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Junjuri R, Gummadi AP, Gundawar MK. Standoff Identification of Plastic Waste Using a Low-Cost Compact Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Detection System. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2024:37028241268348. [PMID: 39091035 DOI: 10.1177/00037028241268348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
We report the standoff/remote identification of post-consumer plastic waste by utilizing a low-cost and compact standoff laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (ST-LIBS) detection system. A single plano-convex lens is used for collecting the optical emissions from the plasma at a standoff distance of 6.5 m. A compact non-gated Czerny-Turner charge-coupled device (CCD) spectrometer (CT-CCD) is utilized to analyze the optical response. The single lens and CT-CCD combination not only reduces the cost of the detection system by tenfold, but also decreases the collection system size and weight compared to heavy telescopic-based intensified CCD systems. All the samples investigated in this study were collected from a local recycling plant. All the measurements were performed with only a single laser shot which enables rapid identification while probing a large number of samples in real time. Furthermore, principal component analysis has shown excellent separation among the samples and an artificial neural network analysis has revealed that plastic waste can be identified within ∼10 ms only (testing time) with accuracies up to ∼99%. Finally, these results have the potential to build a compact and low-cost ST-LIBS detection system for the rapid identification of plastic waste for real-time waste management applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendhar Junjuri
- Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials, School of Physics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Jena, Germany
| | - Arun Prakash Gummadi
- Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials, School of Physics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Gundawar
- Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials, School of Physics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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2
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Zabihi O, Patrick R, Ahmadi M, Forrester M, Huxley R, Wei Y, Hadigheh SA, Naebe M. Mechanical upcycling of single-use face mask waste into high-performance composites: An ecofriendly approach with cost-benefit analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170469. [PMID: 38311090 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170469] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented demand for PPE, with single-use face masks emerging as a critical tool in containing virus transmission. However, the extensive use and improper disposal of these single-use face masks, predominantly composed of non-biodegradable plastics, has exacerbated environmental challenges. This research presents an innovative method for mechanically upcycling PPEs used in medical sectors i.e. single use face masks. The study investigates a facile approach for reclamation of infection-free and pure polypropylene (PP) plastic from discarded single use face masks (W-PP) and blends it with various vegetable oil percentages (5, 10 and 20 %), resulting in a versatile material suitable for various applications. Melt flow index, rheological behaviour, DSC and FTIR were employed to investigate the effect of vegetable oil/radical initiator through chemical grafting on W-PP properties. The results demonstrate significant enhancements in the tensile strength and modulus of W-PP when blended with vegetable oil and a radical initiator. There was a marked increase in tensile strength (33 %) and strain (55 %) compared to untreated W-PP, rendering W-PP both robust and flexible. Furthermore, we employed this upcycled W-PP in the fabrication of glass fibre-reinforced composites, resulting in notable enhancements in both tensile strength and impact resistance. The upcycled W-PP demonstrates excellent potential for various applications, such as sheet forming and 3D printing, where the non-brittleness of plastics plays a pivotal role in manufacturing high-quality products. The cost-benefit analysis of this approach underscores the potential of upcycling PPE waste as a sustainable solution to mitigate plastic pollution and conserve valuable resources. The applications of this upcycled material span a wide range of industries, including automotive composites, packaging, and 3D printing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Zabihi
- Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Patrick
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mojtaba Ahmadi
- Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Mike Forrester
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Huxley
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yaning Wei
- School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - S Ali Hadigheh
- School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Minoo Naebe
- Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
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Fu Z, Zhang YS, Ji G, Li A. The interactions between mixed waste from discarded surgical masks and face shields during the degradation in supercritical water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132338. [PMID: 37604037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132338] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of surgical masks made of polyolefin and face shields made of polyester during pandemics contributes significantly to plastic pollution. An eco-friendly approach to process plastic waste is using supercritical water, but the reaction of mixed polyolefin and polyester in this solvent is not well understood, which hinders practical applications. This study aimed to investigate the reaction of waste surgical masks (SM) and face shields (FS) mixed in supercritical water. Results showed that the optimal treatment conditions were 400 °C and 60 min, achieving a liquid oil yield of 823.03 mg·g-1 with 25 wt% FS. The interaction between polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and iron (Fe) in SM and FS mainly determined the production of liquid oil products such as olefins and benzoic acid. The methyl-branched structure of PP enhanced PET hydrolysis, resulting in higher production of terephthalic acid (TPA). The degradation of PP was facilitated by the acidic environment created by TPA and benzoic acid in the reaction. Moreover, the hydrolysis of PET produced carboxylic acid, which coordinated with Fe3+ to form Fe-H that catalyzed the polymerization of small olefins, contributing to higher selectivity for C9 olefins. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights into the degradation mechanism of mixed PPE waste in supercritical water and guidance for industrial treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zegang Fu
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Ye Shui Zhang
- School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - Guozhao Ji
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, Liaoning, China.
| | - Aimin Li
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, Liaoning, China.
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4
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Hasan M, Islam ARMT, Jion MMMF, Rahman MN, Peu SD, Das A, Bari ABMM, Islam MS, Pal SC, Islam A, Choudhury TR, Rakib MRJ, Idris AM, Malafaia G. Personal protective equipment-derived pollution during Covid-19 era: A critical review of ecotoxicology impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 887:164164. [PMID: 37187394 PMCID: PMC10182863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people used personal protective equipment (PPE) to lessen the spread of the virus. The release of microplastics (MPs) from discarded PPE is a new threat to the long-term health of the environment and poses challenges that are not yet clear. PPE-derived MPs have been found in multi-environmental compartments, e.g., water, sediments, air, and soil across the Bay of Bengal (BoB). As COVID-19 spreads, healthcare facilities use more plastic PPE, polluting aquatic ecosystems. Excessive PPE use releases MPs into the ecosystem, which aquatic organisms ingest, distressing the food chain and possibly causing ongoing health problems in humans. Thus, post-COVID-19 sustainability depends on proper intervention strategies for PPE waste, which have received scholarly interest. Although many studies have investigated PPE-induced MPs pollution in the BoB countries (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar), the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges of PPE-derived waste have largely gone unnoticed. Our study presents a critical literature review covering the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges across the BoB countries (e.g., India (162,034.45 tons), Bangladesh (67,996 tons), Sri Lanka (35,707.95 tons), and Myanmar (22,593.5 tons). The ecotoxicity impacts of PPE-derived MPs on human health and other environmental compartments are critically addressed. The review's findings infer a gap in the 5R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redesign, and Restructure) Strategy's implementation in the BoB coastal regions, hindering the achievement of UN SDG-12. Despite widespread research advancements in the BoB, many questions about PPE-derived MPs pollution from the perspective of the COVID-19 era still need to be answered. In response to the post-COVID-19 environmental remediation concerns, this study highlights the present research gaps and suggests new research directions considering the current MPs' research advancements on COVID-related PPE waste. Finally, the review suggests a framework for proper intervention strategies for reducing and monitoring PPE-derived MPs pollution in the BoB countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Md Naimur Rahman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Susmita Datta Peu
- Department of Agriculture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Arnob Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, 6 Rajshahi 6204, Bangladesh
| | - A B M Mainul Bari
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Subodh Chandra Pal
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Aznarul Islam
- Department of Geography, Aliah University, 17 Gorachand Road, Kolkata 700 014, West Bengal, India.
| | - Tasrina Rabia Choudhury
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre Dhaka (AECD), Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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5
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Reyes P, Edeleva M, D’hooge DR, Cardon L, Cornillie P. Multicomponent Acrylic Formulation Design for Corrosion Casting with Controlled Mechanical Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3236. [PMID: 37571130 PMCID: PMC10422545 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153236] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Corrosion casting based on the curing of acrylic resins enables one to create casts as replicas of body systems, enhancing our knowledge of veterinary medicine. The identification of the optimal chemical formulations as well as the processing conditions, the delivery of good control during the liquid state and the excellent macroscopic properties during solidification and after use are remaining challenges. In the present work, based on the identification of more qualitative trends, it is demonstrated that multicomponent comonomer mixtures are interesting materials that can be used to expand the range of mechanical properties and can specifically result in a better balance between stiffness and flexibility while guaranteeing dimensional stability. Emphasis is put on a large pool of formulations in the testing phase to then perform a detailed mechanical flexural analysis for the most promising cases during a more rigorous testing phase, accounting for a new pragmatic protocol for the pot life. This protocol consists of a vial-based turning test and a measurement of the viscosity variation up to 1000 mPa∙s and highlights the complex interplay between the overall initial concentrations and the impact of the absence of mixing once the system is at rest. It is demonstrated that the use of only low-molar-mass crosslinkers should be avoided, and overall, an intermediate amount of crosslinkers is recommendable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Reyes
- Laboratory of Veterinary Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
- Centre for Polymer and Material Technologies (CPMT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 130, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium; (M.E.); (L.C.)
- Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 125, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Mariya Edeleva
- Centre for Polymer and Material Technologies (CPMT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 130, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium; (M.E.); (L.C.)
| | - Dagmar R. D’hooge
- Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 125, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
- Centre for Textiles Science and Engineering (CTSE), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 70A, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Ludwig Cardon
- Centre for Polymer and Material Technologies (CPMT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 130, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium; (M.E.); (L.C.)
| | - Pieter Cornillie
- Laboratory of Veterinary Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
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6
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Li T, Xu T, Liang Y, Luo W, Zhang J. Personal protective equipment waste management behavior of undergraduates in Xi'an City based on extended theory of value-identity-personal norm model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11144. [PMID: 37429955 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36534-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed people's lives, with the most prominent change being the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In this study, we used the extended Value-Identity-Personal (VIP) norm model to empirically analyze the influencing factors of Pro-Environmental Behavior (PEB) among college students in Xi 'an, China, while considering the usage of PPE as an example of PEB. We proposed nine hypothetical questions, and the VIP model was established through the SmartPLS software to test the valid questionnaires of 414 college students. The verification results indicated that all the nine hypotheses were supported statistically, with personal environmental social responsibility and personal norms showing the most significant direct impact on PEB; notably, personal norms were also strongly influenced by environmental personal social responsibility. Biosphere values affected PEB indirectly, through self-identity and individual norms. This study proposes viable countermeasures and suggestions for college students to improve PEB; our findings can serve as a reference for policymakers and stakeholders to ensure the effective waste management of personal safety equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Xi'an Eurasia University, Xi'an, China.
- School of Architecture, Chang'an University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Ting Xu
- Xi'an Eurasia University, Xi'an, China
- Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Yan Liang
- Tsinghua University Architectural Design and Research Institute Co. LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Engineering Research Center of Urban Intelligent Construction, Universities of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Eurasia University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Xi'an Eurasia University, Xi'an, China
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7
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Gedik A, Ozcan O, Ozcanan S. Recycling COVID-19 health care wastes in bitumen modification: a case of disposable medical gloves. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:74977-74990. [PMID: 37209343 PMCID: PMC10199443 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27488-y] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Disposable medical gloves (DMGs) have long been used to mitigate the risk of direct exposure to diverse microorganisms and body fluids; hence, they are a critical weapon to protect patients and healthcare staff from infectious diseases. Measures to control the spread of COVID-19 have sparked the production of an excessive number of DMGs, most of which are eventually being disposed of in landfills. Untreated DMGs in landfills do not only pose a direct risk of transmitting coronavirus and other pathological germs but also pollute air, water, and soil dramatically. As a healthier alternative, recycling discarded polymer-rich DMGs into bitumen modification is considered to be a prospective waste management strategy applicable to the asphalt pavement industry. In this study, this conjecture is tested by examining two common DMGs - latex gloves and vinyl gloves - at four different percentages (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by weight). The morphological characteristics of DMG-modified specimens were inspected by using a high-definition scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX). A wide range of laboratory tests including penetration, softening point temperature, ductility, and elastic recovery were undertaken to evaluate the impact of waste gloves on the conventional engineering properties of bitumen. Moreover, viscoelastic behavior and modification processing were studied by conducting the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Test results have revealed the outstanding potential of recycled DMG waste for modifying neat asphalt binder. More specifically, bitumens modified with 4% latex glove and 3% vinyl glove were seen as capable of superiorly withstanding permanent deformations caused by heavy axle loads at high service temperatures. Furthermore, it has been shown that 1.2 tons of modified binder would embed approximately 4000 pairs of recycled DMGs. This study shows that DMG waste can be used as a viable modifier, which would help open a new avenue for mitigating the environmental pollution arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulgazi Gedik
- Darende Bekir Ilicak Vocational School, Construction Technology Program, Malatya Turgut Ozal University, Malatya, 44700 Turkey
| | - Ozgur Ozcan
- Department of Civil Engineering, M. Emin Acar Campus, Sirnak University, Sirnak, 73000 Turkey
| | - Sedat Ozcanan
- Department of Civil Engineering, M. Emin Acar Campus, Sirnak University, Sirnak, 73000 Turkey
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8
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Rowan NJ. Challenges and future opportunities to unlock the critical supply chain of personal and protective equipment (PPE) encompassing decontamination and reuse under emergency use authorization (EUA) conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic: Through a reflective circularity and sustainability lens. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161455. [PMID: 36621483 PMCID: PMC9815879 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the resulting coronavirus disease (COVID-19), was declared a public health emergency of global concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the early months of 2020. There was a marked lack of knowledge to inform national pandemic response plans encompassing appropriate disease mitigation and preparation strategies to constrain and manage COVID-19. For example, the top 16 "most cited" papers published at the start of the pandemic on core knowledge gaps collectively constitute a staggering 29,393 citations. Albeit complex, appropriate decontamination modalities have been reported and developed for safe reuse of personal and protective equipment (PPE) under emergency use authorization (EUA) where critical supply chain shortages occur for healthcare workers (HCWs) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Commensurately, these similar methods may provide solutions for the safe decontamination of enormous volumes of PPE waste promoting opportunities in the circular bioeconomy that will also protect our environment, habitats and natural capital. The co-circulation of the highly transmissive mix of COVID-19 variants of concern (VoC) will continue to challenge our embattled healthcare systems globally for many years to come with an emphasis placed on maintaining effective disease mitigation strategies. This viewpoint article addresses the rationale and key developments in this important area since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides an insight into a variety of potential opportunities to unlock the long-term sustainability of single-use medical devices, including waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil J Rowan
- Department of Nursing and Healthcare, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Ireland; Centre for Disinfection and Sterilization, Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Midwest, Ireland; School of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Ireland; CURAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Ireland.
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9
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Sotouneh F, Reza Jamali M, Asghari A, Rajabi M. Simultaneous preconcentration and determination of trace metals in edible plants and water samples by a novel solvent bar microextraction using a meltblown layer of facemask as the extractant phase holder combined with FAAS. Microchem J 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2023.108622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
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10
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Morales IDG, Macusi ED, Jondonero MAP, Guihawan JQ, Bacosa HP, Amparado RF. Facemask: Protection or threat? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114681. [PMID: 36758311 PMCID: PMC9902895 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Facemasks were widely used as a protection against SARS-COV-2, which significantly reduced COVID-19 transmission during the pandemic. However, concerns have been raised regarding its adverse impacts on human health due to intense use and mismanagement. Although rampant plastic littering was the norm before the pandemic, the magnitude of the problem is worsening as potentially COVID-19-infected facemasks are thrown along the shoreline. This study assessed the discarded facemasks on the most popular beach destinations in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines. A total of N = 284 discarded facemasks were found in a cumulative area of 22,500 m2, with an average density of 8.4 × 10-4 items/m2. The surgical facemask (82 %; n = 234) was the most abundant type of facemask found in the areas, followed by KF94 (16 %; n = 45) and KN95 (2 %; n = 5). The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in the visual counts of facemasks on the three beaches (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilah Dianne G Morales
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines.
| | - Edison D Macusi
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences (IALS), Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | | | - Jaime Q Guihawan
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
| | - Hernando P Bacosa
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
| | - Ruben F Amparado
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
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11
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Study of the Long-Term Aging of Polypropylene-Made Disposable Surgical Masks and Filtering Facepiece Respirators. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15041001. [PMID: 36850284 PMCID: PMC9962738 DOI: 10.3390/polym15041001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The main purpose of this work is to contribute to understanding the mechanism of oxidation of the polymeric components of common disposable masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer the chemical basis to understand their long-term behavior under typical environmental conditions. Artificial aging of representative mask layers under isothermal conditions (110 °C) or accelerated photoaging showed that all the PP-made components underwent a fast oxidation process, following the typical hydrocarbon oxidation mechanism. In particular, yellowing and the melting temperature drop are early indicators of their diffusion-limited oxidation. Morphology changes also induced a loss of mechanical properties, observable as embrittlement of the fabric fibers. Results were validated through preliminary outdoor aging of masks, which allows us to predict they will suffer fast and extensive oxidation only in the case of contemporary exposure to sunlight and relatively high environmental temperature, leading to their extensive breakdown in the form of microfiber fragments, i.e., microplastics.
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12
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Gan Q, Cui J, Jin B. Environmental microplastics: Classification, sources, fates, and effects on plants. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137559. [PMID: 36528162 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a global concern due to the generation of extensive plastic waste and products (370 million metric tons in 2020) that are difficult to biodegrade. Therefore, MPs have attracted a great deal of research attention, and many new findings regarding MPs (over 9000 papers published in the last 3 years) have been reported. MPs generally exert adverse effects on plants. As MPs accumulate in agricultural ecosystems, many studies have sought to understand the sources and fates of MPs and their effects on various plants. However, there have been few reviews of the properties of MPs, their effects on plants, and their interactions with other factors (e.g., drought, heat, ultraviolet light, plant hormones, heavy metals, and other pollutants) remain poorly understood. In this review, we performed scientometrics analyses of research papers (January 1, 2019, to September 30, 2022) in this field. We focused on the recent progress in the classification of MPs and their sources, circulation, and deposition in agricultural ecosystems. We review MP uptake and transport in plants, as well as factors (size, type, and environmental factors) that affect MP uptake, the positive and negative effects of MPs on plants, and the mechanisms of MP impacts on plants. We discuss current issues and future perspectives concerning research into plant interactions with MPs, along with some promising methods to manage the MP issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Gan
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Jiawen Cui
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Biao Jin
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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13
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Siwal SS, Kaur H, Chauhan G, Thakur VK. MXene‐Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications: Healthier Substitute Materials for the Future. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samarjeet Singh Siwal
- Department of Chemistry M.M. Engineering College Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University) Mullana-Ambala Haryana 133207 India
| | - Harjot Kaur
- Department of Chemistry M.M. Engineering College Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University) Mullana-Ambala Haryana 133207 India
| | - Gunjan Chauhan
- Department of Chemistry M.M. Engineering College Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University) Mullana-Ambala Haryana 133207 India
| | - Vijay Kumar Thakur
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) Kings Buildings, West Mains Road Edinburgh EH9 3JG UK
- School of Engineering University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES) Dehradun Uttarakhand 248007 India
- Centre for Research & Development Chandigarh University Mohali Punjab 140413 India
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14
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Kheirabadi S, Sheikhi A. Recent advances and challenges in recycling and reusing biomedical materials. CURRENT OPINION IN GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY 2022; 38:100695. [PMID: 36277846 PMCID: PMC9568467 DOI: 10.1016/j.cogsc.2022.100695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Medical waste has increased in the past 3 years as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This condition is expected to exacerbate due to the growing healthcare markets and aging population, posing health threats to the public via environmental footprints. To alleviate these impacts, there is an urgent need for medical waste management. This article highlights the drawbacks of current disposal methods and the potential of medical waste reuse and recycling, emphasizing the processes, materials, and chemistry involved in each practice. Further discussion is provided on the chemical and mechanical recycling of plastics as the dominating material in biomedical applications, and possible strategies and challenges in recycling and reusing biomedical materials are explored in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Kheirabadi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Amir Sheikhi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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15
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Luo Y, Gibson CT, Chuah C, Tang Y, Ruan Y, Naidu R, Fang C. Fire releases micro- and nanoplastics: Raman imaging on burned disposable gloves. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 312:120073. [PMID: 36055457 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Raman imaging can effectively characterise microplastics and nanoplastics, which is validated here to capture the items released from the plastic gloves when subjected to a mimicked fire. During the COVID-19 pandemic, large quantities of personal protective equipment (PPE) units have been used, such as the disposable gloves. If discarded and poorly managed, plastics gloves might break down to release secondary contaminants. The breakdown process can be accelerated by burning in a bushfire or at the incineration plants. During the burning process, the functional groups on the surface can be burned differently due to their different thermal stabilities. The different degrees of burning can be distinguished and visualised via Raman imaging. In the meantime, at the bottom of the burned plastics, microplastics and nanoplastics can be generated at a significant amount. The possible false Raman imaging on microplastics and nanoplastics is also discussed, by effectively extracting and distinguishing the weak signal from the background or noise. Overall, these findings confirm the importance of effectively working waste incineration plants and litter prevention, and suggest that Raman imaging is a suitable approach to characterise microplastics and nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia
| | - Clarence Chuah
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Youhong Tang
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia
| | - Yinlan Ruan
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, PR China
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3526-6613
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16
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Sheoran K, Siwal SS, Kapoor D, Singh N, Saini AK, Alsanie WF, Thakur VK. Air Pollutants Removal Using Biofiltration Technique: A Challenge at the Frontiers of Sustainable Environment. ACS ENGINEERING AU 2022; 2:378-396. [PMID: 36281334 PMCID: PMC9585892 DOI: 10.1021/acsengineeringau.2c00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is a central problem faced by industries during the production process. The control of this pollution is essential for the environment and living organisms as it creates harmful effects. Biofiltration is a current pollution management strategy that concerns removing odor, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants from the air. Recently, this approach has earned vogue globally due to its low-cost and straightforward technique, effortless function, high reduction efficacy, less energy necessity, and residual consequences not needing additional remedy. There is a critical requirement to consider sustainable machinery to decrease the pollutants arising within air and water sources. For managing these different kinds of pollutant reductions, biofiltration techniques have been utilized. The contaminants are adsorbed upon the medium exterior and are metabolized to benign outcomes through immobilized microbes. Biofiltration-based designs have appeared advantageous in terminating dangerous pollutants from wastewater or contaminated air in recent years. Biofiltration uses the possibilities of microbial approaches (bacteria and fungi) to lessen the broad range of compounds and VOCs. In this review, we have discussed a general introduction based on biofiltration and the classification of air pollutants based on different sources. The history of biofiltration and other mechanisms used in biofiltration techniques have been discussed. Further, the crucial factors of biofilters that affect the performance of biofiltration techniques have been discussed in detail. Finally, we concluded the topic with current challenges and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karamveer Sheoran
- Department
of Chemistry, M. M. Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Samarjeet Singh Siwal
- Department
of Chemistry, M. M. Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Deepanshi Kapoor
- Department
of Chemistry, M. M. Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Nirankar Singh
- Department
of Chemistry, M. M. Engineering College, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Adesh K. Saini
- Department
of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar
(Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana 133207, India
| | - Walaa Fahad Alsanie
- Department
of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, The Faculty of Applied Medical
Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vijay Kumar Thakur
- Biorefining
and Advanced Materials Research Center, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
- School
of Engineering, University of Petroleum
& Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
- Centre for
Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
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17
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Inamdar I. Recycling of plastic wastes generated from COVID-19: A comprehensive illustration of type and properties of plastics with remedial options. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155895. [PMID: 35568167 PMCID: PMC9095076 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plastic has contributed enormously to the healthcare sector and towards public health safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the frequent usage of plastic-based personal protective equipment (PPEs) (including face masks, gloves, protective body suits, aprons, gowns, face shields, surgical masks, and goggles), by frontline health workers, there has been a tremendous increase in their manufacture and distribution. Different types of plastic polymers are used in the manufacture of this equipment, depending upon their usage. However, since a majority of these plastics are still single-use plastics (SUP), they are not at all eco-friendly and end up generating large quantities of plastic waste. The overview presents the various available and practiced methods in vogue for disposal cum treatment of these highly contaminated plastic wastes. Among the current methods of plastic waste disposal, incineration and land filling are the most common ones, but both these methods have their negative impacts on the environment. Alongside, numerous methods that can be used to sterilize them before any treatment have been discussed. There are several new sorting technologies, to help produce purer polymers that can be made to undergo thermal or chemical treatments. Microbial degradation is one such novel method that is under the spotlight currently and being studied extensively, because of its ecological advantages, cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and maintenance. In addition to the deliberations on the methods, strategies have been enumerated for combination of different methods, vis-à-vis studying the life cycle assessment towards a more circular economy in handling this menace to protect mankind.
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18
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Cox M, Sharma D, Phillips G, Mitchell R, Herron LM, Brolan CE, O'Reilly G, Körver S, Kendino M, Poloniati P, Kafoa B. Lessons from the frontline: Documenting the pandemic emergency care experience from the Pacific region - Infrastructure and equipment. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 25:100516. [PMID: 35818575 PMCID: PMC9259041 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted challenges for all health systems worldwide. This research aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 across the Pacific especially with regards to emergency care (EC) and clinicians' preparations and responses. Methods A collaboration of Australia and Pacific researchers conducted prospective qualitative research over 18 months of the pandemic. In this three phase study data were gathered from Emergency Clinicians and stakeholders through online support forums, in-depth interviews and focus groups. A phenomenological methodological approach was employed to explore the lived experience of participants. This paper discusses the findings of the study regarding the EC building block of 'Infrastructure and Equipment.' Findings Pre-existing infrastructure and equipment were not sufficient to help control the pandemic. Adequate space and correct equipment were essential needs for Pacific Island emergency clinicians, with donations, procurement and local ingenuity required for suitable, sustainable supplies and facilities. Adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) conferred a sense of security and increased Health Care Workers willingness to attend to patients. Interpretation Investing in adequate infrastructure and appropriate equipment is crucial for an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sustainability of such investments in the Pacific context is paramount for ongoing EC and preparation for future surge responses and disasters. Funding Phases 1 and 2A of this study were part of an Epidemic Ethics/World Health Organization (WHO) initiative, supported by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office/Wellcome Grant 214711/Z/18/Z. Co-funding for this research was received from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Foundation via an International Development Fund Grant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Cox
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The Sutherland Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- NSW Ambulance, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Georgina Phillips
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Emergency Department, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rob Mitchell
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Emergency & Trauma Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lisa-Maree Herron
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Claire E. Brolan
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Policy Futures, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gerard O'Reilly
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Emergency & Trauma Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Körver
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Berlin Kafoa
- Public Health Division, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Suva, Fiji
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19
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Gunasekaran K, Mghili B, Saravanakumar A. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in coastal environment, Southeast Coast of India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113769. [PMID: 35609465 PMCID: PMC9114149 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The rise in the use of single-use plastics and personal protective equipment (PPE) has increased plastic waste in the marine environment. In this study, we surveyed the presence of PPE (face masks and gloves) discharged in 6 beaches along the coast of India. A total of 496 PPE were counted with an average density of 1.08 × 10-3 PPE m-2. The PPE density found was comparable to previous studies. Face masks were the most recorded type of PPE (98.39%), with gloves accounting for only 1.61% of the total. However, a significant reduction in the appearance of PPE was recorded on all six beaches, likely due to the increase in vaccination rates. The most contaminated places were the beaches with recreational activities + fishing. It has been noticed that the lack of awareness of environmental pollution and the negligence of the population and the mismanagement of municipal waste are the main causes of beach pollution by PPE. This study confirms the potential threat of PPE to terrestrial and aquatic organisms of multiple taxa in India, but further studies are needed to quantify the impact of this type of waste on marine animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Gunasekaran
- Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science, Annamalai University, Parangipettai 608502, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Aquaculture, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600019, India
| | - Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco.
| | - Ayyappan Saravanakumar
- Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science, Annamalai University, Parangipettai 608502, Tamil Nadu, India
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20
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Study of Energy Valorization of Disposable Masks via Thermochemical Processes: Devolatilization Tests and Simulation Approach. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15062103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the use of medical protective equipment, including face masks, to protect the individual from the virus. This work studies the feasibility of using these materials as fuel for thermochemical processes for the production of syngas. A preliminary physic-chemical characterization was made by means of moisture and ash determination, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray fluorescence. Afterward, pyrolysis and gasification tests were executed in a laboratory-scale fluidized bed reactor with chirurgical and FFP2 masks investigating four temperature levels and three different operating conditions (fluidizing agents and dry/wet sample). A qualitative and quantitative analysis of condensable aromatic hydrocarbons in the produced gas, collected during the test campaign, was performed employing a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The experimental data from the tests were used to propose a hybrid approach to simulate the gasification process, based on experimental laws for the devolatilization step and a thermodynamic equilibrium approach for char gasification. The resulting data were compared with a thermodynamic equilibrium model, showing that the new approach captures non-equilibrium effects always present in real gasifiers operation.
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21
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Castellote M, Jiménez-Relinque E, Grande M, Rubiano FJ, Castillo Á. Face Mask Wastes as Cementitious Materials: A Possible Solution to a Big Concern. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:1371. [PMID: 35207912 PMCID: PMC8879833 DOI: 10.3390/ma15041371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
After more than two years wearing surgical masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, used masks have become a significant risk for ecosystems, as they are producing wastes in huge amounts. They are a potential source of disturbance by themselves and as microplastic contamination in the water system. As 5500 tons of face masks are estimated to be used each year, there is an urgent need to manage them according to the circular economy principles and avoid their inadequate disposal. In this paper, surgical wear masks (WM), without any further pretreatment, have been introduced as addition to mortars up to 5% in the weight of cement. Mechanical and microstructural characterization have been carried out. The results indicate that adding MW to the cement supposes a decrease in the properties of the material, concerning both strength and durability behavior. However, even adding a 5% of WM in weight of cement, the aspect of the mortars is quite good, the flexural strength is not significantly affected, and the strength and durability parameters are maintained at levels that-even lower than the reference-are quite reasonable for use. Provided that the worldwide production of cement is around 4.1 Bt/year, the introduction of a 5% of WM in less than 1% of the cement produced, would make it possible to get rid of the mask waste being produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Castellote
- Institute of Construction Science Eduardo Torroja (IETcc-CSIC), 28050 Madrid, Spain; (E.J.-R.); (M.G.); (F.J.R.); (Á.C.)
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22
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Reyes P, Edeleva M, D’hooge DR, Cardon L, Cornillie P. Combining Chromatographic, Rheological, and Mechanical Analysis to Study the Manufacturing Potential of Acrylic Blends into Polyacrylic Casts. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14226939. [PMID: 34832341 PMCID: PMC8621424 DOI: 10.3390/ma14226939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Polyacrylics have been considered for a broad range of material applications, including coatings, dental applications, and adhesives. In this experimental study, the casting potential of a group of (co)monomers belonging to the acrylic family has been explored to enable a more sustainable use of these polymer materials in the medical and veterinary science field. The individual contributions of each comonomer have been analyzed, the reaction conversion has been studied via gas chromatography (GC), the rheological behavior has been characterized via stress-controlled measurements, and the final mechanical properties have been obtained from tensile, flexure, and impact tests. The GC results allow assessing the pot life and thus the working window of the casting process. For the rheological measurements, which start from low-viscous mixtures, a novel protocol has been introduced to obtain accurate absolute data. The rheological data reflect the time dependencies of the GC data but facilitate a more direct link with the macroscopic material data. Specifically, the steep increase in the viscosity with increasing reaction time for the methyl methacrylate (MMA)/ethylene glycol dimethyl methacrylate (EGDMA) case (2% crosslinker) allows maximizing several mechanical properties: the tensile/flexure modulus, the tensile/flexure stress at break, and the impact strength. This opens the pathway to more dedicated chemistry design for corrosion casting and polyacrylic material design in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Reyes
- Laboratory of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
- Centre for Polymer and Material Technologies (CPMT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 130, Zwijnaarde, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
- Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 125, Zwijnaarde, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Mariya Edeleva
- Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 125, Zwijnaarde, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Dagmar R. D’hooge
- Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 125, Zwijnaarde, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
- Centre for Textiles Science and Engineering (CTSE), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 70A, Zwijnaarde, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: (D.R.D.); (P.C.)
| | - Ludwig Cardon
- Centre for Polymer and Material Technologies (CPMT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 130, Zwijnaarde, 9052 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Pieter Cornillie
- Laboratory of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (D.R.D.); (P.C.)
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