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Devereux R, Ayati B, Westhead EK, Jayaratne R, Newport D. Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on microplastic abundance along the River Thames. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114763. [PMID: 36842283 PMCID: PMC9951046 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In April 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic changed human behaviour worldwide, creating an increased demand for plastic, especially single-use plastic in the form of personal protective equipment. The pandemic also provided a unique situation for plastic pollution studies, especially microplastic studies. This study looks at the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and three national lockdowns on microplastic abundance at five sites along the river Thames, UK, compared to pre-Covid-19 levels. This study took place from May 2019-May 2021, with 3-L water samples collected monthly from each site starting at Teddington and ending at Southend-on-Sea. A total of 4480 pieces, the majority of fibres (82.1 %), were counted using light microscopy. Lockdown 2 (November 2020) had the highest average microplastic total (27.1 L-1). A total of 691 pieces were identified via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Polyvinyl chloride (36.19 %) made up the most microplastics identified. This study documents changes in microplastic abundance before, during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, an unprecedented event, as well as documenting microplastic abundance along the river Thames from 2019 to 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria Devereux
- Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), University of East London, Knowledge Dock, Docklands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Bamdad Ayati
- Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), University of East London, Knowledge Dock, Docklands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Kebede Westhead
- Department of Bioscience, University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Ravindra Jayaratne
- Department of Engineering & Construction, University of East London, Docklands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Darryl Newport
- Suffolk Sustainability Research Institute (SSI), University of Suffolk, Waterfront Building, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1QJ, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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52
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Ramasamy R, Subramanian RB. Recycling of disposable single-use face masks to mitigate microfiber pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:50938-50951. [PMID: 36808537 PMCID: PMC9937865 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25851-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of disposable masks in mitigating the transmission of COVID-19 infection increased the consumption of masks. The cheaper cost and easy accessibility resulted in massive consumption and disposal of non-woven masks. The improper disposal of mask emits microfiber into the environment upon weathering. This research mechanically recycled the disposed-of masks and developed fabric from reclaimed polypropylene (rPP) fibers. Obtained rPP fibers were blended with cotton in different proportions (50/50, 60/40, 70/30 cotton/rPP) to produce rotor-spun yarns and evaluated for their performance. The results of the analysis revealed that the developed blended yarns have enough strength; however, they are inferior to the 100% virgin cotton yarns. Based on its suitability, knitted fabrics were developed from 60/40 cotton/rPP yarn. Along with the physical properties, the microfiber release behavior of the developed fabric was analyzed at its different phases of the lifecycle (wearing, washing, degradation at disposal). The microfiber release was compared with the release characteristics of disposable masks. The results showed that recycled fabrics could release 2.32 microfiber/sq. cm during wearing, 4.91 microfiber/sq. cm in laundry, and 15.50 microfiber/sq. cm at the end-of-life disposal by weathering. In contrast, the mask can release 79.43, 96.07, and 223.66 microfiber/sq. cm, respectively, for use, immediate disposal, and long-term disposal by weathering. Approximately, an 83.17% reduction in the microfiber release was reported when the masks were recycled into fabrics. The compact structure of fabric where the fibers are made into yarn resulted in lesser fiber release. Mechanical recycling of disposable masks is simple, less energy-intensive, less expensive, and can be quickly adopted. However, a 100% elimination of microfiber release was not possible in this method due to the inherent nature of the textiles.
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53
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Oliveira AM, Patrício Silva AL, Soares AMVM, Barceló D, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Current knowledge on the presence, biodegradation, and toxicity of discarded face masks in the environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 11:109308. [PMID: 36643396 PMCID: PMC9832688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2023.109308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, facemasks became mandatory, with a great preference for disposable ones. However, the benefits of face masks for health safety are counteracted by the environmental burden related to their improper disposal. An unprecedented influx of disposable face masks entering the environment has been reported in the last two years of the pandemic, along with their implications in natural environments in terms of their biodegradability, released contaminants and ecotoxicological effects. This critical review addresses several aspects of the current literature regarding the (bio)degradation and (eco)toxicity of face masks related contaminants, identifying uncertainties and research needs that should be addressed in future studies. While it is indisputable that face mask contamination contributes to the already alarming plastic pollution, we are still far from determining its real environmental and ecotoxicological contribution to the issue. The paucity of studies on biodegradation and ecotoxicity of face masks and related contaminants, and the uncertainties and uncontrolled variables involved during experimental procedures, are compromising eventual comparison with conventional plastic debris. Studies on the abundance and composition of face mask-released contaminants (microplastics/fibres/ chemical compounds) under pre- and post-pandemic conditions should, therefore, be encouraged, along with (bio)degradation and ecotoxicity tests considering environmentally relevant settings. To achieve this, methodological strategies should be developed to overcome technical difficulties to quantify and characterise the smallest MPs and fibres, adsorbents, and leachates to increase the environmental relevancy of the experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Oliveira
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Damià Barceló
- Catalan Institute for Water research (ICRA-CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101,17003 Girona, Spain
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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54
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Filipič G, Pirker L, Krajnc AP, Ješelnik M, Remškar M. Enhanced Filtration Efficiency of Natural Materials with the Addition of Electrospun Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) Fibres. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2314. [PMID: 36984195 PMCID: PMC10054789 DOI: 10.3390/ma16062314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Pollutants and infectious diseases can spread through air with airborne droplets and aerosols. A respiratory mask can decrease the amount of pollutants we inhale and it can protect us from airborne diseases. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, masks became an everyday item used by a lot of people around the world. As most of them are for a single use, the amount of non-recyclable waste increased dramatically. The plastic from which the masks are made pollutes the environment with various chemicals and microplastic. Here, we investigated the time- and size-dependent filtration efficiency (FE) of aerosols in the range of 25.9 to 685.4 nm of five different natural materials whose FE was enhanced using electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF) fibres. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to determine the morphology and structure of the natural materials as well as the thickness of the PVDF fibres, while the phase of the electrospun fibres was determined by Raman spectroscopy. A thin layer of the electrospun PVDF fibres with the same grammage was sandwiched between two sheets of natural materials, and their FE increased up to 80%. By varying the grammature of the electrospun polymer, we tuned the FE of cotton from 82.6 to 99.9%. Thus, through the optimization of the grammage of the electrospun polymer, the amount of plastic used in the process can be minimized, while achieving sufficiently high FE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Filipič
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luka Pirker
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Electrochemical Materials, J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry, Dolejškova 3, 182 23 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anja Pogačnik Krajnc
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska Ulica 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjan Ješelnik
- smartMelamine d.o.o., Tomšičeva Cesta 9, 1330 Kočevje, Slovenia
| | - Maja Remškar
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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55
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Microplastics (MPs) in marine food chains: Is it a food safety issue? ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2023; 103:101-140. [PMID: 36863833 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The enormous usage of plastic over the last seven decades has resulted in a massive quantity of plastic waste, much of it eventually breaking down into microplastic (MP) and nano plastic (NP). The MPs and NPs are regarded as emerging pollutants of serious concern. Both MPs and NPs can have a primary or secondary origin. Their ubiquitous presence and ability to sorb, desorb, and leach chemicals have raised concern over their presence in the aquatic environment and, particularly, the marine food chain. MPs and NPs are also considered vectors for pollutant transfer along with the marine food chain, and people who consume seafood have began significant concerns about the toxicity of seafood. The exact consequences and risk of MP exposure to marine foods are largely unknown and should be a priority research area. Although several studies have documented an effective clearance mechanism by defecation, significant aspect has been less emphasized for MPs and NPs and their capability to translocate in organs and clearance is not well established. The technological limitations to study these ultra-fine MPs are another challenge to be addressed. Therefore, this chapter discusses the recent findings of MPs in different marine food chains, their translocation and accumulations potential, MPs as a critical vector for pollutant transfer, toxicology impact, cycling in the marine environment and seafood safety. Besides, the concerns and challenges that are overshadowed by findings for the significance of MPs were covered.
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56
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Morales IDG, Macusi ED, Jondonero MAP, Guihawan JQ, Bacosa HP, Amparado RF. Facemask: Protection or threat? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114681. [PMID: 36758311 PMCID: PMC9902895 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Facemasks were widely used as a protection against SARS-COV-2, which significantly reduced COVID-19 transmission during the pandemic. However, concerns have been raised regarding its adverse impacts on human health due to intense use and mismanagement. Although rampant plastic littering was the norm before the pandemic, the magnitude of the problem is worsening as potentially COVID-19-infected facemasks are thrown along the shoreline. This study assessed the discarded facemasks on the most popular beach destinations in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines. A total of N = 284 discarded facemasks were found in a cumulative area of 22,500 m2, with an average density of 8.4 × 10-4 items/m2. The surgical facemask (82 %; n = 234) was the most abundant type of facemask found in the areas, followed by KF94 (16 %; n = 45) and KN95 (2 %; n = 5). The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in the visual counts of facemasks on the three beaches (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilah Dianne G Morales
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines.
| | - Edison D Macusi
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences (IALS), Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | | | - Jaime Q Guihawan
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
| | - Hernando P Bacosa
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
| | - Ruben F Amparado
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
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57
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Litchfield SG, Tan M, Schulz KG, Kelaher BP. Disposable surgical masks affect the decomposition of Zostera muelleri. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114695. [PMID: 36774916 PMCID: PMC9911587 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has caused a surge in the use of both disposable and re-usable mask pollution globally. It is important to understand the potential impact this influx of novel pollution has on key ecological processes, such as detrital dynamics. We aimed to understand the impact mask pollution has on the decomposition of a common coastal seagrass, Zostera muelleri. Using an outdoor mesocosm system with heater chiller units and a gas mixer, we were able to test the impact of both re-usable single-ply homemade cotton masks and disposable surgical masks on samples of Z. muelleri detritus under different environmental conditions. We found that disposable masks, but not re-usable masks, significantly increased decomposition of Z. muelleri detritus. This may be due to the increased surface area available for detritivorous microorganism colonisation, driving further decomposition. This could have negative ramifications for seagrass communities and adjacent ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian G Litchfield
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
| | - Melissa Tan
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
| | - Kai G Schulz
- Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry and School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, East Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
| | - Brendan P Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre and Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 4321, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia.
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58
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Kaykhaii M, Honarmandrad Z, Gębicki J. Effect of Microplastics Pollution on Hydrogen Production from Biomass: A Comprehensive Review. Ind Eng Chem Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.2c04499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Massoud Kaykhaii
- Department of Process Engineering and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, Gdańsk 80-233, Poland
| | - Zhila Honarmandrad
- Department of Process Engineering and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, Gdańsk 80-233, Poland
| | - Jacek Gębicki
- Department of Process Engineering and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, Gdańsk 80-233, Poland
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59
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Khan A, Jia Z. Recent insights into uptake, toxicity, and molecular targets of microplastics and nanoplastics relevant to human health impacts. iScience 2023; 26:106061. [PMID: 36818296 PMCID: PMC9929686 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics (M-NPLs) are ubiquitous environmentally, chemically, or mechanically degraded plastic particles. Humans are exposed to M-NPLs of various sizes and types through inhalation of contaminated air, ingestion of contaminated water and food, and other routes. It is estimated that Americans ingest tens of thousands to millions of M-NPLs particles yearly, depending on socioeconomic status, age, and gender. M-NPLs have spurred interest in toxicology because of their abundance, ubiquitous nature, and ability to penetrate bodily and cellular barriers, producing toxicological effects in cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. The present review paper highlights: (1) The current knowledge in understanding the detrimental effects of M-NPLs in mouse models and human cell lines, (2) cellular organelle localization of M-NPLs, and the underlying uptake mechanisms focusing on endocytosis, (3) the possible pathways involved in M-NPLs toxicity, particularly reactive oxygen species, nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), Wnt/β-Catenin, Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB)-regulated inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy signaling. We also highlight the potential role of M-NPLs in increasing the incubation time, spread, and transport of the COVID-19 virus. Finally, we discuss the future prospects in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajmal Khan
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 312 Eberhart Building, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
| | - Zhenquan Jia
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 312 Eberhart Building, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA
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60
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Luo Y, Yu M, Wu X, Ding X, Wang L. Carbon footprint assessment of face masks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: Based on different protective performance and applicable scenarios. JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION 2023; 387:135854. [PMID: 36619699 PMCID: PMC9807258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.135854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Widespread concerns have been raised about the huge environmental burden caused by massive consumption of face masks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, most of the existing studies only focus on the environmental impact associated with the product itself regardless of the actual usage scenarios and protective performance of products, resulting in unrealistic conclusions and poor applicability. In this context, this study integrated the product performance into the existing carbon footprint assessment methodology, with focus on the current global concerns regarding climate change. Computational case studies were conducted for different mask products applicable to the scenarios of low-, medium- and high-risk levels. The results showed that reusable cotton masks and disposable medical masks suitable for low-risk settings have a total carbon footprint of 285.484 kgCO2-eq/FU and 128.926 kgCO2-eq/FU respectively, with a break-even point of environmental performance between them of 16.886, which implies that cotton masks will reverse the trend and become more environmentally friendly after 17 washes, emphasizing the importance of improving the washability of cotton masks. Additionally, the total carbon footprints of disposable surgical masks and KN95 respirators were 154.328 kg CO2-eq/FU and 641.249 kg CO2-eq/FU respectively, while disposable medical masks and disposable surgical masks were identified as alternatives with better environmental performance in terms of medium- and high-risk environments respectively. The whole-life-cycle oriented carbon footprint evaluation further indicated that the four masks have greater potential for carbon emission reduction in the raw material processing and production processes. The results obtained in this study can provide scientific guidance for manufacturers and consumers on the production and use of protective masks. Moreover, the proposed model can be applied to other personal protective equipment with similar properties, such as protective clothing, in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, China
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Mengfan Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, China
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Xiongying Wu
- Shanghai Customs District, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Xuemei Ding
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, China
- College of Fashion and Design, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Laili Wang
- School of Fashion Design & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China
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61
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Ma M, Xu D, Zhao J, Gao B. Disposable face masks release micro particles to the aqueous environment after simulating sunlight aging: Microplastics or non-microplastics? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130146. [PMID: 36244106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130146] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study focuses on characterizing microplastics and non-microplastics released from surgical masks (SMs), N95 masks (N95), KN95 masks (KN95), and children's masks (CMs) after simulating sunlight aging. Based on micro-Raman spectrum analysis, it was found that the dominant particles released from masks were non-microplastics (66.76-98.85%). Unfortunately, CMs released the most microplastics, which is 8.92 times more than SMs. The predominant size range of microplastics was 30-500 µm, and the main polymer types were PP and PET. Compared with the whole SMs, the microplastic particles released from the cutting-SMs increased conspicuously, which is 12.15 times that of the whole SMs. The main components of non-microplastics include β-carotene, microcrystalline cellulose 102, and eight types of minerals. Furthermore, non-microplastics were mainly fibrous and fragmented in appearance, similar to the morphology of microplastics. After 15 days of UVA-aging, the fibers of the face layers had cracks to varying degrees. It was estimated that these four types of masks can release at least 31.5 trillion microplastics annually in China. Overall, this study demonstrated that the masks could release a large quantity of microplastics and non-microplastics to the environment after sunlight aging, deserving urgent attention in the future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minglu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China; Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Dongyu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Bo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China.
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62
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Zhang Q, Bai X, Ding L, Zhang X, Zhang L, Shu X, Guo X. Assessment of relationship between aging and contaminant-carryover for different filter layer of surgical mask under urban environmental stressors. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130381. [PMID: 36444075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130381] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Abundant disposable surgical masks (SMs) remain in the environment and continue to age under urban environmental stressors. This study aimed to investigate the aging characteristics of SMs and the effect of different aged layers of SMs on phenanthrene (PHE), tylosin (TYL), and sulfamethazine (SMT) under two different urban environmental stressors (UV and ozone). The results show that UV exposure causes more severe aging of the SM layers than ozone. The middle layer, made of melt-brown fabric, has displayed the highest degree of aging due to its smaller diameter and mechanical strength. The two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) analysis reveals the different aging sequences of functional groups and three layers in aged SMs under the two urban environmental stressors. Whether the SMs are aged or not, the adsorptions of three organic pollutants on SMs are positively correlated with the octanol-water partition coefficient. Furthermore, except for the dominant hydrophobic interaction, aged SMs can promote the adsorption of three organic pollutants by accessory interactions (hydrogen bonding and partition), depending on their structures. These findings highlight the environmental effects of new microplastic (MP) sources and coexisting pollutants under the influence of COVID-19, which is helpful in accurately evaluating the biological toxicity of SMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi, 541000, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xue Bai
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi, 541000, China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ling Ding
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiyuan Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Lishan Zhang
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, Guangxi, 541000, China
| | - Xiaohua Shu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, Guangxi, 541000, China.
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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63
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Gan Q, Cui J, Jin B. Environmental microplastics: Classification, sources, fates, and effects on plants. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137559. [PMID: 36528162 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a global concern due to the generation of extensive plastic waste and products (370 million metric tons in 2020) that are difficult to biodegrade. Therefore, MPs have attracted a great deal of research attention, and many new findings regarding MPs (over 9000 papers published in the last 3 years) have been reported. MPs generally exert adverse effects on plants. As MPs accumulate in agricultural ecosystems, many studies have sought to understand the sources and fates of MPs and their effects on various plants. However, there have been few reviews of the properties of MPs, their effects on plants, and their interactions with other factors (e.g., drought, heat, ultraviolet light, plant hormones, heavy metals, and other pollutants) remain poorly understood. In this review, we performed scientometrics analyses of research papers (January 1, 2019, to September 30, 2022) in this field. We focused on the recent progress in the classification of MPs and their sources, circulation, and deposition in agricultural ecosystems. We review MP uptake and transport in plants, as well as factors (size, type, and environmental factors) that affect MP uptake, the positive and negative effects of MPs on plants, and the mechanisms of MP impacts on plants. We discuss current issues and future perspectives concerning research into plant interactions with MPs, along with some promising methods to manage the MP issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Gan
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Jiawen Cui
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Biao Jin
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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Jefferson T, Dooley L, Ferroni E, Al-Ansary LA, van Driel ML, Bawazeer GA, Jones MA, Hoffmann TC, Clark J, Beller EM, Glasziou PP, Conly JM. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 1:CD006207. [PMID: 36715243 PMCID: PMC9885521 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006207.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral epidemics or pandemics of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) pose a global threat. Examples are influenza (H1N1) caused by the H1N1pdm09 virus in 2009, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. Antiviral drugs and vaccines may be insufficient to prevent their spread. This is an update of a Cochrane Review last published in 2020. We include results from studies from the current COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of acute respiratory viruses. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and two trials registers in October 2022, with backwards and forwards citation analysis on the new studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs investigating physical interventions (screening at entry ports, isolation, quarantine, physical distancing, personal protection, hand hygiene, face masks, glasses, and gargling) to prevent respiratory virus transmission. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. MAIN RESULTS We included 11 new RCTs and cluster-RCTs (610,872 participants) in this update, bringing the total number of RCTs to 78. Six of the new trials were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic; two from Mexico, and one each from Denmark, Bangladesh, England, and Norway. We identified four ongoing studies, of which one is completed, but unreported, evaluating masks concurrent with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many studies were conducted during non-epidemic influenza periods. Several were conducted during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, and others in epidemic influenza seasons up to 2016. Therefore, many studies were conducted in the context of lower respiratory viral circulation and transmission compared to COVID-19. The included studies were conducted in heterogeneous settings, ranging from suburban schools to hospital wards in high-income countries; crowded inner city settings in low-income countries; and an immigrant neighbourhood in a high-income country. Adherence with interventions was low in many studies. The risk of bias for the RCTs and cluster-RCTs was mostly high or unclear. Medical/surgical masks compared to no masks We included 12 trials (10 cluster-RCTs) comparing medical/surgical masks versus no masks to prevent the spread of viral respiratory illness (two trials with healthcare workers and 10 in the community). Wearing masks in the community probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of influenza-like illness (ILI)/COVID-19 like illness compared to not wearing masks (risk ratio (RR) 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 1.09; 9 trials, 276,917 participants; moderate-certainty evidence. Wearing masks in the community probably makes little or no difference to the outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza/SARS-CoV-2 compared to not wearing masks (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.42; 6 trials, 13,919 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Harms were rarely measured and poorly reported (very low-certainty evidence). N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks We pooled trials comparing N95/P2 respirators with medical/surgical masks (four in healthcare settings and one in a household setting). We are very uncertain on the effects of N95/P2 respirators compared with medical/surgical masks on the outcome of clinical respiratory illness (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.10; 3 trials, 7779 participants; very low-certainty evidence). N95/P2 respirators compared with medical/surgical masks may be effective for ILI (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.03; 5 trials, 8407 participants; low-certainty evidence). Evidence is limited by imprecision and heterogeneity for these subjective outcomes. The use of a N95/P2 respirators compared to medical/surgical masks probably makes little or no difference for the objective and more precise outcome of laboratory-confirmed influenza infection (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.34; 5 trials, 8407 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Restricting pooling to healthcare workers made no difference to the overall findings. Harms were poorly measured and reported, but discomfort wearing medical/surgical masks or N95/P2 respirators was mentioned in several studies (very low-certainty evidence). One previously reported ongoing RCT has now been published and observed that medical/surgical masks were non-inferior to N95 respirators in a large study of 1009 healthcare workers in four countries providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. Hand hygiene compared to control Nineteen trials compared hand hygiene interventions with controls with sufficient data to include in meta-analyses. Settings included schools, childcare centres and homes. Comparing hand hygiene interventions with controls (i.e. no intervention), there was a 14% relative reduction in the number of people with ARIs in the hand hygiene group (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.90; 9 trials, 52,105 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), suggesting a probable benefit. In absolute terms this benefit would result in a reduction from 380 events per 1000 people to 327 per 1000 people (95% CI 308 to 342). When considering the more strictly defined outcomes of ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza, the estimates of effect for ILI (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.09; 11 trials, 34,503 participants; low-certainty evidence), and laboratory-confirmed influenza (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.30; 8 trials, 8332 participants; low-certainty evidence), suggest the intervention made little or no difference. We pooled 19 trials (71, 210 participants) for the composite outcome of ARI or ILI or influenza, with each study only contributing once and the most comprehensive outcome reported. Pooled data showed that hand hygiene may be beneficial with an 11% relative reduction of respiratory illness (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.94; low-certainty evidence), but with high heterogeneity. In absolute terms this benefit would result in a reduction from 200 events per 1000 people to 178 per 1000 people (95% CI 166 to 188). Few trials measured and reported harms (very low-certainty evidence). We found no RCTs on gowns and gloves, face shields, or screening at entry ports. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The high risk of bias in the trials, variation in outcome measurement, and relatively low adherence with the interventions during the studies hampers drawing firm conclusions. There were additional RCTs during the pandemic related to physical interventions but a relative paucity given the importance of the question of masking and its relative effectiveness and the concomitant measures of mask adherence which would be highly relevant to the measurement of effectiveness, especially in the elderly and in young children. There is uncertainty about the effects of face masks. The low to moderate certainty of evidence means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited, and that the true effect may be different from the observed estimate of the effect. The pooled results of RCTs did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks. There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection. Hand hygiene is likely to modestly reduce the burden of respiratory illness, and although this effect was also present when ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza were analysed separately, it was not found to be a significant difference for the latter two outcomes. Harms associated with physical interventions were under-investigated. There is a need for large, well-designed RCTs addressing the effectiveness of many of these interventions in multiple settings and populations, as well as the impact of adherence on effectiveness, especially in those most at risk of ARIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Jefferson
- Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JA, UK
| | - Liz Dooley
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Eliana Ferroni
- Epidemiological System of the Veneto Region, Regional Center for Epidemiology, Veneto Region, Padova, Italy
| | - Lubna A Al-Ansary
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ghada A Bawazeer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mark A Jones
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Tammy C Hoffmann
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Justin Clark
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Elaine M Beller
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Paul P Glasziou
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - John M Conly
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room AGW5, SSB, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health and Synder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
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Idowu GA, Olalemi AO, Aiyesanmi AF. Environmental impacts of covid-19 pandemic: Release of microplastics, organic contaminants and trace metals from face masks under ambient environmental conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 217:114956. [PMID: 36442523 PMCID: PMC9699709 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The covid-19 pandemic era was characterized by heavy usage and disposal of medical face masks, now estimated at over 1.24 trillion. Few studies had attempted to demonstrate the release of microplastics from face masks using simulated conditions and application of mechanical forces, far different from the effects experienced by face masks dumped in the open environment, in landfills and dumpsites. In the current study, we monitored the release of microplastics, organic contaminants and toxic metals from medical face masks degraded under normal outdoor environmental conditions, over a period of 60 weeks. We showed that face mask's decomposition proceeded via sunlight (UV) - initiated oxidative degradation, leading to the replacement of methylene (CH2-) and alkyl (CH3-) groups in face mask's polypropylene backbone with hydroxyl and ketonic functional groups. Organic compounds released from decaying face masks into the surrounding soil included alkanes, alkenes, carboxylic acids/diesters and phthalate esters. Mean maximum concentration of phthalates in the soil ranged from 3.14 mg/kg (diethyl phthalate) to 11.68 mg/kg di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Heavy metals, including Cu, Pb, Cd, As, Sn and Fe, were released into the soil, leading to contamination factors of 3.11, 2.84, 2.42, 2.26, 1.80 and 0.99, respectively. Together, the metals gave a pollution load index (PLI) of 2.102, indicating that they constitute moderate pollution of the soil surrounding the heap of face masks. This study provides a realistic insight into the fate and impacts of the enormous amounts of face masks, disposed or abandoned in soil environments during the covid-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Aina Idowu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Technology Akure, P. M. B. 704 Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom.
| | - Adewale Oluwasogo Olalemi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology Akure, P. M. B. 704 Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Ademola Festus Aiyesanmi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Technology Akure, P. M. B. 704 Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
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Li Y, Lu Q, Xing Y, Liu K, Ling W, Yang J, Yang Q, Wu T, Zhang J, Pei Z, Gao Z, Li X, Yang F, Ma H, Liu K, Zhao D. Review of research on migration, distribution, biological effects, and analytical methods of microfibers in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158922. [PMID: 36155038 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been proven to be one of the critical environmental pollution issues. Moreover, microfibers, the most prominent form of microplastics in the environment, have likewise attracted the attention of various countries. With the increase in global population and industrialization, the production and use of fibers continue to increase yearly. As a result, a large number of microfibers are formed. If fiber products are not used or handled correctly, it will cause direct/indirect severe microfiber environmental pollution. Microfibers will be further broken into smaller fiber fragments when they enter the natural environment. Presently, researchers have conducted extensive research in the identification of microfibers, laying the foundation for further resourcefulness research. This work used bibliometric analysis to review the microfiber contamination researches systematically. First, the primary sources of microfibers and the influencing factors are analyzed. We aim to summarize the influence of the clothing fiber preparation and care processes on microfiber formation. Then, this work elaborated on the migration in/between water, atmosphere, and terrestrial environments. We also discussed the effects of microfiber on ecosystems. Finally, microfibers' current and foreseeable effective treatment, disposal, and resource utilization methods were explained. This paper will provide a structured reference for future microfiber research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Li
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China; School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qingbin Lu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yi Xing
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Kai Liu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wei Ling
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qizhen Yang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Tianqi Wu
- Human Resources Department, Yangquan Power Supply Company of State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Company, Yangquan 045000, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiafu Zhang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zengxin Pei
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ziyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Iron and Steel Industry Environmental Protection, No. 33, Xitucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Hongjie Ma
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Kehan Liu
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ding Zhao
- Sinochem Environment Holdings Co., Ltd, Beijing 100071, China
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Yuwen C, Liu B, Rong Q, Hou K, Zhang L, Guo S. Mechanism of microwave-assisted iron-based catalyst pyrolysis of discarded COVID-19 masks. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 155:77-86. [PMID: 36356433 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.10.041] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Inexpensive iron-based catalysts are the most promising catalysts for microwave pyrolysis of waste plastics, especially a large number of disposable medical masks (DMMs) with biological hazards produced by spread of COVID-19. However, most synthesized iron-based catalysts have very low microwave heating efficiency due to the enrichment state of iron. Here, we prepared FeAlOx catalysts using the microwave heating method and found that the microwave heating efficiency of amorphous iron and hematite is very low, indeed, these materials can hardly initiate pyrolysis at room temperature, which limits the application of iron-based catalysts in microwave pyrolysis. By contrast, a mixture of DMMs and low-valent iron oxides produced by hydrogen reduction at 500 °C can be heated by microwaves to temperatures above 900 °C under the same conditions. When the hydrogen reduction temperature was incerased to 800 °C, the content of metallic iron in the catalyst gradually increased from 0.34 to 21.43%, which enhanced the microwave response ability of the catalyst, and decreased the gas content in the pyrolysis product from 78.91 to 70.93 wt%; corresponding hydrogen yield also decreased from 29.03 to 25.02 mmolH2·g-1DMMs. Moreover, the morphology of the deposited solid carbon gradually changed from multi-walled CNTs to bamboo-like CNTs. This study clarifies the pyrolysis mechanism of microwave-assisted iron catalysts and lays a theoretical foundation for their application in microwave pyrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yuwen
- Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; Key Laboratory of Unconventional Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; National Local Joint Laboratory of Engineering Application of Microwave Energy and Equipment Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China
| | - Bingguo Liu
- Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; Key Laboratory of Unconventional Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; National Local Joint Laboratory of Engineering Application of Microwave Energy and Equipment Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China.
| | - Qian Rong
- Center for Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau Chemical Functional Materials and Pollution Control, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, Yunnan, China
| | - Keren Hou
- Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; Key Laboratory of Unconventional Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; National Local Joint Laboratory of Engineering Application of Microwave Energy and Equipment Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China
| | - Libo Zhang
- Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; Key Laboratory of Unconventional Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; National Local Joint Laboratory of Engineering Application of Microwave Energy and Equipment Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China
| | - Shenghui Guo
- Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; Key Laboratory of Unconventional Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China; National Local Joint Laboratory of Engineering Application of Microwave Energy and Equipment Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan, China
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Batasheva S, Akhatova F, Abubakirov N, Fakhrullin R. Probing nanoplastics derived from polypropylene face masks with hyperspectral dark-field microscopy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158574. [PMID: 36075443 PMCID: PMC9444569 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The high worldwide consumption of cheap plastic goods has already resulted in a serious environmental plastic pollution, exacerbated by piling of disposed personal protective equipment because of the recent outbreak of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of dark-field hyperspectral microscopy in the 400-1000 wavelength range for detection of nanoplastics derived from weathered polypropylene masks. A surgical mask was separated to layers and exposed to UV radiation (254 nm) for 192 h. Oxidative degradation of the polypropylene was evidenced by ATR FT-IR analysis. UV treatment for 192 h resulted in generation of differently shaped micro- and nano-sized particles, visualized by dark-field microscopy. The presence of nanoparticles was confirmed by AFM studies. The hyperspectral profiles (400-1000 nm) were collected after every 48 h of the UV treatment. The distinct hyperspectral features faded after prolonged UV exposure, but the assignment of some particles to either blue or white layers of mask could still be made based on spectral characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Batasheva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kreml uramı 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan 420008, Russian Federation.
| | - Farida Akhatova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kreml uramı 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan 420008, Russian Federation
| | - Nail Abubakirov
- Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics, Kazan Federal University, Kreml uramı 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan 420008, Russian Federation
| | - Rawil Fakhrullin
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kreml uramı 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan 420008, Russian Federation.
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Dey S, Anand U, Kumar V, Kumar S, Ghorai M, Ghosh A, Kant N, Suresh S, Bhattacharya S, Bontempi E, Bhat SA, Dey A. Microbial strategies for degradation of microplastics generated from COVID-19 healthcare waste. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114438. [PMID: 36179880 PMCID: PMC9514963 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has led to the generation of massive plastic wastes, comprising of onetime useable gloves, masks, tissues, and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Recommendations for the employ of single-use disposable masks made up of various polymeric materials like polyethylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, and polypropylene, polystyrene, can have significant aftermath on environmental, human as well as animal health. Improper disposal and handling of healthcare wastes and lack of proper management practices are creating serious health hazards and an extra challenge for the local authorities designated for management of solid waste. Most of the COVID-19 medical wastes generated are now being treated by incineration which generates microplastic particles (MPs), dioxin, furans, and various toxic metals, such as cadmium and lead. Moreover, natural degradation and mechanical abrasion of these wastes can lead to the generation of MPs which cause a serious health risk to living beings. It is a major threat to aquatic lives and gets into foods subsequently jeopardizing global food safety. Moreover, the presence of plastic is also considered a threat owing to the increased carbon emission and poses a profound danger to the global food chain. Degradation of MPs by axenic and mixed culture microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, microalgae etc. can be considered an eco-sustainable technique for the mitigation of the microplastic menace. This review primarily deals with the increase in microplastic pollution due to increased use of PPE along with different disinfection methods using chemicals, steam, microwave, autoclave, and incineration which are presently being employed for the treatment of COVID-19 pandemic-related wastes. The biological treatment of the MPs by diverse groups of fungi and bacteria can be an alternative option for the mitigation of microplastic wastes generated from COVID-19 healthcare waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satarupa Dey
- Department of Botany, Shyampur Siddheswari Mahavidyalaya (affiliated to University of Calcutta), Howrah-711312, West Bengal, India.
| | - Uttpal Anand
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion, 8499000, Israel
| | - Vineet Kumar
- Waste Re-processing Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, Maharashtra, India; Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, School of Engineering and Sciences, GD Goenka University, Sohna Road, Gurugram, Haryana,122103, India.
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Waste Re-processing Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mimosa Ghorai
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Arabinda Ghosh
- Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati, 781014, Assam, India
| | - Nishi Kant
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi, 110016, India
| | - S Suresh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, 462 003, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Sayan Bhattacharya
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Nalanda, 803116, Bihar, India
| | - Elza Bontempi
- INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sartaj Ahmad Bhat
- Waste Re-processing Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, Maharashtra, India; River Basin Research Center, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata, 700073, West Bengal, India.
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Mohamadi S, Madadi R, Rakib MRJ, De-la-Torre GE, Idris AM. Abundance and characterization of personal protective equipment (PPE) polluting Kish Island, Persian Gulf. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158678. [PMID: 36099950 PMCID: PMC9464308 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158678] [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: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is one of the major environmental threats the world is facing nowadays, which was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, multiple reports of single-use plastics driven by the pandemic, namely personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., face masks and gloves), contaminating coastal areas have been published. However, most studies focused solely on counting and visually characterizing this type of litter. In the present study, we complement conventional reports by characterizing this type of litter through chemical-analytical techniques. Standardized sampling procedures were carried out in Kish Island, The Persian Gulf, resulting in an average density of 2.34 × 10-4 PPE/m2. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy confirmed the polymeric composition of weathered face masks and showed the occurrence of additional absorption bands associated with the photooxidation of the polymer backbone. On the other hand, the three layers of typical surgical face masks showed different non-woven structures, as well as signs of physical degradation (ruptures, cracks, rough surfaces), possibly leading to the release of microplastics. Furthermore, elemental mapping through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that the middle layer of the masks allocated more elements of external origin (e.g., Na, Cl, Ca, Mg) than the outer and inner layers. This is likely to the overall higher surface area of the middle layer. Furthermore, our evidence indicates that improperly disposed PPE is already having an impact on a number of organisms in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Mohamadi
- Environmental Research Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reyhane Madadi
- Environmental Research Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh.
| | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru.
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
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71
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Jiang H, Luo D, Wang L, Zhang Y, Wang H, Wang C. A review of disposable facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic: A focus on microplastics release. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137178. [PMID: 36368541 PMCID: PMC9640709 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic seriously threats the human society and provokes the panic of the public. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are widely utilized for frontline health workers to face the ongoing epidemic, especially disposable face masks (DFMs) to prevent airborne transmission of coronavirus. The overproduction and massive utilization of DFMs seriously challenge the management of plastic wastes. A huge amount of DFMs are discharged into environment, potentially induced the generation of microplastics (MPs) owing to physicochemical destruction. The MPs release will pose severe contamination burden on environment and human. In this review, environmental threats of DFMs regarding to DFMs fate in environment and DFMs threats to aquatic and terrestrial species were surveyed. A full summary of recent studies on MPs release from DFMs was provided. The knowledge of extraction and characterizations of MPs, the release behavior, and potential threats of MPs derived from DFMs was discussed. To confront the problem, feasible strategies for control DFMs pollution were analyzed from the perspective of source control and waste management. This review provides a better understanding the threats, fate, and management of DFMs linked to COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Jiang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yingshuang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Chongqing Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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72
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Liu W, Sun Y, Cui A, Xia Y, Yan Q, Song Y, Wang L, Shan G, Wang X. Electrothermal sterilization and self-powered real-time respiratory monitoring of reusable mask based on Ag micro-mesh films. NANO ENERGY 2023; 105:107987. [PMID: 36373076 PMCID: PMC9636608 DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.107987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks, the utilization of medical masks plays a critical role in reducing the infected risk. However, constructing multifunctional masks to achieve simultaneously self-sterilization, reusability, and respiratory monitoring capability remains still a huge challenge. Herein, a reusable Ag micro-mesh film-based mask is proposed, which enables the capabilities of electrothermal sterilization and self-powered real-time respiratory monitoring. Highly conductive Ag micro-mesh films prepared by continuous draw spinning method demonstrate excellent electrothermal performances for thermal sterilization and serve as working electrode to fabricate triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for real-time respiratory monitoring, respectively. Under a low driving voltage of 3.0 V, the surface temperature of Ag micro-mesh film enables a quick increase to over 60 °C within 30 s, which endows thermal sterilization against S. aureus with antibacterial efficiency of 95.58 % within 20 min to achieve the self-sterilization of medical masks. Furthermore, a self-powered alarm system based on the fabricated TENG as respiratory monitor is developed for real-time respiratory monitoring to render a timely treatment for patients in danger of tachypnea and apnea. Consequently, this work has paved a new and practical avenue to achieve reusable multifunctional masks with capabilities of electrothermal sterilization and real-time respiratory monitoring in clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenquan Liu
- Centre for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Centre for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Anni Cui
- Centre for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Yifan Xia
- Henan Key Lab for Photovoltaic Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Qiuzhu Yan
- Centre for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Yongxin Song
- Centre for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Liangliang Wang
- Henan Key Lab for Photovoltaic Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Guiye Shan
- Centre for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Henan Key Lab for Photovoltaic Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
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73
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Song G, Cao H, Liu L, Jin M. Analysis of Marine Microplastic Pollution of Disposable Masks under COVID-19 Epidemic-A DPSIR Framework. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16299. [PMID: 36498372 PMCID: PMC9735856 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine microplastic pollution (MMP) is becoming one of the most pressing environmental problems facing humanity today. The novel coronavirus epidemic has raised the issue of environmental contamination caused by large-scale improper disposal of medical waste such as disposable masks (DMs). To assess the impact of MMP caused by DMs and to seek solutions for the prevention and control of MMP, this study uses the Driving force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework to establish a causal chain of MMP caused by DMs. The conclusion shows that the novel coronavirus epidemic has led to a surge in the use of DMs, which has brought pressure on resource constraints and environmental pollution at the same time. Improperly DMs enter the environment and eventually transform into MMP, which not only endangers the marine ecological system but also poses potential human health risks as well as economic and social hazards. In addition, further research on environmentally friendly masks (cloth masks and biodegradable masks) is essential to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the large-scale global use of DMs. This study provides a scientific and theoretical basis for the assessment of MMP from discarded DMs, and the findings of this study will provide a reference for the formulation of relevant policies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Min Jin
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, No. 59 Zhongguancun Street, Beijing 100872, China
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74
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Wang Q, Huang R, Li R. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on research on marine plastic pollution - A bibliometric-based assessment. MARINE POLICY 2022; 146:105285. [PMID: 36120086 PMCID: PMC9464599 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in plastic waste, which has had a huge impact on the environment, including the marine environment. This work aims to evaluate the pattern of national research cooperation, research hotspots, and research evolution before and during the epidemic by systematically reviewing the publications on marine plastic pollution during 2015-2019 (before the pandemic) 2020-2022 (during the pandemic) using the systematic literature review and latent semantic analysis. The results show (i) Compared to pre-pandemic, publications on marine pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic declined briefly and then increased sharply. (ii) Compared with before the pandemic, the national cooperation model has changed during the pandemic, and four major research centers have been formed: Central European countries centered on Italy; Nordic countries centered on United Kingdom; South Korea, India and other developing countries in Asia and Africa and a Pacific Rim country centered on United States and China. (iii) The knowledge map of keyword clustering does not change significantly before and during the COVID-19: ecosystem, spatial distribution, environmental governance and biodegradation. However, there are differences in the sub-category research of the four types of keywords. (iv) The impact of marine plastic on organisms and the governance of marine plastic pollution have become a branch of knowledge that have evolved rapidly during the pandemic. The governance of marine plastic pollution and microplastics are expected to become an important research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
- School of Economics and Management, Xinjiang University, Wulumuqi, Xinjiang, 830046, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Huang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Li
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
- School of Economics and Management, Xinjiang University, Wulumuqi, Xinjiang, 830046, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
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75
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Highly enhanced adsorption of antibiotics on aged polyamide microplastics. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.130690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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76
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Li M, Hou Z, Meng R, Hao S, Wang B. Unraveling the potential human health risks from used disposable face mask-derived micro/nanoplastics during the COVID-19 pandemic scenario: A critical review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107644. [PMID: 36413926 PMCID: PMC9671534 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
With the global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), disposable face masks (DFMs) have caused negative environmental impacts. DFMs will release microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) during environmental degradation. However, few studies reveal the release process of MPs/NPs from masks in the natural environment. This review presents the current knowledge on the abiotic and biotic degradation of DFMs. Though MPs and NPs have raised serious concerns about their potentially detrimental effects on human health, little attention was paid to their impacts on human health from DFM-derived MPs and NPs. The potential toxicity of mask-derived MPs/NPs, such as gastrointestinal toxicity, pneumotoxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, reproductive and transgenerational toxicity, and the underlying mechanism will be discussed in the present study. MPs/NPs serve as carriers of toxic chemicals and pathogens, leading to their bioaccumulation and adverse effects of biomagnification by food chains. Given human experiments are facing ethical issues and animal studies cannot completely reveal human characteristics, advanced human organoids will provide promising models for MP/NP risk assessment. Moreover, in-depth investigations are required to identify the release of MPs/NPs from discarded face masks and characterize their transportation through the food chains. More importantly, innovative approaches and eco-friendly strategies are urgently demanded to reduce DFM-derived MP/NP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zongkun Hou
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Run Meng
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Shilei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Bochu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
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77
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De-la-Torre GE, Dioses-Salinas DC, Dobaradaran S, Spitz J, Nabipour I, Keshtkar M, Akhbarizadeh R, Tangestani M, Abedi D, Javanfekr F. Release of phthalate esters (PAEs) and microplastics (MPs) from face masks and gloves during the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114337. [PMID: 36116495 PMCID: PMC9476362 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine pollution with personal protective equipment (PPE) has recently gained major attention. Multiple studies reported the release of microplastics (MPs) and chemical contaminants from face masks, the most used PPE type. However, not much is known concerning the release of phthalate esters (PAEs) in aquatic media, as well as the hazard posed by other types of PPE. In the present study, we investigated the release of MPs and PAEs from face masks and gloves recovered from the environment. The results indicated that both PPEs release MPs comparable to the literature, but higher concentrations were presented by face masks. In turn, the total concentration of six PAEs was higher in gloves than in face masks. The release of these contaminants is exacerbated over time. The present study allows researchers to understand the contribution of PPE to marine pollution while accounting for gloves, a generally overlooked source of contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen, Germany.
| | - Jörg Spitz
- Akademie Fur Menschliche Medizin GmbH, Schlangenbad, Germany
| | - Iraj Nabipour
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Keshtkar
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Student Research Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Razegheh Akhbarizadeh
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mahbubeh Tangestani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Delaram Abedi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Javanfekr
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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78
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Jiang H, Su J, Zhang Y, Bian K, Wang Z, Wang H, Wang C. Insight into the microplastics release from disposable face mask: Simulated environment and removal strategy. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136748. [PMID: 36209868 PMCID: PMC9535493 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The fight against the COVID-19 epidemic significantly raises the global demand for personal protective equipment, especially disposable face masks (DFMs). The discarded DFMs may become a potential source of microplastics (MPs), which has attracted much attention. In this work, we identified the detailed source of MPs released from DFMs with laser direct infrared spectroscopy. Polypropylene (PP) and polyurethane (PU) accounted for 24.5% and 57.1% of released MPs, respectively. The melt-blown fabric was a dominant MPs source, however, previous studies underestimated the contribution of mask rope. The captured polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS) in airborne only shared 18.4% of released MPs. To deepen the understanding of MPs release from medical mask into the aquatic environment, we investigated the effects of environmental factors on MPs release. Based on regression analysis, the effects of temperature, incubation time, and wearing time significantly affect the release of MPs. Besides, acidity, alkalinity, sodium chloride, and humic acid also contributed to the MPs release through corroding, swelling, or repulsion of fibers. Based on the exposure of medical mask to simulated environments, the number of released MPs followed the order: seawater > simulated gut-fluid > freshwater > pure water. Considering the risk of MPs released from DFMs to the environment, we innovatively established a novel flotation removal system combined with cocoamidopropyl betaine, achieving 86% removal efficiency of MPs in water. This work shed the light on the MPs release from DFMs and proposed a removal strategy for the control of MPs pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Jiang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Jiming Su
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Yingshuang Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Kai Bian
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Zhiyi Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.
| | - Chongqing Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Energy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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79
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Rao Y, Feng S, Low ZX, Wu J, Ju S, Zhong Z, Xing W. Biocompatible curcumin coupled nanofibrous membrane for pathogens sterilization and isolation. J Memb Sci 2022; 661:120885. [PMID: 35966152 PMCID: PMC9364930 DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2022.120885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Airborne transmission of pathogens is the most probable cause for the spread of respiratory diseases, which can be intercepted by personal protective equipment such as masks. In this study, an efficient antiviral personal protective filter was fabricated by coupling the biocompatible curcumin (CCM) with nanofibrous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. The CCM extracted from plants was first dissolved in acidified ethanol at a certain pH and temperature to optimize its loading concentration, antiviral activation, and binding forces on the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) support to form a pre-filtration layer at the front section of the filter. Ultrathin PTFE membrane was then fabricated on the antibacterial-antiviral PET support (A-A PET) by controllable heating lamination. This functional layer of the filter exhibits good gas permeance (3423.6 m3/(m2·h·kPa)) and ultrafine particles rejection rate (>98.79%). Moreover, the obtained A-A filter exhibit a high antibacterial rate against a variety of bacteria (E. coli, B. subtilis, A. niger, and Penicillium were 99.84%, 99.02%, 93.60%, 95.23%, respectively). Forthwith virucidal (SARS-CoV-2) efficiency of the A-A filter can reach 99.90% for 5 min. The filter shows good stability after 10 heating cycles, demonstrating its reusability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Special Separation Membrane, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shasha Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Special Separation Membrane, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ze-Xian Low
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Special Separation Membrane, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Junwei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Special Separation Membrane, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China.,Jiangsu Jiulang High-Tech Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shengui Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Special Separation Membrane, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhaoxiang Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Special Separation Membrane, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Weihong Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Special Separation Membrane, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
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80
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Shen Z, Wang H, Liang D, Yan Y, Zeng Y. The fate of microplastics in estuary: A quantitative simulation approach. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 226:119281. [PMID: 36288665 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution is an emerging environmental concern. However, there are almost no MPs numerical simulation studies in the Yangtze Estuary which is considered as the largest plastic export in the world and quantitative simulation is not carried out in the existing models. Therefore, completing quantitative simulation and exploring different patterns of MPs transport are the main objectives of this study. In addition, the concentration distribution and risk of MPs are also analyzed. Mass-Number method is proposed to quantitatively simulate microplastics concentration in Feb. and May with errors of less than 18%. Compared with sediment flocculation and settling transport, independent floating transport is more susceptible to surface currents resulting in increased beaching and more inhomogeneous concentration distribution. Meanwhile, under the influence of current, local topography and salt wedge, the MPs perform linear motion and clockwise spiral motion inside and outside the estuary and rapidly form a "hot spot" on the southeastern part of Chongming Island and 57% to 90% of MPs are beached or settled inside the estuary, especially on the north shore. Therefore, MPs risk in some sensitive targets should be concerned according to risk assessment results. Our results break the space-time limit and explore the fate of MPs in the Yangtze Estuary and provide new idea and concern of MPs numerical simulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Dongfang Liang
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Yuting Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yichuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
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81
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Liang H, Wang N, Liu D, Ge W, Song N, Wang F, Chai C. Release of microplastics and nanoplastics in water from disposable surgical masks after disinfection. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114184. [PMID: 36183509 PMCID: PMC9525138 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, disposable surgical masks were generally disinfected and reused due to mask shortages. Herein, the role of disinfected masks as a source of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) was investigated. The amount of MPs and NPs released from masks disinfected by UV ranged from 1054 ± 106 to 2472 ± 70 and from 2.55 ± 0.22 × 109 to 6.72 ± 0.27 × 109 particles/piece, respectively, comparable to that of the undisinfected masks, and the MPs were changed to small-sized particles. The amount of MPs and NPs released after alcohol and steam treatment were respectively lower and higher than those from undisinfected masks, and MPs were shifted to small-sized particles. The amount of MPs and NPs released in water after autoclaving was lower than for undisinfected masks. In all, the amount of fibers released after disinfection decreased greatly, and certain disinfection processes were found to increase the amount of small-sized NPs released from masks into aqueous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liang
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Na Wang
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Di Liu
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Wei Ge
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Ningning Song
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Fangli Wang
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Chao Chai
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
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82
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Javid F, Xin X, Anderson WA, Derraik JG, Anderson YC, Baroutian S. Deconstruction and valorisation of a mixture of personal protective equipment using hydrothermal processing. J IND ENG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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83
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Ganesapillai M, Mondal B, Sarkar I, Sinha A, Ray SS, Kwon YN, Nakamura K, Govardhan K. The face behind the Covid-19 mask - A comprehensive review. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION 2022; 28:102837. [PMID: 35879973 PMCID: PMC9299984 DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2022.102837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The threat of epidemic outbreaks like SARS-CoV-2 is growing owing to the exponential growth of the global population and the continual increase in human mobility. Personal protection against viral infections was enforced using ambient air filters, face masks, and other respiratory protective equipment. Available facemasks feature considerable variation in efficacy, materials usage and characteristic properties. Despite their widespread use and importance, face masks pose major potential threats due to the uncontrolled manufacture and disposal techniques. Improper solid waste management enables viral propagation and increases the volume of associated biomedical waste at an alarming rate. Polymers used in single-use face masks include a spectrum of chemical constituents: plasticisers and flame retardants leading to health-related issues over time. Despite ample research in this field, the efficacy of personal protective equipment and its impact post-disposal is yet to be explored satisfactorily. The following review assimilates information on the different forms of personal protective equipment currently in use. Proper waste management techniques pertaining to such special wastes have also been discussed. The study features a holistic overview of innovations made in face masks and their corresponding impact on human health and environment. Strategies with SDG3 and SDG12, outlining safe and proper disposal of solid waste, have also been discussed. Furthermore, employing the CFD paradigm, a 3D model of a face mask was created based on fluid flow during breathing techniques. Lastly, the review concludes with possible future advancements and promising research avenues in personal protective equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Ganesapillai
- Mass Transfer Group, School of Chemical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bidisha Mondal
- Mass Transfer Group, School of Chemical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ishita Sarkar
- Mass Transfer Group, School of Chemical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aritro Sinha
- Mass Transfer Group, School of Chemical Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Saikat Sinha Ray
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Nam Kwon
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea
| | - Kazuho Nakamura
- Faculty of Engineering, Division of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Yokohama National University, Tokiwadai, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
| | - K Govardhan
- Department of Micro and Nano-Electronics, School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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84
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Rathinamoorthy R, Raja Balasaraswathi S. Mitigation of microfibers release from disposable masks - An analysis of structural properties. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114106. [PMID: 35987377 PMCID: PMC9385379 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The use of disposable face masks increased rapidly among the general public to control the COVID-19 spread. Eventually, it increased the disposal of masks and their associated impacts on environmental pollution. Hence, this study aims to analyze the impact of nonwoven fabric structural parameters and weathering on the microfiber release characteristics. Spunbond polypropylene nonwoven with four different weights and meltblown nonwoven with two different weights were used in this study to analyze microfiber release at dry, and wet conditions to simulate improper disposal in the environment. Exposure to sunlight significantly increases the microfiber release from 35 to 50% for spunbond fabric and 56-89% for meltblown fabric. Weathering in sunlight structurally affected the tensile properties of the polypropylene fibers due to photodegradation. The study showed that each mask can produce 1.5 × 102 and 3.45 × 101 mg of microfiber/mask respectively in dry and wet states. In the case of structural parameters, a higher GSM (grams per square meter), abrasion resistance, bursting strength, and thickness showed a positive correlation with microfiber release in both fabrics. Significantly a higher microfiber release was reported with meltblown fabric than the spunbond for a given GSM. The presence of finer fibers and more fibers per unit area in meltblown fabric was noted as the main cause. Nonwoven fabric GSM and the number of fibers in a specific area showed a higher influence on microfiber release. Based on the mask consumption reported in the literature, India alone can produce around 4.27 × 102 tons of microfibers/week as an average of dry and wet conditions. The study suggests that the proper selection of physical parameters can significantly reduce the microfiber fiber release at all stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rathinamoorthy
- Department of Fashion Technology, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India.
| | - S Raja Balasaraswathi
- Department of Fashion Technology, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bengaluru, India
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85
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Zuri G, Oró-Nolla B, Torres-Agulló A, Karanasiou A, Lacorte S. Migration of Microplastics and Phthalates from Face Masks to Water. Molecules 2022; 27:6859. [PMID: 36296451 PMCID: PMC9608222 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27206859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, face masks have been introduced in the complex strategy of infection prevention and control. Face masks consist of plastic polymers and additives such as phthalates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the migration of microplastics (MP) and phthalates from face masks to water. Four types of masks including FFP2 masks and surgical were studied. Masks were first characterized to determine the different layers and the material used for their fabrication. Then, masks were cut into 20 pieces of 0.5 cm2, including all their layers, placed in water, and the migration of MP and phthalates was evaluated according to the conditions stated in EU Regulation No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. For MP, the morphological analysis (shape, dimension, particle count) was performed using a stereomicroscope, while the identification of both masks and MP released was conducted using μ-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FT-IR). Migration of phthalates was assessed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). Face masks analyzed in the present study were made of atactic polypropylene (PP) as stated by the manufacturer. The μ-FT-IR confirmed that PP and polyamide (PA) were released as fragments, while both PP and polyester (PES) were released as fibers. In addition, 4 phthalates were identified at concentrations between 2.34 and 21.0 µg/mask. This study shows that the migration study can be applied to evaluate the potential release of MP and phthalates from face masks to water and could give a hint for the potential impact of their incorrect disposal on the aquatic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Silvia Lacorte
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research of the Spanish Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (G.Z.); (B.O.-N.); (A.T.-A.); (A.K.)
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86
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Wang Q, Zhang M, Li R, Jiang XT. Does marine environmental research meet the challenges of marine pollution induced by the COVID-19 pandemic? Comparison analysis before and during the pandemic based on bibliometrics. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 183:114046. [PMID: 36057155 PMCID: PMC9376348 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought enormous challenges to the global marine environment. Various responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to increased marine pollution. Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected marine pollution research? This work comprehensively reviewed marine pollution publications in the Web of Science database before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that the COVID-19 outbreak has influenced the marine pollution research by: (i) increasing the number of publications; (ii) reshaping different countries' roles in marine pollution research; (iii) altering the hotspots of marine pollution research. The ranking of countries with high productivity in the marine pollution research field changed, and developed economies are the dominant players both before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in this field. Other high-productivity countries, with the exception of China, have higher international cooperation rates in marine pollution research than those before the pandemic. Microplastic pollution has been the biggest challenge of marine pollution and has been aexplored in greater depth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the mining results of marine pollution publications show the mitigation of plastic pollution in the marine environment remains the main content requires future research. Finally, this paper puts forward corresponding suggestions for the reference of researchers and practitioners to improve the global ability to respond to the challenges posed by the pandemic to the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China; Institute of Carbon Neutrality Economics and Energy Management, School of Economics and Management, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830046, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China.
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Li
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China; Institute of Carbon Neutrality Economics and Energy Management, School of Economics and Management, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830046, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xue-Ting Jiang
- Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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87
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Shen M, Xiong W, Song B, Zhou C, Almatrafi E, Zeng G, Zhang Y. Microplastics in landfill and leachate: Occurrence, environmental behavior and removal strategies. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 305:135325. [PMID: 35700811 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135325] [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: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic wastes buried in landfill are gradually broken and decomposed into microplastics under physical, chemical and biological effects, bringing environmental risks to the exploitation of waste resources. Landfill leachate as a potential source of environmental microplastics has not good attention. Microplastics in leachate carry toxic and harmful pollutants and antibiotic resistance genes, and these vectors pose greater risks to human and environmental health without systematic treatment. Recently, the main technologies of landfill leachate treatment process include order batch activated sludge process, membrane biological reaction process, flocculation process, combined filtration process, and constructed wetland process. However, there is still little knowledge about microplastic removal of the existing leachate treatment facilities, and some technologies to alleviate the sources of such microplastics should be timely developed. This paper systematically summarizes the occurrence of plastics, microplastics and nanoplastics in leachate and their interactive pollution with other toxic pollutants. Meanwhile, the prospects of their environmental behaviors in landfill and leachate are put forward. The microplastic removal by existing leachate treatment equipment and the limitations and challenges to upgrading process of development and implementation are also discussed. The paper can provide a scientific basis for studying the fate of microplastics in landfill and leachate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Weiping Xiong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chengyun Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eydhah Almatrafi
- Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China; Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
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88
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Wang F, Wu H, Li J, Liu J, Xu Q, An L. Microfiber releasing into urban rivers from face masks during COVID-19. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 319:115741. [PMID: 35841777 PMCID: PMC9273611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115741] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Face masks play a crucial protective role in preventing the spread of coronavirus disease during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the improper disposal of used face masks also causes an emerging environmental problem, such as microplastic contamination. Here, the aim was to evaluate the improper disposal of used face masks and, subsequently, the potential contribution to microplastic contamination in urban rivers. First, we investigated the occurrence of discarded face masks in Qing River through continuously one-month collection on-site, and the disposable masks with a density of (8.28 ± 4.21) × 10-5 items/m2 with varying degrees of wear and tear were found. Next, the microfibers shedding from two popular types of new disposable masks were tested. The results showed that 50.33 ± 18.50 items/mask of microfibers, ranging from 301 μm to 467 μm in size, were released from the disposal face mask after immersion in ultrapure water for 24-h. It was significantly higher than the KN95 respirator of 31.33 ± 0.57 items/mask, ranging from 273 μm to 441 μm. Besides C and O elements only found in new face masks, some potentially toxic elements were also detected on the surface of discarded face masks, indicating that various environmental contaminations are easy to adsorb on the surface of discarded face masks. The results implied that these discarded face masks in an aquatic environment are emerging sources of microfibers and could act as transport vectors for contaminants, which would aggravate the present microplastic contamination. In conclusion, these findings were expected to raise public awareness of the proper disposal of used face masks to prevent microplastic contamination and the spread of COVID-19 in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Haiwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Jiangnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Jianli Liu
- College of Textile Science and Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Qiujin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Lihui An
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
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89
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Pikuda O, Lapointe M, Alimi OS, Berk D, Tufenkji N. Fate of microfibres from single-use face masks: Release to the environment and removal during wastewater treatment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 438:129408. [PMID: 35820330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Single-use face masks can release microfibres upon exposure to environmental conditions. This study investigates the number of microfibres released in the presence and absence of UV irradiation and mechanical friction and the removal of the released microfibres in a simulated conventional wastewater treatment process. UV exposure results in a four-fold increase in the number of microfibres released from new masks and used masks resulting in ~2400 microfibres/mask and ~1100 microfibres/mask, respectively. Application of mechanical friction to the UV-exposed new and used masks further increases the number of released microfibres per mask. In a simulated coagulation/flocculation process, the removals of microfibers originating from new masks and used masks are 79% and 91%, respectively. XPS analysis reveals that the silica content of the used masks is 240% higher than that of new masks, which could explain the higher removal efficiency of microfibers from used masks. FTIR analysis of the masks after UV exposure shows carbonyl indices of 0.73 ± 0.70 and 0.27 ± 0.10 for the microfibres from used and new masks, respectively. Based on available data, we estimate that 4-47 million polypropylene microfibres can be released into natural waters per day after wastewater treatment in an urban environment (for a population of 4300 persons/km2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwadamilola Pikuda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lapointe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Olubukola S Alimi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Dimitrios Berk
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Nathalie Tufenkji
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada.
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90
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Jemec Kokalj A, Dolar A, Drobne D, Škrlep L, Škapin AS, Marolt G, Nagode A, van Gestel CAM. Effects of microplastics from disposable medical masks on terrestrial invertebrates. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 438:129440. [PMID: 35803191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129440] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated impacts of microplastics from disposable polypropylene medical masks on woodlice Porcellio scaber, mealworm larvae Tenebrio molitor and enchytraeids Enchytraeus crypticus. Effects of microplastics on survival, reproduction, immune parameters and energy-related traits were assessed after 21 days exposure in soil. Microplastics obtained from each medical mask layer separately differed in size and shape (inner frontal layer: 45.1 ± 21.5 µm, fibers; middle filtering layer: 55.6 ± 28.5 µm, fragments; outer layer: 42.0 ± 17.8 µm, fibers) and composition of additives. Overall, the concentrations of metals and organic chemicals were too low to cause effects on soil invertebrates. The microplastics from disposable medical masks at 0.06%, 0.5%, 1.5%, w/w did not induce severe adverse effects on survival or reproduction (for enchytraeids). A transient immune response of woodlice and a change in energy-related traits in mealworms were observed, which was most clearly seen for the microplastics from the outer layer. This was reflected in increased electron transfer system activity of mealworms and different immune response dynamics of woodlice. In conclusion, the tested soil invertebrates respond to microplastics from disposable medical masks, but it remains unclear what these changes mean for their fitness on the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Jemec Kokalj
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Andraž Dolar
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damjana Drobne
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luka Škrlep
- Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, Dimičeva ulica 12, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrijana Sever Škapin
- Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, Dimičeva ulica 12, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Polymer Technology - FTPO, Ozare 19, 2380, Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Marolt
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Večna pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Nagode
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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91
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Shukla S, Khan R, Saxena A, Sekar S. Microplastics from face masks: A potential hazard post Covid-19 pandemic. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 302:134805. [PMID: 35504475 PMCID: PMC9055833 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The tremendous use of plastic products to averse the infection rate during Covid-19 pandemic has developed great pressure on the management and disposal systems of plastic waste. The compulsory use of face masks to curb the infection and prevent transmission of the virus has led to addition of millions of face masks into the terrestrial and marine environment. The current study attempts to assess and quantify the rate of infection in coherence with the annual usage of face masks in various nations across the globe. The ecological footprint of the plastic waste generated from used and discarded face masks along with their potential impacts have also been discussed. The current study has quantified the total annual face masks across thirty-six nations to be more than 1.5 million ton. The total estimated figure for annual plastic waste and microplastics in all these nations was ∼4.2 million tonnes and 9774 thousand tonnes, which emerges as a great threat to the global efforts towards reduction of plastic usage. The emergence of Covid-19 pandemic has modified the living habits with new enterprises being set up for Covid essential products, but the associated hazard of these products has been significantly ignored. Hence this study attempts to present a quantitative baseline database towards interpretation and understanding of the hazards associated with microplastics and increased dependence on plastic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Shukla
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki-225003, UP, India.
| | - Ramsha Khan
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki-225003, UP, India.
| | - Abhishek Saxena
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki-225003, UP, India.
| | - Selvam Sekar
- Department of Geology, V.O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India.
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92
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Zhou Y, Wang J, Zou M, Yin Q, Qiu Y, Li C, Ye B, Guo T, Jia Z, Li Y, Wang C, Zhou S. Microplastics in urban soils of Nanjing in eastern China: Occurrence, relationships, and sources. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 303:134999. [PMID: 35595105 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although microplastic (MP) pollution has been defined as a new global challenge by the United Nations Environment Programme, their abundance and composition has only been studied in-depth within farmland soil, while minimal attention has been placed on urban soil contamination. Accordingly, within the current study, MP abundance and composition is investigated within urban soil from green spaces in Nanjing, eastern China. The average MP abundance in soil was 461 ± 222 items/kg and primarily comprised fibers (39.1%) and fragments (37.7%). MPs <1000 μm in size accounted for 83.7% of the total content and white MPs were the most abundant (26.5%). The dominant polymers were polyethylene glycol terephthalate (32.0%) and polypropylene (20.5%). Moreover, relationship network analysis generated three distinct MP modules based on community similarity. Indeed, the degree of similarity increased by ∼26.8% per kilometer. Furthermore, application of a forward selective optimal multiple regression model identified clay, sand, longitude, and points of interest for recycling bins (RecyclePOI) as the primary spatial and soil environmental factors affecting MP abundance and composition. Additionally, five potential sources of MPs were identified based on the MP diversity integrated index fitting results, and point of interest density (MDII-POI) source analysis (R2 = 0.21-0.62; P < 0.05). In particular, the point of interest of express delivery points (ExpressPOI) were important sources of plastic emissions as they are widely distributed throughout urban and fringe areas. Collectively, the findings of this study provide novel insights regarding quantitative source appointment and regional ecological control of MPs in urban soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhou
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Junxiao Wang
- School of Public Administration, Nanjing University of Finance & Economics, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mengmeng Zou
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Qiqi Yin
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Yifei Qiu
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Chengqiang Li
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Bei Ye
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Tianwei Guo
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China
| | - Zhenyi Jia
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Chunhui Wang
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing, 210024, China.
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93
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Rathinamoorthy R, Raja Balasaraswathi S. Impact of coronavirus pandemic litters on microfiber pollution-effect of personal protective equipment and disposable face masks. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : IJEST 2022; 20:1-20. [PMID: 36035637 PMCID: PMC9391648 DOI: 10.1007/s13762-022-04462-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus Pandemic is the current biggest challenge against humanity. Apart from the personal health issues and higher mortality by the coronavirus, recent research works have also reported the environmental impacts of the pandemic. The review aims to analyze the current status of face masks and personal protective equipment littering and subsequent environmental impact in terms of microplastic and microfiber pollution. Recent researches in this domain are collected from the leading databases with relevant keywords and critically analyzed. The review results report a multi-fold increment in the usage of personal protective equipment, particularly face masks after the pandemic. Mismanagement of these items leads them to reach the marine environment through a variety of transportation. The results show a significant amount of increment in plastic and pandemic-related littering after the pandemic. The systematic review shows that the use of synthetic fibers in disposable personal protective equipment and masks leads to release of fibers that can add-on to microfiber pollution. The results are also true in the case of reusable masks as the repeated laundry and disinfection methods release a significantly higher amount of microfibers. Only very few studies have addressed the release of microfiber from the mask, and no studies have reported the impact of personal protective equipment. The worldwide mass adaptation and improper disposal of these materials increase the seriousness of the problem multiple folds. These findings suggest the immediate requirement of critical analysis of the pandemic-related littering and microfiber release characteristics. The research also urges the need for the implementation of an environmental management plan as a mitigation strategy around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Rathinamoorthy
- Department of Fashion Technology, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, 641004 India
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94
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Wu J, Zhao X, Gao L, Li Y, Wang D. Use of Interspecies Correlation Estimation (ICE) Models to Derive Water Quality Criteria of Microplastics for Protecting Aquatic Organisms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10307. [PMID: 36011942 PMCID: PMC9407957 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the water environment pose a potential threat to aquatic organisms. The Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD) method was used to assess the ecological risks of microplastics on aquatic organisms in this study. However, the limited toxicity data of aquatic organisms made it impossible to derive water quality criteria (WQC) for MPs and difficult to implement an accurately ecological risk assessment. To solve the data gaps, the USEPA established the interspecies correlation estimation (ICE) model, which could predict toxicity data to a wider range of aquatic organisms and could also be utilized to develop SSD and HC5 (hazardous concentration, 5th percentile). Herein, we collected the acute toxicity data of 11 aquatic species from 10 families in 5 phyla to fit the metrical-based SSDs, meanwhile generating the ICE-based-SSDs using three surrogate species (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Hyalella Azteca, and Daphnia magna), and finally compared the above SSDs, as well as the corresponding HC5. The results showed that the measured HC5 for acute MPs toxicity data was 112.3 μg/L, and ICE-based HC5 was 167.2 μg/L, which indicated there were no significant differences between HC5 derived from measured acute and ICE-based predicted values thus the ICE model was verified as a valid approach for generating SSDs with limited toxicity data and deriving WQC for MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangyue Wu
- National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, Ministry of Natural Resource of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100194, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Department of Water Ecology and Environment, Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Lin Gao
- National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, Ministry of Natural Resource of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100194, China
| | - Yan Li
- National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, Ministry of Natural Resource of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100194, China
| | - Dan Wang
- National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, Ministry of Natural Resource of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100194, China
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95
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Mészáros E, Bodor A, Szierer Á, Kovács E, Perei K, Tölgyesi C, Bátori Z, Feigl G. Indirect effects of COVID-19 on the environment: How plastic contamination from disposable surgical masks affect early development of plants. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 436:129255. [PMID: 35739774 PMCID: PMC9158377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective equipment, used extensively during the COVID-19 pandemic, heavily burdened the environment due to improper waste management. Owing to their fibrous structure, layered non-woven polypropylene (PP) disposable masks release secondary fragments at a much higher rate than other plastic waste types, thus, posing a barely understood new form of ecological hazard. Here we show that PP mask fragments of different sizes induce morphogenic responses in plants during their early development. Using in vitro systems and soil-filled rhizotrons, we found that several PP mask treatments modified the root growth of Brassica napus (L.) regardless of the experimental system. The environment around the root and mask fragments seemed to influence the effect of PP fabric fragment contamination on early root growth. In soil, primary root length was clearly inhibited by larger PP mask fragments at 1 % concentration, while the two smallest sizes of applied mask fragments caused distinct, concentration-dependent changes in the lateral root numbers. Our results indicate that PP can act as a stressor: contamination by PP surgical masks affects plant growth and hence, warrants attention. Further investigations regarding the effects of plastic pollution on plant-soil interactions involving various soil types are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enikő Mészáros
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Bodor
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary; Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ádám Szierer
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Etelka Kovács
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Katalin Perei
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Zoltán Bátori
- Department of Ecology, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Feigl
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Szeged, Hungary.
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96
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Uncontrolled Disposal of Used Masks Resulting in Release of Microplastics and Co-Pollutants into Environment. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14152403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The global panic caused by COVID-19 has continued to increase people’s demand for masks. However, due to inadequate management and disposal practice, these masks have, unfortunately, entered the environment and release a large amount of microplastics (MPs), posing a serious threat to the environment and human health. Understanding the occurrence of mask waste in various environments, release of mask-origin MPs, and related environmental risk is essential to mask-waste management in current and future epidemic prevention and control. This paper focuses on the global distribution of mask waste, the potential release of waste-origin MPs, and the impact on the environment. Specifically, the physical and chemical properties of polypropylene (the most common plastic material in a mask), which show a high adsorption capacity for heavy metals and organic pollutants and play a role as a support for microbial growth, were extensively reported. In addition, several important issues that need to be resolved are raised, which offers a direction for future research. This review focuses on the essentiality of handling masks to avoid potential environmental issues.
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97
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Xu C, Zhou G, Lu J, Shen C, Dong Z, Yin S, Li F. Spatio-vertical distribution of riverine microplastics: Impact of the textile industry. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 211:112789. [PMID: 35271835 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination in rivers and lakes is of paramount environmental importance as freshwater systems transport MPs from land to ocean. However, information regarding the spatio-vertical distributions of MPs in rivers, and their associations with surrounding industrial activities, is scarce and unclear. This study investigated MPs in the Taipu River, where there is a highly developed textile industry in Yangtze River Delta, China. Results showed a widespread occurrence of MPs particles with concentrations in the range of 0.65-6.07 items/L and 0.30-3.63 items/L in surface and bottom waters. A higher abundance of MPs was observed in surface waters than in bottom waters (t = 5.423, p = 0.024). The MPs distributions varied markedly in space, with the highest abundances being found in textile manufacturing zones as a consequence of industrial release (F = 14.642, p < 0.001). Transparent fibers were the major MPs compositions with 100-500 μm in size. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) accounted for 71.4% and 59.73% of the total MPs identified in surface and bottom water, respectively. These PET polymers were predominantly presented in "fibrous" shapes, further reflecting the point sources of textile wastewater. Moreover, polyvinyl acetate (PVAC), used as fabric coating and resin matrix to form nonwoven fabrics, was firstly highlighted at a watershed scale. Although risk assessments revealed a light to moderate risks of MPs in the Taipu River, textile wastewater appears to cause a high "grey water" footprint and increase the risks of MPs pollution from textile life-cycle production. This study bridged gaps between field data and policy-making for MPs control and shed insight into the cleaner production of the textile industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenye Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jiawei Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chensi Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zhiqiang Dong
- Municipal Environmental Protection Engineering Co., Ltd of CERC Shanghai Group, Shanghai, 201906, China
| | - Shanshan Yin
- Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
| | - Fang Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China.
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98
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Zhong G, Rao G, Tang L, Wu S, Tang Z, Huang R, Ruan Z, Hu L. Combined effect of arsenic and polystyrene-nanoplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations in mice liver: Activation of apoptosis, pyroptosis and excessive autophagy. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 300:134566. [PMID: 35413363 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The ecological risks caused by the coexistence of pollutants such as arsenic (As) and polystyrene-nanoplastics (PSNPs) in the environment have become a non-negligible problem. However, the effects of As and PSNPs co-exposure on mammals and the underlying toxicity mechanisms have remained unclear. Therefore, the present study established mouse models of As and/or PSNPS exposure to systematically analyze the underlying role of autophagy, apoptosis and pyroptosis in hepatotoxicity induced by co-exposure of As and PSNPs. Our findings demonstrated for the first time that mice co-exposure to As and PSNPs displayed significant pathological changes in the liver, while exposure to As or PSNPs alone did not produce significant toxic effects. More importantly, As and PSNPs co-exposure activated excessive autophagy through altered expression levels of PI3K, mTOR, Beclin-1, ATG5, LC3 and P62. Meanwhile, co-treatment with As and PSNPs induced apoptosis in the liver, which was confirmed by ultrastructure observation and changes in the expression of apoptosis indicators (P53, Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Cleaved-Caspase-3 and Cytc). Additionally, co-exposure of As and PSNPs induced pyroptosis in the liver through NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway via targeting NLRP3, ASC, Pro-Caspase-1, GSDMD and Cleaved-Caspase-1 expressions. Overall, our findings provide deeper insight into the roles of apoptosis, pyroptosis and excessive autophagy in the aggravation of liver injury, which could contribute to a better understanding of the interactions between As and PSNPS exposure and the molecular mechanisms of hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaolong Zhong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Gan Rao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Lixuan Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Shaofeng Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Zhaoxin Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Riming Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Zhiyan Ruan
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Food & Drug Vocational College, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| | - Lianmei Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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99
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Cordova MR, Ulumuddin YI, Purbonegoro T, Puspitasari R, Afianti NF, Rositasari R, Yogaswara D, Hafizt M, Iswari MY, Fitriya N, Widyastuti E, Kampono I, Kaisupy MT, Wibowo SPA, Subandi R, Sani SY, Sulistyowati L, Muhtadi A, Riani E, Cragg SM. Seasonal heterogeneity and a link to precipitation in the release of microplastic during COVID-19 outbreak from the Greater Jakarta area to Jakarta Bay, Indonesia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113926. [PMID: 35841674 PMCID: PMC9288859 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
To reduce microplastic contamination in the environment, we need to better understand its sources and transit, especially from land to sea. This study examines microplastic contamination in Jakarta's nine river outlets. Microplastics were found in all sampling intervals and areas, ranging from 4.29 to 23.49 particles m-3. The trend of microplastic contamination tends to increase as the anthropogenic activity towards Jakarta Bay from the eastern side of the bay. Our study found a link between rainfall and the abundance of microplastic particles in all river outlets studied. This investigation found polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene in large proportion due to their widespread use in normal daily life and industrial applications. Our research observed an increase in microplastic fibers made of polypropylene over time. We suspect a relationship between COVID-19 PPE waste and microplastic shift in our study area. More research is needed to establish how and where microplastics enter rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Reza Cordova
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Yaya Ihya Ulumuddin
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Triyoni Purbonegoro
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rachma Puspitasari
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nur Fitriah Afianti
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ricky Rositasari
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Deny Yogaswara
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Hafizt
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Marindah Yulia Iswari
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Hydrodynamics Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Mlati Jln. Grafika No.2 Sekip, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nurul Fitriya
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ernawati Widyastuti
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Irfan Kampono
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Taufik Kaisupy
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Singgih Prasetyo Adi Wibowo
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Riyana Subandi
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sofia Yuniar Sani
- Research Center for Oceanography, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia; Research Center for Oceanography, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, BRIN Kawasan Jakarta Ancol Jl. Pasir Putih 1, Ancol, 14430 Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Lilik Sulistyowati
- Environmental Studies Graduate Program, Universitas Terbuka, Jl. Cabe Raya, Pondok Cabe, Pamulang Tangerang Selatan 15418, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Muhtadi
- Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Jl. Prof. A. Sofyan No. 3, Medan 20222, Indonesia
| | - Etty Riani
- Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fishery and Marine Science, Bogor Agricultural University, Jl. Agatis Gedung Fakultas Perikanan dan Ilmu Kelautan, Kampus IPB Darmaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Simon M Cragg
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom; Centre for Blue Governance, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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100
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Torre M, Kafritsa ME, Anastasopoulou A. Cross-contamination by COVID-19 mask microfibers during microlitter analysis of marine biota. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113883. [PMID: 35797811 PMCID: PMC9252514 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113883] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Face masks have been adopted as an essential measure to prevent transmission and spread of the virus infection during the pandemic of Covid-19. The present study evaluates the potential microfibers transfer from face masks to other recipients and the potential cross-contamination of samples by microfibers released from masks worn during the analysis of microlitter ingestion by fish. Results indicated that masks could easily transfer endogenous (originated from the mask tissue itself) and exogenous microfibers (with a different origin than the mask tissue itself) to other recipients (adhesive tape and air in our experiment). Exogenous fibers may be carried from everywhere and potentially released everywhere. Microfibers are also released into the air, driven by the airflow generated by breathing, and can be transferred to blanks and samples. Microfiber contamination by facial masks increases the risk of samples cross-contamination and raises concerns about the results reliability of the microlitter analysis on marine biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Torre
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Water, 46.7 Km Athens Sounio, Mavro Lithari, P.O. Box 19013, Anavissos, Attica, Greece.
| | - Maria Eleni Kafritsa
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Water, 46.7 Km Athens Sounio, Mavro Lithari, P.O. Box 19013, Anavissos, Attica, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Anastasopoulou
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Water, 46.7 Km Athens Sounio, Mavro Lithari, P.O. Box 19013, Anavissos, Attica, Greece
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