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Naidu G, Nagar N, Poluri KM. Mechanistic Insights into Cellular and Molecular Basis of Protein-Nanoplastic Interactions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305094. [PMID: 37786309 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste is ubiquitously present across the world, and its nano/sub-micron analogues (plastic nanoparticles, PNPs), raise severe environmental concerns affecting organisms' health. Considering the direct and indirect toxic implications of PNPs, their biological impacts are actively being studied; lately, with special emphasis on cellular and molecular mechanistic intricacies. Combinatorial OMICS studies identified proteins as major regulators of PNP mediated cellular toxicity via activation of oxidative enzymes and generation of ROS. Alteration of protein function by PNPs results in DNA damage, organellar dysfunction, and autophagy, thus resulting in inflammation/cell death. The molecular mechanistic basis of these cellular toxic endeavors is fine-tuned at the level of structural alterations in proteins of physiological relevance. Detailed biophysical studies on such protein-PNP interactions evidenced prominent modifications in their structural architecture and conformational energy landscape. Another essential aspect of the protein-PNP interactions includes bioenzymatic plastic degradation perspective, as the interactive units of plastics are essentially nano-sized. Combining all these attributes of protein-PNP interactions, the current review comprehensively documented the contemporary understanding of the concerned interactions in the light of cellular, molecular, kinetic/thermodynamic details. Additionally, the applicatory, economical facet of these interactions, PNP biogeochemical cycle and enzymatic advances pertaining to plastic degradation has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goutami Naidu
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Nupur Nagar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Krishna Mohan Poluri
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
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Surendran D, Varghese GK, Zafiu C. Characterization and source apportionment of microplastics in Indian composts. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:5. [PMID: 38044370 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12177-7] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP), small plastic particles under 5 mm, are pollutants known to carry heavy metals in ecosystems. Composts are a significant source of soil microplastics. This study examined MSW composts from Kochi and Kozhikode in India for microplastic concentrations and heavy metals' accumulation thereon. Microplastics were isolated using zinc chloride density separation, with Fenton's reagent used for organic matter oxidation. Resin types were identified using FTIR analysis that showed the presence of PE, PP, PS, nylon, PET, and allyl alcohol copolymer. In Kozhikode's compost, the average concentration of microplastics was 840 ± 30 items/kg, while Kochi had 1600 ± 111 items/kg, mainly polyethylene films. PE was the most prevalent resin, comprising 58.3% in Kozhikode and 73.37% in Kochi. Heavy metal analysis of MP showed significant concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, and manganese adsorbed on the surface of microplastics. The concentrations of heavy metals in the MP before Fenton oxidation ranged from 1.02 to 2.02 times the corresponding concentrations in compost for Kozhikode and 1.23 to 2.85 times for Kochi. Source apportionment studies revealed that 64% of microplastics in Kozhikode and 77% in Kochi originated from single-use plastics. Ecological risk indices, PLI and PHI, showed that composts from both locations fall under hazard level V. The study revealed that compost from unsegregated MSW can act as a significant source of microplastics and heavy metals in the soil environment, with single-use plastics contributing major share of the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Zafiu
- Institute of Waste Management and Circularity, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Yin H, Qu Y, Guo L. Critical factors for implementing collection target responsibility in e-waste collection in China: A DEMATEL-ISM analysis. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 172:278-289. [PMID: 37931547 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The Collection Target Responsibility (CTR) is the direction for the proper management of e-waste reuse and recycling. Despite its potential, the CTR policy is still in its infancy in China and faces significant challenges to its effective implementation. There are a few studies that have systematically identified and analyzed the factors that influence the application of CTR to e-waste collection systems in China. This study proposes a comprehensive process that considers collection targets and behaviors to develop the critical factors (CFs) involved in e-waste collection under CTR by participants including government, manufacturers and recyclers. The Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory and Interpretative Structural Modeling (DEMATEL-ISM) method was applied to analyze these CFs. The findings show that the development of policy and regulation is the root factor influencing the implementation of CTR in China, both in terms of collection targets and behaviors. Incentives and regulation of government, collection channels, and benefits of manufacturers and recyclers are important CFs that participants consider when adopting CTR and should be prioritized. This study not only contributes to the literature on e-waste collection under CTR, but also provides valuable insights for decision-makers to improve the performance of e-waste collection practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailei Yin
- School of Economics and Management, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Ling Gong Road, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Ying Qu
- School of Economics and Management, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Ling Gong Road, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Lingling Guo
- School of Economics and Management, Dalian University of Technology, No.2 Ling Gong Road, Dalian 116024, China.
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Challenges of implementing extended producer responsibility for plastic-waste management: lessons from India. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1108/srj-08-2022-0326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose
In the transition towards circular economy and sustainable development, effective implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation is crucial to prevent plastic-waste generation and promote recycling activities. The purpose of this study is to undertake a qualitative analysis to examine recent EPR policy changes, implementation, barriers and enabling conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
In-depth interviews and group discussions with key stakeholders were undertaken to derive the barriers and facilitators of EPR implementation. Based on opinions and insights from a wide range of participants, this study identified a number of key issues faced by various parties in implementing EPR in India.
Findings
Stakeholders agree on a lack of clarity on various policy aspects, such as mandatory approval of urban local bodies, registration of recyclers/waste processors and consistency in the definition of technical terms. This paper provides useful policy inputs to address these challenges and to develop comprehensive EPR policy systems. More consultation and deliberation across various stakeholders is required to ensure the policies are effective.
Practical implications
India’s plastic-waste generation has increased at a rapid pace over the past five years and is expected to grow at a higher rate in the future. This research provides implications for policymakers to formulate coherent policies that align with the interests of brand owners and recyclers. Clear policy suggestions and improvements for effective plastic-waste management in India are also outlined.
Originality/value
This paper, based on a qualitative approach, contributes to research on plastic-waste management by integrating the perspectives of all EPR-policy stakeholders in India.
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Arora T, Chirla SR, Singla N, Gupta L. Product Packaging by E-commerce Platforms: Impact of COVID-19 and Proposal for Circular Model to Reduce the Demand of Virgin Packaging. CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABILITY 2022; 3:1-19. [PMID: 36466115 PMCID: PMC9685062 DOI: 10.1007/s43615-022-00231-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
E-commerce packaging waste is a matter of concern, especially with the increasing popularity of online shopping due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This leads to the generation of a massive amount of e-commerce packaging waste as well as resource utilisation and CO2 emissions that go into the production of packaging. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on consumer trends in the e-commerce industry, quantitatively analyse the carbon emissions of packaging used, and present a circular model to reduce the demand for virgin packaging. Using a convenience sampling method, an online questionnaire was administered to 285 respondents to gather data on changes in shopping practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer awareness levels and observations on packaging materials, and practices employed by e-commerce companies. It was found that the number of orders placed per month increased after the onset of the pandemic and that most households dispose of packaging with household wastes as opposed to reusing or recycling. Primary data (study participants packaging waste production) in combination with secondary data (emission factors) was further used to calculate emissions due to mixed packaging waste, which came out to be 2,705.94 kg CO2e per metric tonne of waste produced. In addition, the paper presents a practical solution to reducing virgin packaging material production, as well as modifications in packaging used to ensure efficient working of the packaging reuse model when implemented by the e-commerce companies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43615-022-00231-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Arora
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Main Bawana Road, 110042 Delhi, India
| | - Sarvani Reddy Chirla
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Main Bawana Road, 110042 Delhi, India
| | - Nimisha Singla
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Main Bawana Road, 110042 Delhi, India
| | - Lovleen Gupta
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Main Bawana Road, 110042 Delhi, India
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Lai WL, Sharma S, Roy S, Maji PK, Sharma B, Ramakrishna S, Goh KL. Roadmap to sustainable plastic waste management: a focused study on recycling PET for triboelectric nanogenerator production in Singapore and India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:51234-51268. [PMID: 35604599 PMCID: PMC9125019 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20854-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study explores the implications of plastic waste and recycling management on recyclates for manufacturing clean-energy harvesting devices. The focus is on a comparative analysis of using recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) production, in two densely populated Asian countries of large economies, namely Singapore and India. Of the total 930,000 tonnes of plastic waste generated in Singapore in 2019, only 4% were recycled and the rest were incinerated. In comparison, India yielded 8.6 million tonnes of plastic waste and 70% were recycled. Both countries have strict recycling goals and have instituted different waste and recycling management regulations. The findings show that the waste policies and legislations, responsibilities and heterogeneity in collection systems and infrastructure of the respective country are the pivotal attributes to successful recycling. Challenges to recycle plastic include segregation, adulterants and macromolecular structure degradation which could influence the recyclate properties and pose challenges for manufacturing products. A model was developed to evaluate the economic value and mechanical potential of PET recyclate. The model predicted a 30% loss of material performance and a 65% loss of economic value after the first recycling cycle. The economic value depreciates to zero with decreasing mechanical performance of plastic after multiple recycling cycles. For understanding how TENG technology could be incorporated into the circular economy, a model has estimated about 20 million and 7300 billion pieces of aerogel mats can be manufactured from the PET bottles disposed in Singapore and India, respectively which were sufficient to produce small-scale TENG devices for all peoples in both countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liang Lai
- Newcastle Research & Innovation Institute Singapore (NewRIIS), 80 Jurong East Street 21, #05-04, Singapore, 609607, Singapore.
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
| | - Shreya Sharma
- Newcastle Research & Innovation Institute Singapore (NewRIIS), 80 Jurong East Street 21, #05-04, Singapore, 609607, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Sunanda Roy
- Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Saharanpur Campus, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 247001, India.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281406, India.
| | - Pradip Kumar Maji
- Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Saharanpur Campus, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 247001, India
| | - Bhasha Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117576, Singapore
| | - Kheng Lim Goh
- Newcastle Research & Innovation Institute Singapore (NewRIIS), 80 Jurong East Street 21, #05-04, Singapore, 609607, Singapore
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
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Tripartite Evolutionary Game Analysis for Plastic Pollution Prevention and Control under the Background of China’s Plastic Ban. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14042179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Controlling plastic pollution is an important issue in the field of sustainable development and is of great concern for numerous countries’ governments. After investigating the implementation of relevant policies, this paper analyzes the tripartite mainstay under the background of China’s Plastic Ban by constructing an evolutionary game model involving governments, enterprises and the public. Through simulation modeling, the paper then investigates the possible regulatory effects of different policies at the micro level. According to the results, the government should pay more attention to how it reacts to enterprises’ compliance strategies, both for the sake of the public and itself. It is vital to increase enterprises’ compliance rewards and decrease their compliance costs through various means such as policy changes and technological innovation. The policy’s effect can be improved if supervision and regulations are both enforced.
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Sun D, Xie D, Jiang P, Xie J, Xu Y, Ren Y. Simulating the Effect of Mixed Subsidy Policies on Urban Low-Value Recyclable Waste in China: A System Dynamics Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010636. [PMID: 34682382 PMCID: PMC8535339 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Low-value recyclable waste accounts for a large portion of urban waste output in many modern cities. The improper management and disposal of LVRW result in environmental pollution and a waste of resources. Given the characteristics of a high recovery cost and low recovery income of low-value recyclables, it is difficult to obtain a satisfactory waste disposal effect by completely relying on the market mechanism. It is thus necessary for the government to implement effective subsidies for multiple subjects in the urban waste recycling system (UWRS). This study examines the independent roles of four subsidy policies-subsidy to the third-party waste disposal institutions, subsidy to a state-owned waste disposal institution, R&D subsidy for green technology, and subsidy for government publicity-and develops a system dynamics model to verify the performance of the UWRS under different combinations of subsidy-based policies under multiple scenarios. Data on urban waste disposal for Guangzhou from 2019 and 2020 were used to validate and simulate the model. A sensitivity analysis of the main exogenous variables was carried out, and the conclusions are as follows: (1) On the premise of a fixed subsidy capital pool, a mixed subsidy policy produced the best impact on the UWRS. (2) The total subsidy needed to reach a certain threshold; otherwise, the mixed subsidy policy did not improve the UWRS. The total subsidy produced diminishing returns once it had exceeded the threshold. (3) Appropriately reducing subsidies for the third-party waste disposal institutions within a reasonable range does not affect the performance of the UWRS. (4) The effect of government publicity has short-term advantages, while the long-term potential of green technology is greater. Multi-agent coordination and the guidance of the market mechanism are important priorities in the design of subsidy-based policies. In addition, the trade-off between subjects needs attention, and a plan for mixed subsidy policies needs to be designed and implemented according to the response periods of different policies. The research here provides theoretical support for the government for designing subsidy-based policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongshi Sun
- School of Information and Business Management, Dalian Neusoft University of Information, Dalian 116023, China; (D.S.); (Y.X.)
| | - Danlan Xie
- Hangzhou College of Commerce, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 311599, China;
| | - Peng Jiang
- School of Business, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China;
- Correspondence:
| | - Jingci Xie
- School of Management, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China;
| | - Yang Xu
- School of Information and Business Management, Dalian Neusoft University of Information, Dalian 116023, China; (D.S.); (Y.X.)
| | - Yining Ren
- School of Business, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China;
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