are obtained through extraction via various mechanical, physical and chemical processes after their intracellular synthesis. Most studies have until now focused on pure cultures, while information on mixed microbial cultures (MMC) remains limited. In this study, ultrasonic (US) disruption and alkaline digestion by NaOH were applied individually and in combination to obtain PHAs products from an acclimated MMC using phenol as the carbon source. Various parameters were tested, including ultrasonic sound energy density, NaOH concentration, treatment time and temperature, and biomass density. US alone caused limited cell lysis and resulted in high energy consumption and low efficiency. NaOH of 0.05-0.2 M was more efficient in cell disruption, but led to PHAs degradation under elevated temperature and prolonged treatment. Combining US and NaOH significantly improved the overall process efficiency, which could reduce energy consumption by 2/3rds with only minimal PHAs degradation. The most significant factor was identified to be NaOH dosage and treatment time, with US sound energy density playing a minor role. Under the semi-optimized condition (0.2 M NaOH, 1300 W L-1, 10 min), over 70% recovery and 80% purity were achieved from a 3 g L-1 MMC slurry of approximately 50% PHAs fraction. The material and thermal properties of the products were analyzed, and the polymers obtained from US + NaOH treatments showed comparable or higher molecular weight to previously reported results. The products also exhibited good thermal stability and rheological properties, compared to the commercial standard. In conclusion, the combined US and NaOH method has the potential in real application as an efficient process to obtain high quality PHAs from MMC, and cost-effectiveness can be further optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Zou
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingfeng Yang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuyue Tao
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Keliang Zhu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunli Wan
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Marie K Harder
- Values and Sustainability Research Group, Cockcroft Building, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, BN2 4GJ, United Kingdom
| | - Qun Yan
- School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bo Liang
- Adesso Advanced Materials Wuhu Co. Ltd., Bldg.6, Xinghui Science and Technology Industrial Park, Sanshan District, Wuhu City, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ioanna Ntaikou
- Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Platani, Patras, GR 26504, Greece
| | | | - Gerasimos Lyberatos
- Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Platani, Patras, GR 26504, Greece; School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, GR 15780 Athens, Greece
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China.
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79
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Wang Z, Praetorius A. Integrating a Chemicals Perspective into the Global Plastic Treaty. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2022; 9:1000-1006. [PMID: 36530847 PMCID: PMC9753957 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Driven by the growing concern about plastic pollution, countries have agreed to establish a global plastic treaty addressing the full life cycle of plastics. However, while plastics are complex materials consisting of mixtures of chemicals such as additives, processing aids, and nonintentionally added substances, it is at risk that the chemical aspects of plastics may be overlooked in the forthcoming treaty. This is highly concerning because a large variety of over 10,000 chemical substances may have been used in plastic production, and many of them are known to be hazardous to human health and the environment. In this Global Perspective, we further highlight an additional, generally overlooked, but critical aspect that many chemicals in plastics hamper the technological solutions envisioned to solve some of the major plastic issues: mechanical recycling, waste-to-energy, chemical recycling, biobased plastics, biodegradable plastics, and durable plastics. Building on existing success stories, we outline three concrete recommendations on how the chemical aspects can be integrated into the global plastic treaty to ensure its effectiveness: (1) reducing the complexity of chemicals in plastics, (2) ensuring the transparency of chemicals in plastics, and (3) aligning the right incentives for a systematic transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanyun Wang
- Empa
− Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology,
Technology and Society Laboratory, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Antonia Praetorius
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090, GE, Netherlands
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80
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From microbes to ecosystems: a review of the ecological effects of biodegradable plastics. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:423-433. [PMID: 36069649 DOI: 10.1042/etls20220015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics have been proposed as a potential solution to plastic pollution, as they can be biodegraded into their elemental components by microbial action. However, the degradation rate of biodegradable plastics is highly variable across environments, leading to the potential for accumulation of plastic particles, chemical co-contaminants and/or degradation products. This paper reviews the toxicological effects of biodegradable plastics on species and ecosystems, and contextualises these impacts with those previously reported for conventional polymers. While the impacts of biodegradable plastics and their co-contaminants across levels of biological organisation are poorly researched compared with conventional plastics, evidence suggests that individual-level effects could be broadly similar. Where differences in the associated toxicity may arise is due to the chemical structure of biodegradable polymers which should facilitate enzymatic depolymerisation and the utilisation of the polymer carbon by the microbial community. The input of carbon can alter microbial composition, causing an enrichment of carbon-degrading bacteria and fungi, which can have wider implications for carbon and nitrogen dynamics. Furthermore, there is the potential for toxic degradation products to form during biodegradation, however understanding the environmental concentration and effects of degradation products are lacking. As global production of biodegradable polymers continues to increase, further evaluation of their ecotoxicological effects on organisms and ecosystem function are required.
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81
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Xia C, Lam SS, Zhong H, Fabbri E, Sonne C. Assess and reduce toxic chemicals in bioplastics. Science 2022; 378:842. [DOI: 10.1126/science.ade9069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Changlei Xia
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Uttarakhand, India
- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Huan Zhong
- School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Elena Fabbri
- University of Bologna and Interdepartment Center for Environmental Sciences Research, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Christian Sonne
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Uttarakhand, India
- Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
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82
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Eronen-Rasimus EL, Näkki PP, Kaartokallio HP. Degradation Rates and Bacterial Community Compositions Vary among Commonly Used Bioplastic Materials in a Brackish Marine Environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15760-15769. [PMID: 36269217 PMCID: PMC9671047 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution threatens both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. As a result of the pressures of replacing oil-based materials and reducing the accumulation of litter in the environment, the use of bioplastics is increasing, despite little being known about their accurate biodegradation in natural conditions. Here, we investigated the weight attrition and degradation behavior of four different bioplastic materials compared to conventional oil-based polyethylene during a 1-year in situ incubation in the brackish Baltic Sea and in controlled 1 month biodegradation experiments in the laboratory. Bacterial communities were also investigated to verify whether putative plastic-degrading bacteria are enriched on bioplastics. Poly-l-lactic acid showed no signs of degradation, whereas poly(3-hydroxybutyrate/3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB/HV), plasticized starch (PR), and cellulose acetate (CA) degraded completely or almost completely during 1-year in situ incubations. In accordance, bacterial taxa potentially capable of using complex carbon substrates and belonging, e.g., to class Gammaproteobacteria were significantly enriched on PHB/HV, PR, and CA. An increase in gammaproteobacterial abundance was also observed in the biodegradation experiments. The results show substantial differences in the persistence and biodegradation rates among bioplastics, thus highlighting the need for carefully selecting materials for applications with risk of becoming marine litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eeva L. Eronen-Rasimus
- Department
of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Marine
Research Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pinja P. Näkki
- Marine
Research Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hermanni P. Kaartokallio
- Marine
Research Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
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83
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Nazareth MC, Marques MRC, Pinheiro LM, Castro ÍB. Key issues for bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics governance. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 322:116074. [PMID: 36049309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Among global efforts facing plastic pollution, their gradual replacement with alternative materials has gained strength during the last decade. We identified five stakeholders and their respective key participation in the chain of bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics (BBCP), which have contributed to several flaws on governance of these materials. The widespread unfamiliarity of the consumers about biodegradability concepts has been leading to misguided purchase decisions and disposal practices, along with possible littering behavior. Simultaneously, the adoption of greenwashing practices by stores and manufacturers contribute to disseminating misguided decisions on plastic consumption. Such issues are further aggravated by the lack of certification standards concerning the impact of littering, including the assessment of persistency and toxicity, also covering those made with biodegradable plastics.". Moreover, even though such alternative polymers were originally conceived as a strategy to minimize plastics pollution, the almost inexistence of specific regulatory frameworks in different political scales may convert them in a relevant part of the problem. Therefore, the governance systems and management strategies need to incorporate BBCP as potentially hazardous waste as they do for conventional plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monick Cruz Nazareth
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 Pavilhão Haroldo Lisboa da Cunha, 20559-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mônica R C Marques
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 Pavilhão Haroldo Lisboa da Cunha, 20559-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lara Mesquita Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Microcontaminantes Orgânicos e Ecotoxicologia Aquática - Instituto de Oceanografia - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Av. Itália, Km 8, Carreiros, CEP: 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Ítalo Braga Castro
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (IMAR-UNIFESP), Rua Maria Máximo, 11030-100 Santos, SP, Brazil.
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84
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Ali SS, Elsamahy T, Abdelkarim EA, Al-Tohamy R, Kornaros M, Ruiz HA, Zhao T, Li F, Sun J. Biowastes for biodegradable bioplastics production and end-of-life scenarios in circular bioeconomy and biorefinery concept. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 363:127869. [PMID: 36064080 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to global urbanization, industrialization, and economic development, biowastes generation represents negative consequences on the environment and human health. The use of generated biowastes as a feedstock for biodegradable bioplastic production has opened a new avenue for environmental sustainability from the circular (bio)economy standpoint. Biodegradable bioplastic production can contribute to the sustainability pillars (environmental, economic, and social). Furthermore, bioenergy, biomass, and biopolymers production after recycling of biodegradable bioplastic can help to maintain the energy-environment balance. Several types of biodegradable bioplastic, such as starch-based, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid, and polybutylene adipate terephthalate, can achieve this aim. In this review, an overview of the main biowastes valorization routes and the main biodegradable bioplastic types of production, application, and biodegradability are discussed to achieve the transition to the circular economy. Additionally, end-of-life scenarios (up-cycle and down-cycle) are reviewed to attain the maximum environmental, social, and economic benefit from biodegradable bioplastic products under biorefinery concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh S Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Esraa A Abdelkarim
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Rania Al-Tohamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Michael Kornaros
- Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Environmental Technology (LBEET), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori Str., University Campus, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Héctor A Ruiz
- Biorefinery Group, Food Research Department, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Saltillo, Coahuila 25280, Mexico
| | - Tong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150090, China
| | - Fanghua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150090, China.
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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85
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Juncheed K, Tanunchai B, Wahdan SFM, Thongsuk K, Schädler M, Noll M, Purahong W. Dark side of a bio-based and biodegradable plastic? Assessment of pathogenic microbes associated with poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) under ambient and future climates using next-generation sequencing. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:966363. [PMID: 36311114 PMCID: PMC9610124 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.966363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bio-based and biodegradable plastic mulching films have been proposed to replace the non-biodegradable plastic mulch films to solve plastic pollution problems in agricultural soils. However, the impact of bio-based and biodegradable plastics on plant and human health remains largely unexplored. Here, we aimed to assess the risk under field conditions of a bio-based and biodegradable poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate; PBSA), a widely used mulching film as carrier of potential pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) at ambient and future climate conditions. Overall, we affiliated 64 fungal and 11 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) as pathogens by using Next-Generation Sequencing approach. Our results revealed that PBSA hosted at least 53 plant pathogens, of which 51 were classified as fungi, while the other two were bacteria. Most fungal plant pathogens were able to withstand the anticipated future climate changes. We detected 13 fungal and eight bacterial OTUs, which were classified as opportunistic human pathogens. Only one bacterial OTU (Enterococcus faecium) was assigned to a human pathogen. While future climate conditions only significantly impacted on the presence and frequency of detection of few pathogens, incubation time was found to significantly impacted on nine pathogens. This result demonstrates the temporal dynamics of pathogens associated with PBSA. The threats to plant and human health were discussed. We emphasize that the risks to human health are relatively low because we mainly found opportunistic pathogens associated with PBSA and the amount are comparable to the plant debris. However, the risks to plant health may be considered as moderate because many plant pathogens were discovered and/or enriched in PBSA. Furthermore, in soil environments, the pathogenic risk of plastic is highly depending on the surrounding soil pathobiome where plastic is being decomposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kantida Juncheed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Soil Ecology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Benjawan Tanunchai
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Soil Ecology, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Sara Fareed Mohamed Wahdan
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Soil Ecology, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Katikarn Thongsuk
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Soil Ecology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Martin Schädler
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Community Ecology, Halle (Saale), Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Noll
- Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Institute for Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Coburg, Germany
| | - Witoon Purahong
- UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Department of Soil Ecology, Halle (Saale), Germany
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86
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Bao R, Cheng Z, Hou Y, Xie C, Pu J, Peng L, Gao L, Chen W, Su Y. Secondary microplastics formation and colonized microorganisms on the surface of conventional and degradable plastic granules during long-term UV aging in various environmental media. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 439:129686. [PMID: 36104912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Recently, biodegradable plastics (BPs) as an alternative of conventional plastics have been widely advocated and applied. However, there is still a large research gap between the formation of secondary microplastics (MPs) and colonized microorganisms on their surface under long-term aging in different environments. In this study, the generation of secondary MPs and the formation of surface biofilms on the micro-sized (3-5 mm) biodegradable plastic poly (butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate) (BP-PBAT) and conventional plastic polyvinyl chloride (CP-PVC) under long-term UV aging was investigated. The results showed that hundreds and even thousands of MPs (185.53 ± 85.73 items/g - 1473.27 ± 143.67 items/g) were generated by BP-PBAT and CP-PVC after aged for 90 days, and the abundance of MPs produced by BP-PBAT was significantly higher than that of CP-PVC. Moreover, the α diversities and detected OTU number of biofilm communities formed on MPs increased with MPs-aging. The genes related to the formation of biofilms was significantly expressed on aged MPs and the genes related to human pathogens and diseases were also detected in enriching on MPs surface. Overall, BPs may lead to greater ecological risks as it releases thousands of secondary MPs after being aged, and their environmental behavior needs to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Bao
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China
| | - Zhiruo Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China
| | - Yipeng Hou
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China
| | - Chaolin Xie
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China
| | - Jingrun Pu
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China
| | - Licheng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China.
| | - Liu Gao
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China
| | - Wei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Su
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Forestry Environmental Processes and Ecological Regulation of Hainan Province, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan Province 570228, PR China
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87
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Okoffo ED, Chan CM, Rauert C, Kaserzon S, Thomas KV. Identification and Quantification of Micro-Bioplastics in Environmental Samples by Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13774-13785. [PMID: 36128767 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics are materials that are biobased and/or biodegradable, but not necessarily both. Concerns about environmental plastic pollution are constantly growing with increasing demand for substituting fossil-based plastics with those made using renewable resource feedstocks. For many conventional bioplastics to completely decompose/degrade, they require specific environmental conditions that are rarely met in natural ecosystems, leading to rapid formation of micro-bioplastics. As global bioplastic production and consumption/use continue to increase, there is growing concern regarding the potential for environmental pollution from micro-bioplastics. However, the actual extent of their environmental occurrence and potential impacts remains unclear, and there is insufficient mass concentration-based quantitative data due to the lack of quantitative analytical methods. This study developed and validated an analytical method coupling pressurized liquid extraction and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with thermochemolysis to simultaneously identify and quantify five targeted micro-bioplastics (i.e., polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate, polybutylene succinate, polycaprolactone, and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)) in environmental samples on a polymer-specific mass-based concentration. The recovery of spiked micro-bioplastics in environmental samples (biosolids) ranged from 74 to 116%. The limits of quantification for the target micro-bioplastics were between 0.02 and 0.05 mg/g. PLA and PBAT were commonly detected in wastewater, biosolids, and sediment samples at concentrations between 0.07 and 0.18 mg/g. The presented analytical method enables the accurate identification, quantification, and monitoring of micro-bioplastics in environmental samples. This study quantified five micro-bioplastic types in complex environmental samples for the first time, filling in gaps in our knowledge about bioplastic pollution and providing a useful methodology and important reference data for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Clement Matthew Chan
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Cassandra Rauert
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Sarit Kaserzon
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kevin V Thomas
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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88
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Harper E, Cunningham E, Connolly L. Using in vitro bioassays to guide the development of safer bio-based polymers for use in food packaging. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:936014. [PMID: 36204697 PMCID: PMC9531239 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.936014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Petroleum-based polymers traditionally used for plastic packaging production have been shown to leach dangerous chemicals such as bisphenol-A (BPA). Bio-based polymers are potentially safer alternatives, and many can be sustainably sourced from waste streams in the food industry. This study assesses bio-based polymers undergoing food packaging development for migration of endocrine disrupting leachates at the level of estrogen, androgen and progestagen nuclear receptor transcriptional activity. Reporter gene assays were coupled with migration testing, performed using standardised test conditions for storage and temperature. Test samples include nine bio-based polymers and four inorganic waste additives mixed with a traditional petroleum-based polymer, polypropylene. Thermoplastic starch material, polybutylene succinate, polycaprolactone, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), two polylactic acid (PLA)/PBAT blends, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and eggshell/polypropylene (10:90) presented no significant reduction in metabolic activity or hormonal activity under any test condition. Polypropylene (PP) presented no hormonal activity. Metabolic activity was reduced in the estrogen responsive cell line after 10 days migration testing of eggshell/polypropylene (0.1:99.9) in MeOH at 40°C, and PP in MeOH and dH20. Estrogenic agonist activity was observed after 10 days in poultry litter ash/polypropylene (10:90) in MeOH at 20°C and 40°C, poultry feather based polymer in MeOH and dH2O at 40°C, and eggshell/polypropylene (40:60) and PLA in dH2O at 40°C. Activity was within a range of 0.26-0.50 ng 17β-estradiol equivalents per ml, equating to an estrogenic potency of 3-∼2800 times less than the estrogenic leachate BPA. Poultry litter ash/polypropylene (10:90) in MeOH for 10 days presented estrogenic activity at 20°C and 40°C within the above range and anti-androgenic activity at 40°C. Progestagenic activity was not observed for any of the compounds under any test condition. Interestingly, lower concentrations of eggshell or PP may eliminate eggshell estrogenicity and PP toxicity. Alternatively eggshell may bind and eliminate the toxic elements of PP. Similarly, PLA estrogenic activity was removed in both PLA/PBAT blends. This study demonstrates the benefits of bioassay guidance in the development of safer and sustainable packaging alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Manipulating the types of additives and their formulations alongside toxicological testing may further improve safety aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Harper
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Eoin Cunningham
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Connolly
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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89
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Cui R, Kwak JI, An YJ. Acute and multigenerational effects of petroleum- and cellulose-based microfibers on growth and photosynthetic capacity of Lemna minor. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:113953. [PMID: 35870358 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Comparative toxicological assessment studies on the effects of petroleum- and cellulose-based microfibers on aquatic plants are limited. Therefore, we evaluated the acute and 10-generational toxicological effects of two types of petroleum- and cellulose-based microfibers on the duckweed Lemna minor. Plant growth and photosynthesis parameters were monitored as bioindicators. The multigenerational test revealed the following ranking of the microfibers according to the severity of their effects on L. minor: polypropylene > lyocell > viscose > polyethylene terephthalate. The acute tests revealed a significant increase in the energy required to initiate photosynthesis, although the growth of L. minor was not adversely affected by any microfiber. Both petroleum- and cellulose-based microfibers induced adverse effects on the growth and photosynthesis of L. minor in multigenerational tests. The results of the generational tests contribute to the understanding of the long-term adverse effects of microfibers on aquatic plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxue Cui
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, South Korea
| | - Jin Il Kwak
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, South Korea
| | - Youn-Joo An
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, South Korea.
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90
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Jang M, Yang H, Park SA, Sung HK, Koo JM, Hwang SY, Jeon H, Oh DX, Park J. Analysis of volatile organic compounds produced during incineration of non-degradable and biodegradable plastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 303:134946. [PMID: 35569634 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As plastic consumption has increased, environmental problems associated with the accumulation of plastic wastes have started to emerge. These include the non-degradability of plastic and its disintegration into sub-micron particles. Although some biodegradable plastic products have been developed to relieve the landfill and leakage burden, a significant portion of discarded plastics are inevitably still incinerated. The concern here is that incinerating plastics may result in the emission of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Moreover, lack of policy and the limited market share contributes to the indiscriminate discarding of biodegradable plastics, whereby it is mixed and subsequently incinerated with non-degradable plastics. The aim of this study was therefore to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the VOCs emitted from both non-degradable and biodegradable plastics during combustion employing gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Here, non-degradable poly(vinyl chloride) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) emitted 10-115 and 6-22 ppmv of VOCs, respectively. These emission levels were more than 100 times higher than the VOC concentrations of 0.1-0.5 and 0.1-1.8 ppmv obtained for biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate and polylactic acid, respectively. Notably, due to the presence of a repeating butylene group in both non-degradable and biodegradable plastics, 1,3-butadiene accounted for the highest concentration among the VOCs identified, with concentrations of 6-116 ppmv and 0.5-558 ppmv obtained, respectively. During the evaluation of gas barrier films employed for food packaging purposes, non-degradable aluminum-coated multilayered films emitted 9-515 ppmv of VOCs, compared to the 2-41 ppmv VOCs emitted by biodegradable nanocellulose/nanochitin-coated films. Despite the significantly lower levels of VOCs emitted during the incineration of biodegradable plastics, this does not represent suitable waste treatment solution because VOCs are still emitted during incomplete combustion. This study aims to encourage further research into diverse combustion conditions for plastics and stimulate discussions on the fate of discarded plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jang
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemin Yang
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul-A Park
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Kyeong Sung
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Mo Koo
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yeon Hwang
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea; Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonyeol Jeon
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dongyeop X Oh
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea; Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeyoung Park
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea; Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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91
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Tamayo-Belda M, Pulido-Reyes G, González-Pleiter M, Martín-Betancor K, Leganés F, Rosal R, Fernández-Piñas F. Identification and toxicity towards aquatic primary producers of the smallest fractions released from hydrolytic degradation of polycaprolactone microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 303:134966. [PMID: 35588878 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics are thought as a safe substitute of non-biodegradable polymers. However, once released in the environment, biodegradation may be very slow, and they also suffer abiotic fragmentation processes, which may give rise to different fractions of polymer sizes. We present novel data on abiotic hydrolytic degradation of polycaprolactone (PCL), tracking the presence of by-products during 132 days by combining different physicochemical techniques. During the study a considerable amount of two small size plastic fractions were found (up to ∼ 6 mg of PCL by-product/g of PCL beads after 132 days of degradation); and classified as submicron-plastics (sMPs) from 1 μm to 100 nm and nanoplastics (NPs, <100 nm) as well as oligomers. The potential toxicity of the smallest fractions, PCL by-products < 100 nm (PCL-NPs + PCL oligomers) and the PCL oligomers single fraction, was tested on two ecologically relevant aquatic primary producers: the heterocystous filamentous nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, and the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942. Upon exposure to both, single and combined fractions, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) overproduction, intracellular pH and metabolic activity alterations were observed in both organisms, whilst membrane potential and morphological damages were only observed upon PCL-NPs + PCL oligomers exposure. Notably both PCL by-products fractions inhibited nitrogen fixation in Anabaena, which may be clearly detrimental for the aquatic trophic chain. As conclusion, fragmentation of bioplastics may render a continuous production of secondary nanoplastics as well as oligomers that might be toxic to the surrounding biota; both PCL-NPs and PCL oligomers, but largely the nanoparticulate fraction, were harmful for the two aquatic primary producers. Efforts should be made to thoroughly understand the fragmentation of bioplastics and the toxicity of the smallest fractions resulting from that degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Tamayo-Belda
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerardo Pulido-Reyes
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Keila Martín-Betancor
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Leganés
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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92
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Trasande L. A global plastics treaty to protect endocrine health. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2022; 10:616-618. [PMID: 35878650 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(22)00216-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, Department Environmental Medicine, and Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; NYU Wagner School of Public Service, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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93
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Fojt J, Denková P, Brtnický M, Holátko J, Řezáčová V, Pecina V, Kučerík J. Influence of Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate Micro-Bioplastics and Polyethylene Terephthalate Microplastics on the Soil Organic Matter Structure and Soil Water Properties. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10732-10742. [PMID: 35816335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Adverse effects of microplastics on soil abiotic properties have been attributed to changes in the soil structure. Notably, however, the effects on the supramolecular structure of soil organic matter (SOM) have been overlooked, despite their key role in most soil properties. This work accordingly investigated the influence of plastic residues at various concentrations on the SOM supramolecular structure and soil water properties. To model plastic residues of micro-bioplastics, spherical or spherical-like poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) was used, while polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was used as a model of conventional microplastics. The results suggest that both types of plastic residues affect SOM properties, including physical stability (represented by water molecule bridges), water binding (represented by decreased desorption enthalpy or faster desorption), and the stability of SOM aliphatic crystallites. The results further showed that the polyester-based microplastics and micro-bioplastics affected the SOM abiotic characteristics and that therefore the observed effects cannot be attributed solely to changes in the whole soil structure. Notably, similar adverse effects on SOM were observed for both tested plastic residues, although the effect of PHB was less pronounced compared to that of PET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Fojt
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Denková
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Brtnický
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Holátko
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Řezáčová
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Pecina
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Kučerík
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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94
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Sun Y, Shaheen SM, Ali EF, Abdelrahman H, Sarkar B, Song H, Rinklebe J, Ren X, Zhang Z, Wang Q. Enhancing microplastics biodegradation during composting using livestock manure biochar. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119339. [PMID: 35461884 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradation of microplastics (MPs) in contaminated biowastes has received big scientific attention during the past few years. The aim here is to study the impacts of livestock manure biochar (LMBC) on the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate microplastics (PHA-MPs) during composting, which have not yet been verified. LMBC (10% wt/wt) and PHA-MPs (0.5% wt/wt) were added to a mixture of pristine cow manure and sawdust for composting, whereas a mixture without LMBC served as the control (CK). The maximum degradation rate of PHA-MPs (22-31%) was observed in the thermophilic composting stage in both mixtures. LMBC addition significantly (P < 0.05) promoted PHA-MPs degradation and increased the carbon loss and oxygen loading of PHA-MPs compared to CK. Adding LMBC accelerated the cleavage of C-H bonds and oxidation of PHA-MPs, and increased the O-H, CO and C-O functional groups on MPs. Also, LMBC addition increased the relative abundance of dominant microorganisms (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Deinococcus-Thermus, Bacteroidetes, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) and promoted the enrichment of MP-degrading microbial biomarkers (e.g., Bacillus, Thermobacillus, Luteimonas, Chryseolinea, Aspergillus and Mycothermus). LMBC addition further increased the complexity and connectivity between dominant microbial biomarkers and PHA-MPs degradation characteristics, strengthened their positive relationship, thereby accelerated PHA-MPs biodegradation, and mitigated the potential environmental and human health risk. These findings provide a reference point for reducing PHA-MPs in compost and safe recycling of MPs contaminated organic wastes. However, these results should be validated with other composting matrices and conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Sun
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China
| | - Sabry M Shaheen
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esmat F Ali
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamada Abdelrahman
- Cairo University, Faculty of Agriculture, Soil Science Department, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom; Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Hocheol Song
- Department of Environment, Energy, and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Guangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy, and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Guangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiuna Ren
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China
| | - Quan Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, PR China.
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95
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Pinto J, Dias M, Amaral J, Ivanov M, Paixão JA, Coimbra MA, Ferreira P, Pereira E, Gonçalves I. Influence of UV degradation of bioplastics on the amplification of mercury bioavailability in aquatic environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113806. [PMID: 35696893 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics have emerged to minimize the ecological footprint of non-degradable plastics. However, the effect of their degradation in aquatic systems, including the interaction with toxic metals, is still unexplored. In this work, the influence of UV-aging on structure, chemistry, wettability, rigidity, and Hg-sorption of commercially available bioplastic (BIO)- and polyethylene (PE)-based films was studied. To mimetize the materials disposal in fresh-/saltwaters, non-saline/saline aqueous solutions were used in Hg-sorption studies. ATR-FTIR spectra revealed that the BIO film was a coblended starch/polyester-based material, whose microstructure, physicochemical, and mechanical properties changed after UV-aging to a higher extent than in PE film. AFM and kinetic modelling pointed out electrostatic interactions/complexation as the mechanisms involved in the increased Hg-sorption by the UV-aged BIO film. An increased salinity did not impair its Hg-sorption. Therefore, when disposed in aquatic systems, starch/polyester-based bioplastics can play a potential vector for amplifying Hg along the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pinto
- CESAM, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mariana Dias
- CESAM, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Amaral
- CESAM, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maxim Ivanov
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José A Paixão
- CFisUC, Department of Physics, University of Coimbra, 3004-516 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel A Coimbra
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula Ferreira
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- CESAM, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Idalina Gonçalves
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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96
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Ferreira-Filipe DA, Paço A, Natal-da-Luz T, Sousa JP, Saraiva JA, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T, Patrício Silva AL. Are mulch biofilms used in agriculture an environmentally friendly solution? - An insight into their biodegradability and ecotoxicity using key organisms in soil ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 828:154269. [PMID: 35276171 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biobased and biodegradable plastic mulch films (aka, mulch biofilm) have emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic mulch films in agriculture, promising to reduce soil contamination with plastic residues through in situ biodegradation. However, current standards certifying biodegradable plastics cannot predict biodegradability in natural settings. The scarce studies considering the possible biodegradation and ecotoxicity of mulch biofilms in soil systems question the environmental friendliness of these alternative options. This study assessed the biodegradation of a commercially available mulch biofilm by the soil-dwelling fungus Penicillium brevicompactum (in solid culture media and soil for 15 and 28 days, respectively), and the ecotoxicological effects of mulch biofilm microplastics on the earthworm Eisenia andrei (pristine or UV-weathered, at 0.125-0.250-0.500 g/kg). Results (from microplastics' mass loss, microscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy) suggest that the presence of P. brevicompactum promotes mulch biofilm's biodegradation. Exposure to environmental concentrations of pristine biofilm microplastics (and its ingestion) increased earthworms' sensitivity to touch, induced physiological alterations, decreased energy reserves, and decreased their reproduction (>30%). Conversely, exposure to weathered biofilm microplastics slightly increased earthworms' sensitivity, as well as carbohydrate reserves,without affecting their reproduction. The tested mulch biofilm seems to be, at first sight, an environmentally friendly alternative as it presented susceptibility for biodegradation by a widespread fungus, and the absence of ecotoxicological chronic effects on a key macroinvertebrate species in soil ecosystems when considering environmental relevant concentrations and plastics weathered conditions. Notwithstanding, the obtained results highlight the need to revise current standards, as they often neglect the role of, and their chronic effects on, naturally occurring organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Paço
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tiago Natal-da-Luz
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Paulo Sousa
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge A Saraiva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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97
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Sai S, Mani R, Vijayakumar P, Ganesan M, Velu K, Ayyamperumal R, Rajagopal R, Chang SW, Alfarhan A, Ravindran B. Risk assessment of potential toxicity induced by bio and synthetic plastic microspheres in Lates calcarifer. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 298:134269. [PMID: 35307385 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a serious issue in the aquatic environments. This concerning issue of negative impacts of synthetic plastic debris particles in the aquatic ecosystem give rise to the bioplastic materials. These bioplastics are synthesized from biological organisms, retaining same structural and functional ability as synthetic plastics. However, their degradability and toxicity in natural environment is still unknown. So, in this study we have focused on to elucidate the toxicity caused by Bacillus subtilis synthesized biopolymer - polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) microspheres and compare their effects with synthetic plastic. The effect of Synthetic plastic (Polystyrene microspheres) and bioplastic (PHB microspheres) were studied on acute exposure to in-vitro and in-vivo model of Lates calcarifer. PHB microspheres were characterized and confirmed using Flurospectrophotometer, Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Particle size analyzer (PSA), Zeta potential and Scanning electron Microscope (SEM). Histopathology assessment for in-vivo model and MTT assay for in-vitro model were performed. The results of fish exposed to 0.5 μg/ml and 1 μg/ml of both microspheres have shown significant necrosis and alteration in muscle, gill and heart tissues. The increased cytotoxicity observed in spleen cell line of Lates calcarifer on exposure to 0.5 μg and 1 μg of both microspheres. Bioplastics are needs specific times for degradation into the aquatic environment. In these results suggest, that even bioplastic have the risk of inducing toxicity similar to the synthetic plastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakthinarenderan Sai
- Centre for Ocean Research, (DST-FIST Sponsored Centre) ESTC Cell - Marine Biotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600 119, Tamil nadu, India
| | - Ravi Mani
- Centre for Ocean Research, (DST-FIST Sponsored Centre) ESTC Cell - Marine Biotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600 119, Tamil nadu, India.
| | - Parameswaran Vijayakumar
- Centre for Ocean Research, (DST-FIST Sponsored Centre) ESTC Cell - Marine Biotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600 119, Tamil nadu, India
| | - Mirunalini Ganesan
- Centre for Ocean Research, (DST-FIST Sponsored Centre) ESTC Cell - Marine Biotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600 119, Tamil nadu, India
| | - Karthick Velu
- Centre for Ocean Research, (DST-FIST Sponsored Centre) ESTC Cell - Marine Biotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, 600 119, Tamil nadu, India
| | - Ramamoorthy Ayyamperumal
- MOE Key Laboratory of Western China's Environmental System, College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Rajinikanth Rajagopal
- Sherbrooke Research and Development Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2000 College Street, Sherbrooke, QC, J1M 0C8, Canada
| | - Soon Woong Chang
- Department of Environmental Energy and Engineering, Kyonggi University, Youngtong-Gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, 16227, Republic of Korea
| | - Ahmed Alfarhan
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O.Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Balasubramani Ravindran
- Department of Environmental Energy and Engineering, Kyonggi University, Youngtong-Gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, 16227, Republic of Korea.
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98
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Varyan I, Tyubaeva P, Kolesnikova N, Popov A. Biodegradable Polymer Materials Based on Polyethylene and Natural Rubber: Acquiring, Investigation, Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:2457. [PMID: 35746033 PMCID: PMC9230834 DOI: 10.3390/polym14122457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing amount of synthetic polymeric materials is a great environmental problem that has to be solved as soon as possible. The main factor aggravating this problem is the abundance of products made from traditional synthetic polymer, such as packaging materials, cases, containers and other equipment with a short period of use, which quickly turns into polymer waste that pollutes the ecosystem for decades. In this paper, we consider the possibility of solving this problem by the development of biodegradable compositions based on polyolefins and elastomers. The addition of a natural component (natural rubber) to the matrix of the synthetic polymeric (polyethylene) leads to the significant changes in structure and properties of the material. Different aspects of mixing semicrystalline and amorphous polymers are discussed in the article. It was shown that addition of 10-50% wt. of the elastomers to the synthetic polymer increases wettability of the material, slightly reduces the mechanical properties, significantly affects the supramolecular structure of the crystalline phase of polyethylene and initiates microbiological degradation. In particular, in this work, the acquisition, structure and properties of biodegradable binary composites based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and natural rubber (NR) were studied. It has been shown that such compositions are biodegradable in soil under standard conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivetta Varyan
- Joint Research Center, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, 36 Stremyanny Lane, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.T.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biological and Chemical Physics of Polymers, Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Kosygina Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Polina Tyubaeva
- Joint Research Center, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, 36 Stremyanny Lane, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.T.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biological and Chemical Physics of Polymers, Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Kosygina Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Natalya Kolesnikova
- Department of Biological and Chemical Physics of Polymers, Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Kosygina Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anatoly Popov
- Joint Research Center, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, 36 Stremyanny Lane, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.T.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biological and Chemical Physics of Polymers, Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Kosygina Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia;
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99
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Jayasekara S, Dissanayake L, Jayakody LN. Opportunities in the microbial valorization of sugar industrial organic waste to biodegradable smart food packaging materials. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 377:109785. [PMID: 35752069 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many petroleum-derived plastics, including food packaging materials are non-biodegradable and designed for single-use applications. Annually, around 175 Mt. of plastic enters the land and ocean ecosystems due to mismanagement and lack of techno economically feasible plastic waste recycling technologies. Renewable sourced, biodegradable polymer-based food packaging materials can reduce this environmental pollution. Sugar production from sugarcane or sugar beet generates organic waste streams that contain fermentable substrates, including sugars, acids, and aromatics. Microbial metabolism can be leveraged to funnel those molecules to platform chemicals or biopolymers to generate biodegradable food packaging materials that have active or sensing molecules embedded in biopolymer matrices. The smart package can real-time monitor food quality, assure health safety, and provide economic and environmental benefits. Active packaging materials display functional properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and light or gas barrier. This article provides an overview of potential biodegradable smart/active polymer packages for food applications by valorizing sugar industry-generated organic waste. We highlight the potential microbial pathways and metabolic engineering strategies to biofunnel the waste carbon efficiently into the targeted platform chemicals such as lactic, succinate, muconate, and biopolymers, including polyhydroxyalkanoates, and bacterial cellulose. The obtained platform chemicals can be used to produce biodegradable polymers such as poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) that could replace incumbent polyethylene and polypropylene food packaging materials. When nanomaterials are added, these polymers can be active/smart. The process can remarkably lower the greenhouse gas emission and energy used to produce food-packaging material via sugar industrial waste carbon relative to the petroleum-based production. The proposed green routes enable the valorization of sugar processing organic waste into biodegradable materials and enable the circular economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Jayasekara
- School of Biological Science, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Lakshika Dissanayake
- School of Biological Science, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Lahiru N Jayakody
- School of Biological Science, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, USA; Fermentation Science Institute, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, USA.
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Abstract
Thermogelling behavior of aqueous polymer solutions comes from the delicate balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties of the polymer. Typically, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been used as a hydrophilic block in most thermogels reported to date. However, recent papers have suggested the potential immunogenicity of PEG-conjugated compounds. Here, we report that aqueous solutions of dl-polyalanine (DL-PA) with a specific molecular weight can exhibit thermogelling behavior. In particular, DL-PA with a molecular weight (Mn) of 6690 Da, DL-PA67, exhibited sol-to-gel transition at the physiologically important temperature range of 30-40 °C. 1H NMR and FTIR data indicated that the mechanism of thermogelation is related to dehydration and conformational changes of DL-PA67 from random coil to β-sheet structures. Subcutaneous injection of an aqueous DL-PA67 solution into rats confirmed the gel formation and its histocompatibility with mild tissue irritation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jung Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Byeongmoon Jeong
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Korea
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