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Soo XYD, Muiruri JK, Wu WY, Yeo JCC, Wang S, Tomczak N, Thitsartarn W, Tan BH, Wang P, Wei F, Suwardi A, Xu J, Loh XJ, Yan Q, Zhu Q. Bio-Polyethylene and Polyethylene Biocomposites: An Alternative toward a Sustainable Future. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2400064. [PMID: 38594967 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400064] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE), a highly prevalent non-biodegradable polymer in the field of plastics, presents a waste management issue. To alleviate this issue, bio-based PE (bio-PE), derived from renewable resources like corn and sugarcane, offers an environmentally friendly alternative. This review discusses various production methods of bio-PE, including fermentation, gasification, and catalytic conversion of biomass. Interestingly, the bio-PE production volumes and market are expanding due to the growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. Additionally, the production of PE and bio-PE biocomposites using agricultural waste as filler materials, highlights the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. According to previous studies, addition of ≈50% defibrillated corn and abaca fibers into bio-PE matrix and a compatibilizer, results in the highest Young's modulus of 4.61 and 5.81 GPa, respectively. These biocomposites have potential applications in automotive, building construction, and furniture industries. Moreover, the advancement made in abiotic and biotic degradation of PE and PE biocomposites is elucidated to address their environmental impacts. Finally, the paper concludes with insights into the opportunities, challenges, and future perspectives in the sustainable production and utilization of PE and bio-PE biocomposites. In summary, production of PE and bio-PE biocomposites can contribute to a cleaner and sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Yun Debbie Soo
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Joseph Kinyanjui Muiruri
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore
| | - Wen-Ya Wu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Jayven Chee Chuan Yeo
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Suxi Wang
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Nikodem Tomczak
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Warintorn Thitsartarn
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Beng Hoon Tan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Pei Wang
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Fengxia Wei
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Ady Suwardi
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
| | - Jianwei Xu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore
| | - Xian Jun Loh
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, #03-09 EA, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Qingyu Yan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore, 138634, Singapore
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, 627833, Singapore
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
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Jeong Y, Gong G, Lee HJ, Seong J, Hong SW, Lee C. Transformation of microplastics by oxidative water and wastewater treatment processes: A critical review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130313. [PMID: 36372022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130313] [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: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants of emerging concern that accumulate in various environments, where they pose threats to both the ecosystem and public health. Since MPs have been detected in drinking water resources and wastewater effluents, more efficient treatment is needed at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). This review discusses the potential of biological, photochemical, Fenton (-like) systems, ozonation, and other oxidation processes in the treatment of MPs in terms of their indicators of oxidation such as mass loss and surface oxidation. The oxidation processes were further analyzed in terms of limitations and environmental implications. Most previous studies examining MPs degradation using conventional treatments-such as UV disinfection, ozonation, and chlorination-employed significantly higher doses than the common doses applied in DWTPs and WWTPs. Owing to such dose gaps, the oxidative transformation of MPs observed in many previous studies are not likely to occur under practical conditions. Some novel oxidation processes showed promising MPs treatment efficiencies, while many of them have not yet been applied on a larger scale due to high costs and the lack of extensive basic research. Health and environmental impacts related to the discharge of oxidized MPs in effluents should be considered carefully in different aspects: the role as vectors of external pollutants, release of organic compounds (including organic byproducts from oxidation) and fragmentation into smaller particles as MPs circulate in the ecosystem as well as the possibility of bioaccumulation. Future research should also focus on ways to incorporate developed oxidation processes in DWTPs and WWTPs to mitigate MPs contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonseo Jeong
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 21 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0132, United States
| | - Gyeongtaek Gong
- Clean Energy Research Center, Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Process (ICP), and Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Seong
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Process (ICP), and Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Won Hong
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
| | - Changha Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Process (ICP), and Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Fakhri LA, Ghanbarzadeh B, Dehghannya J, Hosseini M, Dadashi S. Photo-catalytic and biotic degradation of polystyrene packaging film: Effect of zinc oxide photocatalyst nanoparticles and nanoclay. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:130972. [PMID: 34467948 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Synergistic effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as photocatalyst and organonanoclay (ONC) as biodegradable promoter on the degradation of polystyrene (PS) film was investigated. The films were exposed to ultraviolet irradiation under ambient air at room temperature for photo-catalytic degradation and then submitted to biodegradation test in soil using respirometric procedure. Fourier-transform infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, colorimeter technique, contact angle measurement, and the carbon dioxide evolution results showed higher photo- and biodegradation efficiency of PS-ONC-ZnO nanocomposite compared to the neat PS, PS-ONC and PS-ZnO nanocomposites. Thermal stability, optical band gap, and water contact angle of photo-degraded PS-ONC-ZnO nanocomposite decreased by 11.37, 18.33 and 63.99%, respectively, while that of PS film was only 6.20, 6.44 and 5.84%, respectively. The photo-degraded PS-ONC-ZnO and PS-ZnO film indicated a biodegradation percentage value of 3.3 and 2.1%, respectively, over 16 weeks of incubation in soil. The possible degradation mechanism of nanocomposites was briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Abolghasemi Fakhri
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, P. O. Box 51666-16471, Iran
| | - Babak Ghanbarzadeh
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, P. O. Box 51666-16471, Iran; Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Near East University, P. O. Box 99138, Nicosia, Cyprus, Mersin 10, Turkey.
| | - Jalal Dehghannya
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, P. O. Box 51666-16471, Iran
| | - Mohammadyar Hosseini
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilam, Iran
| | - Saeed Dadashi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, P. O. Box 51666-16471, Iran
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