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Ge W, Liang H, Gao P, Li Y, Song N, Wu J, Chai C. Exploring the release mechanism of micro/nanoplastics from different layers of masks in water: towards reduction of plastic contamination in masks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:33047-33057. [PMID: 38668948 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33443-2] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a substantial quantity of disposable face masks was discarded, consisting of three layers of nonwoven fabric. However, their improper disposal led to the release of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) when they ended up in aquatic environments. To analyze the release kinetics and size characteristics of these masks, release experiments were performed on commercially available disposable masks over a period of 7 days and micro- and nanoplastic releases were detected using fiber counting and nanoparticle tracking analysis. The study's findings revealed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the quantity of MPs released among the layers of the masks. However, the quantity of NPs released from the middle layer of the mask was 25.9 ± 1.3 × 108 to 81.3 ± 5.3 × 108 particles/piece, significantly higher than the inner and outer layers (p < 0.05). The release process of micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) from each layer of the mask followed the Elovich equation and the power function equation, indicating that the release was divided into two stages. MPs in the range of 1-500 µm and NPs in the range of 100-300 nm dominated the release from each layer of the mask, accounting for an average of 93.81% and 67.52%, respectively. Based on these findings, recommendations are proposed to reduce the release of M/NPs from masks during subsequent use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ge
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Hao Liang
- School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ping Gao
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Agricultural Resource and Environment, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Ningning Song
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Juan Wu
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Chao Chai
- School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
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2
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Das S, Mukherjee A. Combined effects of P25 TiO 2 nanoparticles and disposable face mask leachate on microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus: analysing the effects of heavy metals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1428-1437. [PMID: 37534914 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00120b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Disposable surgical face masks extensively used during the COVID-19 outbreak would release microplastics into the aquatic environment. The increasing usage of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) in various consumer items has led to its ubiquitous presence in freshwater systems. This study determined the quantity and kind of microplastics discharged from disposable surgical face masks. The mask-leached microplastics were identified to be polypropylene of varying shapes and sizes, spanning from 1 μm to 15 μm. In addition, heavy metals like Cd, Cr, and Hg leached from the face masks were quantified. Four concentrations of nTiO2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg L-1, were mixed with leached solution from the face masks to perform the combined toxicity test on freshwater algae, Scenedesmus obliquus. A dose-dependent decrease in algal cell viability was observed upon treatment with various concentrations of nTiO2 individually. The mixtures of nTiO2 and the leached solution from the face masks exhibited significantly more toxicity in the algal cells than in their pristine forms. nTiO2 promoted increased production of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities resulting in cellular damage and decreased photosynthesis. These impacts were elevated when the algal cells were treated with the binary mixture. Furthermore, the heavy metal ions leached from face masks also contributed to the toxic effects. Our study shows that the leachates from disposable surgical face masks, combined with nTiO2, may pose a severe environmental threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soupam Das
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India.
| | - Amitava Mukherjee
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India.
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3
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Dey S, Samanta P, Dutta D, Kundu D, Ghosh AR, Kumar S. Face masks: a COVID-19 protector or environmental contaminant? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:93363-93387. [PMID: 37548785 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29063-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Face masks, a prime component of personal protective equipment (PPE) items, have become an integral part of human beings to survive under the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation. The global population requires an estimated 130 billion face masks and 64 billion gloves/month, while the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the daily disposal of approximately 3.5 billion single-use face masks, resulting in a staggering 14,245,230.63 kg of face mask waste. The improper disposal of face mask wastes followed by its mismanagement is a challenge to the scientists as the wastes create pollution leading to environmental degradation, especially plastic pollution (macro/meso/micro/nano). Each year, an estimated 0.15-0.39 million tons of COVID-19 face mask waste, along with 173,000 microfibers released daily from discarded surgical masks, could enter the marine environment, while used masks have a significantly higher microplastic release capacity (1246.62 ± 403.50 particles/piece) compared to new masks (183.00 ± 78.42 particles/piece). Surgical face masks emit around 59 g CO2-eq greenhouse gas emissions per single use, cloth face masks emit approximately 60 g CO2-eq/single mask, and inhaling or ingesting microplastics (MPs) caused adverse health problems including chronic inflammation, granulomas or fibrosis, DNA damage, cellular damage, oxidative stress, and cytokine secretion. The present review critically addresses the role of face masks in reducing COVID-19 infections, their distribution pattern in diverse environments, the volume of waste produced, degradation in the natural environment, and adverse impacts on different environmental segments, and proposes sustainable remediation options to tackle environmental challenges posed by disposable COVID-19 face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhendu Dey
- Department of Environmental Science, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, 713 104, West Bengal, India
| | - Palas Samanta
- Department of Environmental Science, Sukanta Mahavidyalaya, University of North Bengal, Dhupguri, 735 210, West Bengal, India
| | - Deblina Dutta
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, 522 240, India
| | - Debajyoti Kundu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, 522 240, India
| | - Apurba Ratan Ghosh
- Department of Environmental Science, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, 713 104, West Bengal, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, Maharashtra, India.
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4
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Hasan M, Islam ARMT, Jion MMMF, Rahman MN, Peu SD, Das A, Bari ABMM, Islam MS, Pal SC, Islam A, Choudhury TR, Rakib MRJ, Idris AM, Malafaia G. Personal protective equipment-derived pollution during Covid-19 era: A critical review of ecotoxicology impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 887:164164. [PMID: 37187394 PMCID: PMC10182863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164164] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people used personal protective equipment (PPE) to lessen the spread of the virus. The release of microplastics (MPs) from discarded PPE is a new threat to the long-term health of the environment and poses challenges that are not yet clear. PPE-derived MPs have been found in multi-environmental compartments, e.g., water, sediments, air, and soil across the Bay of Bengal (BoB). As COVID-19 spreads, healthcare facilities use more plastic PPE, polluting aquatic ecosystems. Excessive PPE use releases MPs into the ecosystem, which aquatic organisms ingest, distressing the food chain and possibly causing ongoing health problems in humans. Thus, post-COVID-19 sustainability depends on proper intervention strategies for PPE waste, which have received scholarly interest. Although many studies have investigated PPE-induced MPs pollution in the BoB countries (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar), the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges of PPE-derived waste have largely gone unnoticed. Our study presents a critical literature review covering the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges across the BoB countries (e.g., India (162,034.45 tons), Bangladesh (67,996 tons), Sri Lanka (35,707.95 tons), and Myanmar (22,593.5 tons). The ecotoxicity impacts of PPE-derived MPs on human health and other environmental compartments are critically addressed. The review's findings infer a gap in the 5R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redesign, and Restructure) Strategy's implementation in the BoB coastal regions, hindering the achievement of UN SDG-12. Despite widespread research advancements in the BoB, many questions about PPE-derived MPs pollution from the perspective of the COVID-19 era still need to be answered. In response to the post-COVID-19 environmental remediation concerns, this study highlights the present research gaps and suggests new research directions considering the current MPs' research advancements on COVID-related PPE waste. Finally, the review suggests a framework for proper intervention strategies for reducing and monitoring PPE-derived MPs pollution in the BoB countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Md Naimur Rahman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Susmita Datta Peu
- Department of Agriculture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Arnob Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, 6 Rajshahi 6204, Bangladesh
| | - A B M Mainul Bari
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Subodh Chandra Pal
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Aznarul Islam
- Department of Geography, Aliah University, 17 Gorachand Road, Kolkata 700 014, West Bengal, India.
| | - Tasrina Rabia Choudhury
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre Dhaka (AECD), Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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5
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Tang H, Zhong L, Xu Y, Jin Z, Pan Z, Shen J. Polypropylene microplastics affect the physiology in Drosophila model. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 113:355-360. [PMID: 36636811 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485322000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has been a hot research topic in recent years. MPs are ubiquitous throughout the ecological environment and are eventually accumulated in organisms through inhalation or ingestion. However, given that MPs are inert pollutants, their effects on organisms are not clear. In previous study, we have investigated the effects of polyethylene terephthalate MPs on physiology of Drosophila. What is the effect of polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs)? The results of our experiments show that being exposed to high concentration of PP-MPs have significant effect on Drosophila. PP-MPs exposure can significantly increase locomotor activity and shorten the time of group sleep in Drosophila. In the presence of high concentrations of PP-MPs, the triglyceride content was reduced in females and their ability of egg production was affected. However, there was no significant effect on the level of protein and carbohydrate, or on the food intake. Our experimental results can provide some preliminary data for assessing the potential hazard of PP-MPs to other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tang
- College of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China 310018
| | - Lichao Zhong
- College of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China 310018
| | - Yifan Xu
- College of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China 310018
| | - Zhishen Jin
- College of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China 310018
| | - Zhihao Pan
- College of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China 310018
| | - Jie Shen
- College of Artificial Intelligence, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China 310018
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6
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Cheng J, Xing D, Wang P, Tang S, Cai Z, Zhou J, Zhu X. Enrichment of antibiotic resistant genes and pathogens in face masks from coastal environments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 449:131038. [PMID: 36821901 PMCID: PMC9938759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Face masks (FMs) are essential to limit the spread of the coronavirus during pandemic, a considerable of which are accumulated on the coast. However, limited is known about the microbial profile in the biofilm of the face masks (so-called plastisphere) and the impacts of face masks on the surrounding environments. We herein performed face mask exposures to coastal sediments and characterized the microbial community and the antibiotic resistome. We detected 64 antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) and 12 mobile gene elements (MGEs) in the plastisphere. Significant enrichments were found in the relative abundance of total ARGs in the plastisphere compared to the sediments. In detail, the relative abundance of tetracycline, multidrug, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB), and phenicol-resistant genes had increased by 5-10 times. Moreover, the relative abundance of specific hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria (e.g., Polycyclovorans sp.), pathogens (e.g., Pseudomonas oleovorans), and total MGEs significantly increased in the sediments after face mask exposure, which was congruent with the alteration of pH value and metal concentrations in the microcosms. Our study demonstrated the negative impacts of FMs on coastal environments regardless of the profiles of ARGs or pathogens. These findings improved the understanding of the ecological risks of face masks and underlined the importance of beach cleaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingguang Cheng
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Daochao Xing
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Pu Wang
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Si Tang
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Zhonghua Cai
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Xiaoshan Zhu
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China.
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7
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Oliveira AM, Patrício Silva AL, Soares AMVM, Barceló D, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Current knowledge on the presence, biodegradation, and toxicity of discarded face masks in the environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 11:109308. [PMID: 36643396 PMCID: PMC9832688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2023.109308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, facemasks became mandatory, with a great preference for disposable ones. However, the benefits of face masks for health safety are counteracted by the environmental burden related to their improper disposal. An unprecedented influx of disposable face masks entering the environment has been reported in the last two years of the pandemic, along with their implications in natural environments in terms of their biodegradability, released contaminants and ecotoxicological effects. This critical review addresses several aspects of the current literature regarding the (bio)degradation and (eco)toxicity of face masks related contaminants, identifying uncertainties and research needs that should be addressed in future studies. While it is indisputable that face mask contamination contributes to the already alarming plastic pollution, we are still far from determining its real environmental and ecotoxicological contribution to the issue. The paucity of studies on biodegradation and ecotoxicity of face masks and related contaminants, and the uncertainties and uncontrolled variables involved during experimental procedures, are compromising eventual comparison with conventional plastic debris. Studies on the abundance and composition of face mask-released contaminants (microplastics/fibres/ chemical compounds) under pre- and post-pandemic conditions should, therefore, be encouraged, along with (bio)degradation and ecotoxicity tests considering environmentally relevant settings. To achieve this, methodological strategies should be developed to overcome technical difficulties to quantify and characterise the smallest MPs and fibres, adsorbents, and leachates to increase the environmental relevancy of the experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Oliveira
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Damià Barceló
- Catalan Institute for Water research (ICRA-CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101,17003 Girona, Spain
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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8
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Morales IDG, Macusi ED, Jondonero MAP, Guihawan JQ, Bacosa HP, Amparado RF. Facemask: Protection or threat? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114681. [PMID: 36758311 PMCID: PMC9902895 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Facemasks were widely used as a protection against SARS-COV-2, which significantly reduced COVID-19 transmission during the pandemic. However, concerns have been raised regarding its adverse impacts on human health due to intense use and mismanagement. Although rampant plastic littering was the norm before the pandemic, the magnitude of the problem is worsening as potentially COVID-19-infected facemasks are thrown along the shoreline. This study assessed the discarded facemasks on the most popular beach destinations in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines. A total of N = 284 discarded facemasks were found in a cumulative area of 22,500 m2, with an average density of 8.4 × 10-4 items/m2. The surgical facemask (82 %; n = 234) was the most abundant type of facemask found in the areas, followed by KF94 (16 %; n = 45) and KN95 (2 %; n = 5). The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in the visual counts of facemasks on the three beaches (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilah Dianne G Morales
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines.
| | - Edison D Macusi
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences (IALS), Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | | | - Jaime Q Guihawan
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
| | - Hernando P Bacosa
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
| | - Ruben F Amparado
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
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Choudhary R, Mukhija A, Sharma S, Choudhary R, Chand A, Dewangan AK, Gaurav GK, Klemeš JJ. Energy-saving COVID-19 biomedical plastic waste treatment using the thermal - Catalytic pyrolysis. ENERGY (OXFORD, ENGLAND) 2023; 264:126096. [PMID: 36407968 PMCID: PMC9661398 DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2022.126096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The rate of Biomedical waste generation increases exponentially during infectious diseases, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which burst in December 2019 and spread worldwide in a very short time, causing over 6 M casualties worldwide till May 2022. As per the WHO guidelines, the facemask has been used by every person to prevent the infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and discarded as biomedical waste. In the present work, a 3-ply facemask was chosen to be treated using the solvent, which was extracted from the different types of waste plastics through the thermal-catalytic pyrolysis process using a novel catalyst. The facemask was dispersed in the solvent in a heating process, followed by dissolution and precipitation of the facemask in the solvent and by filtration of the solid facemask residue out of the solvent. The effect of peak temperature, heating rate, and type of solvent is observed experimentally, and it found that the facemask was dissolved completely with a clear supernate in the solvent extracted from the (polypropylene + poly-ethylene) plastic also saved energy, while the solvent from ABS plastic was not capable to dissolute the facemask. The potential of the presented approach on the global level is also examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Choudhary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat, Gujarat (India) - 395007
| | - Abhishek Mukhija
- E-waste Research & Development Centre, Institute of Engineering & Technology, Alwar, Rajasthan (India) - 301030
| | - Subhash Sharma
- E-waste Research & Development Centre, Institute of Engineering & Technology, Alwar, Rajasthan (India) - 301030
| | - Rohitash Choudhary
- E-waste Research & Development Centre, Institute of Engineering & Technology, Alwar, Rajasthan (India) - 301030
| | - Ami Chand
- E-waste Research & Development Centre, Institute of Engineering & Technology, Alwar, Rajasthan (India) - 301030
| | - Ashok K Dewangan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Delhi, Delhi (India) - 110036
| | - Gajendra Kumar Gaurav
- Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory, SPIL, NETME Centre, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, VUT Brno, Technická 2896/2, 616 69, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Jaromír Klemeš
- Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory, SPIL, NETME Centre, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, VUT Brno, Technická 2896/2, 616 69, Brno, Czech Republic
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10
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Batasheva S, Akhatova F, Abubakirov N, Fakhrullin R. Probing nanoplastics derived from polypropylene face masks with hyperspectral dark-field microscopy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158574. [PMID: 36075443 PMCID: PMC9444569 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The high worldwide consumption of cheap plastic goods has already resulted in a serious environmental plastic pollution, exacerbated by piling of disposed personal protective equipment because of the recent outbreak of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of dark-field hyperspectral microscopy in the 400-1000 wavelength range for detection of nanoplastics derived from weathered polypropylene masks. A surgical mask was separated to layers and exposed to UV radiation (254 nm) for 192 h. Oxidative degradation of the polypropylene was evidenced by ATR FT-IR analysis. UV treatment for 192 h resulted in generation of differently shaped micro- and nano-sized particles, visualized by dark-field microscopy. The presence of nanoparticles was confirmed by AFM studies. The hyperspectral profiles (400-1000 nm) were collected after every 48 h of the UV treatment. The distinct hyperspectral features faded after prolonged UV exposure, but the assignment of some particles to either blue or white layers of mask could still be made based on spectral characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Batasheva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kreml uramı 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan 420008, Russian Federation.
| | - Farida Akhatova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kreml uramı 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan 420008, Russian Federation
| | - Nail Abubakirov
- Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics, Kazan Federal University, Kreml uramı 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan 420008, Russian Federation
| | - Rawil Fakhrullin
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kreml uramı 18, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan 420008, Russian Federation.
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11
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Wang F, Wu H, Li J, Liu J, Xu Q, An L. Microfiber releasing into urban rivers from face masks during COVID-19. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 319:115741. [PMID: 35841777 PMCID: PMC9273611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Face masks play a crucial protective role in preventing the spread of coronavirus disease during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the improper disposal of used face masks also causes an emerging environmental problem, such as microplastic contamination. Here, the aim was to evaluate the improper disposal of used face masks and, subsequently, the potential contribution to microplastic contamination in urban rivers. First, we investigated the occurrence of discarded face masks in Qing River through continuously one-month collection on-site, and the disposable masks with a density of (8.28 ± 4.21) × 10-5 items/m2 with varying degrees of wear and tear were found. Next, the microfibers shedding from two popular types of new disposable masks were tested. The results showed that 50.33 ± 18.50 items/mask of microfibers, ranging from 301 μm to 467 μm in size, were released from the disposal face mask after immersion in ultrapure water for 24-h. It was significantly higher than the KN95 respirator of 31.33 ± 0.57 items/mask, ranging from 273 μm to 441 μm. Besides C and O elements only found in new face masks, some potentially toxic elements were also detected on the surface of discarded face masks, indicating that various environmental contaminations are easy to adsorb on the surface of discarded face masks. The results implied that these discarded face masks in an aquatic environment are emerging sources of microfibers and could act as transport vectors for contaminants, which would aggravate the present microplastic contamination. In conclusion, these findings were expected to raise public awareness of the proper disposal of used face masks to prevent microplastic contamination and the spread of COVID-19 in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Haiwen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Jiangnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Jianli Liu
- College of Textile Science and Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Qiujin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Lihui An
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
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12
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Bashar A, Heal RD, Hasan NA, Salam MA, Haque MM. COVID-19 impacts on the Bangladesh shrimp industry: A sequential survey-based case study from southwestern Bangladesh. FISHERIES SCIENCE : FS 2022; 88:767-786. [PMID: 36187420 PMCID: PMC9510452 DOI: 10.1007/s12562-022-01630-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Shrimp farming is fundamental to the national economy of Bangladesh, particularly through earning foreign currency. The nationwide lockdown and international cargo restriction jeopardized the sector and breaking its marketing chain. Assessing the degree of farming socio-economic peril from COVID-19 and suggesting early coping strategies and long-term mitigation measures are pressing to build resilience for this food production sector. To collect survey data, two key-informant face-to-face surveys with 51 shrimp farmers and 62 consumers in southwest Bangladesh were accomplished. As national lockdowns restricted access to export markets and movements within the country, farm incomes decreased against rising production costs. To compensate, farmers reduced their workforce (29.4%), but even with the sale of co-cultured finfish still suffered from large drops in revenue (42.8% average profit reduction). Furthermore, we present evidence that shrimp farmers should consider diversification of aquaculture product type as co-culture of additional shrimp species was a poor mitigation strategy against large market price fluctuations. Product price reductions were passed on to the consumer, who enjoyed falling product prices including more expensive shrimp products, but the markup for nearly all aquaculture products increased. The current jeopardy and consequences of shrimp farming future are discussed, including coping strategies to help policymakers in building resilience against future uncertainties. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12562-022-01630-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abul Bashar
- Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Richard D. Heal
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - Neaz A. Hasan
- Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Abdus Salam
- Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mahfujul Haque
- Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
- Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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13
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A systemic review on liquid crystals, nanoformulations and its application for detection and treatment of SARS - CoV- 2 (COVID - 19). J Mol Liq 2022; 362:119795. [PMID: 35832289 PMCID: PMC9265145 DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119795] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 is a pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has instigated major health problems and prompted WHO to proclaim a worldwide medical emergency. The knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 fundamental structure, aetiology, its entrance mechanism, membrane hijacking and immune response against the virus, are important parameters to develop effective vaccines and medicines. Liquid crystals integrated nano-techniques and various nanoformulations were applied to tackle the severity of the virus. It was reported that nanoformulations have helped to enhance the effectiveness of presently accessible antiviral medicines or to elicit a fast immunological response against COVID-19 virus. Applications of liquid crystals, nanostructures, nanoformulations and nanotechnology in diagnosis, prevention, treatment and tailored vaccine administration against COVID-19 which will help in establishing the framework for a successful pandemic combat are reviewed. This review also focuses on limitations associated with liquid crystal-nanotechnology based systems and suggests the possible ways to address these limitations. Also, topical advancements in the ground of liquid crystals and nanostructures established diagnostics (nanosensor/biosensor) are discussed in detail.
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14
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Uncontrolled Disposal of Used Masks Resulting in Release of Microplastics and Co-Pollutants into Environment. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14152403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The global panic caused by COVID-19 has continued to increase people’s demand for masks. However, due to inadequate management and disposal practice, these masks have, unfortunately, entered the environment and release a large amount of microplastics (MPs), posing a serious threat to the environment and human health. Understanding the occurrence of mask waste in various environments, release of mask-origin MPs, and related environmental risk is essential to mask-waste management in current and future epidemic prevention and control. This paper focuses on the global distribution of mask waste, the potential release of waste-origin MPs, and the impact on the environment. Specifically, the physical and chemical properties of polypropylene (the most common plastic material in a mask), which show a high adsorption capacity for heavy metals and organic pollutants and play a role as a support for microbial growth, were extensively reported. In addition, several important issues that need to be resolved are raised, which offers a direction for future research. This review focuses on the essentiality of handling masks to avoid potential environmental issues.
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15
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Mahmoudnia A, Mehrdadi N, Golbabaei Kootenaei F, Rahmati Deiranloei M, Al-e-Ahmad E. Increased personal protective equipment consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic: An emerging concern on the urban waste management and strategies to reduce the environmental impact. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES 2022. [PMID: 37520796 PMCID: PMC9190174 DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Personal protective equipments (PPEs) are essential protective products for individuals exposed to microorganism, toxic substances, and pathogens. However, the advent of the coronavirus pandemic generated a heavy demand for PPE, which has led to a rapid accumulation of plastic waste related to potentially infectious PPE in the urban waste stream. Mismanagement of these wastes can lead to subsequent environmental problems. This study estimates the daily consumption of facemasks, gloves, and daily medical waste generation during the SARs-CoV-2 pandemic in the selected 33 countries worldwide. The results indicate that China used the highest daily facemasks and gloves among these selected countries, followed by India, the US, Brazil, Indonesia, and Japan. Moreover, India is the first one in medical waste production, followed by the USA, Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain. The article also provides viable strategies and discusses the pros and cons of strategies to address the unprecedented generation of plastic waste material during the pandemic. This manuscript also encourages scientific communities and policymakers to pay exceptional attention to the pandemic's plastic waste.
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16
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Li B, Huang Y, Guo D, Liu Y, Liu Z, Han JC, Zhao J, Zhu X, Huang Y, Wang Z, Xing B. Environmental risks of disposable face masks during the pandemic of COVID-19: Challenges and management. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 825:153880. [PMID: 35189225 PMCID: PMC8855619 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, face mask (FM) has been recognized as an effective measure to reduce the infection, increasing its consumption across the world. However, the large amount of at-home FM usage changed traditional medical waste management practices, lack of improper management. Currently, few studies estimate FM consumption at a global scale, not to say a comprehensive investigation on the environmental risks of FM from a life cycle perspective. Therefore, global FM consumption and its associated environmental risks are clarified in the present study. Our result shows that 449.5 billion FMs were consumed from January 2020 to March 2021, with an average of 59.4 FMs per person worldwide. This review also provides a basis to understand the environmental risk of randomly disposed of FM and highlights the urgent requirement for the attention of FMs waste management to prevent pollution in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- Water Research Center, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yuxiong Huang
- Water Research Center, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Dengting Guo
- Water Research Center, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yuzhi Liu
- Water Research Center, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Ziyi Liu
- Water Research Center, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jing-Cheng Han
- Water Science and Environmental Engineering Research Centre, College of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Jian Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 214122, PR China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhu
- Water Research Center, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Yuefei Huang
- Water Research Center, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Process and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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17
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Sendra M, Pereiro P, Yeste MP, Novoa B, Figueras A. Surgical face masks as a source of emergent pollutants in aquatic systems: Analysis of their degradation product effects in Danio rerio through RNA-Seq. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 428:128186. [PMID: 35042165 PMCID: PMC9761780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.128186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Surgical face masks are the most popularised and effective personal equipment for protecting public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are composed of plastic polymer fibres with a large amount of inorganic and organic compounds that can be released into aquatic environments through degradation processes. This source of microplastics and inorganic and organic substances could potentially impact aquatic organisms. In this study, the toxicogenomic effects of face masks at different stages of degradation in water were analysed in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio) through RNA-Seq. Larvae were exposed for 10 days to three treatments: 1) face mask fragments in an initial stage of degradation (poorly degraded masks -PDM- products) with the corresponding water; 2) face mask fragments in an advanced stage of degradation (highly degraded masks -HDM- products) with the corresponding water; and 3) water derived from HDM (W-HDM). Transcriptome analyses revealed that the three treatments provoked the down-regulation of genes related to reproduction, especially the HDM products, suggesting that degradation products derived from face masks could act as endocrine disruptors. The affected genes are involved in different steps of reproduction, including gametogenesis, sperm-egg recognition and binding or fertilisation. Immune-related genes and metabolic processes were also differentially affected by the treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sendra
- Institute of Marine Research (IIM), National Research Council (CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Patricia Pereiro
- Institute of Marine Research (IIM), National Research Council (CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - María Pilar Yeste
- Department of Material Science, Metallurgical Engineering and Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cádiz, Spain
| | - Beatriz Novoa
- Institute of Marine Research (IIM), National Research Council (CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain.
| | - Antonio Figueras
- Institute of Marine Research (IIM), National Research Council (CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain.
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18
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Application of fenitrothion on Heteropneustes fossilis causes alteration in morphology of erythrocytes via modifying hematological parameters. Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:895-904. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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19
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Al-Emran M, Hasan NA, Khan MP, Islam SMM, Bashar A, Zulfahmi I, Shahjahan M, Sumon KA. Alterations in hematological parameters and the structure of peripheral erythrocytes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to profenofos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:29049-29061. [PMID: 34993795 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17972-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The burden of pesticide use from agricultural intensification lies in the fact that pesticides may end up in aquatic ecosystems and have pernicious effects on non-target organisms, including fish. Different blood biomarkers, including hemato-biochemical indices, erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities (ENA), and erythrocytic cellular abnormalities (ECA), were observed in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after exposure to varying sub-lethal concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40% of 96-h LC50) of profenofos at different time intervals (7, 14, 21, and 28 days). The results revealed that glucose and white blood cell (WBC) levels significantly increased, while hemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC), and packed cell volume (PCV) significantly decreased in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Aberrant erythrocytic morphology-derived ENA, such as nuclear degeneration, micronuclear formation, binuclear development, nuclear budding, and karyopyknosis, significantly increased with time in profenofos-exposed groups compared to controls. Between the treatment and control groups, a significant execution was discerned for teardrop and fusion type ECA. For other cellular aberrations of erythrocytes, including elongated, twin, and spindle, a significant difference appeared only at the beginning of the experiment (day 7). This study concludes that the presence of widely used profenofos in aquatic systems has a pernicious effect on Nile tilapia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Al-Emran
- Department of Fisheries Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Neaz A Hasan
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Polash Khan
- Department of Fisheries Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - S M Majharul Islam
- Department of Fisheries Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Abul Bashar
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Ilham Zulfahmi
- Department of Fisheries Resources Utilization, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Md Shahjahan
- Department of Fisheries Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Kizar Ahmed Sumon
- Department of Fisheries Management, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh.
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20
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Sharif N, Alzahrani KJ, Ahmed SN, Opu RR, Ahmed N, Talukder A, Nunia R, Chowdhury MS, Nodi IJ, Saha T, Zhang M, Dey SK. Protective measures are associated with the reduction of transmission of COVID-19 in Bangladesh: A nationwide cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260287. [PMID: 34807962 PMCID: PMC8608304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major public health issue globally. Preventive health measures against COVID-19 can reduce the health burden significantly by containing the transmission. A few research have been undertaken on the effectiveness of preventive strategies such as mask use, hand washing, and keeping social distance in preventing COVID-19 transmission. The main aim of this study was to determine the association of the preventive measures with the reduction of transmission of COVID-19 among people. Data was collected during January 06, 2021 to May 10, 2021 from 1690 participants in Bangladesh. A validated questionnaire was used to collect both the online and offline data. Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association among the variables. The prevalence of COVID-19 was 11.5% (195 of 1690) among the population. Age, gender, occupation and monthly income of the participants were significantly associated with the likelihood of following the preventive measures. The risk of infection and death reduced significantly among the participants following preventive measures (p = .001). The odds of incidence was lower among the participants using masks properly (OR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01-0.43), maintaining social distances (OR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.33), avoiding crowded places (OR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.19) and hand shaking (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.09-0.41). This study suggests that preventive health measures are significantly associated with the reduction of the risk of infection of COVID-19. Findings from this study will help the policymakers to take appropriate steps to curb the health burden of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadim Sharif
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Khalid J. Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shamsun Nahar Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rubayet Rayhan Opu
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nayan Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Aeken Talukder
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Raju Nunia
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Israt Jahan Nodi
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tama Saha
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Shuvra Kanti Dey
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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21
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Heal RD, Hasan NA, Haque MM. Increasing disease burden and use of drugs and chemicals in Bangladesh shrimp aquaculture: A potential menace to human health. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112796. [PMID: 34385024 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Using structured surveys in 2008 and 2016, change in disease burden and use of chemical treatments in Bangladesh shrimp farm management was examined. Overall, disease burden had increased in all farms and was more polarized, with a fewer number of individual infectious diseases responsible for most disease in ponds. Farmers also reported physical deformities, nutritional deficiencies, and unknown diseases further indicating poor health of their stock. To combat the threat, more chemical treatments were used (5.2 treatments per farm in 2008 versus 28.8 in 2016), resulting in an average increase of 424% in the number of active substances entering shrimp ponds. Although there was a modest reduction in the use of antimicrobials, shrimp was being exposed to a wider range of chemicals during rearing. The subsequent concern for the environment, animal and human health demands further research to identify potential risks from residues of chemical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Heal
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, UK
| | - Neaz A Hasan
- Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
| | - Mohammad Mahfujul Haque
- Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh; Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Futures, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
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22
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D. Atoufi H, Lampert DJ, Sillanpää M. COVID-19, a double-edged sword for the environment: a review on the impacts of COVID-19 on the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:61969-61978. [PMID: 34558046 PMCID: PMC8460194 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16551-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
This review paper discusses the most relevant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease has infected 70 million people and caused the death of 1.58 million people since the US Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization to develop a vaccine to prevent COVID-19 on December 11, 2020. COVID-19 is a global crisis that has impacted everything directly connected with human beings, including the environment. This review discusses the impacts of COVID-19 on the environment during the pandemic and post-COVID-19 era. During the first months of the COVID pandemic, global coal, oil, gas, and electricity demands declined by 8%, 5%, 2%, and 20%, respectively, relative to 2019. Stay-at-home orders in countries increased the concentrations of particles in indoor environments while decreasing the concentrations of PM2.5 and NOX in outdoor environments. Remotely working in response to the COVID-19 pandemic increased the carbon, water, and land footprints of Internet usage. Microplastics are released into our environment from the mishandling and mismanagement of personal protective equipment that endanger our water, soils, and sediments. Since the COVID-19 vaccine cannot be stored for a long time and spoils rapidly, more awareness of the massive waste of unused doses is needed. So COVID-19 is a double-edged sword for the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein D. Atoufi
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL USA
| | - David J. Lampert
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Environmental Engineering and Management Research Group, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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23
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Yayehrad AT, Siraj EA, Wondie GB, Alemie AA, Derseh MT, Ambaye AS. Could Nanotechnology Help to End the Fight Against COVID-19? Review of Current Findings, Challenges and Future Perspectives. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:5713-5743. [PMID: 34465991 PMCID: PMC8402990 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s327334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A serious viral infectious disease was introduced to the globe by the end of 2019 that was seen primarily from China, but spread worldwide in a few months to be a pandemic. Since then, accurate prevention, early detection, and effective treatment strategies are not yet outlined. There is no approved drug to counter its worldwide transmission. However, integration of nanostructured delivery systems with the current management strategies has promised a pronounced opportunity to tackle the pandemic. This review addressed the various promising nanotechnology-based approaches for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the pandemic. The pharmaceutical, pharmacoeconomic, and regulatory aspects of these systems with currently achieved or predicted beneficial outcomes, challenges, and future perspectives are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashagrachew Tewabe Yayehrad
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Ebrahim Abdela Siraj
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Gebremariam Birhanu Wondie
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Atlaw Abate Alemie
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Manaye Tamrie Derseh
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Departement of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia
| | - Abyou Seyfu Ambaye
- Departement of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia
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Asim N, Badiei M, Sopian K. Review of the valorization options for the proper disposal of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION 2021; 23:101797. [PMID: 34307792 PMCID: PMC8278925 DOI: 10.1016/j.eti.2021.101797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only human health and economies but also the environment due to the large volume of waste in the form of discarded personal protective equipment. The remarkable increase in the global usage of face masks, which mainly contain polypropylene, and improper waste management have led to a serious environmental challenge called microplastic pollution. Potential practices for waste management related to waste valorization of discarded face masks as the major type of waste during the COVID-19 pandemic are explored in this study. Recommendations based on governmental practices, situation of state facilities, and societal awareness and engagement applicable to emergency (including COVID-19 pandemic) and postpandemic scenarios are offered while considering potential solutions and available waste management practices in different countries during emergency conditions. However, multicriteria decision making for a country must determine the optimal solution for waste management on the basis of all affecting factors. Awareness of scientific, governments, and communities worldwide will successfully eradicate this important environmental issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilofar Asim
- Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
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