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Wang X, Xu Y, Ou Q, Chen W, van der Meer W, Liu G. Adsorption characteristics and mechanisms of water-soluble polymers (PVP and PEG) on kaolin and montmorillonite minerals. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133592. [PMID: 38290331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The excessive use and accumulation of water-soluble polymers (WSPs, known as "liquid plastics") in the environment can pose potential risks to both ecosystems and human health, but the environmental fate of WSPs remains unclear. Here, the adsorption behavior of WSPs with different molecular weight on kaolinite (Kaol) and montmorillonite (Mt) were examined. The results showed that the adsorption of PEG and PVP on minerals were controlled by hydrogen bond and van der Waals force. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) analysis revealed that there were interactions between the Al-O and Si-O groups of the minerals and the polar O- or N-containing functional groups as well as the alkyl groups of PEG and PVP. The adsorption characteristics of WSPs were closely related to their molecular weight and the pore size of minerals. Due to the relatively large mesopore size of Kaol, both PEG and PVP were absorbed into inner spaces, for which the adsorption capacity increased with molecular weight of the polymers. For Mt, all types of PEG could enter its micropores, while PVP with larger molecular weights appeared to be confined externally, leading to a decrease in the adsorption capacity of PVP with increasing molecular weight. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for scientific evaluation of environmental processes of WSPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintu Wang
- The Guangxi Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology for Environmental Pollution Control, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yanghui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Section of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Qin Ou
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Section of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Wenwen Chen
- The Guangxi Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology for Environmental Pollution Control, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Walter van der Meer
- Science and Technology Faculty, Twente University, Enschede 7500AE, the Netherlands; Oasen Drinkwater, Gouda 2800 AC, the Netherlands
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Section of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, the Netherlands; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Hisar O, Oehlmann J. Individual and combined ecotoxic effects of water-soluble polymers. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16475. [PMID: 38025686 PMCID: PMC10676718 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) are a class of high-molecular-weight compounds which are widely used in several applications, including water treatment, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, they pose a potential threat for water resources and aquatic ecosystems. We assessed the ecotoxicity of four WSPs-non-ionic polyacrylamide (PAM) and polyethylene glycol (PEG-200), anionic homopolymer of acrylic acid (P-AA), and cationic polyquaternium-6 (PQ-6)-as single compounds and in mixture. For this purpose in vitro and in vivo assays were used to record baseline toxicity, mutagenic potential, endocrine effects, and growth inhibition in the freshwater alga Raphidocelis subcapitata. Furthermore, the mixture toxicity of the two polymers P-AA and PQ-6 which showed effects in the algae tests was evaluated with the concentration addition (CA), independent action (IA), and generalized concentration addition (GCA) model and compared with experimental data. No toxic effects were observed among the polymers and their mixtures in the in vitro assays. On the contrary, in the growth inhibition test with R. subcapitata the cationic PQ-6 caused high inhibition while the anionic P-AA and its mixture with the cationic polymer caused low inhibition. The non-ionic polymers PEG-200 and PAM showed no effect in R. subcapitata in the tested concentration range up to 100 mg/L. The IA model represented the mixture effect of the combination experiment better than the CA and GCA models. The results indicate (1) that the toxic effects of anionic and cationic polymers are most likely due to interactions of the polymers with the surfaces of organisms or with nutrients in the water and (2) that the polymers elicit their effects through different mechanisms of action that do not interact with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olcay Hisar
- Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
| | - Jörg Oehlmann
- Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
- Kompetenzzentrum Wasser, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
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Wang D, Zheng Y, Deng Q, Liu X. Water-Soluble Synthetic Polymers: Their Environmental Emission Relevant Usage, Transport and Transformation, Persistence, and Toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6387-6402. [PMID: 37052478 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Water-soluble synthetic polymers (WSPs) are distinct from insoluble plastic particles, which are both critical components of synthetic polymers. In the history of human-made macromolecules, WSPs have consistently portrayed a crucial role and served as the ingredients of a variety of products (e.g., flocculants, thickeners, solubilizers, surfactants, etc.) commonly used in human society. However, the environmental exposures and risks of WSPs with different functions remain poorly understood. This paper provides a critical review of the usage, environmental fate, environmental persistence, and biological consequences of multiple types of WSPs in commercial and industrial production. Investigations have identified a wide market of applications and potential environmental threats of various types of WSPs, but we still lack the suitable assessment tools. The effects of physicochemical properties and environmental factors on the environmental distribution as well as the transport and transformation of WSPs are further summarized. Evidence regarding the degradation of WSPs, including mechanical, thermal, hydrolytic, photoinduced, and biological degradation is summarized, and their environmental persistence is discussed. The toxicity data show that some WSPs can cause adverse effects on aquatic species and microbial communities through intrinsic toxicity and physical hazards. This review may serve as a guide for environmental risk assessment to help develop a sustainable path for WSP management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yuyang Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Qian Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xuran Liu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR, P. R. China
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Brunning H, Sallach JB, Zanchi V, Price O, Boxall A. Toward a Framework for Environmental Fate and Exposure Assessment of Polymers. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:515-540. [PMID: 34913523 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Development of risk-assessment methodologies for polymers is an emerging regulatory priority to prevent negative environmental impacts; however, the diversity and complexity of polymers require adaptation of existing environmental risk-assessment approaches. The present review discusses the challenges and opportunities for the fate and exposure assessment of polymers in the context of regulatory environmental risk assessment of chemicals. The review discusses the applicability and adequacy for polymers of existing fate parameters used for nonpolymeric compounds and proposes additional parameters that could inform the fate of polymers. The significance of these parameters in various stages of an exposure-assessment framework is highlighted, with classification of polymers as solid or dissolved being key for identification of those parameters most relevant to environmental fate. Considerations to address the key limitations and knowledge gaps are then identified and discussed, specifically the complexity of polymer identification, with the need for characterization of the most significant parameters for polymer grouping and prioritization; the complexity of polymer degradation in the environment, with the need to incorporate the fate and hazards of degradation products into risk assessment; the requirement for development and standardization of analytical methods for characterization of polymer fate properties and degradation products; and the need to develop exposure modeling approaches for polymers. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:515-540. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hattie Brunning
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - J Brett Sallach
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Alistair Boxall
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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Liu X, Lai G, Guan J, Qian S, Wang Z, Cui S, Gao F, Jiao Y, Tao R. Technical optimization and life cycle assessment of environment-friendly superplasticizer for concrete engineering. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 281:130955. [PMID: 34049084 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130955] [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: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid development of the construction industry, it is necessary to synthesize environment-friendly functional polymers, especially when developing "green" construction industry types. Herein a novel solid-state polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE) with low energy-consumption was designed and synthesized. In industrial application, solid-state PCE has exhibited better cement paste fluidity and concrete slump compared to liquid-state PCE. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of the PCE synthesis, the packaging materials used, and the transportation of the PCE were conducted based on the ReCiPe method. The results indicated that liquid-state PCE has a far greater environmental impact at >60% than solid-state PCE, which is less significant at <40%. The inventory data that are associated with the production of the new polymer are disclosed for the first time to enrich the related database in this field. This study demonstrates the optimization of the state and synthesis technique of a functional polymer, improving the performance and lowering the environmental impacts involved in producing the polymer, while reducing the risks to human health and protecting the ecosystem at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China; Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Big-data Application Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Guanghong Lai
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China; Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Big-data Application Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Jianan Guan
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China; Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Big-data Application Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Shanshan Qian
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Ziming Wang
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China; Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Big-data Application Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Suping Cui
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China; Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Big-data Application Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Feng Gao
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China; Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Big-data Application Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Yulong Jiao
- Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China; Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Big-data Application Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
| | - Ran Tao
- Advanced Construction Materials CO., LTD., Beijing Construction Engineering Group, Beijing, 100037, China.
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Oikonomou EK, Berret JF. Advanced Eco-Friendly Formulations of Guar Biopolymer-Based Textile Conditioners. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:5749. [PMID: 34640145 PMCID: PMC8510192 DOI: 10.3390/ma14195749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fabric conditioners are household products used to impart softness and fragrance to textiles. They are colloidal dispersions of cationic double chain surfactants that self-assemble in vesicles. These surfactants are primarily derived from palm oil chemical modification. Reducing the content of these surfactants allows to obtain products with lower environmental impact. Such a reduction, without adverse effects on the characteristics of the softener and its performance, can be achieved by adding hydrophilic biopolymers. Here, we review the role of guar biopolymers modified with cationic or hydroxyl-propyl groups, on the physicochemical properties of the formulation. Electronic and optical microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray scattering and rheology of vesicles dispersion in the absence and presence of guar biopolymers are analyzed. Finally, the deposition of the new formulation on cotton fabrics is examined through scanning electron microscopy and a new protocol based on fluorescent microscopy. With this methodology, it is possible to quantify the deposition of surfactants on cotton fibers. The results show that the approach followed here can facilitate the design of sustainable home-care products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evdokia K. Oikonomou
- Université de Paris, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Matière et Systèmes Complexes, 75013 Paris, France;
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Gaytán I, Burelo M, Loza-Tavera H. Current status on the biodegradability of acrylic polymers: microorganisms, enzymes and metabolic pathways involved. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:991-1006. [PMID: 33427930 PMCID: PMC7798386 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-11073-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Acrylic polymers (AP) are a diverse group of materials with broad applications, frequent use, and increasing demand. Some of the most used AP are polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethyl methacrylates, and polyacrylonitrile. Although no information for the production of all AP types is published, data for the most used AP is around 9 MT/year, which gives an idea of the amount of waste that can be generated after products’ lifecycles. After its lifecycle ends, the fate of an AP product will depend on its chemical structure, the environmental setting where it was used, and the regulations for plastic waste management existing in the different countries. Even though recycling is the best fate for plastic polymer wastes, few AP can be recycled, and most of them end up in landfills. Because of the pollution crisis the planet is immersed, setting regulations and developing technological strategies for plastic waste management are urgent. In this regard, biotechnological approaches, where microbial activity is involved, could be attractive eco-friendly strategies. This mini-review describes the broad AP diversity, their properties and uses, and the factors affecting their biodegradability, underlining the importance of standardizing biodegradation quantification techniques. We also describe the enzymes and metabolic pathways that microorganisms display to attack AP chemical structure and predict some biochemical reactions that could account for quaternary carbon-containing AP biodegradation. Finally, we analyze strategies to increase AP biodegradability and stress the need for more studies on AP biodegradation and developing stricter legislation for AP use and waste control. Key points • Acrylic polymers (AP) are a diverse and extensively used group of compounds. • The environmental fates and health effects of AP waste are not completely known. • Microorganisms and enzymes involved in AP degradation have been identified. • More biodegradation studies are needed to develop AP biotechnological treatments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-020-11073-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itzel Gaytán
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ave. Universidad 3000. Col. UNAM., 04510, Mexico City, México
| | - Manuel Burelo
- Laboratorio de Química Sostenible, Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ave. Universidad 3000. Col. UNAM., 04510, Mexico City, México
| | - Herminia Loza-Tavera
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ave. Universidad 3000. Col. UNAM., 04510, Mexico City, México.
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