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Zhang Y, Shi P, Cui L. Microplastics in riverine systems: Recommendations for standardized sampling, separation, digestion and characterization. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 207:116950. [PMID: 39243470 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a global concern, prompting numerous studies on MP detection. Due to the remaining methodological challenges, it affects the accuracy and reliability of MP's impact assessment on river systems. To address this, the establishment of standardized operating protocols is crucial, encompassing sampling, separation, digestion, and characterization methods. This study evaluates the current tools used for identifying and quantifying MPs in riverine ecosystems, aiming to offer harmonized guidelines for future protocols. Recommendations include adopting a consistent format for reporting MP concentrations and providing improved information on sampling, separation, and digestion for enhanced cross-study comparisons. The importance of quality assurance and quality control is also discussed. Furthermore, we highlight unresolved issues, proposing avenues for further investigation. Suggestions encompass standardizing river sampling methods, optimizing technical steps and analysis processes, and enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of detection data to advance our understanding of MPs in river environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Peng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China.
| | - Lingzhou Cui
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
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2
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Tang S, Zhang Q, Xu H, Zhu M, Nahid Pervez M, Wu B, Zhao Y. Fabric structure and polymer composition as key contributors to micro(nano)plastic contamination in face masks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135089. [PMID: 38959827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135089] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The surge in face mask use due to COVID-19 has raised concerns about micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) from masks. Herein, focusing on fabric structure and polymer composition, we investigated MNP generation characteristics, mechanisms, and potential risks of surgical polypropylene (PP) and fashionable polyurethane (PU) masks during their wearing and photoaging based on stereomicroscope, μ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Compared with new PP and PU masks (66 ± 16 MPs/PP-mask, 163 ± 83 MPs/PU-mask), single- and multiple-used masks exhibited remarkably increased MP type and abundance (600-1867 MPs/PP-mask, 607-2167 MPs/PU-mask). Disinfection exacerbated endogenous MP generation in masks, with washing (416 MPs/PP-mask, 30,708 MPs/PU-mask) being the most prominent compared to autoclaving (219 MPs/PP-mask, 553 MPs/PU-mask) and alcohol spray (162 MPs/PP-mask, 18,333 MPs/PU-mask). Photoaging led to massive generation of MPs (8.8 × 104-3.7 × 105 MPs/PP-layer, 1.0 × 105 MPs/PU-layer) and NPs (5.2 × 109-3.6 × 1013 NPs/PP-layer, 3.5 × 1012 NPs/PU-layer) from masks, presenting highly fabric structure-dependent aging modes as "fragmentation" for fine fiber-structure PP mask and "erosion" for 3D mesh-structure PU mask. The MNPs derived from PP/PU mask caused significant deformities of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. These findings underscore the potential adverse effects of masks on humans and aquatic organisms, advocating to enhance proper use and rational disposal for masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Tang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area of Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, Institute of Eco-Chongming and School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area of Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, Institute of Eco-Chongming and School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Haowen Xu
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Md Nahid Pervez
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Bing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yaping Zhao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area of Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, Institute of Eco-Chongming and School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
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3
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Shokunbi OS, Idowu GA, Aiyesanmi AF, Davidson CM. Assessment of Microplastics and Potentially Toxic Elements in Surface Sediments of the River Kelvin, Central Scotland, United Kingdom. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:932-945. [PMID: 38367028 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-01947-9] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Contamination of the environment by microplastics (MPs), polymer particles of <5 mm in diameter, is an emerging concern globally due to their ubiquitous nature, interactions with pollutants, and adverse effects on aquatic organisms. The majority of studies have focused on marine environments, with freshwater systems only recently attracting attention. The current study investigated the presence, abundance, and distribution of MPs and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in sediments of the River Kelvin, Scotland, UK. Sediment samples were collected from eight sampling points along the river and were extracted by density separation with NaCl solution. Extracted microplastics were characterised for shape and colour, and the polymer types were determined through attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Pollution status and ecological risks were assessed for both the microplastics and PTEs. Abundance of MPs generally increased from the most upstream location (Queenzieburn, 50.0 ± 17.3 particles/kg) to the most downstream sampling point (Kelvingrove Museum, 244 ± 19.2 particles/kg). Fibres were most abundant at all sampling locations, with red, blue, and black being the predominant colours found. Larger polymer fragments were identified as polypropylene and polyethylene. Concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn exceeded Scottish background soil values at some locations. Principal component and Pearson's correlation analyses suggest that As, Cr, Pb and Zn emanated from the same anthropogenic sources. Potential ecological risk assessment indicates that Cd presents a moderate risk to organisms at one location. This study constitutes the first co-investigation of MPs and PTEs in a river system in Scotland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatosin Sarah Shokunbi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Technology Akure, P.M. B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Department of Basic Sciences, Babcock University, P. M. B. 4003, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Gideon Aina Idowu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Technology Akure, P.M. B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
| | - Ademola Festus Aiyesanmi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Technology Akure, P.M. B. 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Christine Margaret Davidson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, Scotland, United Kingdom
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4
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Zhao X, Gao P, Zhao Z, Wu Y, Sun H, Liu C. Microplastics release from face masks: Characteristics, influential factors, and potential risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171090. [PMID: 38387585 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171090] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been used popularly and disposed of improperly, leading to the generation of a large amount of microplastics. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive insight into the characteristics of mask-derived microplastics, the influential factors of microplastics release, and the potential risks of these microplastics to the environment and organisms. Mask-derived microplastics were predominantly transparent fibers, with a length of <1 mm. The release of microplastics from masks is mainly influenced by mask types, use habits, and weathering conditions. Under the same conditions, surgical masks release more microplastics than other types of masks. Long-term wearing of masks and the disinfection for reuse can promote the release of microplastics. Environmental media, UV irradiation, temperature, pH value, and mechanical shear can also influence the microplastics release. The risks of mask-derived microplastics to human health via inhalation cannot be neglected. Future studies should pay more attention to the release of microplastics from the masks with alternative materials and under more weathering conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Panpan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ziqing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yinghong Wu
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin 300011, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chunguang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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Yang X, Xu J, Chen X, Yao M, Pei M, Yang Y, Gao P, Zhang C, Wang Z. Co-exposure of butyl benzyl phthalate and TiO 2 nanomaterials (anatase) in Metaphire guillelmi: Gut health implications by transcriptomics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 354:120429. [PMID: 38387344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120429] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, an abundance of plastic face masks has been consumed and disposed of in the environment. In addition, substantial amounts of plastic mulch film have been used in intensive agriculture with low recovery. Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) and TiO2 nanomaterials (nTiO2) are widely applied in plastic products, leading to the inevitable release of BBP and nTiO2 into the soil system. However, the impact of co-exposure of BBP and nTiO2 at low concentrations on earthworms remains understudied. In the present study, transcriptomics was applied to reveal the effects of individual BBP and nTiO2 exposures at a concentration of 1 mg kg-1, along with the combined exposure of BBP and nTiO2 (1 mg kg-1 BBP + 1 mg kg-1 nTiO2 (anatase)) on Metaphire guillelmi. The result showed that BBP and nTiO2 exposures have the potential to induce neurodegeneration through glutamate accumulation, tau protein, and oxidative stress in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, as well as metabolism dysfunction. The present study contributes to our understanding of the toxic mechanisms of emerging contaminants at environmentally relevant levels and prompts consideration of the management of BBP and nTiO2 within the soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Yang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jiake Xu
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaoni Chen
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mengyao Yao
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mengyuan Pei
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yujian Yang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, United States
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, 215009, China
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6
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Pramanik DD, Kay P, Goycoolea FM. A rapid and portable fluorescence spectroscopy staining method for the detection of plastic microfibers in water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168144. [PMID: 37944615 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168144] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
We propose a simple technique for microplastic detection based on their interaction with a hydrophilic and anionic fluorescent dye 1,3,6,8 pyrene tetrasulfonate (PTSA). Synthetic microfibers derived from surgical face masks (an abundantly generated plastic waste post COVID) were considered as model microplastics. The interactions between microfibers and the dye were studied as a function of physiological parameters (pH, contact time and temperature), external agents, dye dosage and polymer variants. A pocket-sized photometer (by Lovibond Tintometer group) was employed for the detection and further validated using advanced equipment set-ups (fluorescence microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and benchtop spectrofluorometer). Risk assessment studies were conducted on Artemia salina as a model organism. As a risk mitigation strategy, dye recovery followed by sunlight mediated degradation were performed. The detection study was performed in real water samples collected from fresh, estuarine and seawater samples spiked with microfibers. As an outcome, an optimized standard operational conditions were determined for the effective detection of synthetic microfibers. The data obtained could have scientific and industrial impact, in particular for experts working in the broad arena of clean water, who are specifically interested in developing cost-effective solutions for effective detection and biomonitoring of emerging pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devlina Das Pramanik
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom; Centre for Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India.
| | - Paul Kay
- School of Geography, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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Zuo C, Li Y, Chen Y, Jiang J, Qiu W, Chen Q. Leaching of heavy metals from polyester microplastic fibers and the potential risks in simulated real-world scenarios. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132639. [PMID: 37778306 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132639] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals have been incorporated as additives into synthetic textiles to enhance their functional properties. However, these fibers are susceptible to shedding due to mechanical wear, and the release of heavy metals from microplastic fibers (MFs) remains largely uncharacterized. Therefore, this study sought to quantify the levels of heavy metals in textiles, evaluate their leaching capabilities under various scenarios, and ultimately assess the potential health risks associated with MFs ingestion. First, we determined the metal content in eight commonly used polyester textiles. Subsequently, we estimated the metal leaching capacities of specific MFs sourced from carpets, curtains, sweaters, and scarves in freshwater, human saliva, human lung fluid, and fish gastric fluid at distinct time intervals. The results indicated that carpets contained the highest amount of total metals, with a concentration of 218 ± 8 mg/kg. Ultraviolet weathering, coupled with longer exposure durations, led to surface coarsening of MFs, which may be the primary reason for the enhanced leaching of metals in freshwater. Furthermore, our findings revealed that carbonyl index was unsuitable for characterizing aging because polyester inherently contains carbonyl groups. Instead, the O/C ratio emerged as a more suitable indicator. The leached concentrations and percentages of metals from MFs exhibited the following order in biofluids: Sb>Mn>Cr and Cr>Mn>Pb in biofluids, respectively. Finally, the estimated daily intake of metals was significantly below the tolerable thresholds (0.0014-0.14 mg/kg/d for fish and 0.0036-1.0 mg/kg/d for humans), indicating a negligible risk of heavy metal exposure through MFs for both fish and humans. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: In recent years, the ecological risks posed by heavy metal contaminants loaded onto microplastic fibers have become an increasing concern. Therefore, our study sought to characterize the accumulation of heavy metals on plastic fabrics and the potential for these loaded heavy metals to be released when microplastic fibers originating from these fabrics enter freshwater environments and interact with organisms. This vector-like behavior underscores the importance of investigating the ecological hazards associated with microplastic fibers carrying contaminants in both environmental and organismal contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chencheng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yuye Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Wenhui Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518055, 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.
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8
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Lyu L, Bagchi M, Markoglou N, An C, Peng H, Bi H, Yang X, Sun H. Towards environmentally sustainable management: A review on the generation, degradation, and recycling of polypropylene face mask waste. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132566. [PMID: 37742382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
There has been a considerable increase in the use of face masks in the past years. Managing face mask waste has become a global concern, as the current waste management system is insufficient to deal with such a large quantity of solid waste. The drastic increase in quantity, along with the material's inability to degrade plastic components such as polypropylene, has led to a large accumulation of plastic waste, causing a series of environmental and ecological challenges. In addition, the growing use also imposes pressure on waste management methods such as landfill and incineration, raising concerns about high energy consumption, low value-added utilization, and the release of additional pollutants during the process. This article initially reviews the impact of mask-related plastic waste generation and degradation behavior in the natural environment. It then provides an overview of various recently developed methods for recycling face mask plastic waste. The article also offers forward-looking strategies and recommendations on face mask plastic waste management. The review aims to provide guidance on harnessing the complexities of mask waste and other medical plastic pollution issues, as well as improving the current waste management system's deficiencies and inefficiencies in tackling the growing plastic waste problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiang Lyu
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Monisha Bagchi
- Department Research and Development, Meltech Innovation Canada Inc., Medicom Group, Pointe-Claire, QC H9P 2Z2, Canada
| | - Nektaria Markoglou
- Department Research and Development, Meltech Innovation Canada Inc., Medicom Group, Pointe-Claire, QC H9P 2Z2, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - He Peng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Huifang Bi
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Huijuan Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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Oludoye OO, Van den Broucke S, Chen X, Supakata N, Ogunyebi LA, Njoku KL. Identifying the determinants of face mask disposal behavior and policy implications: An application of the extended theory of planned behavior. RESOURCES, CONSERVATION & RECYCLING ADVANCES 2023; 18:200148. [PMID: 37091127 PMCID: PMC10105909 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcradv.2023.200148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
A study in Nigeria examined the psychological factors affecting face mask disposal behavior (DB) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used, with awareness of consequences and institutional barriers added. 1183 respondents completed an online survey, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The original TPB model revealed that attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms explained 65% of the variance in respondents' behavior. Behavioral intention and perceived behavioral control accounted for 59.3% of the variance in DB. The extended TPB model, which included awareness of consequences and perceived institutional barriers, improved the model's explanatory power by 12.8%. Both TPB models adequately predicted face mask (FM) disposal behavior, with implications for policymakers and waste management authorities to design interventions to promote proper FM disposal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluseye O Oludoye
- Center of Excellence in Hazardous Substance and Environmental Management, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Stephan Van den Broucke
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Xi Chen
- The JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nuta Supakata
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lanrewaju A Ogunyebi
- Environmental Biology Research Unit, Cell Biology and Genetics Department, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kelechi L Njoku
- Environmental Biology Research Unit, Cell Biology and Genetics Department, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
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Yang Q, Yang S, Jiao Y. Assessing disposable masks consumption and littering in the post COVID-19 pandemic in China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122190. [PMID: 37467913 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122190] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Disposable masks associated with COVID-19 pandemic are one of the most thrown plastic garbage items in the environment, even three years later, and they need more than 450 years to completely decompose. Given their harm to the environment and the absence of monitoring efforts to quantify the consumption and improper disposal of disposable masks in China, we carried out a survey to assess the consumption and littering of disposable masks nationwide. Our objectives were to quantify the consumption and littering of disposable masks and estimate the plastic pollution caused by disposable masks in China. According to the national survey, which combined online and offline results performed in March 2023, about 69% Chinese people still wear masks, and among of them, more than 93% used disposable masks, with more than 70% using more than one piece each day. Therefore, at least 20.3 billion disposable masks were consumed by Chinese people in March 2023 and 238.5 billion will be consumed in 2023 if there are no significant changes in circumstances. Meanwhile, more than 67% of the mask-wearing public disposed of the disposable masks into the household waste bin, and 7% of them discarded them at will. This means about 1.4 billion disposable masks, amounting to at least 350 tons of plastic pollution, were casually discharged into the environment during March 2023. The finding shed light on the inadequate management and disposal of disposable masks and highlight the urgency of preventing plastic pollution from disposable masks in China. It is recommended to raise public awareness of proper handling of disposable masks, institute strict management guidelines, and support innovations and research for nontoxic, biodegradable, reusable and easily recyclable masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Yang
- Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences, Guangzhou, 511462, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Institute for Advanced Marine Research, China University of Geosciences, Guangzhou, 511462, China; College of Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Yaqian Jiao
- College of Marine Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; College of Marine Sciences, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
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11
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Devereux R, Ayati B, Westhead EK, Jayaratne R, Newport D. Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on microplastic abundance along the River Thames. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114763. [PMID: 36842283 PMCID: PMC9951046 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In April 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic changed human behaviour worldwide, creating an increased demand for plastic, especially single-use plastic in the form of personal protective equipment. The pandemic also provided a unique situation for plastic pollution studies, especially microplastic studies. This study looks at the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and three national lockdowns on microplastic abundance at five sites along the river Thames, UK, compared to pre-Covid-19 levels. This study took place from May 2019-May 2021, with 3-L water samples collected monthly from each site starting at Teddington and ending at Southend-on-Sea. A total of 4480 pieces, the majority of fibres (82.1 %), were counted using light microscopy. Lockdown 2 (November 2020) had the highest average microplastic total (27.1 L-1). A total of 691 pieces were identified via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Polyvinyl chloride (36.19 %) made up the most microplastics identified. This study documents changes in microplastic abundance before, during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, an unprecedented event, as well as documenting microplastic abundance along the river Thames from 2019 to 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria Devereux
- Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), University of East London, Knowledge Dock, Docklands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Bamdad Ayati
- Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), University of East London, Knowledge Dock, Docklands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Kebede Westhead
- Department of Bioscience, University of East London, Water Lane, London E15 4LZ, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Ravindra Jayaratne
- Department of Engineering & Construction, University of East London, Docklands Campus, 4-6 University Way, London E16 2RD, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Darryl Newport
- Suffolk Sustainability Research Institute (SSI), University of Suffolk, Waterfront Building, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1QJ, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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An investigation into the aging of disposable face masks in landfill leachate. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 446:130671. [PMCID: PMC9789546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Due to the excessive use of disposable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, their accumulation has posed a great threat to the environment. In this study, we explored the fate of masks after being disposed in landfill. We simulated the possible process that masks would experience, including the exposure to sunlight before being covered and the contact with landfill leachate. After exposure to UV radiation, all three mask layers exhibited abrasions and fractures on the surface and became unstable with the increased UV radiation duration showed aging process. The alterations in chemical groups of masks as well as the lower mechanical strength of masks after UV weathering were detected to prove the happened aging process. Then it was found that the aging of masks in landfill leachate was further accelerated compared to these processes occurring in deionized water. Furthermore, the carbonyl index and isotacticity of the mask samples after aging for 30 days in leachate were higher than those of pristine materials, especially for those endured longer UV radiation. Similarly, the weight and tensile strength of the aged masks were also found lower than the original samples. Masks were likely to release more microparticles and high concentration of metal elements into leachate than deionized water after UV radiation and aging. After being exposed to UV radiation for 48 h, the concentration of released particles in leachate was 39.45 μL/L after 1 day and then grew to 309.45 μL/L after 30 days of aging. Seven elements (Al, Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sb and Pb) were detected in leachate and the concentration of this metal elements increased with the longer aging time. The findings of this study can advance our understanding of the fate of disposable masks in the landfill and develop the strategy to address this challenge in waste management.
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