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Jung CC, Chao YC, Hsu HT, Gong DW. Spatial and seasonal variations of atmospheric microplastics in high and low population density areas at the intersection of tropical and subtropical regions. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 263:119996. [PMID: 39284491 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
There is limited information regarding spatial and seasonal variations of atmospheric microplastics (MPs) and factors influencing MPs at the intersection of tropical and subtropical regions. A one-year study was conducted at sites in a high-population-density village (HPDV) and a low-population-density village (LPDV) in Taiwan to investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of airborne MPs. The predominant shapes, sizes, and polymer compositions of MPs were fragments, 3 to 25 and 26-50 μm, and polyamide at both sites. Seasonal variation in MP morphologies was not significant. Average MP concentrations were 2.20 ± 2.97 particles/m3 and 1.92 ± 2.35 particles/m3 at the HPDV and LPDV sites, respectively, and did not differ significantly. Higher concentrations and smaller sizes of MPs were found during the summer at both sites, while the predominant wind direction was southerly or southwesterly. In samples with temperatures exceeding 25 °C, the temperature was positively associated with MP concentrations at both the HPDV and LPDV sites. These results reflect that temperature influences the variations in the concentrations and sizes of MPs at our study site. Future research should consider the adverse risks of MP inhalation during the hot season. Moreover, when sites with different population densities and levels of human activity are closed, MP concentrations will not differ significantly between these areas since airflow can transport these particles from high-population-density areas into low-population-density areas in a short time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Cheng Jung
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 100, Sec. 1, Jingmao Rd., Beitun Dist., Taichung City, 40640, Taiwan.
| | - Yuan-Chen Chao
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, China Medical University, Taichung City, 40640, Taiwan.
| | - Hui-Tsung Hsu
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 100, Sec. 1, Jingmao Rd., Beitun Dist., Taichung City, 40640, Taiwan.
| | - Da-Wei Gong
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 100, Sec. 1, Jingmao Rd., Beitun Dist., Taichung City, 40640, Taiwan.
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2
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Hecker C, Saha S, Niebel D, Hübner A. [Crisis resilience in medical practices and clinics]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 75:680-686. [PMID: 38935291 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-024-05386-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change because of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions increasingly triggers extreme weather events. Of all the continents, Europe is warming the fastest. Heat and drought, forest fires and floods will worsen in Europe even in optimistic global warming scenarios, affecting living conditions across the continent. Extreme weather events threaten energy and food security, ecosystems, infrastructure, water resources, financial stability, and people's healthcare. Many of these risks have already reached critical levels and could take on catastrophic proportions without immediate, decisive action. OBJECTIVES This paper outlines current challenges for medical practices and clinics in the context of climate change and provides examples and guidance for strengthening crisis resilience. MATERIALS AND METHODS Selective literature review on the different requirements for crisis resilience in practices and clinics was performed. RESULTS Medical practices and clinics achieve crisis resilience by high degrees of adaptability and flexibility. They prepare for climate change-related challenges and are, therefore, able to protect themselves and maintain their function in the healthcare system. Recent weather events in Germany revealed insufficient resilience among the healthcare sector; hence, improvements are necessary. CONCLUSIONS Changing environmental conditions urgently require the healthcare sector to adapt and effectively strengthen crisis resilience in order to ensure that critical infrastructure remains functional and the population has access to healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Hecker
- Arbeitsgemeinschaft Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie (AGN) e. V., Guntramstr. 8, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland.
| | - Susanne Saha
- Arbeitsgemeinschaft Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie (AGN) e. V., Guntramstr. 8, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Dennis Niebel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland
| | - Anne Hübner
- KLUG - Deutsche Allianz Klimawandel und Gesundheit e. V., Cuvrystr. 1, 10997, Berlin, Deutschland
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Omotola EO, Supriyanto G. Occurrence, detection and ecotoxicity of microplastics in selected environments-a systematic appraisal. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32095. [PMID: 39114069 PMCID: PMC11305261 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are being released into the environment in large quantities, especially in less developed parts of the world. This group of pollutants is mostly leached into the environment through heavy plastic dumpsites, pharmaceutical and personal care product containers, hospital wastes, plastic package accessories, and litter from food packaging. Consequently, these compounds are found in different compartments of the ecosystem, such as soils, sediments, biota, and, surprisingly, drinking water. The present study systematically appraised recent studies on MP pollution in the Asian and African environments. It also summarized the trends in the methods for the environmental monitoring of MPs and the removal strategies that have been employed. From the data gathered, the two key instrumentations involved are the microscopes for visualization and the Fourier transform-infra-red (FT-IR) spectrometer to classify or characterize the MPs. Based on the surveyed works of literature, China and South Africa have relatively more information on MP contamination of diverse matrices within their countries. Meanwhile, studies on the status of MP contamination should be conducted across all countries. Hence, this study becomes an eye-opener regarding the commencement of research works on the MP contamination of the environment, especially in other Asian and African countries with little or no information. Furthermore, the literature on ecotoxicity studies of MPs was investigated to ascertain the toxic nature of these compounds. This aspect of research is vital because it serves as a prerequisite for the remediation of these compounds. Microplastics have been declared lethal to biotic components, so all hands must be on deck to continuously remove them from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Oyinkansola Omotola
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu Ode, PMB 2118, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, Airlangga University Surabaya Indonesia, Indonesia
| | - Ganden Supriyanto
- Department of Chemistry, Airlangga University Surabaya Indonesia, Indonesia
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McCabe R, Eklund Thamdrup LH, Ghavami M, Boisen A. Fully Biodegradable Elastomer-Based Device for Oral Macromolecule Delivery. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:3777-3785. [PMID: 38754861 PMCID: PMC11186471 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00147] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Oral devices, such as foil-type devices, show great potential for the delivery of poorly permeable macromolecules by enabling unidirectional release of the loaded pharmaceutical composition in close proximity to the epithelium in the small intestine or colon. However, one of the primary concerns associated with the use of foil-type devices so far has been the utilization of nonbiodegradable elastomers in the fabrication of the devices. Therefore, research into biodegradable substitute materials with similar characteristics enables drug delivery in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. In this study, a biodegradable elastomer, polyoctanediol citrate (POC), was synthesized via a one-pot reaction, with subsequent purification and microscale pattern replication via casting. The microstructure geometry was designed to enable fabrication of foil-type devices with the selected elastomer, which has a high intrinsic surface free energy. The final elastomer was demonstrated to have an elastic modulus ranging up to 2.2 ± 0.1 MPa, with strain at failure up to 110.1 ± 1.5%. Devices were loaded with acetaminophen and enterically coated, demonstrating 100% release at 2.5 h, following dissolution for 1 h in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and 1.5 h in pH 6.8 phosphate-buffered saline. The elastomer demonstrated promising properties based on mechanical testing, surface free energy evaluation, and degradation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reece McCabe
- The Danish National Research
Foundation
and Villum Foundation’s Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery
and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics (IDUN), Department
of Health Technology, Technical University
of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lasse Højlund Eklund Thamdrup
- The Danish National Research
Foundation
and Villum Foundation’s Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery
and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics (IDUN), Department
of Health Technology, Technical University
of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mahdi Ghavami
- The Danish National Research
Foundation
and Villum Foundation’s Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery
and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics (IDUN), Department
of Health Technology, Technical University
of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anja Boisen
- The Danish National Research
Foundation
and Villum Foundation’s Center for Intelligent Drug Delivery
and Sensing Using Microcontainers and Nanomechanics (IDUN), Department
of Health Technology, Technical University
of Denmark, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
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Delgado-Nungaray JA, Grajeda-Arias D, Reynaga-Delgado E, Gonzalez-Reynoso O. Biodegradation of Nitrile Gloves as Sole Carbon Source of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Liquid Culture. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1162. [PMID: 38675080 PMCID: PMC11055158 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitrile gloves have become a significant environmental pollutant after the COVID-19 pandemic due to their single-use design. This study examines the capability of P. aeruginosa to use nitrile gloves as its sole carbon energy source. Biodegradation was determined by P. aeruginosa adapting to increasing nitrile glove concentrations at 1%, 3%, and 5% (w/v). The growth kinetics of P. aeruginosa were evaluated, as well as the polymer weight loss. Topographic changes on the glove surfaces were examined using SEM, and FT-IR was used to evaluate the biodegradation products of the nitrile gloves. Following the establishment of a biofilm on the glove surface, the nitrile toxicity was minimized via biodegradation. The result of the average weight loss of nitrile gloves was 2.25%. FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of aldehydes and aliphatic amines associated with biodegradation. SEM showed P. aeruginosa immersed in the EPS matrix, causing the formation of cracks, scales, protrusions, and the presence of semi-spherical particles. We conclude that P. aeruginosa has the capability to use nitrile gloves as its sole carbon source, even up to 5%, through biofilm formation, demonstrating the potential of P. aeruginosa for the degradation of nitrile gloves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Alejandro Delgado-Nungaray
- Chemical Engineering Department, University Center for Exact and Engineering Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Blvd. M. García Barragán # 1451, Guadalajara C.P. 44430, Jalisco, Mexico;
| | - David Grajeda-Arias
- Pharmacobiology Department, University Center for Exact and Engineering Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Blvd. M. García Barragán # 1451, Guadalajara C.P. 44430, Jalisco, Mexico; (D.G.-A.); (E.R.-D.)
| | - Eire Reynaga-Delgado
- Pharmacobiology Department, University Center for Exact and Engineering Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Blvd. M. García Barragán # 1451, Guadalajara C.P. 44430, Jalisco, Mexico; (D.G.-A.); (E.R.-D.)
| | - Orfil Gonzalez-Reynoso
- Chemical Engineering Department, University Center for Exact and Engineering Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Blvd. M. García Barragán # 1451, Guadalajara C.P. 44430, Jalisco, Mexico;
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Liang C, Li J, Chen Y, Ke L, Zhu J, Zheng L, Li XP, Zhang S, Li H, Zhong GJ, Xu H. Self-Charging, Breathable, and Antibacterial Poly(lactic acid) Nanofibrous Air Filters by Surface Engineering of Ultrasmall Electroactive Nanohybrids. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 38048182 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c13825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the great promise in the development of biodegradable and ecofriendly air filters by electrospinning of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibrous membranes (NFMs), the as-electrospun PLA nanofibers are generally characterized by poor electroactivity and smooth surface, challenging the exploitation of electrostatic adsorption and physical interception that are in need for efficient removal of pathogens and particulate matters (PMs). Herein, a combined "electrospinning-electrospray" strategy was disclosed to functionalize the PLA nanofibers by direct anchoring of highly dielectric BaTiO3@ZIF-8 nanohybrids (BTO@ZIF-8), conferring simultaneous promotion of surface roughness, electret properties (surface potential as high as 7.5 kV), and self-charging capability (∼190% increase in tribo-output voltage compared to that of pure PLA). Benefiting from the well-tailored morphology and increased electroactivity, the electrospun-electrosprayed PLA/BTO@ZIF-8 exhibited excellent PM-capturing performance (up to 96.54% for PM0.3 and 99.49% for PM2.5) while providing desirable air resistance (only 87 Pa at 32 L/min) due primarily to the slip flow of air molecules over the nanohybrid protrusions. This was accompanied by excellent antibacterial properties (99.9% inhibition against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli), arising presumably from the synergistic effects of enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, plentiful ion release, and surface charges. Our proposed strategy opens up pathways to afford exceptional combination of high-efficiency and low-resistance filtration, excellent antibacterial performance, and mechanical robustness without sacrificing the biodegradation profiles of PLA NFMs, holding potential implications for efficient and long-term healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Liang
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Yuyang Chen
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Lv Ke
- School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Jintuo Zhu
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center of Dust Control and Occupational Protection, Xuzhou 221008, China
| | - Lina Zheng
- School of Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center of Dust Control and Occupational Protection, Xuzhou 221008, China
| | - Xiao-Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Institute of Chemical Defense, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shenghui Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Heguo Li
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Institute of Chemical Defense, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Gan-Ji Zhong
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Huan Xu
- School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center of Dust Control and Occupational Protection, Xuzhou 221008, China
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu 610065, China
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