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Wang Y, Zhao C, Lu A, Dong D, Gong W. Unveiling the hidden impact: How biodegradable microplastics influence CO 2 and CH 4 emissions and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) profiles in soil ecosystems. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134294. [PMID: 38669928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134294] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics promise eco-friendliness, yet their transformation into microplastics (bio-MPs) raises environmental alarms. However, how those bio-MPs affect the greenhouse gases (GHGs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil ecosystems remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the effects of diverse bio-MPs (PBAT, PBS, and PLA) on GHGs and VOCs emission in typical paddy or upland soils. We monitored the carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes in-situ using the self-developed portable optical gas sensor and analyzed VOC profiles using a proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS). Our study has revealed that, despite their biodegradable nature, bio-MPs do not always promote soil GHG emissions as previously thought. Specifically, PBAT and PLA significantly increased CO2 and CH4 emissions up to 1.9-7.5 and 115.9-178.5 fold, respectively, compared to the control group. While PBS exhibited the opposite trend, causing a decrease of up to 39.9% for CO2 and up to 39.9% for CH4. In addition, different types of bio-MPs triggered distinct soil VOC emission patterns. According to the Mann-Whitney U-test and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), a recognizable VOC pattern associated with different bio-MPs was revealed. This study claims the necessity of considering polymer-specific responses when assessing the environmental impact of Bio-MPs, and providing insights into their implications for climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Wang
- Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; School of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Chunjiang Zhao
- Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Anxiang Lu
- Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Daming Dong
- Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
| | - Wenwen Gong
- Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
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2
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Piyathilake U, Lin C, Bolan N, Bundschuh J, Rinklebe J, Herath I. Exploring the hidden environmental pollution of microplastics derived from bioplastics: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141773. [PMID: 38548076 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141773] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Bioplastics might be an ecofriendly alternative to traditional plastics. However, recent studies have emphasized that even bioplastics can end up becoming micro- and nano-plastics due to their degradation under ambient environmental conditions. Hence, there is an urgent need to assess the hidden environmental pollution caused by bioplastics. However, little is known about the evolutionary trends of bibliographic data, degradation pathways, formation, and toxicity of micro- and nano-scaled bioplastics originating from biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and starch-based plastics. Therefore, the prime objective of the current review was to investigate evolutionary trends and the latest advancements in the field of micro-bioplastic pollution. Additionally, it aims to confront the limitations of existing research on microplastic pollution derived from the degradation of bioplastic wastes, and to understand what is needed in future research. The literature survey revealed that research focusing on micro- and nano-bioplastics has begun since 2012. This review identifies novel insights into microbioplastics formation through diverse degradation pathways, including photo-oxidation, ozone-induced degradation, mechanochemical degradation, biodegradation, thermal, and catalytic degradation. Critical research gaps are identified, including defining optimal environmental conditions for complete degradation of diverse bioplastics, exploring micro- and nano-bioplastics formation in natural environments, investigating the global occurrence and distribution of these particles in diverse ecosystems, assessing toxic substances released during bioplastics degradation, and bridging the disparity between laboratory studies and real-world applications. By identifying new trends and knowledge gaps, this study lays the groundwork for future investigations and sustainable solutions in the realm of sustainable management of bioplastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udara Piyathilake
- Environmental Science Division, National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Kandy, 2000, Sri Lanka
| | - Chuxia Lin
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Jochen Bundschuh
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, The University of Southern Queensland, West Street, 4350, QLD, Australia
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Indika Herath
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia.
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Anusha JR, Citarasu T, Uma G, Vimal S, Kamaraj C, Kumar V, Muzammil K, Mani Sankar M. Recent advances in nanotechnology-based modifications of micro/nano PET plastics for green energy applications. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141417. [PMID: 38340992 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic is an omnipresent synthetic polymer in our lives, which causes negative impacts on the ecosystem. It is crucial to take mandatory action to control the usage and sustainable disposal of PET plastics. Recycling plastics using nanotechnology offers potential solutions to the challenges associated with traditional plastic recycling methods. Nano-based degradation techniques improve the degradation process through the influence of catalysts. It also plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling processes and modifying them into value-added products. The modified PET waste plastics can be utilized to manufacture batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, and so on. The waste PET modification methods have massive potential for research, which can play major role in removing post-consumer plastic waste. The present review discusses the effects of micro/nano plastics in terrestrial and marine ecosystems and its impacts on plants and animals. Briefly, the degradation and bio-degradation methods in recent research were explored. The depolymerization methods used for the production of monomers from PET waste plastics were discussed in detail. Carbon nanotubes, fullerene, and graphene nanosheets synthesized from PET waste plastics were delineated. The reuse of nanotechnologically modified PET waste plastics for potential green energy storage products, such as batteries, supercapacitors, and sensors were presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Anusha
- Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Rajakkamangalam, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, 629 502, India
| | - T Citarasu
- Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Rajakkamangalam, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, 629 502, India
| | - G Uma
- Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Rajakkamangalam, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, 629 502, India
| | - S Vimal
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Chinnaperumal Kamaraj
- Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM), Directorate of Research, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu - 603203, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Khursheed Muzammil
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushait Campus, King Khalid University, Abha, 62561, Saudi Arabia
| | - M Mani Sankar
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, Tamilnadu, India
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4
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Xu S, Tang J, Fu L. Catalytic Strategies for the Upcycling of Polyolefin Plastic Waste. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:3984-4000. [PMID: 38364857 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Chemical upgrading of waste plastics is currently one of the most important methods for addressing plastic pollution. In comparison to the current methods of incineration or landfill, chemical upgrading enables the utilization of carbon and hydrogen elements in waste plastics as resources. This process strongly relies on efficient catalysts and reaction systems. Through catalyst design, waste plastics can be converted into fuels or chemicals under the optimized reaction conditions, extending their life cycles. In this review, we systematically discuss various chemical conversion methods for polyolefin waste plastics, which account for a large proportion of waste plastics. We further explore the remaining challenges and future development trends in this field, including improving product value through product engineering and shifting research perspectives to exploring the tolerance of catalysts toward impurities in practical waste plastic waste rather than using pure plastic feedstock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaodan Xu
- College of Materials & Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhong Tang
- College of Materials & Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Fu
- College of Materials & Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, People's Republic of China
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Ding Z, Li W, Chen Z, Wang L, Huang S, Evrendilek F, Yang C, Cai H, Zhong S, Yang Z, Liu J. Microplastics as emerging contaminants in textile dyeing sludge: Their impacts on co-combustion/pyrolysis products, residual metals, and temperature dependency of emissions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133465. [PMID: 38246059 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
As emerging contaminants in textile dyeing sludge (TDS), the presence and types of microplastics (MPs) inevitably influence the combustion and pyrolysis of TDS. Their effects on the co-combustion/pyrolysis emissions and residual metals of TDS remain poorly understood. This study aimed to quantify the impacts of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) on the transports and transformations of gaseous emissions and residual metals generated during the TDS combustion and pyrolysis in the air, oxy-fuel, and nitrogen atmospheres. Thermal degradation of the MPs in TDS occurred between 242-600 °C. MPs decomposed and interacted with the organic components of TDS to the extent that they increased the release of VOCs, dominated by oxygenated VOCs and hydrocarbons under the incineration and pyrolysis conditions, respectively. The presence of PE exerted a limited impact on the concentration and chemical form of metals, while PP reduced the residual amount of most metals due to the decomposition of mineral additives. Also, PP (with CaCO3 filler) reduced the acid-extractable content of cadmium, copper, and manganese in the bottom slag or coke but increased that of chromium. This study provides actionable insights into optimizing gas emissions, energy recovery, and ash reuse, thus reinforcing the pollution control strategies for both the MPs and TDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Ding
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Weijie Li
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Air Pollution Control of Guangdong Province, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510535, China.
| | - Zhibin Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li Wang
- China Construction Fourth Engineering Division Corp, Ltd, China
| | - Shenzheng Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Fatih Evrendilek
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- School of Guangdong University of Technology, Analysis and Test Center 51006, China
| | - Haiming Cai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Sheng Zhong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zuoyi Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jingyong Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Rizzarelli P, Leanza M, Rapisarda M. Investigations into the characterization, degradation, and applications of biodegradable polymers by mass spectrometry. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2023. [PMID: 38014928 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable polymers have been getting more and more attention because of their contribution to the plastic pollution environmental issues and to move towards a circular economy. Nevertheless, biodegradable materials still exhibit various disadvantages restraining a widespread use in the market. Therefore, additional research efforts are required to improve their performance. Mass spectrometry (MS) affords a relevant contribution to optimize biodegradable polymer synthesis, to confirm macromolecular structures, to examine along the time the progress of degradation processes and highlight advantages and drawbacks in the extensive applications. This review aims to provide an overview of the MS investigations carried out to support the synthesis of biodegradable polymers, with helpful information on undesirable products or polymerization mechanism, to understand deterioration pathways by the structure of degradation products and to follow drug release and pharmacokinetic. Additionally, it summarizes MS studies addressed on environmental and health issues related to the extensive use of plastic materials, that is, potential migration of additives or microplastics identification and quantification. The paper is focused on the most significant studies relating to synthetic and microbial biodegradable polymers published in the last 15 years, not including agro-polymers such as proteins and polysaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rizzarelli
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per i Polimeri Compositi e Biomateriali (IPCB), ede Secondaria di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Melania Leanza
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per i Polimeri Compositi e Biomateriali (IPCB), ede Secondaria di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Rapisarda
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per i Polimeri Compositi e Biomateriali (IPCB), ede Secondaria di Catania, Catania, Italy
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Jung H, Shin G, Park SB, Jegal J, Park SA, Park J, Oh DX, Kim HJ. Circular waste management: Superworms as a sustainable solution for biodegradable plastic degradation and resource recovery. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 171:568-579. [PMID: 37812971 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics offer a promising solution to plastic pollution, however, their production frequently relies on edible biomass, and their degradation rates remain inadequate. This study investigates the potential of superworms (Zophobas atratus larvae) for polybutylene succinate (PBS) waste management, aiming to achieve both resource recovery and biodegradation. Superworms exclusively fed on PBS for a month exhibited the same survival rate as those on a standard bran diet. PBS digestion yielded a 5.13% weight gain and a 23.23% increase in protein composition in superworms. Additionally, carbon isotope analyses substantiated the conversion of PBS into superworm components. Gut microbes capable of PBS biodegradation became progressively prominent, further augmenting the degradation rate of PBS under composting conditions (ISO 14855-1). Gut-free superworms fed with PBS exhibited antioxidant activities comparable to those of blueberries, renowned for their high antioxidant activity. Based on these findings, this study introduces a sustainable circular solution encompassing recycling PBS waste to generate insect biomass, employing insect gut and frass for PBS degradation and fertilizer, and harnessing insect residue as a food source. In essence, the significance of this research extends to socio-economic and environmental spheres, impacting waste management, resource efficiency, circular economy promotion, environmental preservation, industrial advancement, and global sustainability objectives. The study's outcomes possess the potential to reshape society's approach to plastic waste, facilitating a shift toward more sustainable paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyuni Jung
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Giyoung Shin
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Bae Park
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonggeon Jegal
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul-A Park
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeyoung Park
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dongyeop X Oh
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea; Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and Program in Environmental and Polymer Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyo Jeong Kim
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea.
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Wu X, Tan Z, Liu R, Liao Z, Ou H. Gaseous products generated from polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate during ultraviolet irradiation: Mechanism, pathway and toxicological analyses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162717. [PMID: 36907426 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The generation of various degradation products from microplastics (MPs) has been confirmed under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The gaseous products, primarily volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are usually overlooked, leading to potential unknown risks to humans and the environment. In this study, the generation of VOCs from polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) under UV-A (365 nm) and UV-C (254 nm) irradiation in water matrixes were compared. More than 50 different VOCs were identified. For PE, UV-A-derived VOCs mainly included alkenes and alkanes. On this basis, UV-C-derived VOCs included various oxygen-containing organics, such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acid and even lactones. For PET, both UV-A and UV-C irradiation induced the generation of alkenes, alkanes, esters, phenols, etc., and the differences between these two reactions were insignificant. Toxicological prioritization prediction revealed that these VOCs have diverse toxicological profiles. The VOCs with the highest potential toxicity were dimethyl phthalate (CAS: 131-11-3) from PE and 4-acetylbenzoate (3609-53-8) from PET. Furthermore, some alkane and alcohol products also presented high potential toxicity. The quantitative results indicated that the yield of these toxic VOCs from PE could reach 102 μg g-1 under UV-C treatment. The degradation mechanisms of MPs included direct scission by UV irradiation and indirect oxidation induced by diverse activated radicals. The former mechanism was dominant in UV-A degradation, while UV-C included both mechanisms. Both mechanisms contributed to the generation of VOCs. Generally, MPs-derived VOCs can be released from water to the air after UV irradiation, posing a potential risk to ecosystems and human beings, especially for UV-C disinfection indoors in water treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinni Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Zongyi Tan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Ruijuan Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Zhianqi Liao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province of Community of Life for Man and Nature, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Huase Ou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China.
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Jang M, Lee M, Yang H, Lee H, Park SB, Jeon H, Hwang SY, Kim HJ, Oh DX, Park J. Method to analyze phthalate esters from soft toys dissolving into water mimicking infant playing. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 330:138695. [PMID: 37080474 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Along with bisphenol-A (BPA), conventional phthalate esters (PAEs) have been reported as environmental hormones, despite their functional usefulness as plasticizers. Nevertheless, they are frequently found in various products, including children's utensils and toys made of poly (vinyl chloride). This is tremendously important because PAEs are harmful to infants. In addition, gel/slime-type toys made of poly (vinyl alcohol) are currently popular for developing infant' tactile senses. In this study, we developed a method to qualitatively and quantitatively detect PAEs in gel/slime-type toys mimicking, infants playing with them in a bathtub. As a result, 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH), one of the PAE alternatives, transferred into the water from the toys and was detected most commonly (108-719 μg g-1; 0.01-0.07 wt%) among PAEs. The detected DINCH levels were below the universally accepted levels for PAEs (0.1 wt%). However, the amount of DINCH detected could still be toxic, in accordance with toxicity tests using water fleas. Furthermore, unpleasant odors were emitted when the toys containing toxic volatile organic compounds were unpacked. This is the first study to develop a method to analyze PAE in gel/slime-type toys and determine that alternatives to conventional PAEs cannot be unconditionally regarded as safe chemicals. Therefore, the revised standards for regulating PAEs and their alternatives must be reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jang
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkyung Lee
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemin Yang
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Huichan Lee
- Core Research Facilities, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Bae Park
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonyeol Jeon
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yeon Hwang
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea; Department of Plant & Environmental New Resources and Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Gyeonggi-do, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Kim
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongyeop X Oh
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea; Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeyoung Park
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea.
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Patel SKS, Lee JK. Plastic Eating Enzymes: A Step Towards Sustainability. Indian J Microbiol 2022; 62:658-661. [PMID: 36458221 PMCID: PMC9705608 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-022-01041-w] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The large-scale usage of petro-chemical-based plastics has proved to be a significant source of environmental pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature. Microbes-based enzymes such as esterases, cutinases, and lipases have shown the ability to degrade synthetic plastic. However, the degradation of plastics by enzymes is primarily limited by the unavailability of a robust enzymatic system, i.e., low activity and stability towards plastic degradation. Recently, the machine learning strategy involved structure-based and deep neural networks show desirable potential to generate functional, active stable, and tolerant polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degrading enzyme (FAST-PETase). FAST-PETase showed the highest PET hydrolytic activity among known enzymes or their variants and degraded broad ranges of plastics. The development of a closed-loop circular economy-based system of plastic degradation to monomers by FAST-PETase followed by the re-polymerization of monomers into clean plastics can be a more sustainable approach. As an alternative to synthetic plastics, diverse microbes can produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, and their degradation by microbes has been well-established. This article discusses recent updates in the enzymatic degradation of plastics for sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay K. S. Patel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029 Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Kul Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029 Republic of Korea
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