1
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Laranjeiro F, Rotander A, López-Ibáñez S, Vilas A, Södergren Seilitz F, Clérandeau C, Sampalo M, Rial D, Bellas J, Cachot J, Almeda R, Beiras R. Comparative assessment of the acute toxicity of commercial bio-based polymer leachates on marine plankton. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174403. [PMID: 38960198 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174403] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Conventional plastics have become a major environmental concern due to their persistence and accumulation in marine ecosystems. The development of potential degradable polymers (PBP), such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and polylactic acid (PLA), has gained attention as an alternative to mitigate plastic pollution, since they have the potential to biodegrade under certain conditions, and their production is increasing as replacement of conventional polyolefins. This study aimed to assess and compare the toxicity of leachates of pre-compounding PBP (PLA and the PHA, polyhydroxybutyrate-covalerate (PHBv)) and polypropylene (PP) on five marine planktonic species. A battery of standard bioassays using bacteria, microalgae, sea urchin embryos, mussel embryos and copepod nauplii was conducted to assess the toxicity of leachates from those polymers. Additionally, the presence of chemical additives in the leachates was also verified through GC-MS and LC-HRMS analysis. Results showed that PHBv leachates exhibited higher toxicity compared to other polymers, with the microalgae Rhodomonas salina, being the most sensitive species to the tested leachates. On the other hand, PP and PLA generally displayed minimal to no toxicity in the studied species. Estimated species sensitivity distribution curves (SSD) show that PHBv leachates can be 10 times more hazardous to marine plankton than PP or PLA leachates, as demonstrated by the calculated Hazardous Concentration for 5 % of species (HC5). Qualitative chemical analysis supports the toxicological results, with 80 % of compounds being identified in PHBv leachates of which 2,4,6-trichlorophenol is worth mentioning due to the deleterious effects to aquatic biota described in literature. These findings underscore the fact that whereas environmental persistence can be targeted using PBP, the issue of chemical safety remains unsolved by some alternatives, such as PHBv. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the toxicity profiles of PBP materials through a priori toxicological risk assessment is vital for their responsible application as alternatives to conventional plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Laranjeiro
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain.
| | - A Rotander
- MTM Research Centre, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - S López-Ibáñez
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - A Vilas
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | | | - C Clérandeau
- EPOC, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - M Sampalo
- EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - D Rial
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro, 50-52 36390 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - J Bellas
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro, 50-52 36390 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - J Cachot
- EPOC, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, UMR 5805, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - R Almeda
- EOMAR, ECOAQUA, University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - R Beiras
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
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2
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Gündoğdu S, Bour A, Köşker AR, Walther BA, Napierska D, Mihai FC, Syberg K, Hansen SF, Walker TR. Review of microplastics and chemical risk posed by plastic packaging on the marine environment to inform the Global Plastics Treaty. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174000. [PMID: 38901589 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174000] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Plastic overproduction and the resulting increase in consumption has made plastic pollution ubiquitous in all ecosystems. Recognizing this, the United Nations (UN) has started negotiations to establish a global treaty to end plastic pollution, especially in the marine environment. The basis of the treaty has been formulated in terms of turning off the tap, signaling the will to prevent plastic pollution at its source. Based on the distribution of plastic production by sector, the plastic packaging sector consumes the most plastic. The volume and variety of chemicals used in plastic packaging, most of which is single-use, is a major concern. Single-use plastics including packaging is one of the most dominant sources of plastic pollution. Plastic waste causes pollution in water, air and soil by releasing harmful chemicals into the environment and can also lead to exposure through contamination of food with micro- and nano-plastic particles and chemicals through packaging. Marine life and humans alike face risks from plastic uptake through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. While the contribution of plastics ingested to chemical pollution is relatively minor in comparison to other pathways of exposure, the effect of plastic waste on marine life and human consumption of seafood is beyond question. To reduce the long-term impact of plastic, it is crucial to establish a global legally binding instrument to ensure the implementation of upstream rather than downstream solutions. This will help to mitigate the impact of both chemicals and microplastics, including from packaging, on the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Gündoğdu
- Cukurova University Faculty of Fisheries Department of Basic Science, 01330 Adana, Türkiye.
| | - Agathe Bour
- Dept. of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ali Rıza Köşker
- Cukurova University Faculty of Fisheries Department of Seafood Processing, 01330 Adana, Türkiye
| | - Bruno Andreas Walther
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Am Handelshafen 12, D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | | | - Florin-Constantin Mihai
- CERNESIM Center, Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, Carol I Blvd 11, 700506 Iași, Romania
| | - Kristian Syberg
- Dept. of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Steffen Foss Hansen
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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3
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Ali W, Jeong H, Tisné ML, Favrelle-Huret A, Thielemans W, Zinck P, Souissi S, Lee JS. The comparative toxicity of biobased, modified biobased, biodegradable, and petrochemical-based microplastics on the brackish water flea Diaphanosoma celebensis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173747. [PMID: 38838999 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173747] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The escalating production and improper disposal of petrochemical-based plastics have led to a global pollution issue with microplastics (MPs), which pose a significant ecological threat. Biobased and biodegradable plastics are believed to mitigate plastic pollution. However, their environmental fate and toxicity remain poorly understood. This study compares the in vivo effects of different types of MPs, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) as a biodegradable plastic, polylactic acid (PLA) as a biobased plastic, β-cyclodextrin-grafted PLA as a modified biobased plastic, and low density polyethylene as the reference petrochemical-based plastic, on the key aquatic primary consumer Diaphanosoma celebensis. Exposure to MPs resulted in significant reproductive decline, with comparable effects observed irrespective of MP type or concentration. Exposure to MPs induced distinct responses in redox stress, with transcriptional profiling revealing differential gene expression patterns that indicate varied cellular responses to different types of MPs. ATP-binding cassette transporter activity assays demonstrated altered efflux activity, mainly in response to modified biobased and biodegradable MPs. Overall, this study highlights the comparable in vivo and in vitro effects of biobased, biodegradable, and petrochemical-based MPs on aquatic primary consumers, highlighting their potential ecological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajid Ali
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France; Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR-8187-LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Haksoo Jeong
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Michaël Lalanne Tisné
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France; Sustainable Materials Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, campus Kulak Kortrijk, Etienne Sabbelaan 53, Box 7659, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Audrey Favrelle-Huret
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Wim Thielemans
- Sustainable Materials Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, campus Kulak Kortrijk, Etienne Sabbelaan 53, Box 7659, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Philippe Zinck
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, UMR 8181 - UCCS - Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Sami Souissi
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR-8187-LOG, Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, Station Marine de Wimereux, F-59000 Lille, France; Center of Excellence for Ocean Engineering, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan; Operation Center for Enterprise Academia Networking, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan.
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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4
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Lara-Topete GO, Castanier-Rivas JD, Bahena-Osorio MF, Krause S, Larsen JR, Loge FJ, Mahlknecht J, Gradilla-Hernández MS, González-López ME. Compounding one problem with another? A look at biodegradable microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173735. [PMID: 38857803 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173735] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Environmental concerns about microplastics (MPs) have motivated research of their sources, occurrence, and fate in aquatic and soil ecosystems. To mitigate the environmental impact of MPs, biodegradable plastics are designed to naturally decompose, thus reducing the amount of environmental plastic contamination. However, the environmental fate of biodegradable plastics and the products of their incomplete biodegradation, especially micro-biodegradable plastics (MBPs), remains largely unexplored. This comprehensive review aims to assess the risks of unintended consequences associated with the introduction of biodegradable plastics into the environment, namely, whether the incomplete mineralization of biodegradable plastics could enhance the risk of MBPs formation and thus, exacerbate the problem of their environmental dispersion, representing a potentially additional environmental hazard due to their presumed ecotoxicity. Initial evidence points towards the potential for incomplete mineralization of biodegradable plastics under both controlled and uncontrolled conditions. Rapid degradation of PLA in thermophilic industrial composting contrasts with the degradation below 50 % of other biodegradables, suggesting MBPs released into the environment through compost. Moreover, degradation rates of <60 % in anaerobic digestion for polymers other than PLA and PHAs suggest a heightened risk of MBPs in digestate, risking their spread into soil and water. This could increase MBPs and adsorbed pollutants' mobilization. The exact behavior and impacts of additive leachates from faster-degrading plastics remain largely unknown. Thus, assessing the environmental fate and impacts of MBPs-laden by-products like compost or digestate is crucial. Moreover, the ecotoxicological consequences of shifting from conventional plastics to biodegradable ones are highly uncertain, as there is insufficient evidence to claim that MBPs have a milder effect on ecosystem health. Indeed, literature shows that the impact may be worse depending on the exposed species, polymer type, and the ecosystem complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Ossmar Lara-Topete
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramón Corona 2514, Zapopan, Jalisco 45138, Mexico
| | - Juan Daniel Castanier-Rivas
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramón Corona 2514, Zapopan, Jalisco 45138, Mexico
| | - María Fernanda Bahena-Osorio
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramón Corona 2514, Zapopan, Jalisco 45138, Mexico
| | - Stefan Krause
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua R Larsen
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Frank J Loge
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America; Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Jürgen Mahlknecht
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Misael Sebastián Gradilla-Hernández
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramón Corona 2514, Zapopan, Jalisco 45138, Mexico
| | - Martín Esteban González-López
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Laboratorio de Sostenibilidad y Cambio Climático, Av. General Ramón Corona 2514, Zapopan, Jalisco 45138, Mexico.
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5
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Li H, Miao H, Chen L, Su QZ, Liu Z, Xie C, Liang J, Wu S, Cui AQ, Xu C, Dong B, Li D, Chen S, Zhong HN, Zheng J. Characterization, hazard identification, and risk assessment of volatile organic compounds in Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)-based food contact articles. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 190:114808. [PMID: 38852758 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The chemical safety of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) based food contact articles (FCAs) has aroused increasing toxicological concerns in recent years, but the chemical characterization and associated risk assessment still remain inadequate as it fails to elucidate the distribution pattern and discern the potential genotoxic and carcinogenic hazards of the identified substances. Herein, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in 50 batches of PBAT-based FCAs of representative categories and 10 batches of PLA and PBAT pellets were characterized, by which 237 VOCs of 10 chemical categories were identified and exhibited characteristic distribution patterns in the chemical spaces derived from their molecular descriptors. Chemical hazards associated with the identified VOCs were discerned by a hazard-driven classification scheme integrating hazard-related knowledge from multiple publicly available sources, and 34 VOCs were found to bear genotoxic or carcinogenic hazards and to feature higher average molecular weight than the other VOCs. Finally, the Risk and hazard quotient (HQ) calculated as the metrics of risk suggested that all identified VOCs posed acceptable risks (Risk<10-4 or HQ < 1), whereas oxolane, butyrolactone, N,N-dimethylacetamide, 2-butoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, and 1,2,3-trichloropropane posed non-negligible (Risk>10-6) genotoxic or carcinogenic risk and thus should be of prioritized concern to promote the chemical safety of PBAT-based FCAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanke Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510075, China.
| | - Hongjian Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lichang Chen
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qi-Zhi Su
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510075, China; State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Zhenwei Liu
- Ningbo Homelink Eco-iTech Co., Ltd., Ningbo, 315207, China
| | - Canghao Xie
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510075, China
| | - Jinxin Liang
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510075, China
| | - Siliang Wu
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510075, China
| | - An-Qi Cui
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510075, China
| | - Can Xu
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510075, China; State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Ben Dong
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510075, China
| | - Dan Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510075, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510075, China
| | - Huai-Ning Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510075, China; State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Jianguo Zheng
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou, 510075, China
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6
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Vilke JM, Fonseca TG, Alkimin GD, Gonçalves JM, Edo C, Errico GD, Seilitz FS, Rotander A, Benedetti M, Regoli F, Lüchmann KH, Bebianno MJ. Looking beyond the obvious: The ecotoxicological impact of the leachate from fishing nets and cables in the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 473:134479. [PMID: 38762985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134479] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Once in the marine environment, fishing nets and cables undergo weathering, breaking down into micro and nano-size particles and leaching plastic additives, which negatively affect marine biota. This study aims to unravel the ecotoxicological impact of different concentrations of leachate obtained from abandoned or lost fishing nets and cables in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis under long-term exposure (28 days). Biochemical biomarkers linked to antioxidant defense system, xenobiotic biotransformation, oxidative damage, genotoxicity, and neurotoxicity were evaluated in different mussel tissues. The chemical nature of the fishing nets and cables and the chemical composition of the leachate were assessed and metals, plasticizers, UV stabilizers, flame retardants, antioxidants, dyes, flavoring agents, preservatives, intermediates and photo initiators were detected. The leachate severely affected the antioxidant and biotransformation systems in mussels' tissues. Following exposure to 1 mg·L-1 of leachate, mussels' defense system was enhanced to prevent oxidative damage. In contrast, in mussels exposed to 10 and 100 mg·L-1 of leachate, defenses failed to overcome pro-oxidant molecules, resulting in genotoxicity and oxidative damage. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Weight of Evidence (WOE) evaluation confirmed that mussels were significantly affected by the leachate being the hazard of the leachate concentrations of 10 mg·L-1 ranked as major, while 1 and 100 mg·L-1 was moderate. These results highlighted that the leachate from fishing nets and cables can be a threat to the heath of the mussel M. galloprovincialis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano M Vilke
- Centre for Marine and Environmental Research - CIMA/ARNET - Infrastructure Network in Aquatic Research, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8000-139, Portugal; Multicenter Program in Postgraduate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - PMBqBM, Santa Catarina State University, Lages 88520-000, Brazil
| | - Tainá G Fonseca
- Centre for Marine and Environmental Research - CIMA/ARNET - Infrastructure Network in Aquatic Research, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8000-139, Portugal
| | - Gilberto D Alkimin
- Centre for Marine and Environmental Research - CIMA/ARNET - Infrastructure Network in Aquatic Research, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8000-139, Portugal
| | - Joanna M Gonçalves
- Centre for Marine and Environmental Research - CIMA/ARNET - Infrastructure Network in Aquatic Research, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8000-139, Portugal
| | - Carlos Edo
- Centre for Marine and Environmental Research - CIMA/ARNET - Infrastructure Network in Aquatic Research, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8000-139, Portugal; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain
| | - Giuseppe d' Errico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rotander
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Maura Benedetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Regoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Karim H Lüchmann
- Department of Scientific and Technological Education, Santa Catarina State University, Florianopolis 88035-001, Brazil
| | - Maria João Bebianno
- Centre for Marine and Environmental Research - CIMA/ARNET - Infrastructure Network in Aquatic Research, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8000-139, Portugal.
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7
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Martínez Rodríguez A, Kratina P, Jones JI. Microplastic pollution and nutrient enrichment shift the diet of freshwater macroinvertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 359:124540. [PMID: 39004208 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution poses a global threat to freshwater ecosystems, with laboratory experiments indicating potential toxic impacts through chemical toxicity, physical abrasion, and false satiation. Bioplastics have emerged as a potential greener alternative to traditional oil-based plastics. Yet, their environmental effects remain unclear, particularly at scales relevant to the natural environment. Additionally, the interactive impacts of microplastics with other environmental stressors, such as nutrient enrichment, are poorly understood and rarely studied. Under natural conditions organisms might be able to mitigate the toxic effects of microplastics by shifting their diet, but this ability may be compromised by other stressors. This study combines an outdoor mesocosm experiment and stable isotope analysis to determine changes in the trophic niches of three freshwater invertebrate species exposed to conventional (HDPE) and bio-based biodegradable (PLA) microplastics at two concentrations, both independently and combined with nutrient enrichment. Exposure to microplastics altered the isotopic niches of two of the invertebrate species, with nutrient enrichment mediating this effect. Moreover, the effects of microplastics were consistent regardless of their type or concentration. Under enriched conditions, two of the species exposed to microplastics shifted to a specialised diet compared with controls, whereas little difference was observed between the isotopic niches of those exposed to microplastic and controls under ambient nutrient conditions. Additionally, PLA was estimated to support 24 % of the diet of one species, highlighting the potential assimilation of bioplastics by biota and possible implications. Overall, these findings suggest that the toxic effects of microplastics suggested from laboratory studies might not manifest under real-world conditions. However, this study does demonstrate that subtle sublethal effects occur even at environmentally realistic microplastic concentrations. The crucial role of nutrient enrichment in mediating microplastic effects underscores the importance of considering microplastic pollution in the context of other environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martínez Rodríguez
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Pavel Kratina
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - J Iwan Jones
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
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8
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Li A, Wu L, Cui H, Song Y, Zhang X, Li X. Unlocking a Sustainable Future for Plastics: A Chemical-Enzymatic Pathway for Efficient Conversion of Mixed Waste to MHET and Energy-Saving PET Recycling. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202301612. [PMID: 38385577 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301612] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The heterogeneous monomers obtained from plastic waste degradation are unfavorable for PET recondensation and high-value derivative synthesis. Herein, we developed an efficient chemical-enzymatic approach to convert mixed plastic wastes into homogeneous mono-2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate (MHET) without downstream purification, benefiting from three discovered BHETases (KbEst, KbHyd, and BrevEst) in nature. Towards the mixed plastic waste, integrating the chemical K2CO3-driven glycolysis process with the BHETase depolymerization technique resulted in an MHET yield of up to 98.26 % in 40 h. Remarkably, BrevEst accomplished the highest BHET hydrolysis (~87 % efficiency in 12 h) for yielding analytical-grade MHET compared to seven state-of-the-art PET hydrolases (18 %-40 %). In an investigation combining quantum theoretical computations and experimental validations, we established a MHET-initiated PET repolymerization pathway. This shortcut approach with MHET promises to strengthen the valorization of mixed plastics, offering a substantially more efficient and energy-saving route for PET recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Li
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Luxuan Wu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyang Cui
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yibo Song
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Zhang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiujuan Li
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
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9
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Pinaeva LG, Noskov AS. Biodegradable biopolymers: Real impact to environment pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174445. [PMID: 38981547 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Biobased biodegradable polymers (BBP) derived from different renewable resources are commonly considered as attractive alternative to petroleum-based polymers, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. It is because they can address the issues of serious environmental problems resulted from accumulation of plastic wastes. In the review current methods of obtaining of most abundant BBP, polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), have been studied with an emphasis on the toxicity of compounds used for their production and additives improving consumer characteristics of PLA and PHB based market products. Substantial part of additives was the same used for traditional polymers. Analysis of the data on the response of different organisms and plants on exposure to these materials and their degradation products confirmed the doubts about real safety of BBP. Studies of safer additives are scarce and are of vital importance. Meanwhile, technologies of recycling of traditional petroleum-based polymers were shown to be well-developed, which cannot be said about PLA or PHB based polymers, and their blends with petroleum-based polymers. Therefore, development of more environmentally friendly components and sustainable technologies of production are necessary before following market expansion of biobased biodegradable products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa G Pinaeva
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS, Pr. Akad. Lavrentieva, 5, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Aleksandr S Noskov
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS, Pr. Akad. Lavrentieva, 5, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
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10
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Fan L, Ma J, Liu W, Shang C, Xie Y, Zhou X, Zhang M, Hou J, Feng Y. A study on the performance, structure, composition, and release behavior changes of polybutylene adipate terephthalic acid (PBAT) film during food contact. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134603. [PMID: 38749243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134603] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Polybutylene adipate terephthalic acid (PBAT) is an emerging biodegradable material in food packaging. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential hazards it could pose to food safety. In this study, the changes of PBAT films during food contact and the release of small molecules were inestigated by a multiscale approach. On a macro-scale, the surface roughness of the films increased with the reduction in the concentration of food simulants and the increase in contact temperatures, especially after immersion in acidic food environments. On a micro-scale, the crystallinity (Xc) and degradation indexes (DI) of the films increased by 5.7-61.2% and 7.8-48.6%, respectively, which led to a decrease in thermal stability. On a scale approaching the molecular level, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) was detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) with the highest migration content, and the release behavior of 2,4-DTBP was further investigated by migration kinetics. In addition, terephthalic acid (TPA), a hydrolysis product of PBAT, was detected in acidic food environments by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results of this study could provide practical guidance and assistance to promote sustainable development in the field of food packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linwang Fan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jiaxin Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Wenyan Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Chaonan Shang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yanli Xie
- Analytical & Testing Center, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Xueqing Zhou
- Analytical & Testing Center, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingnan Zhang
- Analytical & Testing Center, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jinjian Hou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yuhong Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China.
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11
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Khan MI, Liu J, Saini RK, Khurshida S. Plant betalains-mixed active/intelligent films for meat freshness monitoring: A review of the fabrication parameters. JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2024; 61:1238-1251. [PMID: 38910928 PMCID: PMC11190134 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-023-05881-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The plant pigments called betalains are nutritionally safe polar compounds. They are subdivided into betaxanthins (having orange to yellow hues) and betacyanins (purple to red violet hues). Betacyanins change color with a change in pH, particularly in the range 6-8 and 9-11. Perishable foods like fish, chicken, beef, pork, and others tend to release total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N) during storage or deterioration, which leads to a change in the pH of pH-sensitive materials in the vicinity. pH-sensitive pigment-incorporated polymeric films with inherent active properties (or active/intelligent films) are increasingly being studied as an alternative to synthetic pH indicators to detect the accumulation of TVB-N by changing its color to indicate the stage of perishable food spoilage. There are many methods of developing such films under different conditions using different bio-based biodegradable polymer(s) and biocompatible plasticizer combinations. Among the reported methods, solution casting method has been the preferred one in most studies covered in this review. This method can be carried out under mild conditions. As such, betacyanins-incorporated polymeric films essentially require mild processing conditions because of their heat sensitivity, which will invariably affect the performance in food freshness monitoring. In this review, film fabrication parameters like temperature and duration of dissolution of polymers, plasticizer concentration, pH of the film-forming solution, film drying, and conditioning/aging, have been critically appraised based on the available literature. The lack of studies on the safety of active/intelligent films has been systematically highlighted in this review to focus future studies on this area. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Imtiyaj Khan
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam India
| | - Jun Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225127 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ramesh Kumar Saini
- Department of Crop Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Singamayum Khurshida
- College of Food Technology, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, 795004 India
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12
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Trasande L. The role of plastics in allergy, immunology, and human health: What the clinician needs to know and can do about it. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024:S1081-1206(24)00417-4. [PMID: 38945394 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2024.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The effects of plastics on human health include allergy, atopy, asthma, and immune disruption, but the consequences of chemicals used in plastic materials span nearly every organ system and age group as well. Behavioral interventions to reduce plastic chemical exposures have reduced exposure in low- and high-income populations, yet health care providers know little about plastic chemical effects and seldom offer steps to patients to limit exposure. Health care facilities also use many products that increase the risk of chemical exposures, particularly for at-risk populations such as children in neonatal intensive care units. Given that disparities in plastic chemical exposure are well documented, collaborative efforts are needed between scientists and health care organizations, to develop products that improve provider knowledge about chemicals used in plastic materials and support the use of safer alternatives in medical devices and other equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York; NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York, New York.
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13
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Wang J, Jia M, Zhang L, Li X, Zhang X, Wang Z. Biodegradable microplastics pose greater risks than conventional microplastics to soil properties, microbial community and plant growth, especially under flooded conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172949. [PMID: 38703848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172949] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (bio-plastics) are often viewed as viable option for mitigating plastic pollution. Nevertheless, the information regarding the potential risks of microplastics (MPs) released from bio-plastics in soil, particularly in flooded soils, is lacking. Here, our objective was to investigate the effect of polylactic acid MPs (PLA-MPs) and polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) on soil properties, microbial community and plant growth under both non-flooded and flooded conditions. Our results demonstrated that PLA-MPs dramatically increased soil labile carbon (C) content and altered its composition and chemodiversity. The enrichment of labile C stimulated microbial N immobilization, resulting in a depletion of soil mineral nitrogen (N). This specialized environment created by PLA-MPs further filtered out specific microbial species, resulting in a low diversity and simplified microbial community. PLA-MPs caused an increase in denitrifiers (Noviherbaspirillum and Clostridium sensu stricto) and a decrease in nitrifiers (Nitrospira, MND1, and Ellin6067), potentially exacerbating the mineral N deficiency. The mineral N deficit caused by PLA-MPs inhibited wheatgrass growth. Conversely, PE-MPs had less effect on soil ecosystems, including soil properties, microbial community and wheatgrass growth. Overall, our study emphasizes that PLA-MPs cause more adverse effect on the ecosystem than PE-MPs in the short term, and that flooded conditions exacerbate and prolong these adverse effects. These results offer valuable insights for evaluating the potential threats of bio-MPs in both uplands and wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Minghao Jia
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Long Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaona Li
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaokai Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
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14
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Morales-Grahl E, Hilz EN, Gore AC. Regrettable Substitutes and the Brain: What Animal Models and Human Studies Tell Us about the Neurodevelopmental Effects of Bisphenol, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, and Phthalate Replacements. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6887. [PMID: 38999997 PMCID: PMC11241431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136887] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, emerging evidence has identified endocrine and neurologic health concerns related to exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol A (BPA), certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFASs), and phthalates. This has resulted in consumer pressure to remove these chemicals from the market, especially in food-contact materials and personal care products, driving their replacement with structurally or functionally similar substitutes. However, these "new-generation" chemicals may be just as or more harmful than their predecessors and some have not received adequate testing. This review discusses the research on early-life exposures to new-generation bisphenols, PFASs, and phthalates and their links to neurodevelopmental and behavioral alterations in zebrafish, rodents, and humans. As a whole, the evidence suggests that BPA alternatives, especially BPAF, and newer PFASs, such as GenX, can have significant effects on neurodevelopment. The need for further research, especially regarding phthalate replacements and bio-based alternatives, is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Morales-Grahl
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Emily N Hilz
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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15
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Reyes MSS, Medina PMB. Leachates from plastics and bioplastics reduce lifespan, decrease locomotion, and induce neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124428. [PMID: 38914198 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution continuously accumulates in the environment and poses a global threat as it fragments into microplastics and nanoplastics that can harm ecosystems. To reduce the accumulation of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution, bioplastics made from biodegradable materials are promoted as a more sustainable alternative because it can degrade faster than plastics. However, plastics also leach out chemicals as they degrade and disintegrate, but the potential toxicity of these chemicals leaching out from plastics and especially bioplastics is poorly explored. Here, we determined the composition of leachates from plastics and bioplastics and tested their toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. LC-MS analysis of the leachates revealed that bioplastics leached a wider array of chemicals than their counterpart plastics. Toxicity testing in our study showed that the leachates from plastics and bioplastics reduced lifespan, decreased locomotion, and induced neurotoxicity in C. elegans. Leachates from bioplastics reduced C. elegans lifespan more compared to leachates from plastics: by 7%-31% for bioplastics and by 6%-15% for plastics. Leachates from plastics decreased locomotion in C. elegans more compared to leachates from bioplastics: by 8%-34% for plastics and by 11%-24% for bioplastics. No changes were observed in the ability of the C. elegans to respond to mechanical stimuli. The leachates induced neurotoxicity in the following neurons at varying trends: cholinergic neurons by 0%-53% for plastics and by 30%-42% for bioplastics, GABAergic neurons by 3%-29% for plastics and by 10%-23% for bioplastics, and glutamatergic neurons by 3%-11% for plastics and by 15%-29% for bioplastics. Overall, our study demonstrated that chemicals leaching out from plastics and bioplastics can be toxic, suggesting that both plastics and bioplastics pose ecotoxicological and human health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Sigfrid S Reyes
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Paul Mark B Medina
- Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila, 1000, Philippines.
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16
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Yu JT, Diamond ML, Maguire B, Miller FA. Bioplastics: No solution to healthcare's plastic pollution problem. Healthc Manage Forum 2024:8404704241259652. [PMID: 38881533 DOI: 10.1177/08404704241259652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
As Canadian policy-makers recognize the urgency for concerted actions to reduce plastics (e.g., Canada's involvement in the International Plastics Treaty negotiations, Zero Plastic Waste Strategy, and single-use plastics regulations), the healthcare sector must also consider a more sustainable plastics system. In this context, the potential for novel bioplastics to mitigate healthcare's substantial plastic waste problem must be carefully interrogated. Our analysis examines the complexities of bioplastics, highlighting the technical challenges of identifying legitimate sustainable alternatives, and the practical barriers for implementing bioplastics as substitutes for consumable plastics in healthcare. We focus on the Canadian healthcare sector and regulatory landscape with the insights gained being applicable to other sectors and countries. Given the limitations identified, the focus on reducing consumption should remain the priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine T Yu
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Collaborative Centre for Climate, Health and Sustainable Care, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brittany Maguire
- Collaborative Centre for Climate, Health and Sustainable Care, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fiona A Miller
- Collaborative Centre for Climate, Health and Sustainable Care, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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17
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Patti A. Challenges to Improve Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing Process of Thermoplastics toward Sustainable Development. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400249. [PMID: 38818529 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400249] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
This review aims to present the different approaches to lessen the environmental impact of the extrusion-based additive manufacturing (MEX) process of thermoplastic-based resins and protect the ecosystem. The benefits and drawbacks of each alternative, including the use of biomaterials or recycled materials as feedstock, energy efficiency, and polluting emissions reduction, have been examined. First, the technological option of using a pellet-fed printer was compared to a filament-fed printer. Then, common biopolymers utilized in MEX applications are discussed, along with methods for improving the mechanical properties of associated printed products. The introduction of natural fillers in thermoplastic resins and the use of biocomposite filaments have been proposed to improve the specific performance of printed items, highlighting the numerous challenges related to their extrusion. Various polymers and fillers derived from recycling are presented as feeding raw materials for printers to reduce waste accumulation, showing the inferior qualities of the resulting goods when compared to printed products made from virgin materials. Finally, the energy consumption and emissions released into the atmosphere during the printing process are discussed, with the potential for both aspects to be controlled through material selection and operating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Patti
- Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, Catania, CT, 95125, Italy
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18
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Ahsan WA, Lin C, Hussain A, Sheraz M. Sustainable struggling: decoding microplastic released from bioplastics-a critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:554. [PMID: 38760486 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12721-z] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the complex issue of plastic pollution, focusing on the emergence of biodegradable plastics (BDPs) as a potential alternative to traditional plastics. While BDPs seem promising, recent findings reveal that a large number of BDPs do not fully degrade in certain natural conditions, and they often break down into microplastics (MPs) even faster than conventional plastics. Surprisingly, research suggests that biodegradable microplastics (BDMPs) could have more significant and long-lasting effects than petroleum-based MPs in certain environments. Thus, it is crucial to carefully assess the ecological consequences of BDPs before widely adopting them commercially. This review thoroughly examines the formation of MPs from prominent BDPs, their impacts on the environment, and adsorption capacities. Additionally, it explores how BDMPs affect different species, such as plants and animals within a particular ecosystem. Overall, these discussions highlight potential ecological threats posed by BDMPs and emphasize the need for further scientific investigation before considering BDPs as a perfect solution to plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wazir Aitizaz Ahsan
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811213, Taiwan
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811213, Taiwan.
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811213, Taiwan.
| | - Adnan Hussain
- Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811213, Taiwan
| | - Mahshab Sheraz
- Advanced Textile R&D, Department Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
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19
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Limonta G, Panti C, Fossi MC, Nardi F, Baini M. Exposure to virgin and marine incubated microparticles of biodegradable and conventional polymers modulates the hepatopancreas transcriptome of Mytilus galloprovincialis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133819. [PMID: 38402680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133819] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable polymers have been proposed as an alternative to conventional plastics to mitigate the impact of marine litter, but the research investigating their toxicity is still in its infancy. This study evaluates the potential ecotoxicological effects of both virgin and marine-incubated microparticles (MPs), at environmentally relevant concentration (0.1 mg/l), made of different biodegradable polymers (Polycaprolactone, Mater-Bi, cellulose) and conventional polymers (Polyethylene) on Mytilus galloprovincialis by using transcriptomics. This approach is increasingly being used to assess the effects of pollutants on organisms, obtaining data on numerous biological pathways simultaneously. Whole hepatopancreas de novo transcriptome sequencing was performed, individuating 972 genes differentially expressed across experimental groups compared to the control. Through the comparative transcriptomic profiling emerges that the preponderant effect is attributable to the marine incubation of MPs, especially for incubated polycaprolactone (731 DEGs). Mater-Bi and cellulose alter the smallest number of genes and biological processes in the mussel hepatopancreas. All microparticles, regardless of their polymeric composition, dysregulated innate immunity, and fatty acid metabolism biological processes. These findings highlight the necessity of considering the interactions of MPs with the environmental factors in the marine ecosystem when performing ecotoxicological evaluations. The results obtained contribute to fill current knowledge gaps regarding the potential environmental impacts of biodegradable polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Limonta
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, Siena, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, Siena, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy.
| | - Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, Siena, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Nardi
- National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 2, Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli, 4, Siena, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Palermo, Italy
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20
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Li H, Su QZ, Liang J, Miao H, Jiang Z, Wu S, Dong B, Xie C, Li D, Ma T, Mai X, Chen S, Zhong H, Zheng J. Potential safety concerns of volatile constituents released from coffee-ground-blended single-use biodegradable drinking straws: A chemical space perspective. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 467:133663. [PMID: 38325095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133663] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Incorporating spent coffee grounds into single-use drinking straws for enhanced biodegradability also raises safety concerns due to increased chemical complexity. Here, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in coffee ground straws (CGS), polylactic acid straws (PLAS), and polypropylene straws (PPS) were characterized using headspace - solid-phase microextraction and migration assays, by which 430 and 153 VOCs of 10 chemical categories were identified by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry, respectively. Further, the VOCs were assessed for potential genetic toxicity by quantitative structure-activity relationship profiling and estimated daily intake (EDI) calculation, revealing that the VOCs identified in the CGS generally triggered the most structural alerts of genetic toxicity, and the EDIs of 37.9% of which exceeded the threshold of 0.15 μg person-1 d-1, also outnumbering that of the PLAS and PPS. Finally, 14 VOCs were prioritized due to their definite hazards, and generally higher EDIs or detection frequencies in the CGS. Meanwhile, the probability of producing safer CGS was also illustrated. Moreover, it was uncovered by chemical space that the VOCs with higher risk potentials tended to gather in the region defined by the molecular descriptor related to electronegativity or octanol/water partition coefficient. Our results provided valuable references to improve the chemical safety of the CGS, to promote consumer health, and to advance the sustainable development of food contact materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanke Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510075, China; State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China.
| | - Qi-Zhi Su
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510075, China; State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Jinxin Liang
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Hongjian Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zhongming Jiang
- Testing Center for Dutiable Valuation, Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Siliang Wu
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Ben Dong
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Canghao Xie
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Dan Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510075, China.
| | - Tongmei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Xiaoxia Mai
- Testing Center for Dutiable Valuation, Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510075, China
| | - Huaining Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510075, China; State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Jianguo Zheng
- National Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Material (Guangdong), Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510075, China; Testing Center for Dutiable Valuation, Guangzhou Customs Technology Center, Guangzhou 510623, China
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21
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Serrano‐Aguirre L, Prieto MA. Can bioplastics always offer a truly sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics? Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14458. [PMID: 38568795 PMCID: PMC10990045 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioplastics, comprised of bio-based and/or biodegradable polymers, have the potential to play a crucial role in the transition towards a sustainable circular economy. The use of biodegradable polymers not only leads to reduced greenhouse gas emissions but also might address the problem of plastic waste persisting in the environment, especially when removal is challenging. Nevertheless, biodegradable plastics should not be considered as substitutes for proper waste management practices, given that their biodegradability strongly depends on environmental conditions. Among the challenges hindering the sustainable implementation of bioplastics in the market, the development of effective downstream recycling routes is imperative, given the increasing production volumes of these materials. Here, we discuss about the most advisable end-of-life scenarios for bioplastics. Various recycling strategies, including mechanical, chemical or biological (both enzymatic and microbial) approaches, should be considered. Employing enzymes as biocatalysts emerges as a more selective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical recycling, allowing the production of new bioplastics and added value and high-quality products. Other pending concerns for industrial implementation of bioplastics include misinformation among end users, the lack of a standardised bioplastic labelling, unclear life cycle assessment guidelines and the need for higher financial investments. Although further research and development efforts are essential to foster the sustainable and widespread application of bioplastics, significant strides have already been made in this direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Serrano‐Aguirre
- Polymer Biotechnology Group, Department of Plant and Microbial Biotechnology, Biological Research Centre Margarita SalasSpanish National Research Council (CIB‐CSIC)MadridSpain
- Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics Towards a Circular Economy‐CSIC (SusPlast‐CSIC)MadridSpain
| | - M. Auxiliadora Prieto
- Polymer Biotechnology Group, Department of Plant and Microbial Biotechnology, Biological Research Centre Margarita SalasSpanish National Research Council (CIB‐CSIC)MadridSpain
- Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics Towards a Circular Economy‐CSIC (SusPlast‐CSIC)MadridSpain
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22
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Tao S, Li T, Li M, Yang S, Shen M, Liu H. Research advances on the toxicity of biodegradable plastics derived micro/nanoplastics in the environment: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170299. [PMID: 38272086 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170299] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The detrimental effects of plastic and microplastic accumulation on ecosystems are widely recognized and indisputable. The emergence of biodegradable plastics (BPs) offers a practical solution to plastic pollution. Problematically, however, not all BPs can be fully degraded in the environment. On the contrary, the scientific community has demonstrated that BPs are more likely than conventional plastics (CPs) to degrade into micro/nanoplastics and release additives, which can have similar or even worse effects than microplastics. However, there is very limited information available on the environmental toxicity assessment of BMPs. The absence of a toxicity evaluation system and the uncertainty regarding combined toxicity with other pollutants also impede the environmental toxicity assessment of BMPs. Currently, research is focused on thoroughly exploring the toxic effects of biodegradable microplastics (BMPs). This paper reviews the pollution status of BMPs in the environment, the degradation behavior of BPs and the influencing factors. This paper comprehensively summarizes the ecotoxicological effects of BPs on ecosystems, considering animals, plants, and microorganisms in various environments such as water bodies, soil, and sediment. The focus is on distinguishing between BMPs and conventional microplastics (CMPs). In addition, the combined toxic effects of BMPs and other pollutants are also being investigated. The findings suggest that BMPs may have different or more severe impacts on ecosystems. The rougher and more intricate surface of BMPs increases the likelihood of causing mechanical damage to organisms and breaking down into smaller plastic particles, releasing additives that lead to a series of cascading negative effects on related organisms and ecosystems. In the case of knowledge gaps, future research is also proposed and anticipated to investigate the toxic effects of BMPs and their evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Tao
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Tianhao Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Mingyu Li
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Shengxin Yang
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Maanshan, Anhui 243002, PR China.
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23
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Bellingeri A, Palmaccio GM, Cecone C, Trotta F, Corsi I. Preliminary assessment of environmental safety (ecosafety) of dextrin-based nanosponges for environmental applications. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 273:116120. [PMID: 38401200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116120] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The ability to employ waste products, such as vegetable scraps, as raw materials for the synthesis of new promising adsorbing materials is at the base of the circular economy and end of waste concepts. Dextrin-based nanosponges (D_NS), both cyclodextrin (CD) and maltodextrin (MD), have shown remarkable adsorption abilities in the removal of toxic compounds from water and wastewater, thus representing a bio-based low-cost solution which is establishing itself in the market. Nevertheless, their environmental safety for either aquatic or terrestrial organisms has been overlooked, raising concern in terms of potential hazards to natural ecosystems. Here, the environmental safety (ecosafety) of six newly synthesized batches of D_NS was determined along with their full characterization by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) and transmission electron microscopy (SEM). Ecotoxicity evaluation was performed using a battery of model organisms and ecotoxicity assays, such as the microalgae growth inhibition test using the freshwater Raphidocelis subcapitata and the marine diatom Dunaliella tertiolecta, regeneration assay using the freshwater cnidarian Hydra vulgaris and immobilization assay with the marine brine shrimp Artemia franciscana. Impact on seedling germination of a terrestrial plant of commercial interest, Cucurbita pepo was also investigated. Ecotoxicity data showed mild to low toxicity of the six batches, up to 1 mg/mL, in the following order: R. subcapitata > H. vulgaris > D. tertiolecta > A. franciscana > C. pepo. The only exception was represented by one batch (NS-Q+_BDE_(GLU2) which resulted highly toxic for both freshwater species, R. subcapitata and H. vulgaris. Those criticalities were solved with the synthesis of a fresh new batch and were hence attributed to the single synthesis and not to the specific D_NS formulation. No effect on germination of pumpkin but rather more a stimulative effect was observed. To our knowledge this is the first evaluation of the environmental safety of D_ NS. As such we emphasize that current formulations and exposure levels in the range of mg/mL do not harm aquatic and terrestrial species thus representing an ecosafe solution also for environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Bellingeri
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy.
| | - Gian Marco Palmaccio
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Claudio Cecone
- Department of Chemistry, Nis Interdepartmental Centre, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 7, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Francesco Trotta
- Department of Chemistry, Nis Interdepartmental Centre, University of Turin, Via P. Giuria 7, Turin 10125, Italy
| | - Ilaria Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena 53100, Italy.
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24
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Shah MZ, Quraishi M, Sreejith A, Pandit S, Roy A, Khandaker MU. Sustainable degradation of synthetic plastics: A solution to rising environmental concerns. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141451. [PMID: 38368957 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141451] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Plastics have a significant role in various sectors of the global economy since they are widely utilized in agriculture, architecture, and construction, as well as health and consumer goods. They play a crucial role in several industries as they are utilized in the production of diverse things such as defense materials, sanitary wares, tiles, plastic bottles, artificial leather, and various other household goods. Plastics are utilized in the packaging of food items, medications, detergents, and cosmetics. The overconsumption of plastics presents a significant peril to both the ecosystem and human existence on Earth. The accumulation of plastics on land and in the sea has sparked interest in finding ways to breakdown these polymers. It is necessary to employ suitable biodegradable techniques to decrease the accumulation of plastics in the environment. To address the environmental issues related to plastics, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between microorganisms and polymers. A wide range of creatures, particularly microbes, have developed techniques to survive and break down plastics. This review specifically examines the categorization of plastics based on their thermal and biodegradable properties, as well as the many types of degradation and biodegradation. It also discusses the various types of degradable plastics, the characterization of biodegradation, and the factors that influence the process of biodegradation. The plastic breakdown and bioremediation capabilities of these microbes make them ideal for green chemistry applications aimed at removing hazardous polymers from the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masirah Zahid Shah
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410206, India
| | - Marzuqa Quraishi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410206, India
| | - Anushree Sreejith
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410206, India
| | - Soumya Pandit
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201306, India.
| | - Arpita Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Sharda School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India.
| | - Mayeen Uddin Khandaker
- Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies Group, CCDCU, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia; Faculty of Graduate Studies, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
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25
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Kumar R, Lalnundiki V, Shelare SD, Abhishek GJ, Sharma S, Sharma D, Kumar A, Abbas M. An investigation of the environmental implications of bioplastics: Recent advancements on the development of environmentally friendly bioplastics solutions. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 244:117707. [PMID: 38008206 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
The production and utilization of plastics may prove beneficial, but the environmental impact suggests the opposite. The single-use plastics (SUP) and conventional plastics are harmful to the environment and need prompt disposal. Bioplastics are increasingly being considered as a viable alternative to conventional plastics due to their potential to alleviate environmental concerns such as greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. However, the previous reviews revealed a lack of consistency in the methodologies used in the Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), making it difficult to compare the results across studies. The current study provides a systematic review of LCAs that assess the environmental impact of bioplastics. The different mechanical characteristics of bio plastics, like tensile strength, Young's modulus, flexural modulus, and elongation at break are reviewed which suggest that bio plastics are comparatively much better than synthetic plastics. Bioplastics have more efficient mechanical properties compared to synthetic plastics which signifies that bioplastics are more sustainable and reliable than synthetic plastics. The key challenges in bioplastic adoption and production include competition with food production for feedstock, high production costs, uncertainty in end-of-life management, limited biodegradability, lack of standardization, and technical performance limitations. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among stakeholders to drive innovation, reduce costs, improve end-of-life management, and promote awareness and education. Overall, the study suggests that while bioplastics have the potential to reduce environmental impact, further research is needed to better understand their life cycle and optimize their end-of-life (EoL) management and production to maximize their environmental benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Kumar
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India.
| | - V Lalnundiki
- School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India.
| | - Sagar D Shelare
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Nagpur, M.S, 440019, India.
| | - Galla John Abhishek
- School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India.
| | - Shubham Sharma
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, 140413, India; School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, 266520, Qingdao, China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lebanese American University, Kraytem, 1102-2801, Beirut, Lebanon; Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India.
| | - Deepti Sharma
- Department of Management, Uttaranchal Institute of Management, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 248007, India.
| | - Abhinav Kumar
- Department of Nuclear and Renewable Energy, Ural Federal University Named After the First President of Russia, Boris Yeltsin, 19 Mira Street, 620002, Ekaterinburg, Russia.
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia.
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26
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Palucha N, Fojt J, Holátko J, Hammerschmiedt T, Kintl A, Brtnický M, Řezáčová V, De Winterb K, Uitterhaegen E, Kučerík J. Does poly-3-hydroxybutyrate biodegradation affect the quality of soil organic matter? CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141300. [PMID: 38286312 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The search for eco-friendly substitutes for traditional plastics has led to the production of biodegradable bioplastics. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of bioplastic biodegradation on soil health. Despite these concerns, the potential negative consequences of bioplastics during various stages of biodegradation remain underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of micro-bioplastics made of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) on the properties of three different soils. In our ten-month experiment, we investigated the impact of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) on Chernozem, Cambisol, and Phaeozem soils. Our study focused on changes in soil organic matter (SOM), microbial activity, and the level of soil carbon and nitrogen. The observed changes indicated an excessive level of biodegradation of SOM after the soils were enriched with micro-particles of P3HB, with concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 3%. The thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the presence of residual P3HB (particularly in the 3% treatment) and underscored the heightened biodegradation of SOM, especially in the more stable SOM fractions. This was notably evident in Phaeozem soils, where even the stable SOM pool was affected. Elemental analysis revealed changes in soil organic carbon content following P3HB degradation, although nitrogen levels remained constant. Enzymatic activity was found to vary with soil type and responded differently across P3HB concentration levels. Our findings confirmed that P3HB acts as a bioavailable carbon source. Its biodegradation stimulates the production of enzymes, which in turn affects various soil elements, indicating complex interactions within the soil ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natálie Palucha
- Brno University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Purkyňova 118, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic; Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW, Rodenhuizekaai 1, Desteldonk, Gent, 9042, Belgium
| | - Jakub Fojt
- Textile Testing Institute, Cejl 480/12, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Holátko
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic; Agrovyzkum Rapotin, Ltd, Výzkumniků 267, 788 13, Rapotin, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Hammerschmiedt
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic
| | - Antonin Kintl
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic; Agricultural Research, Ltd, Zahradní 400/1, 664 41, Troubsko, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Brtnický
- Brno University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Purkyňova 118, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic; Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Řezáčová
- Brno University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Purkyňova 118, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
| | - Karel De Winterb
- Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW, Rodenhuizekaai 1, Desteldonk, Gent, 9042, Belgium
| | - Evelien Uitterhaegen
- Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant VZW, Rodenhuizekaai 1, Desteldonk, Gent, 9042, Belgium
| | - Jiří Kučerík
- Brno University of Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Purkyňova 118, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic.
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27
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Ferreira-Filipe DA, Paço A, Pinho B, Silva R, Silva SAM, Jesus F, Pereira JL, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos TAP, Patrício-Silva AL. Microplastics from agricultural mulch films: Biodegradation and ecotoxicity in freshwater systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169287. [PMID: 38103621 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169287] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The application of bio-based biodegradable mulch films in agriculture has raised environmental concerns regarding their potential impacts on adjacent freshwater ecosystems. This study investigated the biodegradation of microplastics derived from a bio-based biodegradable mulch (bio-MPs) and its acute and chronic ecotoxicity considering relevant scenarios (up to 200 and 250 mg/kg of sediment, using pristine and/or UV-aged particles), using the fungus Penicillium brevicompactum and the dipteran Chironomus riparius as model organisms, respectively, due to their ecological relevance in freshwater environments. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested changes in the fungus's carbohydrate reserves and bio-MP degradation through the appearance of low molecular weight esters throughout a 28 day biodegradation test. In a short-term exposure (48 h), C. riparius larvae exposed to pristine or UV-aged bio-MPs had up to 2 particles in their gut. Exposure to pristine bio-MPs decreased larval aerobic metabolism (<20 %) and increased neurotransmission (>15 %), whereas exposure to UV-aged bio-MPs activated larval aerobic metabolism (>20 %) and increased antioxidant defences (catalase activity by >30 % and glutathione-s-transferase by >20 %) and neurotransmission (>30 %). Longer-term (28-d) exposure to UV-aged bio-MPs did not affect larval survival and growth nor the dipteran's emergence but increased male numbers (>30 %) at higher concentrations. This study suggests that the selected agricultural bio-based mulch film is prone to biodegradation by a naturally occurring fungus. However, there is a potential for endocrine disruption in the case of prolonged exposures to UV-aged microplastics. This study emphasises the importance of further research to elucidate the potential ecological effects of these plastic products, to ensure effective management practices, and to establish new regulations governing their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo A Ferreira-Filipe
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Paço
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruna Pinho
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rafael Silva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sara A M Silva
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fátima Jesus
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana L Pereira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa A P Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício-Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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28
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Wright ACM, Boots B, Ings TC, Green DS. Impacts of pristine, aged and leachate of conventional and biodegradable plastics on plant growth and soil organic carbon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11766-11780. [PMID: 38224439 PMCID: PMC10869392 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31838-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Plastic is an essential component of agriculture globally, becoming a concerning form of pollution. Biodegradable alternatives are gaining attention as a potential replacement for commonly used, non-degradable plastics, but there is little known about the impacts of biodegradable plastics as they age and potential leachates are released. In this study, different types (conventional: polyethylene and polypropylene and biodegradable: polyhydroxybutyrate and polylactic acid) of micro- and meso-films were added to soil at 0.1% (w/w) prior to being planted with Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) to evaluate the plant and soil biophysical responses in a pot experiment. Root and shoot biomass and chlorophyll content were reduced when soil was exposed to plastics, whether conventional or biodegradable, pristine, aged or when just their leachate was present. The pH and organic matter content of soil exposed to these plastics and their leachates was significantly reduced compared to control samples; furthermore, there was an increase in CO2 respiration rate from soil. In general, meso (> 5 mm) and micro (< 5 mm) plastic films did not differ in the impact on plants or soil. This study provides evidence that conventional and biodegradable plastics have both physical and chemical impacts on essential soil characteristics and the growth of L. perenne, potentially leading to wider effects on soil carbon cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C M Wright
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK.
| | - Bas Boots
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Thomas C Ings
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Dannielle S Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
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29
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Azarnejad N, Celletti S, Ghorbani M, Fedeli R, Loppi S. Dose-Dependent Effects of a Corn Starch-Based Bioplastic on Basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.): Implications for Growth, Biochemical Parameters, and Nutrient Content. TOXICS 2024; 12:80. [PMID: 38251035 PMCID: PMC10818275 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, prompting the exploration of sustainable alternatives such as bioplastics (BPs). In agriculture, BPs have gained relevance as mulching films. This study investigated the effect of the presence in the soil of different concentrations (0-3%, w/w) of a corn starch-based bioplastic on basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The results showed that increasing bioplastic concentration reduced shoot fresh biomass production. Biochemical analyses revealed changes in the shoot in soluble protein content, biomarkers of oxidative and osmotic stress (malondialdehyde and proline, respectively), anti-radical activity, and antioxidant compounds (phenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid), which are indicative of plant adaptive mechanisms in response to stress caused by the presence of the different concentrations of bioplastic in the soil. Macro- and micronutrient analysis showed imbalances in nutrient uptake, with a decreased content of potassium, phosphorus, and manganese, and an increased content of magnesium, iron, and copper in the shoot at high BP concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Azarnejad
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (N.A.); (M.G.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Silvia Celletti
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (N.A.); (M.G.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
- BioAgry Lab, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Majid Ghorbani
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (N.A.); (M.G.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
| | - Riccardo Fedeli
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (N.A.); (M.G.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
- BioAgry Lab, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (N.A.); (M.G.); (R.F.); (S.L.)
- BioAgry Lab, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- BAT Center—Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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30
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Kim SW, Song WY, Waldman WR, Rillig MC, Kim TY. Toxicity of Aged Paint Particles to Soil Ecosystems: Insights from Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:231-241. [PMID: 38128904 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07160] [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: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite the extensive global consumption of architectural paint, the toxicological effects of aged exterior paint particles on terrestrial biota remain largely uncharacterized. Herein, we assessed the toxic effect of aged paint particles on soil environments using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a test organism. Various types of paint particles were generated by fragmentation and sequential sieving (500-1000, 250-500, 100-250, 50-100, 20-50 μm) of paint coatings collected from two old residential areas. The paint particles exerted different levels of toxicity, as indicated by a reduction in the number of C. elegans offspring, depending on their size, color, and layer structure. These physical characteristics were found to be closely associated with the chemical heterogeneity of additives present in the paint particles. Since the paint particle sizes were larger than what C. elegans typically consume, we attributed the toxicity to leachable additives present in the paint particles. To assess the toxicity of these leachable additives, we performed sequential washings of the paint particles with distilled water and ethanol. Ethanol washing of the paint particles significantly reduced the soil toxicity of the hydrophobic additives, indicating their potential environmental risk. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the ethanol leachate revealed the presence of alkyl amines, which exhibited a high correlation with the toxicity of the paint particles. Further toxicity testing using an alkyl amine standard demonstrated that a paint particle concentration of 1.2% in soil could significantly reduce the number of C. elegans offspring. Our findings provide insights into the potential hazards posed by aged paint particles and their leachable additives in the terrestrial environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Woong Kim
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Woo-Young Song
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Walter R Waldman
- Science and Technology Center for Sustainability, Federal University of São Carlos, 18052-780 Sorocaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Matthias C Rillig
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tae-Young Kim
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
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31
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Li T, Kambanis J, Sorenson TL, Sunde M, Shen Y. From Fundamental Amyloid Protein Self-Assembly to Development of Bioplastics. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:5-23. [PMID: 38147506 PMCID: PMC10777412 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Proteins can self-assemble into a range of nanostructures as a result of molecular interactions. Amyloid nanofibrils, as one of them, were first discovered with regard to the relevance of neurodegenerative diseases but now have been exploited as building blocks to generate multiscale materials with designed functions for versatile applications. This review interconnects the mechanism of amyloid fibrillation, the current approaches to synthesizing amyloid protein-based materials, and the application in bioplastic development. We focus on the fundamental structures of self-assembled amyloid fibrils and how external factors can affect protein aggregation to optimize the process. Protein self-assembly is essentially the autonomous congregation of smaller protein units into larger, organized structures. Since the properties of the self-assembly can be manipulated by changing intrinsic factors and external conditions, protein self-assembly serves as an excellent building block for bioplastic development. Building on these principles, general processing methods and pathways from raw protein sources to mature state materials are proposed, providing a guide for the development of large-scale production. Additionally, this review discusses the diverse properties of protein-based amyloid nanofibrils and how they can be utilized as bioplastics. The economic feasibility of the protein bioplastics is also compared to conventional plastics in large-scale production scenarios, supporting their potential as sustainable bioplastics for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Li
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Sydney Nano, The University of Sydney, PNR Building, Darlington NSW 2008, Australia
| | - Jordan Kambanis
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Sydney Nano, The University of Sydney, PNR Building, Darlington NSW 2008, Australia
| | - Timothy L. Sorenson
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Sydney Nano, The University of Sydney, PNR Building, Darlington NSW 2008, Australia
| | - Margaret Sunde
- School
of Medical Sciences and Sydney Nano, The
University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Yi Shen
- School
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Sydney Nano, The University of Sydney, PNR Building, Darlington NSW 2008, Australia
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32
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Yan X, Chen Q, Zhang Z, Fu Y, Huo Z, Wu Y, Shi H. Chemical features and biological effects of degradation products of biodegradable plastics in simulated small waterbody environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166829. [PMID: 37673271 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
A plethora of research has focused on the biosafety of biodegradable plastics (BPs), including their microplastic formation and additives leaching; however, relatively fewer studies have explored biodegradation products. This study aims to investigate the biological effects and chemical features of degradation products from three kinds of BPs, namely polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), and the blends of PGA/PBAT without the addition of additives, in a simulated small waterbody environment with extracted soil solution for three months. Results showed that exposure to the whole degradation remnants of three BPs had no lethal effects on zebrafish at the current BP environmental concentrations (from 0.24 to 12.72 mg plastic/L) in small waterbodies. However, from the calculated BPs environmental concentrations (from 0.57 to 43.82 mg plastic/L) in 2026, PGA and PGA/PBAT blends may cause adverse effects on the cardiovascular system such as heartbeat rate suppression in zebrafish embryos, and also lead to reduced body length and pericardial edema and spinal curvature in fish larvae. We further qualitatively analyzed the composition of degradation products, and quantitatively measured four dominant degradation monomers (glycolic acid (GA), adipic acid (A), 1,4-butanediol (B), and terephthalic acid (T)) in the degradation remnants. It was found that the observed toxicities were probably due to the presence of GA, A, and T monomers, and their concentrations can reach 0.776, 0.034, and 0.6 mg/L under the calculated future scenario, respectively. It is worth mentioning that either GA or T monomers at the above concentrations were found to cause suppressed heartbeat rate in zebrafish embryos. Collectively, though the degradation products of BPs are temporarily safe at current environmental concentrations, they may lead to non-negligible toxicity with increasing production and continual improper recycling and/or BP waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education & Shanghai Science and Technology Committee, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Zhuolan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ye Fu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Zhanbin Huo
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Geographic Information Science (Ministry of Education), School of Geographic Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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33
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Celletti S, Fedeli R, Ghorbani M, Aseka JM, Loppi S. Exploring sustainable alternatives: Wood distillate alleviates the impact of bioplastic in basil plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:166484. [PMID: 37611709 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166484] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The growing interest in bioplastics and bio-based crop management products in agriculture is driven by the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. However, recent research has raised concerns about the sustainability of bioplastics due to their potential negative impact on crop growth and yield, with implications for the environment and human health. In this study, wood distillate (WD) was evaluated as a natural enhancer of plant growth and defence system to mitigate the negative impact of a starch-based bioplastic on basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants. The study analyzed physiological and biochemical changes in basil plants subjected for 35 days to single or combined treatments of WD and bioplastic by measuring biomarkers of healthy growth, such as soluble proteins, sugars, vitamin C, and malondialdehyde (MDA). The results showed that WD promoted basil development, whereas the presence of bioplastic hindered it. Interestingly, WD did not affect sugars but increased vitamin C by 12 %, which is considered a positive effect as changes in sugar levels could indicate plant stress. In contrast, bioplastic resulted in reduced sugars (-41 %) and increased (+17 %) MDA level, while vitamin C content remained unchanged. However, when WD was added to plants grown with bioplastic, it elevated the levels of all examined parameters, except for sugars and vitamin C, which experienced reductions (-66 % and 33 %, respectively). Intriguingly, despite this reduction, the observed direct correlation between sugar and vitamin C contents was maintained, indicating that the decrease in sugar content may have reached a critical threshold. This study suggests that the use of WD has the potential to alleviate the adverse effects of bioplastic on basil growth and development and highlights the importance of adopting sustainable practices in agriculture, as well as the need for a critical assessment of the environmental impact of new technologies and products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Celletti
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Fedeli
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Majid Ghorbani
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Jonan Mbela Aseka
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Stefano Loppi
- Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; BAT Center - Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80138 Napoli, Italy.
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Adamu Ugya Y, Chen H, Sheng Y, Ajibade FO, Wang Q. A review of microalgae biofilm as an eco-friendly approach to bioplastics, promoting environmental sustainability. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116833. [PMID: 37543134 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
In this comprehensive review, we delve into the challenges hindering the large-scale production of microalgae-based bioplastics, primarily focusing on economic feasibility and bioplastic quality. To address these issues, we explore the potential of microalgae biofilm cultivation as a sustainable and highly viable approach for bioplastic production. We present a proposed method for producing bioplastics using microalgae biofilm and evaluate its environmental impact using various tools such as life cycle analysis (LCA), ecological footprint analysis, resource flow analysis, and resource accounting. While pilot-scale and large-scale LCA data are limited, we utilize alternative indicators such as energy efficiency, carbon footprint, materials management, and community acceptance to predict the environmental implications of commercializing microalgae biofilm-based bioplastics. The findings of this study indicate that utilizing microalgae biofilm for bioplastic production offers significant environmental sustainability benefits. The system exhibits low energy requirements and a minimal carbon footprint. Moreover, it has the potential to address the issue of wastewater by utilizing it as a carbon source, thereby mitigating associated problems. However, it is important to acknowledge certain limitations associated with the method proposed in this review. Further research is needed to explore and engineer precise techniques for manipulating microalgae biofilm structure to optimize the accumulation of desired metabolites. This could involve employing chemical triggers, metabolic engineering, and genetic engineering to achieve the intended goals. In conclusion, this review highlights the potential of microalgae biofilm as a viable and sustainable solution for bioplastic production. While acknowledging the advantages, it also emphasizes the need for continued synthetic studies to enhance the efficiency and reliability of this approach. By addressing the identified drawbacks and maximizing the utilization of advanced techniques, we can further harness the potential of microalgae biofilm in contributing to a more environmentally friendly and economically feasible bioplastic industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunusa Adamu Ugya
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan University, Kaifeng, China; Department of Environmental Management, Kaduna State University, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Hui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yangyang Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Fidelis Odedishemi Ajibade
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology Akure, PMB 704, Nigeria
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
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35
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Savva K, Farré M, Barata C. Sublethal effects of bio-plastic microparticles and their components on the behaviour of Daphnia magna. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116775. [PMID: 37517491 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics arise as an alternative to plastic production delinked from fossil resources. However, as their demand is increasing, there is a need to investigate their environmental fingerprint. Here we study the toxicity of microplastics (MPLs) of two widely used materials, the polylactic acid (PLA) and the polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) on the environmental aquatic model species Daphnia magna. The study was focused on sublethal behavioural and feeding endpoints linked to antipredator scape responses and food intake. The study aimed to test that MPLs from single-use household comercial items and among them bioplastics should be more toxic than those obtained from standard plastic polymers and fossil plastic materials due to the greater amount of plastic additives, and that MPLs should be more toxic than plastic extracts due to the contribution of both particle and plastic additive toxicity. MPLs were obtained by cryogenic grinding and sea-sand erosion to obtain irregular particles. MPL included standard polymers and nine comercial items of PLA and PHB and one fossil-based material of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The additive content in commercial items was characterised by liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. D. magna juveniles were exposed for 24 h to particles and their plastic extracts. Results indicated that the toxicity of bioplastic particles was five times higher than the effects produced by exposure to the content of the additives alone, that bioplastic particles were more toxic than fossil ones and that particles obtained from commercial items were more toxic than those obtained from PLA, PHB or HDPE polymer standards. Predicted toxicity from the measured plastic additives in the studied commercially available household items, however, was poorly related with the observed behavioural and feeding effects. Further research on unknown chemical components together with physical factors is need it to fully understand the mechanisms of toxicity of bioplastic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Savva
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marinella Farré
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Barata
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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36
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Town RM, van Leeuwen HP, Duval JFL. Effect of Polymer Aging on Uptake/Release Kinetics of Metal Ions and Organic Molecules by Micro- and Nanoplastics: Implications for the Bioavailability of the Associated Compounds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:16552-16563. [PMID: 37856883 PMCID: PMC10620988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05148] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The main driver of the potential toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics toward biota is often the release of compounds initially present in the plastic, i.e., polymer additives, as well as environmentally acquired metals and/or organic contaminants. Plastic particles degrade in the environment via various mechanisms and at different rates depending on the particle size/geometry, polymer type, and the prevailing physical and chemical conditions. The rate and extent of polymer degradation have obvious consequences for the uptake/release kinetics and, thus, the bioavailability of compounds associated with plastic particles. Herein, we develop a theoretical framework to describe the uptake and release kinetics of metal ions and organic compounds by plastic particles and apply it to the analysis of experimental data for pristine and aged micro- and nanoplastics. In particular, we elucidate the contribution of transient processes to the overall kinetics of plastic reactivity toward aquatic contaminants and demonstrate the paramount importance of intraparticulate contaminant diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raewyn M. Town
- ECOSPHERE,
Department of Biology, Universiteit Antwerpen, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Herman P. van Leeuwen
- ECOSPHERE,
Department of Biology, Universiteit Antwerpen, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
- Physical
Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University
& Research, Stippeneng
4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
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37
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Lamparelli EP, Marino M, Szychlinska MA, Della Rocca N, Ciardulli MC, Scala P, D’Auria R, Testa A, Viggiano A, Cappello F, Meccariello R, Della Porta G, Santoro A. The Other Side of Plastics: Bioplastic-Based Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery Systems in the Brain. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2549. [PMID: 38004530 PMCID: PMC10674524 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112549] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastics have changed human lives, finding a broad range of applications from packaging to medical devices. However, plastics can degrade into microscopic forms known as micro- and nanoplastics, which have raised concerns about their accumulation in the environment but mainly about the potential risk to human health. Recently, biodegradable plastic materials have been introduced on the market. These polymers are biodegradable but also bioresorbable and, indeed, are fundamental tools for drug formulations, thanks to their transient ability to pass through biological barriers and concentrate in specific tissues. However, this "other side" of bioplastics raises concerns about their toxic potential, in the form of micro- and nanoparticles, due to easier and faster tissue accumulation, with unknown long-term biological effects. This review aims to provide an update on bioplastic-based particles by analyzing the advantages and drawbacks of their potential use as components of innovative formulations for brain diseases. However, a critical analysis of the literature indicates the need for further studies to assess the safety of bioplastic micro- and nanoparticles despite they appear as promising tools for several nanomedicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Pavel Lamparelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Marianna Marino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Marta Anna Szychlinska
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100 Enna, Italy;
| | - Natalia Della Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Maria Camilla Ciardulli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Pasqualina Scala
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Raffaella D’Auria
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonino Testa
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
| | - Francesco Cappello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
- Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology (IEMEST), 90139 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement and Wellbeing Sciences, Parthenope University of Naples, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Della Porta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
- Research Centre for Biomaterials BIONAM, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Antonietta Santoro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (E.P.L.); (M.M.); (N.D.R.); (M.C.C.); (P.S.); (R.D.); (A.V.); (A.S.)
- Research Centre for Biomaterials BIONAM, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
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38
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Quade J, López-Ibáñez S, Beiras R. UV Dosage Unveils Toxic Properties of Weathered Commercial Bioplastic Bags. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14807-14816. [PMID: 37750591 PMCID: PMC10569051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that weathered conventional plastics and bioplastics pose ecotoxicological risks. Here, the effects of artificial and natural weathering on the ecotoxicity of three compostable bags and a conventional polyethylene (PE) bag are investigated. With that aim, a 21-day artificial indoor weathering experiment featuring UV light, UV-filtered light, and darkness was run simultaneously to a 120-day outdoor littoral mesocosm exposure featuring natural light, UV-filtered light, and shaded conditions. Acute toxicity of so-weathered plastic specimens was tested in vivo using the sensitive Paracentrotus lividus sea-urchin embryo test. PE was nontoxic from the beginning and did not gain toxicity due to UV weathering. In contrast, for bioplastics, dry artificial UV weathering increased toxicity in comparison to the dark control. Weathering in outdoor mesocosm led to a rapid loss of toxic properties due to leaching in rainwater. With a higher UV dosage, a plastic-type-dependent regain of toxicity was observed, most likely driven by enhanced availability or transformation of functional additives or due to bioplastic degradation products. PE showed moderate UV absorbance, while bioplastics showed high UV absorbance. This study highlights the potential of biodegradable plastics to pose enhanced ecotoxicological risk due to weathering under environmentally relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Quade
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Sara López-Ibáñez
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Beiras
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
- Facultade
de Ciencias do Mar, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
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39
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Wang T, Hosseinzadeh M, Cuccagna A, Alakenova R, Casademunt P, Reyes Rovatti A, López-Rubio A, Porte C. Comparative toxicity of conventional versus compostable plastic consumer products: An in-vitro assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132123. [PMID: 37499498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132123] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the toxicity of methanolic extracts obtained from compostable plastics (BPs) and conventional plastics (both virgin and recycled). Additionally, it explores the potential influence of plastic photodegradation and composting on toxic responses using a battery of in vitro assays conducted in PLHC-1 cells. The extracts of BPs, but not those of conventional plastics, induced a significant decrease in cell viability (<70%) in PLHC-1 cells after 24 h of exposure. Toxicity was enhanced by either photodegradation or composting of BPs. Extracts of conventional plastics, and particularly those of recycled plastics, induced 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and micronucleus formation in exposed cells, indicating the presence of significant amounts of CYP1A inducers and genotoxic compounds in the extracts, which was enhanced by photodegradation. These findings highlight the importance of investigating the effects of degradation mechanisms such as sunlight and composting on the toxicity of BPs. It is also crucial to investigate the composition of newly developed formulations for BPs, as they may be more harmful than conventional ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Wang
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain.
| | - Mahboubeh Hosseinzadeh
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alice Cuccagna
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Rakhat Alakenova
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Paula Casademunt
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Alcira Reyes Rovatti
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Amparo López-Rubio
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cinta Porte
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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40
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Lehman-Chong A, Cox CL, Kinaci E, Burkert SE, Dodge ML, Rosmarin DM, Newell JA, Soh L, Gordon MB, Stanzione JF. Itaconic Acid as a Comonomer in Betulin-Based Thermosets via Sequential and Bulk Preparation. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:14216-14225. [PMID: 37771764 PMCID: PMC10526528 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c04178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The inherent chemical functionalities of biobased monomers enable the production of renewably sourced polymers that further advance sustainable manufacturing. Itaconic acid (IA) is a nontoxic, commercially produced biobased monomer that can undergo both UV and thermal curing. Betulin is a biocompatible, structurally complex diol derived from birch tree bark that has been recently studied for materials with diverse applications. Here, betulin, IA, and biobased linear diacids, 1,12-dodecanedioic acid (C12) and 1,18-octadecanedioic acid (C18), were used to prepare thermosets using sequential and bulk curing methods. Thermoplastic polyester precursors were synthesized and formulated into polyester-methacrylate (PM) resins to produce sequential UV-curable thermosets. Bulk-cured polyester thermosets were prepared using a one-pot, solventless melt polycondensation using glycerol as a cross-linker. The structure-property relationships of the thermoplastic polyester precursors, sequentially prepared PM thermosets, and bulk-cured polyester thermosets were evaluated with varying IA content. Both types of thermosets exhibited higher storage moduli, Tgs, and thermal stabilities with greater IA comonomer content. These results demonstrate the viability of using IA as a comonomer to produce betulin-based thermosets each with tunable properties, expanding the scope of their applications and use in polymeric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra
M. Lehman-Chong
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
- Advanced
Materials & Manufacturing Institute (AMMI), Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
| | - Casey L. Cox
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
- Advanced
Materials & Manufacturing Institute (AMMI), Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
| | - Emre Kinaci
- Advanced
Materials & Manufacturing Institute (AMMI), Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
| | - Sarah E. Burkert
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lafayette College, 740 High Street, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042, United States
| | - Megan L. Dodge
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lafayette College, 740 High Street, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042, United States
| | - Devin M. Rosmarin
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lafayette College, 740 High Street, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042, United States
| | - James A. Newell
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
- Advanced
Materials & Manufacturing Institute (AMMI), Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
| | - Lindsay Soh
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lafayette College, 740 High Street, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042, United States
| | - Melissa B. Gordon
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lafayette College, 740 High Street, Easton, Pennsylvania 18042, United States
| | - Joseph F. Stanzione
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
- Advanced
Materials & Manufacturing Institute (AMMI), Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028, United States
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41
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Boots B, Green DS, Olah-Kovacs B, De Falco F, Lupo E. Physical and chemical effects of conventional microplastic glitter versus alternative glitter particles on a freshwater plant (Lemnaceae: Lemna minor). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115291. [PMID: 37494737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Glitters are primary microplastics which are directly littered into the environment, yet the ecological effects have seldom been tested. When microplastics enter the environment, their physical presence and chemical leachate may alter the physiology of primary producers. Glitter can be composed of plastic or natural and/or biodegradable materials, often with additives. Three experiments were run for 14 days to separate chemical and physical effects of different types of glitter: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), biodegradable modified regenerated cellulose (MRC), synthetic mica, and a natural particle control (kaolinite) on several physical characteristics of Lemna minor (common duckweed). L. minor was exposed to either fresh (chemical and physical effects), leachate from glitter (chemical) or aged glitter (physical). Overall, there was little effect of PET, synthetic mica, kaolinite or of any aged glitter. High concentrations of fresh MRC glitters, however, decreased root length, biomass and chlorophyll content of L. minor. Some of these effects were also present when exposed to leachate from MRC glitters, but were less pronounced. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of metals in MRC glitters which may explain these responses. Short-term ecotoxicity of biodegradable glitters can arise due to their physical and chemical properties, but may lessen over time as their surface coating degrades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Boots
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Dannielle Senga Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom.
| | - Brigitta Olah-Kovacs
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca De Falco
- International Marine Litter Unit, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Emanuele Lupo
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, United Kingdom
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42
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Sudheer S, Bandyopadhyay S, Bhat R. Sustainable polysaccharide and protein hydrogel-based packaging materials for food products: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 248:125845. [PMID: 37473880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable food packaging is a necessary element to ensure the success of a food system, the accomplishment of which is weighed in terms of quality retention and ensured products safety. Irrespective of the raised environmental concerns regarding petroleum-based packaging materials, a sustainable analysis and a lab to land assessment should be a priority to eliminate similar fates of new material. Functionalized bio-based hydrogels are one of the smartest packaging inventions that are expected to revolutionize the food packaging industry. Although in this review, the focus relies on recent developments in the sustainable bio-based hydrogel packaging materials, natural biopolymers such as proteins and polysaccharides from which hydrogels could be obtained, the challenges encountered in hydrogel-based packaging materials and the future prospects of hydrogel-based food packaging materials are also discussed. Moreover, the need for 'Life Cycle Assessment' (LCA), stress on certifications and a sustainable waste management system is also suggested which can bring both food and packaging into the same recycling bins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya Sudheer
- ERA-Chair for Food (By-) Products Valorisation Technologies (VALORTECH), Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 510014, Estonia.
| | - Smarak Bandyopadhyay
- Centre of Polymeric Systems, University Institute, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Tř. T. Bati 5678, Zlin 76001, Czech Republic
| | - Rajeev Bhat
- ERA-Chair for Food (By-) Products Valorisation Technologies (VALORTECH), Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 510014, Estonia.
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43
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Strik DPBTB, Heusschen B. Microbial Recycling of Polylactic Acid Food Packaging Waste into Carboxylates via Hydrolysis and Mixed-Culture Fermentation. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2103. [PMID: 37630663 PMCID: PMC10458239 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082103] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To establish a circular economy, waste streams should be used as a resource to produce valuable products. Biodegradable plastic waste represents a potential feedstock to be microbially recycled via a carboxylate platform. Bioplastics such as polylactic acid food packaging waste (PLA-FPW) are theoretically suitable feedstocks for producing carboxylates. Once feasible, carboxylates such as acetate, n-butyrate, or n-caproate can be used for various applications like lubricants or building blocks for making new bioplastics. In this study, pieces of industrial compostable PLA-FPW material (at 30 or 60 g/L) were added to a watery medium with microbial growth nutrients. This broth was exposed to 70 °C for a pretreatment process to support the hydrolysis of PLA into lactic acid at a maximum rate of 3.0 g/L×d. After 21 days, the broths of the hydrolysis experiments were centrifugated and a part of the supernatant was extracted and prepared for anaerobic fermentation. The mixed microbial culture, originating from a food waste fermentation bioprocess, successfully fermented the hydrolyzed PLA into a spectrum of new C2-C6 multi-carbon carboxylates. n-butyrate was the major product for all fermentations and, on average, 6.5 g/L n-butyrate was obtained from 60 g/L PLA-FPW materials. The wide array of products were likely due to various microbial processes, including lactate conversion into acetate and propionate, as well as lactate-based chain elongation to produce medium-chain carboxylates. The fermentation process did not require pH control. Overall, we showed a proof-of-concept in using real bioplastic waste as feedstock to produce valuable C2-C6 carboxylates via microbial recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P. B. T. B. Strik
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
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44
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Ruini C, Neri P, Cavalaglio G, Coccia V, Cotana F, Raspolli Galletti AM, Morselli D, Fabbri P, Ferrari AM, Rosa R. Innovative Bioplasticizers from Residual Cynara cardunculus L. Biomass-Derived Levulinic Acid and Their Environmental Impact Assessment by LCA Methodology. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:12014-12026. [PMID: 37593378 PMCID: PMC10428505 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c02269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
This work is focused on the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology for the quantification of the potential environmental impacts associated with the obtainment of levulinic acid from residual Cynara cardunculus L. biomass and its subsequent valorization in innovative bioplasticizers for tuning the properties as well as the processability of biopolymers. This potentially allows the production of fully biobased and biodegradable bioplastic formulations, thus addressing the issues related to the fossil origin and nonbiodegradability of conventional additives, such as phthalates. Steam explosion pretreatment was applied to the epigean residue of C. cardunculus L. followed by a microwave-assisted acid-catalyzed hydrolysis. After purification, the as-obtained levulinic acid was used to synthesize different ketal-diester derivatives through a three-step selective synthesis. The levulinic acid-base additives demonstrated remarkable plasticizing efficiency when added to biobased plastics. The LCA results were used in conjunction with those from the experimental activities to find the optimal compromise between environmental impacts and mechanical and thermal properties, induced by the bioadditives in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), PHB biopolymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ruini
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Metodi dell’Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, via G. Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia 42122, Italy
| | - Paolo Neri
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Metodi dell’Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, via G. Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia 42122, Italy
| | - Gianluca Cavalaglio
- Università
Telematica Pegaso, Centro Direzionale Isola f2, Napoli 80143, Italy
| | - Valentina Coccia
- Centro
Interuniversitario di Ricerca sull’Inquinamento e sull’Ambiente
“Mauro Felli”, Centro di Ricerca sulle Biomasse, University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 63, Perugia 06125, Italy
| | - Franco Cotana
- Centro
Interuniversitario di Ricerca sull’Inquinamento e sull’Ambiente
“Mauro Felli”, Centro di Ricerca sulle Biomasse, University of Perugia, via G. Duranti 63, Perugia 06125, Italy
| | | | - Davide Morselli
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Civile, Chimica, Ambientale e dei Materiali, Università di Bologna, via U. Terracini 28, Bologna 40131, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Nazionale per Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali
(INSTM), via Giusti 9, Firenze 50121, Italy
| | - Paola Fabbri
- Dipartimento
di Ingegneria Civile, Chimica, Ambientale e dei Materiali, Università di Bologna, via U. Terracini 28, Bologna 40131, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Nazionale per Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali
(INSTM), via Giusti 9, Firenze 50121, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Ferrari
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Metodi dell’Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, via G. Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia 42122, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Nazionale per Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali
(INSTM), via Giusti 9, Firenze 50121, Italy
- Centro
Interdipartimentale En&Tech, Università
degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Tecnopolo di Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa 1, Reggio Emilia 42123, Italy
| | - Roberto Rosa
- Dipartimento
di Scienze e Metodi dell’Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, via G. Amendola 2, Reggio Emilia 42122, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Nazionale per Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali
(INSTM), via Giusti 9, Firenze 50121, Italy
- Centro
Interdipartimentale En&Tech, Università
degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Tecnopolo di Reggio Emilia, Piazzale Europa 1, Reggio Emilia 42123, Italy
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45
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Le Gué L, Davies P, Arhant M, Vincent B, Tanguy E. Mitigating plastic pollution at sea: Natural seawater degradation of a sustainable PBS/PBAT marine rope. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115216. [PMID: 37437477 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
This paper evaluates the use of a PBS/PBAT biodegradable rope to reduce the environmental impact of fishing gear lost at sea. The study aims to better understand the degradation mechanisms that the rope and its monofilaments may encounter due to the long term exposure to seawater. The monofilaments were immersed in natural seawater for up to 18 months, and rope samples were also immersed to study aging at a larger scale and evaluate the ability of a modelling tool to predict initial and aged states of the rope. At low temperatures, no loss of properties was observed for the monofilament and rope. However, at higher temperatures, biodegradation and hydrolysis processes were observed, leading to a faster loss of properties in the monofilament compared to the rope. The modelling tool provided conservative predictions due to severe mechanical test conditions of aged monofilament and a degradation gradient within the rope structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Le Gué
- Ifremer RDT, Research and Technology Development Unit, 1625 route de Sainte-Anne, Plouzané, 29280, France; DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability), IFREMER, INRAE, Institut Agro, Lorient, 56325, France.
| | - Peter Davies
- Ifremer RDT, Research and Technology Development Unit, 1625 route de Sainte-Anne, Plouzané, 29280, France
| | - Mael Arhant
- Ifremer RDT, Research and Technology Development Unit, 1625 route de Sainte-Anne, Plouzané, 29280, France
| | - Benoit Vincent
- DECOD (Ecosystem Dynamics and Sustainability), IFREMER, INRAE, Institut Agro, Lorient, 56325, France
| | - Erwan Tanguy
- Le Drezen, 12 rue de Kélareun, Le Guilvinec, 29730, France
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46
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Li A, Sheng Y, Cui H, Wang M, Wu L, Song Y, Yang R, Li X, Huang H. Discovery and mechanism-guided engineering of BHET hydrolases for improved PET recycling and upcycling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4169. [PMID: 37443360 PMCID: PMC10344914 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39929-w] [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: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although considerable research achievements have been made to address the plastic crisis using enzymes, their applications are limited due to incomplete degradation and low efficiency. Herein, we report the identification and subsequent engineering of BHETases, which have the potential to improve the efficiency of PET recycling and upcycling. Two BHETases (ChryBHETase and BsEst) are identified from the environment via enzyme mining. Subsequently, mechanism-guided barrier engineering is employed to yield two robust and thermostable ΔBHETases with up to 3.5-fold enhanced kcat/KM than wild-type, followed by atomic resolution understanding. Coupling ΔBHETase into a two-enzyme system overcomes the challenge of heterogeneous product formation and results in up to 7.0-fold improved TPA production than seven state-of-the-art PET hydrolases, under the conditions used here. Finally, we employ a ΔBHETase-joined tandem chemical-enzymatic approach to valorize 21 commercial post-consumed plastics into virgin PET and an example chemical (p-phthaloyl chloride) for achieving the closed-loop PET recycling and open-loop PET upcycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Li
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijie Sheng
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyang Cui
- RWTH Aachen University, Templergraben 55, Aachen, 52062, Germany
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, 1206 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Minghui Wang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Luxuan Wu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yibo Song
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Yang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiujuan Li
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - He Huang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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Rennert M, Hiller BT. Influence of Coffee Variety and Processing on the Properties of Parchments as Functional Bioadditives for Biobased Poly( butylene succinate) Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2985. [PMID: 37514375 PMCID: PMC10386071 DOI: 10.3390/polym15142985] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fermented polymers like biobased poly(butylene succinate) (BioPBS) have become more relevant as technical substitutes for ductile petrochemical-based polymers but require biogenic functional additives to deaccelerate undesired thermo-oxidative degradation and keep a fully biobased character. In this paper, the influence of coffee parchment (PMT) from two different varieties and processings on the thermo-oxidative stabilization and mechanical properties of poly(butylene succinate) composites up to 20 wt.-% PMT were investigated. Micronized with a TurboRotor mill, both PMT powders differ in particle size and shape, moisture ab- and adsorption behavior and antioxidative properties. It could be shown that pulped-natural PMT consists partially of coffee cherry residues, which leads to a higher total polyphenol content and water activity. The homogeneous PMT from fully washed processing has a higher thermal degradation resistance but consists of fibers with larger diameters. Compounded with the BioPBS and subsequent injection molded, the fully washed PMT leads to higher stiffness and equal tensile strength but lower toughness compared to the pulped-natural PMT, especially at lower deformation speed. Surprisingly, the fully washed PMT showed a higher stability against thermo-oxidative decomposition despite the lower values in the total phenol content and antioxidative activity. The required antioxidative stabilizers might be extracted at higher temperatures from the PMT fibers, making it a suitable biogenic stabilizer for extrusion processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Rennert
- Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers at Hof University (ibp), Hof University of Applied Sciences, 95028 Hof, Germany
| | - Benedikt T Hiller
- Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers at Hof University (ibp), Hof University of Applied Sciences, 95028 Hof, Germany
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48
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Lenzi L, Degli Esposti M, Braccini S, Siracusa C, Quartinello F, Guebitz GM, Puppi D, Morselli D, Fabbri P. Further Step in the Transition from Conventional Plasticizers to Versatile Bioplasticizers Obtained by the Valorization of Levulinic Acid and Glycerol. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:9455-9469. [PMID: 37389191 PMCID: PMC10302884 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c01536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
In the last two decades, the use of phthalates has been restricted worldwide due to their well-known toxicity. Nonetheless, phthalates are still widely used for their versatility, high plasticization effect, low cost, and lack of valuable alternatives. This study presents the fully bio-based and versatile glycerol trilevulinate plasticizer (GT) that was obtained by the valorization of glycerol and levulinic acid. The mild-conditions and solvent-free esterification used to synthesize GT was optimized by investigating the product by Fourier transform infrared and NMR spectroscopy. An increasing content of GT, from 10 to 40 parts by weight per hundred parts of resin (phr), was tested with poly(vinyl chloride), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly(lactic acid), and poly(caprolactone), which typically present complicated processability and/or mechanical properties. GT produced a significant plasticization effect on both amorphous and semicrystalline polymers, reducing their glass-transition temperature and stiffness, as observed by differential scanning calorimetry measurements and tensile tests. Remarkably, GT also decreased both the melting temperature and crystallinity degree of semicrystalline polymers. Furthermore, GT underwent enzyme-mediated hydrolysis to its initial constituents, envisioning a promising prospective for environmental safety and upcycling. Furthermore, 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) tests, using mouse embryo fibroblasts, proved that GT is an unharmful alternative plasticizer, which makes it potentially applicable in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Lenzi
- Department
of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Università di Bologna, Via U. Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
- National
Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Micaela Degli Esposti
- Department
of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Università di Bologna, Via U. Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
- National
Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Simona Braccini
- National
Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- BIOLab
Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Università di Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Siracusa
- Institute
of Environmental Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and
Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Agrobiotechnology, IFA-Tulln, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 20, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | - Felice Quartinello
- Institute
of Environmental Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and
Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Agrobiotechnology, IFA-Tulln, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 20, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | - Georg M. Guebitz
- Institute
of Environmental Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and
Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Agrobiotechnology, IFA-Tulln, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 20, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria
| | - Dario Puppi
- National
Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- BIOLab
Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Università di Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide Morselli
- Department
of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Università di Bologna, Via U. Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
- National
Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Paola Fabbri
- Department
of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Università di Bologna, Via U. Terracini 28, 40131 Bologna, Italy
- National
Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via G. Giusti 9, 50121 Firenze, Italy
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Tsochatzis ED, Vidal NP, Bai W, Diamantidou D, Theodoridis G, Martinez MM. Untargeted screening and in silico toxicity assessment of semi- and non-volatile compounds migrating from polysaccharide-based food contact materials. Food Chem 2023; 425:136499. [PMID: 37285625 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The chemical safety of representative polysaccharide films made with pea starch, organocatalytic acetylated pea starch and pectin was investigated at different migration conditions (20 °C/10 days, 70 °C/2 h) using two official simulants signifying hydrophilic (simulant A, 10% ethanol) or lipophilic (simulant D1, 50% ethanol) foods. Migrating semi-volatile and non-volatile compounds were identified and semi-quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-trap ion mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TIMS-TOF-MS/MS), whereas their toxicity was evaluated by in silico models based on qualitative structure activity (QSAR). Physicochemical analysis revealed polymer wash-off into the simulants. Migration testing at 70 °C for 2 h using simulant D1 resulted in detectable concentrations of glycerol (≤72.1 mg/kg), monoacetylated maltose (≤6.5 mg/kg), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (≤0.5 mg/kg, compliant with the existing legislative migration limits) in samples containing acetylated starch. Migrating 3-β-galactopyranosyl glucose (≤8.9 mg/kg) and 2,5-diketo-d-gluconic acid (≤4.9 mg/kg) were detected at 20 °C/10 days. In-silico toxicity emphasized no significant toxicity and categorized organocatalytic acetylated pea starch of no safety concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil D Tsochatzis
- Centre for Innovative Food (CiFOOD), Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark
| | - Natalia P Vidal
- Centre for Innovative Food (CiFOOD), Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark; Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Wenqiang Bai
- Centre for Innovative Food (CiFOOD), Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark
| | - Dimitra Diamantidou
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Biomic_AUTh, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center B1.4, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, P.O. Box 8318, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Theodoridis
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; Biomic_AUTh, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center B1.4, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, P.O. Box 8318, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Mario M Martinez
- Centre for Innovative Food (CiFOOD), Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, Aarhus N 8200, Denmark.
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Détrée C, Labbé C, Paul-Pont I, Prado E, El Rawke M, Thomas L, Delorme N, Le Goic N, Huvet A. On the horns of a dilemma: Evaluation of synthetic and natural textile microfibre effects on the physiology of the pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121861. [PMID: 37245792 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Fast fashion and our daily use of fibrous materials cause a massive release of microfibres (MF) into the oceans. Although MF pollution is commonly linked to plastics, the vast majority of collected MF are made from natural materials (e.g. cellulose). We investigated the effects of 96-h exposure to natural (wool, cotton, organic cotton) and synthetic (acrylic, nylon, polyester) textile MF and their associated chemical additives on the capacity of Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas to ingest MF and the effects of MF and their leachates on key molecular and cellular endpoints. Digestive and glycolytic enzyme activities and immune and detoxification responses were determined at cellular (haemocyte viability, ROS production, ABC pump activity) and molecular (Ikb1, Ikb2, caspase 1 and EcSOD expression) levels, considering environmentally relevant (10 MF L-1) and worst-case scenarios (10 000 MF L-1). Ingestion of natural MF perturbed oyster digestive and immune functions, but synthetic MF had few effects, supposedly related with fibers weaving rather than the material itself. No concentration effects were found, suggesting that an environmental dose of MF is sufficient to trigger these responses. Leachate exposure had minimal effects on oyster physiology. These results suggest that the manufacture of the fibres and their characteristics could be the major factors of MF toxicity and stress the need to consider both natural and synthetic particles and their leachates to thoroughly evaluate the impact of anthropogenic debris. Environmental Implication. Microfibres (MF) are omnipresent in the world oceans with around 2 million tons released every year, resulting in their ingestion by a wide array of marine organisms. In the ocean, a domination of natural MF- representing more than 80% of collected fibres-over synthetic ones was observed. Despite MF pervasiveness, research on their impact on marine organisms, is still in its infancy. The current study aims to investigate the effects of environmental concentrations of both synthetic and natural textile MF and their associated leachates on a model filter feeder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Détrée
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France.
| | - Clémentine Labbé
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Ika Paul-Pont
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Enora Prado
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Détection, Capteurs et Mesures (LDCM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Maria El Rawke
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Détection, Capteurs et Mesures (LDCM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Lena Thomas
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France; Ifremer, Laboratoire Détection, Capteurs et Mesures (LDCM), Centre Bretagne, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Nicolas Delorme
- Institut des Molécules et Matériaux Du Mans, UMR,, CNRS-Le Mans Université, Av. O. Messiaen, 72085, 6283, Le Mans, Cedex 9, France
| | - Nelly Le Goic
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Arnaud Huvet
- Laboratoire des Sciences de L'Environnement Marin (LEMAR), UBO, CNRS, IFREMER, IRD, ZI de La Pointe Du Diable, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
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