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Mogany T, Bhola V, Bux F. Algal-based bioplastics: global trends in applied research, technologies, and commercialization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:38022-38044. [PMID: 38787471 PMCID: PMC11189328 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33644-9] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The excessive global demand for plastic materials has resulted in severe plastic waste pollution. Conventional plastics derived from non-renewable fossil fuels are non-biodegradable, leading to significant environmental problems. Algal-based bioplastics represent a more viable, renewable, and sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. They have identical properties and characteristics as conventional plastics while being naturally biodegradable. The potential of the algal biomass value chain has already been well-established by researchers. Here, we review the novel insights on research, technology, and commercialization trends of algal-based bioplastics, encompassing macroalgae and green microalgae/cyanobacteria. Data showed that within the last decade, there has been substantial interest in utilizing microalgae for biopolymer production, with more focus on using cyanobacterial species compared to green algae. Moreover, most of the research conducted has largely focused on the production of PHA or its co-polymers. Since 2011, there have been a total of 55 patents published related to algal-based bioplastics production. To date, ~ 81 entities worldwide (commercial and private businesses) produce bioplastics from algae. Overall results of this study emphasized that even with the economic and social challenges, algae possess a substantial potential for the sustainable development of bioplastics while also addressing the UN's SDGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Mogany
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Virthie Bhola
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Faizal Bux
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
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Geeta, Shivani, Devi N, Shayoraj, Bansal N, Sharma S, Dubey SK, Kumar S. Novel chitosan-based smart bio-nanocomposite films incorporating TiO 2 nanoparticles for white bread preservation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131367. [PMID: 38583837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131367] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Chitosan (CS)-based bio-nanocomposite food packaging films were prepared via solvent-casting method by incorporating a unique combination of additives and fillers, including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), glycerol, Tween 80, castor oil (CO), and nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) in various proportions to enhance film properties. For a comprehensive analysis of the synthesized films, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile testing, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and UV-vis spectrophotometry were employed. Furthermore, the antimicrobial efficacy of the films against S. aureus, E. coli, and A. niger was examined to assess their potential to preserve food from foodborne pathogens. The results claimed that the inclusion of castor oil and TiO2 nanoparticles considerably improved antimicrobial properties, UV-vis light barrier properties, thermal stability, optical transparency, and mechanical strength of the films, while reducing their water solubility, moisture content, water vapor and oxygen permeability. Based on the overall analysis, CS/PVA/CO/TiO2-0.3 film can be selected as the optimal one for practical applications. Furthermore, the practical application of the optimum film was evaluated using white bread as a model food product. The modified film successfully extended the shelf life of bread to 10 days, surpassing the performance of commercial LDPE packaging (6 days), and showed promising attributes for applications in the food packaging sector. These films exhibit superior antimicrobial properties, improved mechanical strength, and extended shelf life for food products, marking a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional plastic packaging in both scientific research and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geeta
- Department of Chemistry, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India.
| | - Shivani
- Department of Chemistry, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India
| | - Neeru Devi
- Department of Chemistry, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India
| | - Shayoraj
- Department of Chemistry, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India.
| | - Neha Bansal
- Department of Chemistry, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India
| | - Sanjay Sharma
- Institute of Integrated & Honors Studies, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Dubey
- Institute of Integrated & Honors Studies, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India.
| | - Satish Kumar
- Institute of Integrated & Honors Studies, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 136119, Haryana, India.
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Zheng Y, Xu S, Liu J, Liu Z. The effects of micro- and nanoplastics on the central nervous system: A new threat to humanity? Toxicology 2024; 504:153799. [PMID: 38608860 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153799] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Given the widespread production and use of plastics, poor biodegradability, and inadequate recycling, micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) have caused widespread environmental pollution. As a result, humans inevitably ingest MNPs through various pathways. However, there is still no consensus on whether exposure to MNPs has adverse effects on humans. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge of MNPs and the potential mechanisms of their impact on the central nervous system. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that exposure to MNPs may pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and lead to neurotoxicity through impairments in oxidative and inflammatory balance, neurotransmitter alternation, nerve conduction-related key enzymes, and impact through the gut-brain axis. It is worth noting that MNPs may act as carriers and have more severe effects on the body when co-exposed with other substances. MNPs of smaller sizes cause more severe harm. Despite the scarcity of reports directly relevant to humans, this review brings together a growing body of evidence showing that exposure to MNPs disturbs neurons and has even been found to alter the memory and behavior of organisms. This effect may lead to further potential negative influence on the central nervous system and contribute to the development of other diseases such as central nervous system inflammation and Parkinson 's-like neurodegenerative disorders. There is a need further to investigate the threat of MNPs to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxu Zheng
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Shengchao Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, 87th Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Jingyu Liu
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, 87th Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
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da Silva LVG, de Oliveira Carvalho Demarque I, Tostes ECL, de Souza Araújo MA, de Carvalho CEV, Canela MC, Barbosa LA, da Silveira LS. Identification and characterization of plastic debris in the gastrointestinal tract of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from Espírito Santo coast, Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116076. [PMID: 38301435 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116076] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) is categorized as vulnerable in the Brazilian list of endangered animals, and its populations suffer from several anthropological threats. In this study, we analyzed the presence of macro, meso, and microplastics (MPs) in Guiana dolphins (n = 12) in Brazil Southeastern coast by analysing their gastrointestinal tract. The MP extractions were carried out with H2O2 (35 %) to remove organic matter. Four specimens ingested meso and macroplastics, including an item of polypropylene of 19.22 cm that was produced about 943 km from the place in which the animal was found stranded. All the specimens analyzed had fragment-type microplastics in their intestines. Blue was the prevailing color, followed by black, green, and red. We highlight the contamination by microplastics in the species, still little investigated, especially the need to understand the contamination by microplastics along trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Versiani Gomes da Silva
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Morfologia e Patologia Animal, Av. Alberto Lamego, N° 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Isis de Oliveira Carvalho Demarque
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Morfologia e Patologia Animal, Av. Alberto Lamego, N° 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eloá Corrêa Lessa Tostes
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Químicas, Av. Alberto Lamego, N° 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos André de Souza Araújo
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Químicas, Av. Alberto Lamego, N° 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Veiga de Carvalho
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Av. Alberto Lamego, N° 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Canela
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Químicas, Av. Alberto Lamego, N° 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lupércio Araújo Barbosa
- Instituto Organização Consciência Ambiental (Instituto ORCA), Guarapari, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Serafim da Silveira
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Morfologia e Patologia Animal, Av. Alberto Lamego, N° 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Bernabé I, Amarilla E, de la Orden MU, Martínez Urreaga J, Beltrán FR. Effect of oligomeric lactic acid plasticizer on the mechanical recycling of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-023-31758-0. [PMID: 38214860 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31758-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Bioplastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) emerge as an interesting alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based plastics and as part of the solution their associated environmental issues. Nevertheless, end-of-life scenarios are still a major concern, especially within a circular economy framework. When feasible, mechanical recycling appears as the best alternative, since it saves raw materials and energy. However, the viability of mechanical recycling can be compromised by the degradation of the plastic during its use and during the recycling process and by the presence of certain additives. Consequently, the main objective of this work is to study the effect of accelerated ageing and mechanical recycling on the structure and properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)-based formulations. The obtained results suggest that accelerated ageing and mechanical recycling led only to a slight degradation of the pure PHBV material, along with small variations in the thermal and mechanical properties. However, the plasticized PHBV formulations showed a more severe degradation and increased thermal stability and stiffness, which could be result of the elimination of the plasticizer during the recycling. Overall, mechanical recycling seems to be an interesting valorization strategy for PHBV wastes, although especial attention should be paid to the additives present in the materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Bernabé
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química Industrial y Medio Ambiente, ETSI Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006, Madrid, Spain
- Research Group: "Polímeros, Caracterización y Aplicaciones (POLCA)", 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Erika Amarilla
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química Industrial y Medio Ambiente, ETSI Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ulagares de la Orden
- Research Group: "Polímeros, Caracterización y Aplicaciones (POLCA)", 28006, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento Química Orgánica I, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquín Martínez Urreaga
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química Industrial y Medio Ambiente, ETSI Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006, Madrid, Spain
- Research Group: "Polímeros, Caracterización y Aplicaciones (POLCA)", 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Freddys R Beltrán
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química Industrial y Medio Ambiente, ETSI Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
- Research Group: "Polímeros, Caracterización y Aplicaciones (POLCA)", 28006, Madrid, Spain.
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Rinot Levavi L, Friedmann E, Kalagy T, Cohen C. Applying the SOR framework to mitigate single-use plastic tableware consumption and why does it work? Solving the dissonance with an extended SOR framework. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119344. [PMID: 37879177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119344] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Although plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue worldwide and household consumption of single-use plastic tableware (SUPT) is a growing concern, research on the determinants of SUPT use is deficient. In light of the prevalent and frequent use of SUPT, the far-reaching nature of its consumption, and its distinctive health concerns, compounded by the lack of dedicated regulations, this article sheds light on the SUPT problem and strives to minimize SUPT consumption. The Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework has been extensively applied in various contexts but not yet in the context of household SUPT consumption. In this study, we aim to fill the lacuna by examining the motives behind SUPT consumption using two online questionnaires in two Western countries that are known for relatively high domestic SUPT consumption: Israel (Study 1, n = 408) and the USA (Study 2, n = 295). Our findings indicate that personal attitudes toward the plastic problem ("organism" in the SOR taxonomy) mediate the relation between plastic health problem awareness ("stimulus") and SUPT consumption ("response"). Moreover, we identified perceived behavioral control (PBC) as a significant predictor of behavior when behavior is not under volitional control (i.e., an action against the individual's self-interest), as in the SUPT context. Therefore, we propose expanding the SOR framework with the organism comprising attitude and PBC, thus supporting the dissonance theory (double mediation). We suggest that modifying personal attitudes toward the plastic problem by enhancing plastic health problem awareness may strengthen PBC and reduce SUPT consumption. Overall, this study deepens our understanding of SUPT consumption by highlighting the importance of attitude and PBC as mechanisms that link awareness to sustainable behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilach Rinot Levavi
- Department of Public Policy and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
| | - Enav Friedmann
- Department of Business Administration, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
| | - Tehila Kalagy
- Department of Public Policy and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
| | - Chen Cohen
- Department of Public Policy and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel; Department of Business Administration, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
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Cano-Povedano J, López-Calderón C, Sánchez MI, Hortas F, Cañuelo-Jurado B, Martín-Vélez V, Ros M, Cózar A, Green AJ. Biovectoring of plastic by white storks from a landfill to a complex of salt ponds and marshes. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115773. [PMID: 37992543 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115773] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Research into plastic pollution has extensively focused on abiotic vectors, overlooking transport by animals. Opportunistic birds, such as white storks (Ciconia ciconia) often forage on landfills, where plastic abounds. We assess plastic loading by ingestion and regurgitation of landfill plastic in Cadiz Bay, a major stopover area for migratory white storks in south-west Spain. On average, we counted 599 storks per day moving between a landfill and a complex of salt ponds and marshes, where they regurgitated pellets that each contained a mean of 0.47 g of plastic debris, dominated by polyethylene. Modelling reliant on GPS tracking estimated that 99 kg and >2 million particles of plastic were biovectored into the wetland during 2022, with seasonal peaks that followed migration patterns. GPS data enabled the correction of field censuses and the identification of plastic deposition hotspots. This study highlights the important role that biovectoring plays in plastic transport into coastal wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Cano-Povedano
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Cosme López-Calderón
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Marta I Sánchez
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Francisco Hortas
- Department of Biology, Institute of Marine Research (INMAR), University of Cadiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), 11510 Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Belén Cañuelo-Jurado
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Víctor Martín-Vélez
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Macarena Ros
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Av. Reina Mercedes 6, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Andrés Cózar
- Department of Biology, Institute of Marine Research (INMAR), University of Cadiz and European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), 11510 Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Andy J Green
- Department of Conservation Biology and Global Change, Estación Biológica de Doñana CSIC, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
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El-Dash HA, Yousef NE, Aboelazm AA, Awan ZA, Yahya G, El-Ganiny AM. Optimizing Eco-Friendly Degradation of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Using Environmental Strains of Malassezia Species and Aspergillus fumigatus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15452. [PMID: 37895132 PMCID: PMC10607177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015452] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, huge amounts of plastics are being introduced into the ecosystem, causing environmental pollution. Generally, plastic biodegradation in the ecosystem takes hundreds of years. Hence, the isolation of plastic-biodegrading microorganisms and finding optimum conditions for their action is crucial. The aim of the current study is to isolate plastic-biodegrading fungi and explore optimum conditions for their action. Soil samples were gathered from landfill sites; 18 isolates were able to grow on SDA. Only 10 isolates were able to the degrade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer. Four isolates displayed promising depolymerase activity. Molecular identification revealed that three isolates belong to genus Aspergillus, and one isolate was Malassezia sp. Three isolates showed superior PVC-biodegrading activity (Aspergillus-2, Aspergillus-3 and Malassezia) using weight reduction analysis and SEM. Two Aspergillus strains and Malassezia showed optimum growth at 40 °C, while the last strain grew better at 30 °C. Two Aspergillus isolates grew better at pH 8-9, and the other two isolates grow better at pH 4. Maximal depolymerase activity was monitored at 50 °C, and at slightly acidic pH in most isolates, FeCl3 significantly enhanced depolymerase activity in two Aspergillus isolates. In conclusion, the isolated fungi have promising potential to degrade PVC and can contribute to the reduction of environmental pollution in eco-friendly way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba A. El-Dash
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.A.E.-D.); (N.E.Y.); (G.Y.)
| | - Nehal E. Yousef
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.A.E.-D.); (N.E.Y.); (G.Y.)
| | - Abeer A. Aboelazm
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt;
| | - Zuhier A. Awan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Galal Yahya
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.A.E.-D.); (N.E.Y.); (G.Y.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Paul-Ehrlich Str. 24, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Amira M. El-Ganiny
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.A.E.-D.); (N.E.Y.); (G.Y.)
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Wang W, Su F, Wang S, Lei Y, Gao L, Yin X, Yu H. Bio-straw or not? Determinants of consumption intention under the plastic straw ban. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27696-6. [PMID: 37208510 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27696-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A new plastic ban has banned the use of single-use non-degradable plastic drinking straws in China's food and beverage industry by the end of 2020. However, this has caused widespread discussion and complaints on social media. What are consumers' reactions and what factors influence consumers to choose bio-straws (substitutes for plastic straws) are unclear. Therefore, this research collected 4367 effective comments (177,832 words in total) on "bio-straws" from social media and extracted keywords based on grounded theory to generate questionnaires. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the consumption intention and influencing factors of 348 consumers regarding the ban. The results indicate the following: (1) consumer opinion on straws can be summarized into five main categories, namely, consumers' user experience, consumer subjectivity, policy awareness, policy acceptance, and consumption intention; (2) consumer subjectivity, policy awareness, and policy acceptance directly affect consumption intention significantly, while user experience affects consumption intention indirectly; and (3) user experience and consumer subjectivity play significant roles in mediating these relationships. From the perspective of consumers, this study provides an important basis for policymakers to formulate single-use plastic alternative policies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhuan Wang
- Fudan Tyndall Center, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- School of Public Administration of Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Fan Su
- School of Public Administration of Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Sichen Wang
- School of Public Administration of Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Yu Lei
- School of Public Administration of Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Lele Gao
- School of Public Administration of Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Xinran Yin
- School of Management of Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Huajun Yu
- Fudan Tyndall Center, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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