101
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Baş O, İlhan H, Hancı H, Çelikkan H, Ekinci D, Değermenci M, Karapınar BO, Warille AA, Çankaya S, Özkasapoğlu S. To what extent are orally ingested nanoplastics toxic to the hippocampus in young adult rats? J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 132:102314. [PMID: 37473873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
As the use of plastic-containing materials in our daily lives becomes increasingly common, exposure to nanoplastics accordingly becomes inevitable. Micro and nanoplastics released from large amounts of plastic waste constitute a serious environmental problem. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of polystyrene nanoplastic (PS-NP) on the hippocampus. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirty Wistar albino rats, 15 male and 15 female, aged 6-8 weeks, were used in the research. These were randomly divided into three groups of five males and five females each. A five-minute open field test was applied to all rats on the first and last days of the study. Three groups of rats (Control, NP1 and NP2) received the standard chow and water. Additionally, rats in the first neoplastic group (NP1) received 25 mg/kg PS-NP and rats in the second nanoplastic group (NP2) received 50 mg/kg PS-NP, at the same time each day by oral gavage. The rats were sacrificed under deep anesthesia at the end of four weeks. The hippocampi were removed and subjected to histopathological and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Green fluorescent dots were detected in the hippocampi of both dose groups receiving nanoplastics (NPs) administered orally to female and male rats. Histopathological examination revealed neuronal degeneration in the hippocampi of male and female rats from both dose groups. However, while no significant difference was observed among the groups in terms of changes in antioxidant enzyme values and open-field test data in male rats, significant differences in peroxidase (POD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) values and fecal boli and grooming numbers were determined in female rats exposed to NPs. In conclusion, exposure to NP substances extend as far as the hippocampus, causing neuronal damage and behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orhan Baş
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Samsun University, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Hasan İlhan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Hatice Hancı
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Çelikkan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Ekinci
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey
| | | | - Burak Oğuzhan Karapınar
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Aymen A Warille
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Soner Çankaya
- Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Sezgin Özkasapoğlu
- Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency Boron Research Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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102
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Kannan G, Mghili B, Di Martino E, Sanchez-Vidal A, Figuerola B. Increasing risk of invasions by organisms on marine debris in the Southeast coast of India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115469. [PMID: 37703630 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Increasing amount of anthropogenic litter in the marine environment has provided an enormous number of substrates for a wide range of marine organisms, thus serving as a potential vector for the transport of fouling organisms. Here, we examined the fouling organisms on different types of stranded litter (plastic, glass, rubber, foam sponge, cloth, metal and wood) on eight beaches along the southeast coast of India. In total, 17 encrusting species belonging to seven phyla (Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Mollusca, Annelida, Cnidaria, Chlorophyta and Foraminifera) were identified on 367 items, with one invasive species, the mussel Mytella strigata, detected. The most common species associated with marine litter were the cosmopolitan bryozoans Jellyella tuberculata (%O = 31.64 %) and J. eburnea (28.61 %), the barnacle species Lepas anserifera (29.97 %), Amphibalanus amphitrite (22.34 %) and Amphibalanus sp. (14.16 %), and the oyster species Saccostrea cucullata (13.62 %) and Magallana bilineata (5.44 %). We also reported the first records on stranded litter of four species: the gastropod species Pirenella cingulata and Umbonium vestiarium, the foraminiferan Ammonia beccarii, and the oyster M. bilineata. This study is thus the first documentation of marine litter as a vector for species dispersal in India, where the production and consumption of plastic rank among the highest in the world. We also highlight the increasing risk of invasions by non-indigenous organisms attached to debris along the southeast coast of India. Comprehensive monitoring efforts are thus needed to elucidate the type of vectors responsible for the arrival of invasive species in this region. Raising awareness and promoting education are vital components in fostering sustainable solutions to combat plastic pollution in the country and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunasekaran Kannan
- Centre for Aquaculture, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Emanuela Di Martino
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo - Blindern, P.O. Box 1172, Oslo 0318, Norway
| | - Anna Sanchez-Vidal
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Blanca Figuerola
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC), Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
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103
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Weingrill RB, Lee MJ, Benny P, Riel J, Saiki K, Garcia J, de Magalhaes Oliveira LFA, da Silva Fonseca EJ, de Souza ST, de Oliveira Silva D’Amato F, Silva UR, Dutra ML, Marques ALX, Borbely AU, Urschitz J. Temporal trends in microplastic accumulation in placentas from pregnancies in Hawai'i. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 180:108220. [PMID: 37741006 PMCID: PMC10593309 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are created for commercial use, are shed from textiles, or result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. Recent reports have shown that microplastics accumulate in human tissues and may have adverse health consequences. Currently, there are no standardized environmental monitoring systems to track microplastic accumulation within human tissues. Using Raman spectroscopy, we investigated the temporal exposures to plastic pollution in Hawai'i and noted a significant increase in the accumulation of microplastics in discarded placentas over the past 15 years, with changes in the size and chemical composition of the polymers. These findings provide a rare insight into the vulnerability and sensitivity of Pacific Island residents to plastic pollution and illustrate how discarded human tissues can be used as an innovative environmental plastic pollution monitoring system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Barbano Weingrill
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Men-Jean Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Paula Benny
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jonathan Riel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Kevin Saiki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jacob Garcia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ueslen Rocha Silva
- Physics Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Mariana Lima Dutra
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Aldilane Lays Xavier Marques
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Urban Borbely
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Campus A.C. Simões, Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Johann Urschitz
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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104
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de Haan WP, Quintana R, Vilas C, Cózar A, Canals M, Uviedo O, Sanchez-Vidal A. The dark side of artificial greening: Plastic turfs as widespread pollutants of aquatic environments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122094. [PMID: 37392868 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122094] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Artificial turf (AT) is a surfacing material that simulates natural grass by using synthetic, mainly plastic, fibers in different shapes, sizes and properties. AT has spread beyond sports facilities and today shapes many urban landscapes, from private lawns to rooftops and public venues. Despite concerns regarding the impacts of AT, little is known about the release of AT fibers into natural environment. Here, for the first time, we specifically investigate the presence of AT fibers in river and ocean waters as major conduits and final destination of plastic debris transported by water runoff. Our sampling survey showed that, AT fibers - composed mainly of polyethylene and polypropylene - can constitute over 15% of the mesoplastics and macroplastics content, suggesting that AT fibers may contribute significantly to plastic pollution. Up to 20,000 fibers a day flowed down through the river, and up to 213,200 fibers per km2 were found floating on the sea surface of nearshore areas. AT, apart from impacting on urban biodiversity, urban runoff, heat island formation, and hazardous chemical leaching, is a major source of plastic pollution to natural aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P de Haan
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rocío Quintana
- Departamento de Biología, University of Cadiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), E-11510, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - César Vilas
- Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA), Centro "El Toruño", Camino Tiro del Pichón, S/N, E-11500, El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Andrés Cózar
- Departamento de Biología, University of Cadiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), E-11510, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Miquel Canals
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Uviedo
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Sanchez-Vidal
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
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105
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Zadjelovic V, Wright RJ, Walker TR, Avalos V, Marín PE, Christie-Oleza JA, Riquelme C. Assessing the impact of chronic and acute plastic pollution from construction activities and other anthropogenic sources: A case study from the coast of Antofagasta, Chile. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115510. [PMID: 37683394 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue with far-reaching and not yet fully explored consequences. This study uncovered a significant source of plastic contamination arising from improper application and management of expanded polystyrene (EPS) utilised as expansion joints at a construction site near the coast of Antofagasta, Chile. Through meticulous field observations and calculations, we estimate that a staggering 82.9 million EPS spheres have the potential to be released into the environment from the 7.62 m3 of this material used for the construction of this coastal promenade, constituting a chronic source of pollution. Despite the ongoing construction, we have already evidenced mechanical fragmentation and dispersion of EPS microplastic pollution in the surrounding natural environment. To our knowledge, this is the first study that documents misused construction materials contributing to plastic pollution. In addition to the EPS pollution, our findings reveal an alarming accumulation of litter - an acute pollution source - including plastic cups, bottles, carrier bags, and several other construction materials (e.g. plastic nets, films) that are exacerbating the pollution problems within the region and potentially endangering marine and terrestrial organisms. These observations highlight the urgent need for mitigating measures and intervention policies targeting construction-related plastic and microplastic pollution, along with a more robust regulatory framework for construction activities as well as adequate surveillance and enforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinko Zadjelovic
- Centro de Bioinnovación de Antofagasta (CBIA), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile; Centre for Biotechnology & Bioengineering (CeBiB), Santiago, Chile.
| | - Robyn J Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Vladimir Avalos
- Centro de Bioinnovación de Antofagasta (CBIA), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile
| | - Paula E Marín
- Center for Advanced Study of Lithium and Industrial Minerals (CELiMIN) and Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Procesos de Minerales, Universidad de Antofagasta, Campus Coloso, Av. Universidad de Antofagasta, 02800 Antofagasta, Chile
| | | | - Carlos Riquelme
- Centro de Bioinnovación de Antofagasta (CBIA), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta 1271155, Chile
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106
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Shaw DB, Li Q, Nunes JK, Deike L. Ocean emission of microplastic. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad296. [PMID: 37795272 PMCID: PMC10547021 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are globally ubiquitous in marine environments, and their concentration is expected to continue rising at significant rates as a result of human activity. They present a major ecological problem with well-documented environmental harm. Sea spray from bubble bursting can transport salt and biological material from the ocean into the atmosphere, and there is a need to quantify the amount of microplastic that can be emitted from the ocean by this mechanism. We present a mechanistic study of bursting bubbles transporting microplastics. We demonstrate and quantify that jet drops are efficient at emitting microplastics up to 280 μ m in diameter and are thus expected to dominate the emitted mass of microplastic. The results are integrated to provide a global microplastic emission model which depends on bubble scavenging and bursting physics; local wind and sea state; and oceanic microplastic concentration. We test multiple possible microplastic concentration maps to find annual emissions ranging from 0.02 to 7.4-with a best guess of 0.1-mega metric tons per year and demonstrate that while we significantly reduce the uncertainty associated with the bursting physics, the limited knowledge and measurements on the mass concentration and size distribution of microplastic at the ocean surface leaves large uncertainties on the amount of microplastic ejected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Shaw
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Qi Li
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Janine K Nunes
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Luc Deike
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- High Meadows Environmental Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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107
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James BD, Reddy CM, Hahn ME, Nelson RK, de Vos A, Aluwihare LI, Wade TL, Knap AH, Bera G. Fire and Oil Led to Complex Mixtures of PAHs on Burnt and Unburnt Plastic during the M/V X-Press Pearl Disaster. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2023; 3:319-335. [PMID: 37743953 PMCID: PMC10515710 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.3c00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
In May 2021, the M/V X-Press Pearl container ship burned for 2 weeks, leading to the largest maritime spill of resin pellets (nurdles). The disaster was exacerbated by the leakage of other cargo and the ship's underway fuel. This disaster affords the unique opportunity to study a time-stamped, geolocated release of plastic under real-world conditions. Field samples collected from beaches in Sri Lanka nearest to the ship comprised nurdles exposed to heat and combustion, burnt plastic pieces (pyroplastic), and oil-plastic agglomerates (petroplastic). An unresolved question is whether the 1600+ tons of spilled and recovered plastic should be considered hazardous waste. Due to the known formation and toxicity of combustion-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), we measured 20 parent and 21 alkylated PAHs associated with several types of spilled plastic. The maximum PAH content of the sampled pyroplastic had the greatest amount of PAHs recorded for marine plastic debris (199,000 ng/g). In contrast, the sampled unburnt white nurdles had two orders of magnitude less PAH content. The PAH composition varied between the types of spilled plastic and presented features typical of and conflicting with petrogenic and pyrogenic sources. Nevertheless, specific markers and compositional changes for burning plastics were identified, revealing that the fire was the main source of PAHs. Eight months after the spill, the PAH contents of sampled stray nurdles and pyroplastic were reduced by more than 50%. Due to their PAH content exceeding levels allowable for plastic consumer goods, classifying burnt plastic as hazardous waste may be warranted. Following a largely successful cleanup, we recommend that the Sri Lankans re-evaluate the identification, handling, and disposal of the plastic debris collected from beaches and the potential exposure of responders and the public to PAHs from handling it. The maritime disaster underscores pyroplastic as a type of plastic pollution that has yet to be fully explored, despite the pervasiveness of intentional and unintentional burning of plastic globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D. James
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
- Biology
Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Christopher M. Reddy
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology
Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Robert K. Nelson
- Department
of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Asha de Vos
- Oceanswell, 9 Park Gardens, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka
- The
Oceans Institute, University of Western
Australia, 35 Stirling
Highway, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Lihini I. Aluwihare
- Scripps
Institution of Oceanography, University
of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Terry L. Wade
- Geochemical
and Environmental Research Group, Texas
A&M University, College Station, Texas 77845, United States
- Department
of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Anthony H. Knap
- Geochemical
and Environmental Research Group, Texas
A&M University, College Station, Texas 77845, United States
- Department
of Oceanography, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Ocean Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Gopal Bera
- Geochemical
and Environmental Research Group, Texas
A&M University, College Station, Texas 77845, United States
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108
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Li J, Pu T, Wang Z, Liu T. Thermal Behavior and Pyrolysis Kinetics of Mushroom Residue with the Introduction of Waste Plastics. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3824. [PMID: 37765678 PMCID: PMC10534543 DOI: 10.3390/polym15183824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-pyrolysis is considered a very promising technology for the treatment of solid wastes as it can rapidly realize the volume reduction of raw materials and obtain high value-added products. To realize the resource utilization of newly emerging solid wastes in relation to edible fungi residue and waste plastics, mushroom residue (MR), a representative of edible fungi residue, was co-pyrolyzed with waste plastic bags (PE), waste plastic lunch boxes (PP), and waste plastic bottles (PET). The thermal behavior and pyrolysis kinetics of the mixtures were investigated. It was found that the softening of the plastics in the mixtures led to an increase in the initial pyrolysis temperature of MR by 2-27 °C, while the pyrolytic intermediates of MR could greatly promote the decomposition of the plastics, resulting in a decrease in the initial pyrolysis temperatures of PE, PP, and PET in the mixtures by 25, 8, and 16 °C, respectively. The mixture of MR and PE (MR/PE) under different mixture ratios showed good synergies, causing the pyrolysis peaks attributed to MR and PE to both move towards the lower temperature region relative to those of individual samples. The increase in heating rate led to enhanced thermal hysteresis of the reaction between MR and PE. The strength of the interaction between plastics and MR based on mass variation was subject to the order PE > PP > PET. The pyrolysis activation energies of MR, PE, PP, and PET calculated from kinetic analysis were 6.18, 119.05, 84.30, and 74.38 kJ/mol, respectively. The activation energies assigned to MR and plastics were both reduced as plastics were introduced to co-pyrolyze with MR, indicating that MR and plastics have a good interaction in the co-pyrolysis process. This study provides theoretical and experimental guidance for the resource utilization of agricultural solid wastes via thermochemical conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Li
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Tao Pu
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhanghong Wang
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green and Low-Carbon Technology for Plastic Application, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Taoze Liu
- College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Engineering Research Center of Green and Low-Carbon Technology for Plastic Application, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
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109
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Neef NE, Fußwinkel S, Roos C, Frank L, Shihepo K, Richter I. Optimistic narrative future visions: a communication tool for promoting sustainable (plastic) behavior. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1252895. [PMID: 37790233 PMCID: PMC10543889 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1252895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, necessitating a focus on consumer behavior to curb this problem at its source. To effectively promote sustainable practices, communication strategies that employ future visions have gained attention. This study examines the effects of a narrative video intervention depicting an optimistic future vision concerning single-use plastic bag consumption in South Africa, compared to a representation of the prevailing status quo. Using a preregistered within-subject design, we assess the psychological and emotional responses to two scenarios of which one is illustrating adaptive behaviors toward reduced plastic bag usage, and the other showcasing current consumption patterns. Parametric analyses revealed a shift in emotional states, characterized by a greater experience of positive emotions and a reduced experience of negative emotions following the exposure to the optimistic future scenario video, as compared to the status quo video. Moreover, engagement with the optimistic future scenario was associated with higher levels of perceived behavioral control and behavioral intentions. No significant changes were found regarding sense of responsibility. These findings point to the potential of optimistic future visions to influence individuals at psychological and emotional levels. This renders optimistic future vision communication as an effective tool for sustainable behavior change, particularly in relation to the sustainable use of plastic shopping bags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas E. Neef
- Department of Sustainable Development and Change, Institute of Education, Work, and Society, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Selina Fußwinkel
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Claudine Roos
- School for Geo- and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lilli Frank
- Department of Sustainable Development and Change, Institute of Education, Work, and Society, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Kapandu Shihepo
- School for Geo- and Spatial Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Isabell Richter
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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110
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Falk-Andersson J, Rognerud I, De Frond H, Leone G, Karasik R, Diana Z, Dijkstra H, Ammendolia J, Eriksen M, Utz R, Walker TR, Fürst K. Cleaning Up without Messing Up: Maximizing the Benefits of Plastic Clean-Up Technologies through New Regulatory Approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13304-13312. [PMID: 37638638 PMCID: PMC10501118 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
As the global plastics crisis grows, numerous technologies have been invented and implemented to recover plastic pollution from the environment. Although laudable, unregulated clean-up technologies may be inefficient and have unintended negative consequences on ecosystems, for example, through bycatch or removal of organic matter important for ecosystem functions. Despite these concerns, plastic clean-up technologies can play an important role in reducing litter in the environment. As the United Nations Environment Assembly is moving toward an international, legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution by 2024, the implementation of plastic clean-up technologies should be regulated to secure their net benefits and avoid unintended damages. Regulation can require environmental impact assessments and life cycle analysis to be conducted predeployment on a case-by-case basis to determine their effectiveness and impact and secure environmentally sound management. During operations catch-efficiency and bycatch of nonlitter items, as well as waste management of recovered litter, should be documented. Data collection for monitoring, research, and outreach to mitigate plastic pollution is recommended as added value of implementation of clean-up technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Idun Rognerud
- Norwegian Institute
for Water Research, Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hannah De Frond
- University
of Toronto Trash Team, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
- Ocean Conservancy, Washington, D.C. 20036, United States
| | - Giulia Leone
- Ghent University, Research Group
Aquatic Ecology, Coupure
links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Flanders
Marine Institute, (VLIZ), InnovOcean Site, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400, Ostend, Belgium
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Aquatic Management, Havenlaan 88, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
- Research
Foundation − Flanders (FWO), Leuvenseweg 38, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rachel Karasik
- Nicholas
Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Zoie Diana
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the
Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Duke University, Beaufort, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Integrated Toxicology
and Environmental Health, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Hanna Dijkstra
- Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije
Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1111, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Justine Ammendolia
- School
for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Marcus Eriksen
- The 5 Gyres Institute, Los Angeles, California 90409, United States
| | - Ria Utz
- Sciences Po Paris, 27, rue Saint-Guillaume, 75007, Paris, France
- University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Tony R. Walker
- School
for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Kathinka Fürst
- Norwegian Institute
for Water Research, Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
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111
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Munyaneza NE, Posada C, Xu Z, De Altin Popiolek V, Paddock G, McKee C, Liu G. A Generic Platform for Upcycling Polystyrene to Aryl Ketones and Organosulfur Compounds. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307042. [PMID: 37439282 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Polystyrene (PS) is one of the least recycled large-volume commodity plastics due to bulkiness of foam products and associated contaminants. PS recycling is also severely hampered by the lack of financial incentive, limited versatility, and poor selectivity of existing methods. To this end, herein we report a thermochemical recycling strategy of "degradation-upcycling" to synthesize a library of high-value aromatic chemicals from PS wastes with high versatility and selectivity. Two cascade reactions are selected to first degrade PS to benzene under mild temperatures, followed by the derivatization thereof utilizing a variety of acyl/alkyl and sulfinyl chloride additives. To demonstrate the versatility, nine ketones and sulfides of cosmetic and pharmaceutical relevance were prepared, including propiophenone, benzophenone, and diphenyl sulfide. The approach is also amenable to sophisticated upcycling reaction designs and can produce desired products stepwise. The facile and versatile approach will provide a scalable and profitable methodology for upcycling PS waste into value-added chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Posada
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Zhen Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Vincenzo De Altin Popiolek
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Griffin Paddock
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Charles McKee
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Academy of Integrated Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Guoliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Academy of Integrated Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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112
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Chen L, Wang D, Sun T, Fan T, Wu S, Fang G, Yang M, Zhou D. Quantification of the redox properties of microplastics and their effect on arsenite oxidation. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 3:777-785. [PMID: 38933300 PMCID: PMC11197510 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics have attracted global concern. The environmental-weathering processes control their fate, transport, transformation, and toxicity to wildlife and human health, but their impacts on biogeochemical redox processes remain largely unknown. Herein, multiple spectroscopic and electrochemical approaches in concert with wet-chemistry analyses were employed to characterize the redox properties of weathered microplastics. The spectroscopic results indicated that weathering of phenol-formaldehyde resins (PFs) by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) led to a slight decrease in the content of phenol functional groups, accompanied by an increase in semiquinone radicals, quinone, and carboxylic groups. Electrochemical and wet-chemistry quantifications, coupled with microbial-chemical characterizations, demonstrated that the PFs exhibited appreciable electron-donating capacity (0.264-1.15 mmol e- g-1) and electron-accepting capacity (0.120-0.300 mmol e- g-1). Specifically, the phenol groups and semiquinone radicals were responsible for the electron-donating capacity, whereas the quinone groups dominated the electron-accepting capacity. The reversible redox peaks in the cyclic voltammograms and the enhanced electron-donating capacity after accepting electrons from microbial reduction demonstrated the reversibility of the electron-donating and -accepting reactions. More importantly, the electron-donating phenol groups and weathering-induced semiquinone radicals were found to mediate the production of H2O2 from oxygen for arsenite oxidation. In addition to the H2O2-weathered PFs, the ozone-aged PF and polystyrene were also found to have electron-donating and arsenite-oxidation capacity. This study reports important redox properties of microplastics and their effect in mediating contaminant transformation. These findings will help to better understand the fate, transformation, and biogeochemical roles of microplastics on element cycling and contaminant fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Dengjun Wang
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Tianran Sun
- State Key Lab of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Tingting Fan
- Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Song Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Guodong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Min Yang
- Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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113
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Khanjani MH, Sharifinia M, Mohammadi AR. The impact of microplastics on bivalve mollusks: A bibliometric and scientific review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115271. [PMID: 37429180 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115271] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Bivalves are important members of the ecosystem and their populations are declining globally, making them a concern for their role in ecosystem services and the fishing industry. Bivalves are excellent bioindicators of MPs pollution due to their widespread distribution, filtering capabilities, and close association with human health. Microplastics (MPs) have direct and indirect impacts on bivalves, affecting their physiology, habitat structure, food sources, and persistence of organic pollutants. This review provides an extensive overview of the impact of MPs on bivalves, covering various aspects such as their economic significance, ecological roles, and importance in biomonitoring environmental quality. The article presents the current state of knowledge on the sources and pathways of MPs in aquatic environments and their effects on bivalves. The mechanisms underlying the effects of MPs on bivalves, including ingestion, filtration activity, feeding inhibition, accumulation, bioaccumulation, and reproduction, are also discussed. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis of research on MPs in bivalves is presented, highlighting the number of papers, geographical distribution, and keyword clusters relating to MPs. Finally, the review emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and the development of mitigation strategies to reduce the negative effects of MPs pollution on bivalves and their habitats in oceans and coastal waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Khanjani
- Department of Fisheries Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Kerman, Iran
| | - Moslem Sharifinia
- Shrimp Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bushehr 75169-89177, Iran.
| | - Ali Reza Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran.
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114
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Alencar MV, Gimenez BG, Sasahara C, Elliff CI, Velis CA, Rodrigues LS, Conti LA, Gonçalves-Dias SLF, Cetrulo TB, Scrich VM, Turra A. Advancing plastic pollution hotspotting at the subnational level: Brazil as a case study in the Global South. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115382. [PMID: 37572434 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115382] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Identifying sources is crucial for proposing effective actions to combat marine litter pollution. Here, we used an innovative approach to identify hotspots of mismanaged plastic waste (MPW) within Brazil and subsequent leakage to the ocean, based on population density, socio-economic conditions, municipal solid waste management and environmental parameters. We estimated plastic waste generation and MPW for each of the 5570 Brazilian municipalities, which totaled 3.44 million metric tons per year. Then, we estimated the probability of litter mobilization and transport (P) and the relative risk of leakage to the ocean (MPW × P). The Guanabara Bay and La Plata River comprised the main oceanic entry hotspots of litter produced in Brazil. The use of national databases allowed us to increase spatial and temporal granularity, offering a detailed baseline for the application of prevention and mitigation actions. However, overcoming data limitations is still a challenge in Brazil as in other Global South countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Vianna Alencar
- Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), 191 Praça do Oceanográfico, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil; UNESCO Chair for Ocean Sustainability, Brazil.
| | - Bianca Gabani Gimenez
- Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), 191 Praça do Oceanográfico, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil; UNESCO Chair for Ocean Sustainability, Brazil
| | - Camila Sasahara
- Energy and Environment Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), 1289 Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Carla Isobel Elliff
- Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), 191 Praça do Oceanográfico, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil; UNESCO Chair for Ocean Sustainability, Brazil
| | - Costas A Velis
- University of Leeds, School of Civil Engineering, Woodhouse lane, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Letícia Stevanato Rodrigues
- Energy and Environment Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), 1289 Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Luis Americo Conti
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo (USP), 1000 Rua Arlindo Bettio, USP Leste, São Paulo, SP 03828-000, Brazil
| | - Sylmara Lopes Francelino Gonçalves-Dias
- Energy and Environment Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), 1289 Av. Prof. Luciano Gualberto, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil; School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo (USP), 1000 Rua Arlindo Bettio, USP Leste, São Paulo, SP 03828-000, Brazil
| | - Tiago Balieiro Cetrulo
- School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo (USP), 1000 Rua Arlindo Bettio, USP Leste, São Paulo, SP 03828-000, Brazil; Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS), 7000 Av. Senador Salgado Filho, Viamão, RS 94440-000, Brazil
| | - Vitória Milanez Scrich
- Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), 191 Praça do Oceanográfico, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil; UNESCO Chair for Ocean Sustainability, Brazil
| | - Alexander Turra
- Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), 191 Praça do Oceanográfico, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil; UNESCO Chair for Ocean Sustainability, Brazil
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115
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Arifuzzaman M, Sumpter BG, Demchuk Z, Do C, Arnould MA, Rahman MA, Cao PF, Popovs I, Davis RJ, Dai S, Saito T. Selective deconstruction of mixed plastics by a tailored organocatalyst. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:3360-3368. [PMID: 37482885 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh00801k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Plastic represents an essential material in our society; however, a major imbalance between their high production and end-of-life management is leading to unrecovered energy, economic hardship, and a high carbon footprint. The adoption of plastic recycling has been limited, mainly due to the difficulty of recycling mixed plastics. Here, we report a versatile organocatalyst for selective glycolysis of diverse consumer plastics and their mixed waste streams into valuable chemicals. The developed organocatalyst selectively deconstructs condensation polymers at a specific temperature, and additives or other polymers such as polyolefin or cellulose can be readily separated from the mixed plastics, providing a chemical recycling path for many existing mixed plastics today. The Life Cycle Assessment indicates that the production of various condensation polymers from the deconstructed monomers will result in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and energy input, opening a new paradigm of plastic circularity toward a net-zero carbon society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Arifuzzaman
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
| | - Bobby G Sumpter
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Zoriana Demchuk
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
| | - Changwoo Do
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Mark A Arnould
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Md Anisur Rahman
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
| | - Peng-Fei Cao
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
| | - Ilja Popovs
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
| | - Robert J Davis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4741, USA
| | - Sheng Dai
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
| | - Tomonori Saito
- Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
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116
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Putman LI, Schaerer LG, Wu R, Kulas DG, Zolghadr A, Ong RG, Shonnard DR, Techtmann SM. Deconstructed Plastic Substrate Preferences of Microbial Populations from the Natural Environment. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0036223. [PMID: 37260392 PMCID: PMC10433879 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00362-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Over half of the world's plastic waste is landfilled, where it is estimated to take hundreds of years to degrade. Given the continued use and disposal of plastic products, it is vital that we develop fast and effective ways to utilize plastic waste. Here, we explore the potential of tandem chemical and biological processing to process various plastics quickly and effectively. Four samples of compost or sediment were used to set up enrichment cultures grown on mixtures of compounds, including disodium terephthalate and terephthalic acid (monomers of polyethylene terephthalate), compounds derived from the chemical deconstruction of polycarbonate, and pyrolysis oil derived from high-density polyethylene plastics. Established enrichment communities were also grown on individual substrates to investigate the substrate preferences of different taxa. Biomass harvested from the cultures was characterized using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. These data reveal low-diversity microbial communities structured by differences in culture inoculum, culture substrate source plastic type, and time. Microbial populations from the classes Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteriae were significantly enriched when grown on substrates derived from high-density polyethylene and polycarbonate. The metagenomic data contain abundant aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon degradation genes relevant to the biodegradation of deconstructed plastic substrates used here. We show that microbial populations from diverse environments are capable of growth on substrates derived from the chemical deconstruction or pyrolysis of multiple plastic types and that paired chemical and biological processing of plastics should be further developed for industrial applications to manage plastic waste. IMPORTANCE The durability and impermeable nature of plastics have made them a popular material for numerous applications, but these same qualities make plastics difficult to dispose of, resulting in massive amounts of accumulated plastic waste in landfills and the natural environment. Since plastic use and disposal are projected to increase in the future, novel methods to effectively break down and dispose of current and future plastic waste are desperately needed. We show that the products of chemical deconstruction or pyrolysis of plastic can successfully sustain the growth of low-diversity microbial communities. These communities were enriched from multiple environmental sources and are capable of degrading complex xenobiotic carbon compounds. This study demonstrates that tandem chemical and biological processing can be used to degrade multiple types of plastics over a relatively short period of time and may be a future avenue for the mitigation of rapidly accumulating plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay I. Putman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Laura G. Schaerer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Ruochen Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel G. Kulas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Ali Zolghadr
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Rebecca G. Ong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - David R. Shonnard
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephen M. Techtmann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, USA
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117
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Strokal M, Vriend P, Bak MP, Kroeze C, van Wijnen J, van Emmerik T. River export of macro- and microplastics to seas by sources worldwide. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4842. [PMID: 37563145 PMCID: PMC10415377 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Seas are polluted with macro- (>5 mm) and microplastics (<5 mm). However, few studies account for both types when modeling water quality, thus limiting our understanding of the origin (e.g., basins) and sources of plastics. In this work, we model riverine macro- and microplastic exports to seas to identify their main sources in over ten thousand basins. We estimate that rivers export approximately 0.5 million tons of plastics per year worldwide. Microplastics are dominant in almost 40% of the basins in Europe, North America and Oceania, because of sewage effluents. Approximately 80% of the global population live in river basins where macroplastics are dominant because of mismanaged solid waste. These basins include many African and Asian rivers. In 10% of the basins, macro- and microplastics in seas (as mass) are equally important because of high sewage effluents and mismanaged solid waste production. Our results could be useful to prioritize reduction policies for plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Strokal
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul Vriend
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Mirjam P Bak
- Water Systems and Global Change Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien Kroeze
- Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jikke van Wijnen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Tim van Emmerik
- Hydrology and Quantitative Water Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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118
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Haque MK, Uddin M, Kormoker T, Ahmed T, Zaman MRU, Rahman MS, Rahman MA, Hossain MY, Rana MM, Tsang YF. Occurrences, sources, fate and impacts of plastic on aquatic organisms and human health in global perspectives: What Bangladesh can do in future? ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:5531-5556. [PMID: 37382719 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01646-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Bangladesh is not an exception to the growing global environmental problem of plastic pollution. Plastics have been deemed a blessing for today's world thanks to their inexpensive production costs, low weight, toughness, and flexibility, but poor biodegradability and massive misuse of plastics are to blame for widespread contamination of the environmental components. Plastic as well as microplastic pollution and its adverse consequences have attracted significant investigative attention all over the world. Plastic pollution is a rising concern in Bangladesh, but scientific studies, data, and related information are very scarce in numerous areas of the plastic pollution problem. The current study examined the effects of plastic and microplastic pollution on the environment and human health, and it examined Bangladesh's existing knowledge of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems in light of the rapidly expanding international research in this field. We also made an effort to investigate the current shortcomings in Bangladesh's assessment of plastic pollution. This study proposed several management approaches to the persistent plastic pollution problem by analyzing studies from industrialized and emerging countries. Finally, this work pushed investigators to investigate Bangladesh's plastic contamination thoroughly and develop guidelines and policies to address the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Kamrul Haque
- Institute of Bangabandhu War of Liberation Bangladesh Studies, National University, Dhaka, 1209, Bangladesh
| | - Minhaz Uddin
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Tapos Kormoker
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories, 999077, Hong Kong.
| | - Tareq Ahmed
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Science, University of London, Birkbeck, UK
| | - Md Rahat Uz Zaman
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh
| | - M Safiur Rahman
- Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Shahbag, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ashekur Rahman
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Yeamin Hossain
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Masud Rana
- Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Yiu Fai Tsang
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, New Territories, 999077, Hong Kong
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119
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Erdle LM, Eriksen M. Monitor compartments, mitigate sectors: A framework to deconstruct the complexity of plastic pollution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115198. [PMID: 37392595 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The rapid growth in science, media, policymaking, and corporate action aimed at "solving" plastic pollution has revealed an overwhelming complexity, which can lead to paralysis, inaction, or a reliance on downstream mitigations. Plastic use is diverse - varied polymers, product and packaging design, pathways to the environment, and impacts - therefore there is no silver bullet solution. Policies addressing plastic pollution as a single phenomenon respond to this complexity with greater reliance on downstream mitigations, like recycling and cleanup. Here, we present a framework of dividing plastic use in society into sectors, which can be used to disentangle the complexity of plastic pollution and direct attention to upstream design for the circular economy. Monitoring plastic pollution in environmental compartments will continue to provide feedback on mitigations, but with a sector framework, scientists, industry, and policymakers can begin to shape actions to curb the harmful impacts of plastic pollution at the source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Erdle
- 5 Gyres Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America.
| | - Marcus Eriksen
- 5 Gyres Institute, Los Angeles, California, United States of America.
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120
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Cimpan C, Bjelle EL, Budzinski M, Wood R, Strømman AH. Effects of Circularity Interventions in the European Plastic Packaging Sector. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37384586 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Low levels of plastics circularity today reflect major challenges for the sector to reduce environmental impacts and a need for wider systemic change. In this work, we investigated the potential for climate and socioeconomic benefits of circular economy (CE) interventions in the plastic packaging system. By means of a mixed-unit input-output (IO) model, we performed a comparative scenario analysis for the development of demand and waste management up to 2030 within the EU-28 (EU27 + United Kingdom). We modeled the development of material flows and assessed the effects of both demand-side and end-of-life interventions. Different levels of ambition toward 2030 based on EU circular economy strategies were tested. Results showed that on reaching high levels of circularity, between 14 and 22 Mt CO2-eq/year could be reduced by 2030 (20-30% of the total sector impact in 2018) compared to business-as-usual. Demand change (e.g., by decreasing product packaging intensities) showed similar emission-saving potential as achieving the current recycling target of 55%, which emphasizes the role of demand-side actions. Most scenarios displayed moderate employment gains and potential economic losses, pertaining to both direct and indirect activity shifts in the economy. While considering model limitations, the approach is useful in indicating potential first-order effects of system changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciprian Cimpan
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of energy and process engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | | | - Maik Budzinski
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of energy and process engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Richard Wood
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of energy and process engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Anders Hammer Strømman
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department of energy and process engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7491, Norway
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Kaur J, Kelpsiene E, Gupta G, Dobryden I, Cedervall T, Fadeel B. Label-free detection of polystyrene nanoparticles in Daphnia magna using Raman confocal mapping. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:3453-3462. [PMID: 37383076 PMCID: PMC10295233 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00323j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental problem. Moreover, plastic particles are of increasing concern for human health. However, the detection of so-called nanoplastics in relevant biological compartments remains a challenge. Here we show that Raman confocal spectroscopy-microscopy can be deployed for the non-invasive detection of amine-functionalized and carboxy-functionalized polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (NPs) in Daphnia magna. The presence of PS NPs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of D. magna was confirmed by using transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, we investigated the ability of NH2-PS NPs and COOH-PS NPs to disrupt the epithelial barrier of the GI tract using the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29. To this end, the cells were differentiated for 21 days and then exposed to PS NPs followed by cytotoxicity assessment and transepithelial electrical resistance measurements. A minor disruption of barrier integrity was noted for COOH-PS NPs, but not for the NH2-PS NPs, while no overt cytotoxicity was observed for both NPs. This study provides evidence of the feasibility of applying label-free approaches, i.e., confocal Raman mapping, to study PS NPs in a biological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasreen Kaur
- Division of Molecular Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet Nobels väg 13 171 77 Stockholm Sweden
| | - Egle Kelpsiene
- NanoLund, Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University Lund Sweden
| | - Govind Gupta
- Division of Molecular Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet Nobels väg 13 171 77 Stockholm Sweden
| | - Illia Dobryden
- Department of Material and Surface Design, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden Stockholm Sweden
| | - Tommy Cedervall
- NanoLund, Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University Lund Sweden
| | - Bengt Fadeel
- Division of Molecular Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet Nobels väg 13 171 77 Stockholm Sweden
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Meng J, Zhou Y, Li D, Jiang X. Degradation of plastic wastes to commercial chemicals and monomers under visible light. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023:S2095-9273(23)00407-3. [PMID: 37423865 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are playing an incrementally extensive and irreplaceable role in human life, but with alarming cyclic unsustainability. Numerous attempts have been undertaken to recycle plastics, among which chemical recycling from waste plastics back to chemicals and monomers has attracted great attention. Herein, the depolymerization of nine types of plastics to commercial chemicals and monomers was achieved under ambient conditions via synergetic integrated uranyl-photocatalysis, which contains a process for converting five kinds of mixed plastics into a value-added product. The degradation processes were depicted in terms of variation in scanning electron microscopy imaging, distinction in the X-ray diffraction pattern, alteration in water contact angle, and dynamic in molecular weight distribution. Single electron transfer, hydrogen atom transfer, and oxygen atom transfer were synergistically involved in uranyl-photocatalysis, which were substantiated by mechanistic studies. Relying on flow system design, the chemical recycling of plastics was feasible for kilogram-scale degradation of post-consumer-waste polyethylene terephthalate bottles to commercial chemicals, displaying a promising practical application potential in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaolong Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yilin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Daoji Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xuefeng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; State Key Laboratory of Organometallic Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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123
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Samal A, Das N. Mini-review on remediation of plastic pollution through photoreforming: progress, possibilities, and challenges. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-28253-x. [PMID: 37351752 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28253-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The increasing plastic pollution has raised significant concerns about the environment and the destruction of its precious resources. Making value-added products out of plastic waste is an effective way to reduce plastic pollution and use it as a valuable resource. Plastic reforming driven by sunlight offers a quick and low-energy way to produce hydrogen from waste. Photoreforming of plastic waste is an emerging technology that cannot only break down plastic polymer waste into value-added chemicals but also produce solar fuel cell quality H2. Technologies, such as pyrolysis, combustion, and advanced oxidation, are right now being studied for converting plastic pollution into energy. A thorough summary and comparison of different technologies have not yet been published. Open dumping and combustion are two main steps to deal with waste plastics, but these processes experience inefficiencies and cannot adequately address the challenges. In this mini-review, we aimed to provide a short overview of the recently reported conventional and novel plastic waste treatment methods. The current research on the photoreforming of plastics conducted by various groups and some advantages and disadvantages of this practice has been discussed thoroughly. Also, some notes were made on the prospective future scope present in this particular research area to achieve a carbon-free fuel system. The purpose of this review is to encourage the utilisation of plastic garbage as an alternative source of energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaka Samal
- Department of Chemistry, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751 004, India
| | - Nigamananda Das
- Department of Chemistry, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751 004, India.
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124
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Rodge SP, Shende KS, Patil NP. Polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthesis and optimisation of thermophilic Geobacillus stearothermophilus strain K4E3_SPR_NPP. Extremophiles 2023; 27:13. [PMID: 37349574 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-023-01300-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) can be used to combat the challenges associated with plastic because it is biodegradable and can be produced from renewable resources. Extremophiles are considered to be potential PHA producers. An initial screening for the PHA synthesizing ability of a thermophilic bacteria Geobacillus stearothermophilus strain K4E3_SPR_NPP was carried out using Sudan black B staining. Nile red viable colony staining was used to further verify that the isolates produced PHA. Crotonic acid assays were used to determine the concentrations of PHA. The bacteria showed 31% PHA accumulation per dry cell weight (PHA/DCW) when glucose was used as a carbon source for growth. The molecule was identified to be medium chain length PHA, A copolymer of PHA containing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-poly(3-hydroxyvalerate)-poly(3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHB-PHV-PHHX) using 1H-NMR. Six carbon sources and four nitrogen sources were screened for the synthesis of maximum PHA content, of which lactose and ammonium nitrate showed 45% and 53% PHA/DCW respectively. The important factors in the experiment are identified using the Plackett-Burman design, and optimization is performed using the response surface method. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the three important factors, and the maximum biomass and PHA productions were discovered. Optimal concentrations yielded a maximum of 0.48 g/l biomass and 0.32 g/l PHA, measuring 66.66% PHA accumulation. Dairy industry effluent was employed for the synthesis of PHA, yielding 0.73 g/l biomass and 0.33 g/l PHA, measuring 45% PHA accumulation. These findings add credibility to the possibility of adopting thermophilic isolates for PHA production using low-cost substrates.
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125
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Zhou X, Xiao C, Li X, Chen T, Yang X. Microplastics in coastal blue carbon ecosystems: A global Meta-analysis of its distribution, driving mechanisms, and potential risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163048. [PMID: 36990230 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics, as emerging pollutants, have become a global environmental concern. Blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs) are threatened by microplastics. Although substantial studies have explored the dynamics and threats of microplastics in BCEs, the fate and driving factors of microplastics in BCEs on a global scale remain largely unknown. Here, the occurrence, driving factors, and risks of microplastics in global BCEs were investigated by synthesizing a global meta-analysis. The results showed that the abundance of microplastics in BCEs has notable spatial differences worldwide, with the highest microplastic concentrations in Asia, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Microplastic abundance is influenced by the vegetation habitat, climate, coastal environment, and river runoff. The interaction of geographic location, ecosystem type, coastal environment, and climate enhanced the effects of microplastic distribution. In addition, we found that microplastic accumulation in organisms varied according to feeding habits and body weight. Significant accumulation was observed in large fish; however, growth dilution effects were also observed. The effect of microplastics on the organic carbon content of sediments from BCEs varies by ecosystem; microplastic concentrations do not necessarily increase organic carbon sequestration. Global BCEs are at a high risk of microplastic pollution, with high microplastic abundance and toxicity driving the high pollution risk. Finally, this review provides scientific evidence that will form the basis for future microplastic research, focusing on the transport of microplastics in BCEs; effects on the growth, development, and primary productivity of blue carbon plants; and soil biogeochemical cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Cunde Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xueying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Tao Chen
- School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100088, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 510006, China.
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126
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Roy S, Siracusa V. Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10372. [PMID: 37373519 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biopolymers and biomaterials are two interconnected key topics, which have recently drawn significant attention from researchers across all fields, owing to the emerging potential in multifunctional use [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarup Roy
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
| | - Valentina Siracusa
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
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127
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Porretti M, Impellitteri F, Caferro A, Albergamo A, Litrenta F, Filice M, Imbrogno S, Di Bella G, Faggio C. Assessment of the effects of non-phthalate plasticizer DEHT on the bivalve molluscs Mytilus galloprovincialis. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 336:139273. [PMID: 37343639 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Due to their uncontrolled use, plastics has become an environmental concern, not only for their varying dimension but also for the potential release of substances such as phthalates (PAEs) and non-phthalates (NPPs) into the water. Phthalates are the most common plasticizers of concern, but non-phthalate plasticizers such as di (2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) have also been lately found in the marine environment. Mytilus galloprovincialis is a well-known bioindicator of aquatic environments due to its ability to accumulate a wide variety of xenobiotics, including plasticizers. Hence, aim of this study was to evaluate the potential bioaccumulation and effects of the NPP DEHT on M. galloprovincialis. To this purpose, following exposure to DEHT at 1 mg/l (DEHT1) and 100 mg/l (DEHT100), its accumulation in tissues and its effects on total lipids and fatty acid (FA) composition, protein content, cell viability, ability to recover volume and changes in biomarkers of oxidative stress were assessed. Mussels were able to bioaccumulate DEHT in their tissues, with a statistically significant increase compared to the control organisms. Differences in FA composition were observed after exposure, since C16:0, C18:0, C20:5ω-3 and C22:6ω-3 were significantly decreased from control to exposed groups. As a result, total SFA, MUFA and PUFA were affected in DEHT-exposed groups. Also, total protein varied following DEHT exposure, and significantly decreased in the DEHT100-group. Considering the physiological responses, both DEHT-exposed groups lost their ability to return to the original volume of digestive gland (DG) cells. On the other hand, oxidative biomarkers in the gills and DG were not significantly affected by the DEHT exposure. Overall, this study showed for the first time that DEHT exposure differentially affect mussels, in their lipid and protein metabolism, as well as cellular parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Porretti
- University of Messina, Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, 98100, Messina, Italy.
| | - Federica Impellitteri
- University of Messina, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Viale Giovanni Palatucci Snc, 98168, Messina, Italy.
| | - Alessia Caferro
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, Via P. Bucci, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
| | - Ambrogina Albergamo
- University of Messina, Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences (BIOMORF), 98100, Messina, Italy.
| | - Federica Litrenta
- University of Messina, Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences (BIOMORF), 98100, Messina, Italy.
| | - Mariacristina Filice
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, Via P. Bucci, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
| | - Sandra Imbrogno
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, Via P. Bucci, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
| | - Giuseppa Di Bella
- University of Messina, Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences (BIOMORF), 98100, Messina, Italy.
| | - Caterina Faggio
- University of Messina, Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, 98100, Messina, Italy.
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128
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Justino AKS, Ferreira GVB, Fauvelle V, Schmidt N, Lenoble V, Pelage L, Martins K, Travassos P, Lucena-Frédou F. From prey to predators: Evidence of microplastic trophic transfer in tuna and large pelagic species in the southwestern Tropical Atlantic. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 327:121532. [PMID: 37001599 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121532] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is present in most marine environments; however, contamination in pelagic predators, including species of economic interest, is still poorly understood. This study aims to access the macro- and microplastic contamination in tuna and large pelagic species and verify whether a trophic transfer occurs from prey to tunas captured by two fleets in the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic (SWTA). We combined different methodological approaches to analyse the intake of macro- and microplastics. In addition to examining the plastics in the fish' stomachs, we investigated the contamination in the prey retrieved from the guts of predators. A low frequency of occurrence (3%) of macroplastic was detected in the tuna and large pelagic species; conversely, we observed a high frequency of microplastic in the tuna's stomachs (100%) and prey analysed (70%). We evinced the trophic transfer of microplastics by analysing the ingestion rate of particles in prey retrieved from the tuna stomachs. In the 34 analysed prey, we detected 355 microplastic particles. The most contaminated prey were cephalopods and fishes of the Bramidae family. The most frequent microplastic shapes in both prey and tuna stomachs were foams, pellets and fibres (<1 mm). A variety of polymers were identified; the most frequent were styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE). Our findings enhance scientific knowledge of how the ecological behaviour of marine species can affect microplastic intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K S Justino
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/n, 52171-900, Recife, Brazil; Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, IRD, MIO, Toulon, France.
| | - Guilherme V B Ferreira
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/n, 52171-900, Recife, Brazil
| | - Vincent Fauvelle
- Université de Toulouse, LEGOS (CNES/CNRS/IRD/UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Natascha Schmidt
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Véronique Lenoble
- Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, IRD, MIO, Toulon, France
| | - Latifa Pelage
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/n, 52171-900, Recife, Brazil
| | - Karla Martins
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/n, 52171-900, Recife, Brazil
| | - Paulo Travassos
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/n, 52171-900, Recife, Brazil
| | - Flávia Lucena-Frédou
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura (DEPAQ), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, S/n, 52171-900, Recife, Brazil
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129
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Vlaanderen EJ, Ghaly TM, Moore LR, Focardi A, Paulsen IT, Tetu SG. Plastic leachate exposure drives antibiotic resistance and virulence in marine bacterial communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 327:121558. [PMID: 37019264 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a serious global problem, with more than 12 million tonnes of plastic waste entering the oceans every year. Plastic debris can have considerable impacts on microbial community structure and functions in marine environments, and has been associated with an enrichment in pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. However, our understanding of these impacts is largely restricted to microbial assemblages on plastic surfaces. It is therefore unclear whether these effects are driven by the surface properties of plastics, providing an additional niche for certain microbes residing in biofilms, and/or chemicals leached from plastics, the effects of which could extend to surrounding planktonic bacteria. Here, we examine the effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic leachate exposure on the relative abundance of genes associated with bacterial pathogenicity and AMR within a seawater microcosm community. We show that PVC leachate, in the absence of plastic surfaces, drives an enrichment in AMR and virulence genes. In particular, leachate exposure significantly enriches AMR genes that confer multidrug, aminoglycoside and peptide antibiotic resistance. Additionally, enrichment of genes involved in the extracellular secretion of virulence proteins was observed among pathogens of marine organisms. This study provides the first evidence that chemicals leached from plastic particles alone can enrich genes related to microbial pathogenesis within a bacterial community, expanding our knowledge of the environmental impacts of plastic pollution with potential consequences for human and ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Vlaanderen
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Timothy M Ghaly
- School of Natural Sciences Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa R Moore
- School of Natural Sciences Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amaranta Focardi
- Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian T Paulsen
- School of Natural Sciences Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sasha G Tetu
- School of Natural Sciences Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
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130
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Viel T, Manfra L, Zupo V, Libralato G, Cocca M, Costantini M. Biodegradation of Plastics Induced by Marine Organisms: Future Perspectives for Bioremediation Approaches. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2673. [PMID: 37376319 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a distinctive element of the globalized world. In fact, since the 1970s the expansion and use of plastics, particularly in the consumer and commercial sectors, has given this material a permanent place in our lives. The increasing use of plastic products and the wrong management of end-of-life plastic products have contributed to increasing environmental pollution, with negative impacts on our ecosystems and the ecological functions of natural habitats. Nowadays, plastic pollution is pervasive in all environmental compartments. As aquatic environments are the dumping points for poorly managed plastics, biofouling and biodegradation have been proposed as promising approaches for plastic bioremediation. Known for the high stability of plastics in the marine environment, this represents a very important issue to preserve marine biodiversity. In this review, we have summarized the main cases reported in the literature on the degradation of plastics by bacteria, fungi, and microalgae and the degradation mechanisms involved, to highlight the potential of bioremediation approaches to reduce macro and microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Viel
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegri, 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Loredana Manfra
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Vitaliano Brancati 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Zupo
- Stazione Zoologica, Ecosustainable Biotechnology Department, Ischia Marine Centre, Via Buonocore 42, 80077 Ischia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Cocca
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Via Campi Flegri, 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Maria Costantini
- Department of Ecosustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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131
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Winton S, Roberts KP, Bowyer C, Fletcher S. Harnessing citizen science to tackle urban-sourced ocean plastic pollution: Experiences and lessons learned from implementing city-wide surveys of plastic litter. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115116. [PMID: 37279612 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litter is an endemic problem within all regions, particularly cities. Much of this litter reaches the world's oceans with well documented environmental impacts. However, the monitoring of urban litter is often piecemeal at best. Citizen science, the action of utilising the public to support research, has been used to excellent effect for both research and engagement, usually for area clean-ups such as beach cleans. However, to date very few studies have assessed plastic pollution at a city scale. This study presents a novel citizen science approach, using a smartphone application to collect geolocated photographs of plastic litter during 5 city-wide surveys. The study has compiled a significant dataset of photographs (n = 3760), classified by plastic type to assess patterns of plastic pollution Portsmouth, UK. The method is shown to have significant potential for further development to facilitate detailed analysis of plastic litter in urban centres across the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Winton
- Global Plastics Policy Centre, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK; School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK.
| | - Keiron P Roberts
- Global Plastics Policy Centre, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK; School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK
| | - Cressida Bowyer
- Global Plastics Policy Centre, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK; School of Art, Design and Performance, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK
| | - Stephen Fletcher
- Global Plastics Policy Centre, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK; School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK
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132
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Hocherman T, Trop T, Ghermandi A. Introducing a temporal DPSIR (tDPSIR) framework and its application to marine pollution by PET bottles. AMBIO 2023; 52:1125-1136. [PMID: 36547855 PMCID: PMC10160259 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01823-y] [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: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Environmental governance is highly sensitive to temporal dynamics, due to the ever-accelerating rate of technological changes, the cumulative nature of environmental impacts and the complexity of multi-level environmental policy processes. Yet, temporality is generally only implicitly included in frameworks used for describing or assessing policy response in the broad context of social-ecological systems, such as the widely used Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework. As a result, the application of such frameworks often does not give due attention to questions of temporality, with potential negative impacts on attaining environmental goals. The current work proposes to modify the DPSIR framework to explicitly incorporate temporal aspects. We suggest two extensions of the common framework to account for time lags and allow for early response through a "response shift-left" mechanism. The potential of the modified framework-temporal DPSIR (tDPSIR)-to shed light on these temporal aspects is demonstrated through analysis of the European Union's response to pollution of the marine environment by plastic bottle waste. The analysis emphasizes the pronounced time lags between the initiation of this anthropogenic pressure and effective governance capable of curbing emissions. We discuss how tDPSIR can be applied to a range of environmental issues to populate databases of time lags in environmental governance, which, in turn, can be analysed for systemic patterns and chains of causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Hocherman
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khushy, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
| | - Tamar Trop
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khushy, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
| | - Andrea Ghermandi
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khushy, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
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133
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Bidashimwa D, Hoke T, Huynh TB, Narkpitaks N, Priyonugroho K, Ha TT, Burns A, Weissman A. Plastic pollution: how can the global health community fight the growing problem? BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012140. [PMID: 37295791 PMCID: PMC10277055 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Theresa Hoke
- Health Service Research, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thu Ba Huynh
- Asia Pacific Regional Office, FHI 360, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Trinh Thai Ha
- Asia Pacific Regional Office, FHI 360, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Allison Burns
- Knowledge Exchange, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amy Weissman
- Asia Pacific Regional Office, FHI 360, Bangkok, Thailand
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134
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Kiessling T, Hinzmann M, Mederake L, Dittmann S, Brennecke D, Böhm-Beck M, Knickmeier K, Thiel M. What potential does the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive have for reducing plastic pollution at coastlines and riversides? An evaluation based on citizen science data. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 164:106-118. [PMID: 37044029 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.03.042] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
To address environmental pollution by plastic litter, the European Union adopted EU Directive 2019/904, the so called "Single-Use Plastics Directive" (SUPD), which bans several single-use plastic products and addresses additional items with measures such as extended producer responsibility and obligatory requirements for product redesign. This study assessed the potential of the SUPD to reduce litter pollution in the environment with three scenarios. The "best case" scenario assumed that all measures of the SUPD completely prevent targeted items from getting into the environment. Another scenario assumed that no measures besides bans were effective. An intermediate scenario assumed partial effectiveness of measures. Data of almost 5,000 sampling events from citizen science protocols (Plastic Pirates, International Coastal Cleanup, Marine Litter Watch) and the OSPAR protocol were used to analyse litter at riversides and coastlines in Germany and the European Union. 44 to 68% of litter items in citizen science protocols consisted of single-use plastics (cigarette butts were the most prominent items). At coastlines sampled by the OSPAR protocol, fishing gear and undefined plastics prevailed. The scenario analysis revealed that substantial litter reductions could be achieved in the "best case" scenario (upwards of 40%), while the intermediate scenario resulted in litter reductions of 13 to 25%. The marginal effect of the "only bans" scenario achieved a reduction of 2-6% in Germany and the European Union, respectively. Thus, depending on implementation and enforcement, the current SUPD can be an important first step, yet further legislative actions are needed to effectively prevent plastic waste pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Kiessling
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Mandy Hinzmann
- Ecologic Institute. Pfalzburger Strasse 43/44, 10717 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Linda Mederake
- Ecologic Institute. Pfalzburger Strasse 43/44, 10717 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sinja Dittmann
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Dennis Brennecke
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Marianne Böhm-Beck
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Katrin Knickmeier
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN) and Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 16i, 24118 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Martin Thiel
- Departamento de Biología Marina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile.
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135
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Peng G, Pu Z, Chen F, Xu H, Cao X, Chun Chen C, Wang J, Liao Y, Zhu X, Pan K. Metal leaching from plastics in the marine environment: An ignored role of biofilm. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:107988. [PMID: 37267729 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A large quantity of metal compounds in plastics are released into the marine environment every year. However, our understanding of the extent and mechanism by which polymer-bound metals leach into seawater is still limited. In this study, a comprehensive survey was conducted to measure the metal concentrations in commonly used plastics and evaluate the effects of environmental factors (temperature, radiation, and salinity) and the physiochemical properties (surface roughness, specific surface area, hydrophobicity, and crystallinity) of the plastics on their metal leaching into seawater. In particular, we observed the metal loss from six plastics submerged in coastal seawater for eight months and studied the role of biofilm in controlling the leaching of Sb, Sn, Pb, Ba, and Cr. Our results indicate that increased temperature enhanced the release of these metals, while exposure to ultraviolet radiation significantly increased the leaching of Sn from polylactide (PLA). High salinity facilitated the leaching of Sn from PLA and Pb from polyvinylchloride ball, however inhibited the leaching of Ba from PE wrap. The leaching rate was primarily determined by the inherent property of crystallinity. Metal loss from the plastics in the field was apparent during the first three weeks, but then was hindered by the development of biofilm. Our study provides the mechanisms underlying metal leaching from physical, chemical, and biological perspectives, which is useful for understanding the environmental risk of the plastic-containing metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guogan Peng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhengshijian Pu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Fengyuan Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Huo Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xue Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ciara Chun Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Jingzhen Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Change and Disaster in Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Yongyan Liao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhu
- College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Ke Pan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Microbiome Engineering, Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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136
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Hao YY, Liu HW, Zhao J, Feng J, Hao X, Huang Q, Gu B, Liu YR. Plastispheres as hotspots of microbially-driven methylmercury production in paddy soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 457:131699. [PMID: 37270960 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) as emerging contaminants have accumulated extensively in agricultural ecosystems and are known to exert important effects on biogeochemical processes. However, how MPs in paddy soils influence the conversion of mercury (Hg) to neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) remains poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the effects of MPs on Hg methylation and associated microbial communities in microcosms using two typical paddy soils in China (i.e., yellow and red soils). Results showed that the addition of MPs significantly increased MeHg production in both soils, which could be related to higher Hg methylation potential in the plastisphere than in the bulk soil. We found significant divergences in the community composition of Hg methylators between the plastisphere and the bulk soil. In addition, the plastisphere had higher proportions of Geobacterales in the yellow soil and Methanomicrobia in the red soil compared with the bulk soil, respectively; and plastisphere also had more densely connected microbial groups between non-Hg methylators and Hg methylators. These microbiota in the plastisphere are different from those in the bulk soil, which could partially account for their distinct MeHg production ability. Our findings suggest plastisphere as a unique biotope for MeHg production and provide new insights into the environment risks of MP accumulation in agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Yun Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hui-Wen Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiao Feng
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiuli Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiaoyun Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Baohua Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Yu-Rong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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137
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Mai L, Sun X, Zeng EY. Country-specific riverine contributions to marine plastic pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 874:162552. [PMID: 36870495 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Marine plastic debris are mainly derived from land-based sources, and the transport of plastics via global rivers is of great concern. Ample efforts have been made in estimating the land-based contributions of plastic to the global oceans, but quantifying country-specific (and per capita) riverine outflows is an important step toward the development of a globally integrated framework to mitigate marine plastic pollution. To estimate the country-specific riverine contributions to global marine plastic pollution, we built a River-to-Ocean model framework. In 2016, the median annual country-specific riverine plastic outflows and related per capita values for 161 countries varied between 0.76 and 103,000 metric tons (MT) and 0.83-248 g, respectively. India, China, and Indonesia were the top three contributors to riverine plastic outflows, whereas Guatemala, Philippines, and Colombia had the highest per capita riverine plastic outflows. The total riverine plastic outflow from 161 countries was in the range of 0.15-0.53 million MT annually, accounting for 0.4 %-1.3 % of the 40 million MT plastic waste generated yearly by more than seven billion humans. Population, plastic waste generation, and Human Development Index are the dominant factors influencing riverine plastic outflows to global oceans from individual countries. Our findings provide an important basis for launching effective plastic pollution management and control measures in global countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Mai
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Xiangfei Sun
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Research Center of Low Carbon Economy for Guangzhou Region, Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province of Community of Life for Man and Nature, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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138
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Lei J, Zhang X, Yan W, Chen X, Li Z, Dan P, Dan Q, Jiang W, Liu Q, Li Y. Urban Microplastic Pollution Revealed by a Large-Scale Wetland Soil Survey. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:8035-8043. [PMID: 37200099 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as a new persistent pollutant, can be emitted and accumulated in urban environments, but there is no detailed information on the driving factors of MP pollution. In this study, through a large-scale wetland soil survey, the features of MPs were characterized in each urban area. The results showed an average abundance to be 379 n/kg in wetland soil. Polypropylene, fiber or fragment, and black color were common composition, shape, and color, respectively. The spatial distribution information showed that MP abundance was significantly relevant to the distance from the urban economic center. Furthermore, the correlation and regression analysis revealed that MP abundance was related to soil heavy metal and atmospheric particle (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations (P < 0.05), while the promotion of socioeconomic activities (urbanization level, population density, etc.) may aggravate the pollution degree. Additionally, by using structural equation modeling, it was found that the urbanization level was the dominant factor driving the MP pollution degree, with a total effect coefficient of 0.49. Overall, this work provides multi-sided environmental information regarding MP pollution in urban ecosystems, which is significant for follow-up studies of MP pollution control and restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Lei
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
| | - Xuyuan Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
| | - Wende Yan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
| | - Xiaoyong Chen
- College of Arts and Sciences, Governors State University, University Park, Illinois 60484, United States
| | - Ziqian Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
| | - Peipei Dan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
| | - Qing Dan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
| | - Wenxi Jiang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
| | - Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yong Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Forest Ecological Technology in Southern China, Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410004, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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139
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Zhu Z, Yang L, Xiong Z, Liu D, Hu B, Wang N, Ola O, Zhu Y. SiC@FeZnZiF as a Bifunctional Catalyst with Catalytic Activating PMS and Photoreducing Carbon Dioxide. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13101664. [PMID: 37242081 DOI: 10.3390/nano13101664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we encapsulated modified silicon carbide nanoparticles utilizing a metal-organic backbone. E-SiC-FeZnZIF composites were successfully prepared via Fe doping. The catalysis activity of this bifunctional composite material was evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline (THC) and carbamazepine (CBZ) and the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2). Nano SiC has received widespread attention in advanced oxidation applications, especially in the catalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). However, the inferior activity of SiC has severely restricted its practical use. In this study of dual functional composite materials, nano SiC was firstly etched under aqueous alkali. Then, zeolite imidazolate frame-8 (ZIF-8) was used for immobilization. The filling of the etched nano SiC with FeZnZiF was confirmed by SEM, XRD, FTIR, BET, and XPS analyses. In addition, E-SiC-FeZnZIF exhibited excellent catalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to oxidize water pollutants, which can degrade tetracycline hydrochloride (THC), achieving a removal rate of 72% within 60 min. Moreover, E-SiC-FeZnZIF exhibited a relatively high CO2 reduction rate with H2O. The yields of CO and CH4 were 0.085 and 0.509 μmol g-1, respectively, after 2 h, which are higher than that of 50 nm of commercial SiC (CO: 0.084 μmol g-1; CH4: 0.209 μmol g-1). This work provides a relatively convenient synthesis path for constructing metal skeleton composites for advanced oxidation and photocatalytic applications. This will have practical significance in protecting water bodies and reducing CO2, which are vital not only for maintaining the natural ecological balance and negative feedback regulation, but also for creating a new application carrier based on nano silicon carbide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Engineering Safety, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Liaoliao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Engineering Safety, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Zhaodong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Engineering Safety, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Daohan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Engineering Safety, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Binbin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Engineering Safety, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Nannan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Structural Safety of Ministry of Education, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Engineering Safety, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Oluwafunmilola Ola
- Advanced Materials Group, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Yanqiu Zhu
- College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK
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140
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Baudena A, Kiko R, Jalón-Rojas I, Pedrotti ML. Low-Density Plastic Debris Dispersion beneath the Mediterranean Sea Surface. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7503-7515. [PMID: 37125732 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastic is a widespread marine pollutant, with most studies focusing on the distribution of floating plastic debris at the sea surface. Recent evidence, however, indicates a significant presence of such low density plastic in the water column and at the seafloor, but information on its origin and dispersion is lacking. Here, we studied the pathways and fate of sinking plastic debris in the Mediterranean Sea, one of the most polluted world seas. We used a recent Lagrangian plastic-tracking model, forced with realistic parameters, including a maximum estimated sinking speed of 7.8 m/d. Our simulations showed that the locations where particles left the surface differed significantly from those where they reached the seafloor, with lateral transport distances between 119 and 282 km. Furthermore, 60% of particles deposited on the bottom coastal strip (20 km wide) were released from vessels, 20% from the facing country, and 20% from other countries. Theoretical considerations furthermore suggested that biological activities potentially responsible for the sinking of low density plastic occur throughout the water column. Our findings indicate that the responsibility for seafloor plastic pollution is shared among Mediterranean countries, with potential impact on pelagic and benthic biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Baudena
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, UMR 7093 LOV, Villefranche-sur-Mer 06230, France
| | - Rainer Kiko
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, UMR 7093 LOV, Villefranche-sur-Mer 06230, France
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research 24148 Kiel, Germany
| | - Isabel Jalón-Rojas
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Maria Luiza Pedrotti
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, UMR 7093 LOV, Villefranche-sur-Mer 06230, France
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141
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Li R, Liu M, Shan Y, Shi Y, Zheng H, Zhang W, Yang J, Fang W, Ma Z, Wang J, Bi J, Hubacek K. Large Virtual Transboundary Hazardous Waste Flows: The Case of China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:8161-8173. [PMID: 37192406 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The Basel Convention and prior studies mainly focused on the physical transboundary movements of hazardous waste (transporting waste from one region to another for cheaper disposal). Here, we take China, the world's largest waste producer, as an example and reveal the virtual hazardous waste flows in trade (outsourcing waste by importing waste-intensive products) by developing a multiregional input-output model. Our model characterizes the impact of international trade between China and 140 economies and China's interprovincial trade on hazardous waste generated by 161,599 Chinese enterprises. We find that, in 2015, virtual hazardous waste flows in China's trade reached 26.6 million tons (67% of the national total), of which 31% were generated during the production of goods that were ultimately consumed abroad. Trade-related production is much dirtier than locally consumed production, generating 26% more hazardous waste per unit of GDP. Under the impact of virtual flows, 40% of the waste-intensive production and relevant disposal duty is unequally concentrated in three Chinese provinces (including two least-developed ones, Qinghai and Xinjiang). Our findings imply the importance of expanding the scope of transboundary waste regulations and provide a quantitative basis for introducing consumer responsibilities. This may help relieve waste management burdens in less-developed "waste havens".
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Miaomiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuli Shan
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Yufan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Heran Zheng
- The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, London WC1E 7HB, U.K
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing 100041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongwei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing 100041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Klaus Hubacek
- Integrated Research on Energy, Environment and Society (IREES), Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG), University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
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142
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Lopes L, Reis D, Paula Junior A, Almeida M. Influence of 3D Microstructure Pattern and Infill Density on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of PET-G Filaments. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15102268. [PMID: 37242843 DOI: 10.3390/polym15102268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the thermal and mechanical performances of PET-G thermoplastics with different 3D microstructure patterns and infill densities. The production costs were also estimated to identify the most cost-effective solution. A total of 12 infill patterns were analysed, including Gyroid, Grid, Hilbert curve, Line, Rectilinear, Stars, Triangles, 3D Honeycomb, Honeycomb, Concentric, Cubic, and Octagram spiral with a fixed infill density of 25%. Different infill densities ranging from 5% to 20% were also tested to determine the best geometries. Thermal tests were conducted in a hotbox test chamber and mechanical properties were evaluated using a series of three-point bending tests. The study used printing parameters to meet the construction sector's specific needs, including a larger nozzle diameter and printing speed. The internal microstructures led to variations of up to 70% in thermal performance and up to 300% in mechanical performance. For each geometry, the mechanical and thermal performance was highly correlated with the infill pattern, where higher infill improved thermal and mechanical performances. The economic performance showed that, in most cases, except for the Honeycomb and 3D Honeycomb, there were no significant cost differences between infill geometries. These findings can provide valuable insights for selecting the optimal 3D printing parameters in the construction industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Lopes
- Department of Civil Engineering, ISISE, ARISE, University of Minho, 4804-533 Guimaraes, Portugal
| | - Daniel Reis
- Department of Civil Engineering, ISISE, ARISE, University of Minho, 4804-533 Guimaraes, Portugal
| | - Adilson Paula Junior
- Department of Civil Engineering, ISISE, ARISE, University of Minho, 4804-533 Guimaraes, Portugal
| | - Manuela Almeida
- Department of Civil Engineering, ISISE, ARISE, University of Minho, 4804-533 Guimaraes, Portugal
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143
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Velis CA, Wilson DC, Gavish Y, Grimes SM, Whiteman A. Socio-economic development drives solid waste management performance in cities: A global analysis using machine learning. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:161913. [PMID: 36781141 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mismanaged municipal solid waste (MSW), the major source of plastics pollution and a key contributor to climate forcing, in Global South cities poses public health and environmental problems. This study analyses the first consistent and quality assured dataset available for cities distributed worldwide, featuring a comprehensive set of solid waste management performance indicators (Wasteaware Cities Benchmark Indicators - WABI). Machine learning (multivariate random forest) and univariate non-linear regression are applied, identifying best-fit converging models for a broad range of explanatory socioeconomic variables. These proxies describe in a variety of ways generic levels of progress, such as Gross Domestic Product - Purchasing Power per capita, Social Progress Index (SPI) and Corruption Perceptions Index. Specifically, the research tests and quantitatively confirms a long-standing, yet unverified, hypothesis: that variability in cities' performance on MSW can be accounted for by socioeconomic development indices. The results provide a baseline for measuring progress as cities report MSW performance for the sustainable development goal SDG11.6.1 indicator: median rates of controlled recovery and disposal are approximately at 45 % for cities in low-income countries, 75 % in lower-middle, and 100 % for both upper-middle and high-income. Casting light on aspects beyond the SDG metric, on the quality of MSW-related services, show that improvements in service quality often lag improvements in service coverage. Overall, the findings suggest that progress in collection coverage, and controlled recovery and disposal has already taken place in low- and middle-income cities. However, if cities aspire to perform better on MSW management than would have been anticipated by the average socioeconomic development in their country, they should identify ways to overcome systemic underlying failures associated with that socioeconomic level. Most alarmingly, 'business as usual' development would substantially increase their waste generation per capita unless new policies are found to promote decoupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costas A Velis
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - David C Wilson
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Yoni Gavish
- School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Sue M Grimes
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Andrew Whiteman
- Resources and Waste Advisory Group Ltd., Wren House, AL1 1NG, UK
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144
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Semmouri I, Vercauteren M, Van Acker E, Pequeur E, Asselman J, Janssen C. Distribution of microplastics in freshwater systems in an urbanized region: A case study in Flanders (Belgium). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162192. [PMID: 36781133 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging pollutant of concern in all known aquatic ecosystems. However, studies at a regional scale on MP pollution in freshwater systems and the necessary risk assessments are limited. Therefore, in this study, we examined microplastic concentrations, size distributions, and polymer types in surface waters and sediments in the geographic region Flanders (Belgium), as a case study for a densely populated region and one of the most developed parts of Europe. Samples have been taken on nine different locations, of which five were repeated in a different weather condition. In total 43 aqueous and nine sediment samples have been collected. The quantity and identity of the microplastics in the samples were determined with μFTIR spectroscopy in the range of 25-1000 μm. The MPs' abundances in surface waters and sediments ranged from 0 to 4.8 MP L-1 (average = 0.48 MP L-1) and from 0 to 9558 MP kg-1 dry weight (average = 2774.57 ± 2317.93 MP kg-1 DW), respectively. Polystyrene and polypropylene were the most common polymer compositions found. No correlations were observed between microplastic concentrations in the sediment/the surface water samples and the measured environmental variables rainfall, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen content, waterway flow rate and width, and surrounding land use. Risk assessment results for the measured surface water concentrations through the risk quotient (RQ) method and the probabilistic risk assessment framework suggest that most of the sampled sites in Flanders posed negligible risks to freshwater biota, while this was not the case for some of the sediment concentrations. Our results illustrate the need to urgently develop analytical methods that can routinely measure the full size range of MP in environmental samples to adequately assess risks for the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Semmouri
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Maaike Vercauteren
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Emmanuel Van Acker
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emmy Pequeur
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jana Asselman
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Colin Janssen
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
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145
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Fang B, Yu J, Chen Z, Osman AI, Farghali M, Ihara I, Hamza EH, Rooney DW, Yap PS. Artificial intelligence for waste management in smart cities: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2023; 21:1-31. [PMID: 37362015 PMCID: PMC10169138 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-023-01604-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The rising amount of waste generated worldwide is inducing issues of pollution, waste management, and recycling, calling for new strategies to improve the waste ecosystem, such as the use of artificial intelligence. Here, we review the application of artificial intelligence in waste-to-energy, smart bins, waste-sorting robots, waste generation models, waste monitoring and tracking, plastic pyrolysis, distinguishing fossil and modern materials, logistics, disposal, illegal dumping, resource recovery, smart cities, process efficiency, cost savings, and improving public health. Using artificial intelligence in waste logistics can reduce transportation distance by up to 36.8%, cost savings by up to 13.35%, and time savings by up to 28.22%. Artificial intelligence allows for identifying and sorting waste with an accuracy ranging from 72.8 to 99.95%. Artificial intelligence combined with chemical analysis improves waste pyrolysis, carbon emission estimation, and energy conversion. We also explain how efficiency can be increased and costs can be reduced by artificial intelligence in waste management systems for smart cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Fang
- Department of Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Jiacheng Yu
- Department of Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Zhonghao Chen
- Department of Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Ahmed I. Osman
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AG Northern Ireland UK
| | - Mohamed Farghali
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Socio-Economics, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan
- Department of Animal and Poultry Hygiene & Environmental Sanitation, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526 Egypt
| | - Ikko Ihara
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Socio-Economics, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan
| | - Essam H. Hamza
- Electric and Computer Engineering Department, Aircraft Armament (A/CA), Military Technical College, Cairo, Egypt
| | - David W. Rooney
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast, David Keir Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AG Northern Ireland UK
| | - Pow-Seng Yap
- Department of Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123 China
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146
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Zhang H, Fang T, Yao X, Li X, Zhu W. Catalytic Amounts of an Antibacterial Monomer Enable the Upcycling of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Waste. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2210758. [PMID: 36809549 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202210758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is an important polymer with an annual output second only to polyethylene. The development of PET recycling technologies is therefore necessary to not only eliminate the harm associated with white pollution and microplastics, but also to reduce carbon emissions. Antibacterial PET, one of the most high-value advanced materials, has improved the ability to treat bacterial infections. However, current methods of manufacturing commercial antibacterial PET require blending with an excess of metal-based antibacterial agents, which leads to biotoxicity and a nonpersistent antibacterial activity. In addition, high-efficiency organic antibacterial agents have yet to be employed in antibacterial PET due to their poor thermal stabilities. Herein, a solid-state reaction for the upcycling of PET waste using a novel hyperthermostable antibacterial monomer is described. This reaction is catalyzed by the residual catalyst present in the PET waste. It is found that a catalytic amount of the antibacterial monomer enabled the low-cost upcycling of PET waste to produce high-value recycled PET with a strong and persistent antibacterial activity, as well as similar thermal properties to the virgin PET. This work provides a feasible and economic strategy for the large-scale upcycling of PET waste and exhibits potential for application in the polymer industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Tianxiang Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xuxia Yao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Weipu Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan, 030000, China
- Key Laboratory of Adsorption and Separation Materials & Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
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147
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Cui J, Liu F, Lu Z, Feng S, Liang C, Sun Y, Cui J, Zhang B. Repeatedly Recyclable 3D Printing Catalyst-Free Dynamic Thermosetting Photopolymers. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2211417. [PMID: 36921350 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202211417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Photo-curing 3D printing technology has promoted the advanced manufacturing in various fields, but has exacerbated the environmental crisis by the demand for the chemically cross-linked thermosetting photopolymers. Here, the authors report a generic strategy to develop catalyst-free dynamic thermosetting photopolymers, based on photopolymerization and transesterification, that can enable users to realize repeatable 3D printing, providing a practical solution to the environmental challenges. That the β-carbonyl group adjacent to the ester group greatly accelerates the rate of transesterification is demonstrated. The generated resins from the immobilization of the catalyst-free reversible bonds into the photopolymers leads to a dynamic covalently crosslinked network structure upon UV based 3D printing, which exhibit controllable mechanical properties with elastomeric behaviors to thermadapt shape memory polymers. Furthermore, the resulting network can be reverted into an acrylate-functioned photopolymer that is suitable for 3D printing again, presenting an on-demand, repeatedly recyclable thermosetting photopolymer platform for sustainable 3D printing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Cui
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics (FSCFE), Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Fukang Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics (FSCFE), Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Zhe Lu
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics (FSCFE), Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Shiwei Feng
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics (FSCFE), Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics (FSCFE), Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Yongding Sun
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics (FSCFE), Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Jin Cui
- School of Information and Science Technology, Northwest University, 1 Xuefu Street, Xi'an, 710127, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics (FSCFE), Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710072, China
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148
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Efimov MN, Vasilev AA, Muratov DG, Kostev AI, Kolesnikov EA, Kiseleva SG, Karpacheva GP. Conversion of polyethylene terephthalate waste into high-yield porous carbon adsorbent via pyrolysis of dipotassium terephthalate. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 162:113-122. [PMID: 36965449 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A method for conversion of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste into porous carbon material is proposed. The recycling of PET bottle waste includes the stages of low-temperature hydrolysis of the polymer and subsequent pyrolysis at 800 °C. To provide PET hydrolysis at ∼150 °C and atmospheric pressure, the polymer was pre-dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and then an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide was added. The potassium terephthalate formed as a result of the alkaline hydrolysis of PET allows the carbon-containing precursor to be preserved for further activation to temperatures beyond 600 °C. The proposed method leads to the formation of a porous carbon material, increasing the yield of carbon residue to 25 wt%, which is higher compared to the yield of carbon residue in the direct pyrolysis of PET. The obtained porous carbon is characterized by graphite-like structure and specific surface area of ∼1100 m2 g-1. It has been shown that PET-derived carbon material can be used to remove pollutants from aqueous media. The adsorption properties of the carbon material were demonstrated by adsorption of methylene blue from an aqueous solution. The capacity of the carbon material was found to be 443 mg g-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Efimov
- A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis RAS, Leninskiy Prospekt 29, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - A A Vasilev
- A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis RAS, Leninskiy Prospekt 29, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - D G Muratov
- A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis RAS, Leninskiy Prospekt 29, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - A I Kostev
- A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis RAS, Leninskiy Prospekt 29, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - E A Kolesnikov
- National University of Science and Technology "MISiS", Leninskiy Prospekt. 4, 119049 Moscow, Russia
| | - S G Kiseleva
- A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis RAS, Leninskiy Prospekt 29, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - G P Karpacheva
- A.V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis RAS, Leninskiy Prospekt 29, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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149
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Qualhato G, Vieira LG, Oliveira M, Rocha TL. Plastic microfibers as a risk factor for the health of aquatic organisms: A bibliometric and systematic review of plastic pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161949. [PMID: 36740053 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161949] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic microfibers (PMFs) are emerging pollutants widely distributed in the environment. In the early 2020s, the need for personal protection due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased consumption of plastic materials (e.g., facemasks and gloves) and ultimately to increased plastic pollution, especially by PMFs. The PMFs present in the environment may be released in this form (primary particles) or in larger materials, that will release them as a result of environmental conditions. Although a considerable number of studies have been addressing the effects of microplastics, most of them studied round particles, with fewer studies focusing on PMFs. Thus, the current study aimed to summarize and critically discuss the available data concerning the ecotoxicological impact of PMFs on aquatic organisms. Aquatic organisms exposed to PMFs showed accumulation, mainly in the digestive tract, and several toxic effects, such as DNA damage, physiological alterations, digestive damage and even mortality, suggesting that PMFs can pose a risk for the health of aquatic organisms. The PMFs induced toxicity to aquatic invertebrate and vertebrate organisms depends on size, shape, chemical association and composition of fibers. Regarding other size range (nm) of plastic fibers, the literature review highlighted a knowledge gap in terms of the effects of plastic nanofibers on aquatic organisms. There is a knowledge gap in terms of the interaction and modes of action of PMFs associated with other pollutants. In addition, studies addressing effects at different trophic levels as well as the use of other biological models should be considered. Overall, research gaps and recommendations for future research and trends considering the environmental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Qualhato
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.; Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Lucélia Gonçalves Vieira
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Miguel Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil..
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150
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