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Mhaddolkar N, Astrup TF, Tischberger-Aldrian A, Pomberger R, Vollprecht D. Challenges and opportunities in managing biodegradable plastic waste: A review. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2024:734242X241279902. [PMID: 39344513 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x241279902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics have certain challenges in a waste management perspective. The existing literature reviews fail to provide a consolidated overview of different process steps of biodegradable plastic waste management and to discuss the support provided by the existing legislation for the same. The present review provides a holistic overview of these process steps and a comprehensive relative summary of 13 existing European Union (EU) laws related to waste management and circular economy, and national legislations plus source separation guidelines of 13 countries, to ensure the optimal use of resources in the future. Following were the major findings: (i) numerous types and low volumes of biodegradable plastics pose a challenge to developing cost-effective waste management infrastructure; (ii) biodegradable plastics are promoted as food-waste collection aids, but consumers are often confused about their proper disposal and are prone to greenwashing from manufacturers; (iii) industry-level studies demonstrating mechanical recycling on a full scale are unavailable; (iv) the existing EU legislation dealt with general topics related to biodegradable plastics; however, only the new proposal on plastic packaging waste and the EU policy framework for bioplastics clearly mentioned their disposal and (v) clear disparities were observed between disposal methods suggested by national legislation and available source separation guidelines. Thus, to appropriately manage biodegradable plastic waste, it is necessary to develop waste processing and material utilization infrastructure as well as create consumer awareness. In the end, recommendations were provided for improved biodegradable plastic waste management from the perspective of systemic challenges identified from the literature review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Mhaddolkar
- Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management (AVAW), Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL), Leoben, Austria
- DTU SUSTAIN, Department of Environmental Engineering, Danish Technical University (DTU), Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas Fruergaard Astrup
- DTU SUSTAIN, Department of Environmental Engineering, Danish Technical University (DTU), Lyngby, Denmark
- Ramboll, Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Alexia Tischberger-Aldrian
- Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management (AVAW), Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL), Leoben, Austria
| | - Roland Pomberger
- Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management (AVAW), Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL), Leoben, Austria
| | - Daniel Vollprecht
- Chair of Resource and Chemical Engineering, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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2
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Wang F, Sun J, Han L, Liu W, Ding Y. Microplastics regulate soil microbial activities: Evidence from catalase, dehydrogenase, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 263:120064. [PMID: 39332793 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 09/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Soil microbiomes drive many soil processes and maintain the ecological functions of terrestrial ecosystems. Microplastics (MPs, size < 5 mm) are pervasive emerging contaminants worldwide. However, how MPs affect soil microbial activity has not been well elucidated. This review article first highlights the effects of MPs on overall soil microbial activities represented by three soil enzymes, i.e., catalase, dehydrogenase, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolase (FDAse), and explores the underlying mechanisms and influencing factors. Abundant evidence confirms that MPs can change soil microbial activities. However, existing results vary greatly from inhibition to promotion and non-significance, depending on polymer type, degradability, dose, size, shape, additive, and aging degree of the target MPs, soil physicochemical and biological properties, and exposure conditions, such as exposure time, temperature, and agricultural practices (e.g., planting, fertilization, soil amendment, and pesticide application). MPs can directly affect microbial activities by acting as carbon sources, releasing additives and pollutants, and shaping microbial communities via plastisphere effects. Smaller MPs (e.g., nanoplastics, 1 to < 1000 nm) can also damage microbial cells through penetration. Indirectly, MPs can change soil attributes, fertility, the toxicity of co-existing pollutants, and the performance of soil fauna and plants, thus regulating soil microbiomes and their activities. In conclusion, MPs can regulate soil microbial activities and consequently pose cascading consequences for ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayuan Wang
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, P.R. China.
| | - Jiao Sun
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, P.R. China
| | - Lanfang Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P.R. China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Yuanhong Ding
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266042, P.R. China.
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Chen J, Chen X, Zhang B, He L, Li X, Li Y, Zhang Z, Zhou Y, Jin W, He X, Liu H. Natural lignocellulosic biomass structure inspired CNF/Lignin/PBAT composite film with thermoplastic, antibacterial and UV-blocking abilities. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132498. [PMID: 38763232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The development of a thermoplastic, biodegradable composite material to replace conventional polymers derived from petroleum was the main area of concentration. Herein, a method for preparing antibacterial, UV-blocking and degradable CNF/Lignin/PBAT composite films (CLP) using cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), lignin, and Poly (butylene adipate-terephthalate) (PBAT) as raw materials by solution casting method was described. With the adding of PBAT, the thermal stability, thermoplastic, mechanical properties were enhanced by improving the compatibility between components. The maximum tensile strength of CLP could reach 189.72 MPa, which increased 25.5 % compared to CNF/Lignin film. The average initial decomposition temperature could reach 321 °C, which was much higher than that of CNF and lignin. At the same time, its good heat-sealing performance made it suitable for practical use. Meanwhile, the composite films had excellent UV resistance and could block over 95 % of UV light. The antibacterial results indicated that the films had a good inhibitory effect on E. coli and S. aureus, with a maximum inhibitory ring diameter of 5.56 and 6.36 mm. In addition, the composite film also had excellent barrier capability to liquid and gas. The prepared film had potential to produce flexible packing, industrial compositing and biomedical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Chen
- College of Textile Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xinyi Chen
- College of Textile Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Baoquan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 135 Ya Guan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Li He
- Hubei Province Fiber Inspection Bureau, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Xinjian Li
- Zhejiang Fubang Automotive Interior Technology Co., Ltd, Haining 314414, China
| | - Yingzhan Li
- College of Textile Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 135 Ya Guan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin 300350, China; Zhejiang Fubang Automotive Interior Technology Co., Ltd, Haining 314414, China.
| | - Zhen Zhang
- SCNU-TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- College of Textile Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Wanhui Jin
- Hubei Province Fiber Inspection Bureau, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Xia He
- College of Textile Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Hongchen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials and Manufacturing Technology, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; College of Textiles, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450007, China
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4
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Hu C, Xiao Y, Jiang Q, Wang M, Xue T. Adsorption properties and mechanism of Cu(II) on virgin and aged microplastics in the aquatic environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:29434-29448. [PMID: 38575820 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33131-1] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) migrate by adsorbing heavy metals in aquatic environments and act as their carriers. However, the aging mechanisms of MPs in the environment and the interactions between MPs and heavy metals in aquatic environments require further study. In this study, two kinds of materials, polyamide (PA) and polylactic acid (PLA) were used as target MPs, and the effects of UV irradiation on the physical and chemical properties of the MPs and the adsorption behavior of Cu(II) were investigated. The results showed that after UV irradiation, pits, folds and pores appeared on the surface of aged MPs, the specific surface area (SSA) increased, the content of oxygen-containing functional groups increased, and the crystallinity decreased. These changes enhanced the adsorption capacity of aged MPs for Cu(II) pollutants. The adsorption behavior of the PA and PLA MPs for Cu(II) conformed to the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm model, indicating that the monolayer chemical adsorption was dominant. The maximum amounts of aged PA and PLA reached 1.415 and 1.398 mg/g, respectively, which were 1.59 and 1.76 times of virgin MPs, respectively. The effects of pH and salinity on the adsorption of Cu(II) by the MPs were significant. Moreover, factors such as pH, salinity and dosage had significant effects on the adsorption of Cu(II) by MPs. Oxidative complexation between the oxygen-containing groups of the MPs and Cu(II) is an important adsorption mechanism. These findings reveal that the UV irradiation aging of MPs can enhance the adsorption of Cu(II) and increase their role as pollutant carriers, which is crucial for assessing the ecological risk of MPs and heavy metals coexisting in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Hu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yaodong Xiao
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingrong Jiang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengyao Wang
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingdan Xue
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, People's Republic of China
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5
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Parida D, Katare K, Ganguly A, Chakraborty D, Konar O, Nogueira R, Bala K. Molecular docking and metagenomics assisted mitigation of microplastic pollution. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141271. [PMID: 38262490 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141271] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics, tiny, flimsy, and direct progenitors of principal and subsidiary plastics, cause environmental degradation in aquatic and terrestrial entities. Contamination concerns include irrevocable impacts, potential cytotoxicity, and negative health effects on mortals. The detection, recovery, and degradation strategies of these pollutants in various biota and ecosystems, as well as their impact on plants, animals, and humans, have been a topic of significant interest. But the natural environment is infested with several types of plastics, all having different chemical makeup, structure, shape, and origin. Plastic trash acts as a substrate for microbial growth, creating biofilms on the plastisphere surface. This colonizing microbial diversity can be glimpsed with meta-genomics, a culture-independent approach. Owing to its comprehensive description of microbial communities, genealogical evidence on unconventional biocatalysts or enzymes, genomic correlations, evolutionary profile, and function, it is being touted as one of the promising tools in identifying novel enzymes for the degradation of polymers. Additionally, computational tools such as molecular docking can predict the binding of these novel enzymes to the polymer substrate, which can be validated through in vitro conditions for its environmentally feasible applications. This review mainly deals with the exploration of metagenomics along with computational tools to provide a clearer perspective into the microbial potential in the biodegradation of microplastics. The computational tools due to their polymathic nature will be quintessential in identifying the enzyme structure, binding affinities of the prospective enzymes to the substrates, and foretelling of degradation pathways involved which can be quite instrumental in the furtherance of the plastic degradation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Parida
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, 453552, India.
| | - Konica Katare
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, 453552, India.
| | - Atmaadeep Ganguly
- Department of Microbiology, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, West Bengal State University, Kolkata, 700118, India.
| | - Disha Chakraborty
- Department of Botany, Shri Shikshayatan College, University of Calcutta, Lord Sinha Road, Kolkata, 700071, India.
| | - Oisi Konar
- Department of Botany, Shri Shikshayatan College, University of Calcutta, Lord Sinha Road, Kolkata, 700071, India.
| | - Regina Nogueira
- Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Leibniz Universität, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Kiran Bala
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, 453552, India.
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6
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Ashraf Joolaei A, Makian M, Prakash O, Im S, Kang S, Kim DH. Effects of particle size on the pretreatment efficiency and subsequent biogas potential of polylactic acid. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 394:130306. [PMID: 38199437 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130306] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The fragmentation of bioplastics (BPs) before pretreatment and anaerobic digestion is conducted for higher efficiency; however, based on the literature, the size reduction varies widely. In this study, initially, various combinations of thermal-alkaline pretreatments were applied at different strengths to the polylactic acid (PLA) in three groups (<0.5, 0.5 < size < 1.0, and 1.0 < size < 2.0 mm). After pretreatment, the solubilization of PLA was increased to 11.5-40.0 % using alkaline dosage and temperature ranging from 50 to 200 g OH-/kg BP, 60-100 °C, respectively, in a 1-10 h timeframe. The results were statistically proved using a 3D response surface graph, where the pretreatment was more effective for smaller particle sizes. The reduction in particle size also increased the CH4 production, which was more pronounced at the strong pretreatment (24 % increment vs. 10-15 %). Computed results indicated 44-86 % conversion of pretreated PLA particles to CH4, supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, especially focusing on the intensity of -OH bands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ashraf Joolaei
- Department of Smart-city Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Masoud Makian
- Department of Smart-city Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Om Prakash
- Department of Smart-city Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongwon Im
- Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungwon Kang
- Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Kim
- Department of Smart-city Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
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Kemper JA, Spotswood F, White SK. The emergence of plastic-free grocery shopping: Understanding opportunities for practice transformation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 349:119290. [PMID: 37918237 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite consumer concern for sustainability, avoiding plastic packaging, particularly in food shopping, is difficult due to its pervasiveness and usefulness. Yet achieving changes in consumer behaviour is an important part of environmental management approaches towards a circular economy and plastic reduction. This research explores how everyday food shopping practices might adapt and evolve to become more sustainable through consumers avoiding, reducing, or replacing plastic packaging in their grocery shopping. This qualitative research, based on eighteen semi-structured interviews with sustainably-oriented consumers, finds that plastic-free shopping practices are challenging for even committed practitioners. However, we illuminate four mechanisms representing 'bright spots' (i.e., points of optimism) that offer specific opportunities for environmental management. We define these as destabilisation, envisioning, emotional connection and adaptation. Destabilisation and envisioning help with recruitment of practitioners to plastic-free shopping, and emotional connection and adaptation help support practitioner loyalty and commitment. Further, consumer reflexivity and habituated sustainable-orientation supports practice recruitment, stabilisation and transition. We discuss the implications of our findings for environmental management approaches to 'behaviour change', focusing on the role of policymakers, social marketers, retailers, and manufacturers in fostering competitive, stable plastic-free grocery shopping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joya A Kemper
- University of Canterbury Business School, University of Canterbury, 22 Kirkwood Avenue, Ilam, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
| | | | - Samantha K White
- Lincoln University, Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln, New Zealand
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8
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Seyyedi SR, Kowsari E, Ramakrishna S, Gheibi M, Chinnappan A. Marine plastics, circular economy, and artificial intelligence: A comprehensive review of challenges, solutions, and policies. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118591. [PMID: 37423188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118591] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Global plastic production is rapidly increasing, resulting in significant amounts of plastic entering the marine environment. This makes marine litter one of the most critical environmental concerns. Determining the effects of this waste on marine animals, particularly endangered organisms, and the health of the oceans is now one of the top environmental priorities. This article reviews the sources of plastic production, its entry into the oceans and the food chain, the potential threat to aquatic animals and humans, the challenges of plastic waste in the oceans, the existing laws and regulations in this field, and strategies. Using conceptual models, this study looks at a circular economy framework for energy recovery from ocean plastic wastes. It does this by drawing on debates about AI-based systems for smart management. In the last sections of the present research, a novel soft sensor is designed for the prediction of accumulated ocean plastic waste based on social development features and the application of machine learning computations. Plus, the best scenario of ocean plastic waste management with a concentration on both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is discussed using USEPA-WARM modeling. Finally, a circular economy concept and ocean plastic waste management policies are modeled based on the strategies of different countries. We deal with green chemistry and the replacement of plastics derived from fossil sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Reza Seyyedi
- Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Hafez St., Tehran 15875-4413, Iran
| | - Elaheh Kowsari
- Department of Chemistry, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Hafez St., Tehran 15875-4413, Iran.
| | - Seeram Ramakrishna
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology, National University of Singapore, 119260, Singapore.
| | - Mohammad Gheibi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amutha Chinnappan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology, National University of Singapore, 119260, Singapore
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Kadoya R, Soga H, Matsuda M, Sato M, Taguchi S. Bacterial Population Changes during the Degradation Process of a Lactate (LA)-Enriched Biodegradable Polymer in River Water: LA-Cluster Preferable Bacterial Consortium. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4111. [PMID: 37896354 PMCID: PMC10610160 DOI: 10.3390/polym15204111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The lactate-based polyester poly[lactate (LA)-co-3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB)], termed LAHB, is a highly transparent and flexible bio-based polymeric material. There are many unknowns regarding its degradation process in riverine environments, especially the changes in bacterial flora that might result from its degradation and the identities of any LAHB-degrading bacteria. LAHB were immersed in the river water samples (A and B), and LAHB degradation was observed in terms of the weight change of the polymer and the microscopic changes on the polymer surfaces. A metagenomic analysis of microorganisms was conducted to determine the effect of LAHB degradation on the aquatic environment. The bacterial flora obtained from beta diversity analysis differed between the two river samples. The river A water sample showed the simultaneous degradation of LA and 3HB even though the copolymer was LA-enriched, suggesting preferable hydrolysis of the LA-enriched segments. In contrast, only 3HB degraded for the LAHB in the river B water sample. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis revealed 14 bacteria that were significantly increased in the river A water sample during LAHB degradation, suggesting that these bacteria preferentially degraded and assimilated LA-clustering polymers. Our metagenomic analysis provides useful insights into the dynamic changes in microbial communities and LA-clustering polymer-degrading bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Kadoya
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Life Studies, Sugiyama Jogakuen University, 17-3 Hoshigaoka Motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8662, Aichi, Japan; (H.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Hitomi Soga
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Life Studies, Sugiyama Jogakuen University, 17-3 Hoshigaoka Motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8662, Aichi, Japan; (H.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Miki Matsuda
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Life Studies, Sugiyama Jogakuen University, 17-3 Hoshigaoka Motomachi, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8662, Aichi, Japan; (H.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Michio Sato
- Microbial Genetics Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama-ku, Kawsaki 214-8571, Kanagawa, Japan;
| | - Seiichi Taguchi
- Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Hyogo, Japan;
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Khan SAR, Umar M, Yu Z, Nawaz MT. A Recent Digitalization in Recycling Industry Attaining Ecological Sustainability: A Comprehensive Outlook and Future Trend. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:103760-103775. [PMID: 37695483 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29537-y] [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: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The management of waste through dual way of recycling (i-e offline and online) is assumed to have a key role in attaining ecological sustainability and enabling circular practices. The research on online recycling is gaining evolution in recent age. Prior literature on the current research theme has failed to provide a comprehensive outlook and future trend. Therefore, the current research intends to elaborate the current research scenario linked with online recycling by critically scrutinizing the prior research over the last 41 years. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using the Scopus database, retrieving a total of 866 articles. These articles were selected to provide a conceptual overview and understanding of the fundamental research conducted in the field. By employing bibliometric analysis this research provides comprehensive detail about evolution, mapping of publications and prominent trends from the year 1981 to 2022 to understand the practices and future trends of online recycling research. The outcomes elucidated that there is exponential increase in research publications relating to online recycling over the last five years. The most influential producer of online recycling research are China, United Kingdom and United States. Chinese Universities has the highest number of publications among all the countries across globe. Moreover, the current research trend is focused on technology based circular economy, industrial ecology, bio-based waste management, dual channel recycling, municipal waste, waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), environmental impact and lifecycle assessment. Hence, the prominent research perspective and highlighted features could offer recommendation for upcoming studies to contribute in literature and help practitioners, policymakers and professionals move towards circular practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Abdul Rehman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Higher Education of Sichuan Province for Enterprise Informationalization and Internet of Things, Zigong, 644001, China.
- School of Management and Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, China.
| | - Muhammad Umar
- Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Zhang Yu
- School of Economics and Management, Chang'an University, Xi'an, China
| | - Muhammad Tanveer Nawaz
- Department of Business Administration, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Wang X, Li J, Lin X, Zhang Y. The s-oph enzyme for efficient degradation of polyvinyl alcohol: soluble expression and catalytic properties. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:8523-8535. [PMID: 37644367 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is one of the most widely used water-soluble polymers with remarkable mechanical properties. However, water-soluble polymers are among the major organic pollutants of streams, river, and marine ecosystems. Once dispersed in aqueous systems, they can directly interfere with the life cycle of aquatic organisms via direct toxic effects. There is thus an urgent need for microorganisms or enzymes that can efficiently degrade them. Oxidized PVA hydrolase plays an important role in the pathway of PVA biodegradation. It is the key enzyme in the second step of the pathway for complete degradation of PVA. METHODS AND RESULTS The s-oph gene was cloned from the laboratory-isolated strain Sphingopyxis sp. M19. This gene was expressed in the Escherichia coli system pET32a/s-oph expression vector, with the products forming an inclusion body. By binding with a molecular chaperone, pET32a/s-oph/BL21 (DE3)/pGro7 was successfully constructed, which enabled the s-oph gene to be solubly expressed in E. coli. The protein encoded by the s-oph gene was purified at a yield of 16.8 mg L-1, and its catalytic activity reached 852.71 U mg-1. In the s-oph enzyme reaction system, the efficiency of PVA degradation was increased to 233.5% compared with that of controls. CONCLUSIONS The s-oph enzyme exhibited the characteristics of being able to degrade PVA with high efficiency, specificity, and stability. This enzyme has good potential for practical application in ameliorating plastic pollution and protecting the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jiaxuan Li
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaoshan Lin
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Panyu District, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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12
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Gadaleta G, De Gisi S, Sorrentino A, Sorrentino L, Notarnicola M, Kuchta K, Picuno C, Oliviero M. Effect of Cellulose-Based Bioplastics on Current LDPE Recycling. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:4869. [PMID: 37445182 DOI: 10.3390/ma16134869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The increased use of bioplastics in the market has led to their presence in municipal solid waste streams alongside traditional fossil-based polymers, particularly low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which bioplastics often end up mixed with. This study aimed to assess the impact of cellulose acetate plasticized with triacetin (CAT) on the mechanical recycling of LDPE. LDPE-CAT blends with varying CAT content (0%, 1%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% by weight) were prepared by melt extrusion and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis (thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry), dynamic rheological measurements, and tensile tests. The results indicate that the presence of CAT does not significantly affect the chemical, thermal, and rheological properties of LDPE, and the addition of CAT at different levels does not promote LDPE degradation under typical processing conditions. However, the addition of CAT negatively impacts the processability and mechanical behavior of LDPE, resulting in the reduced quality of the recycled material. Thus, the presence of cellulose-based bioplastics in LDPE recycling streams should be avoided, and a specific sorting stream for bioplastics should be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Gadaleta
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona n. 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabino De Gisi
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona n. 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Sorrentino
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR), P.le E. Fermi n. 1, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Luigi Sorrentino
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR), P.le E. Fermi n. 1, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Michele Notarnicola
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona n. 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Kerstin Kuchta
- Circular Resource Engineering and Management, Hamburg University of Technology, Blohmstraße n. 15, D-21079 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Maria Oliviero
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR), P.le E. Fermi n. 1, I-80055 Portici, Italy
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13
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Hooda S, Mondal P. Insights into the degradation of high-density polyethylene microplastics using microbial strains: Effect of process parameters, degradation kinetics and modeling. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 164:143-153. [PMID: 37059038 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The extensive distribution of microplastics and their abundance around the world has raised a global concern because of the lack of proper disposal channels as well as poor knowledge of their implications on human health. Sustainable remediation techniques are required owing to the absence of proper disposal methods. The present study explores the deterioration process of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) microplastics using various microbes along with the kinetics and modeling of the process using multiple non-linear regression models. Ten different microbial strains were used for the degradation of microplastics for a period of 30 days. Effect of process parameters on the degradation process was studied with the selected five microbial strains that presented the best degradation results. The reproducibility and efficacy of the process were tested for an extended period of 90 days. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were used for the analysis of microplastics. Polymer reduction and half-life were evaluated. Pseudomonas putida achieved the maximum degradation efficiency of 12.07% followed by Rhodococcus ruber (11.36%), Pseudomonas stutzeri (8.28%), Bacillus cereus (8.26%), and Brevibacillus borstelensis (8.02%) after 90 days. Out of 14 models tested, 5 were found capable of modeling the process kinetics and based on simplicity and statistical data, Modified Michaelis-Menten model (F8; R2 = 0.97) was selected as superior to others. This study successfully establishes the potential of bioremediation of microplastics as the viable process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeevani Hooda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Prasenjit Mondal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India.
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14
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Gadaleta G, Ferrara C, De Gisi S, Notarnicola M, De Feo G. Life cycle assessment of end-of-life options for cellulose-based bioplastics when introduced into a municipal solid waste management system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 871:161958. [PMID: 36737011 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The partial degradation of cellulose-based bioplastics in industrial treatment of organic fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) opened to the investigation of further disposal routes for bioplastics in the waste management system. For this purpose, the environmental footprint of three MSW management scenarios differing only for the bioplastics final destination (organic, plastic or mixed waste streams) was assessed through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. Results revealed how the treatment of bioplastics with organic waste achieved the worst environmental performance (5.8 kg CO2 eq/FU) for most impact categories. On the other hand, treatment with plastics and mixed waste achieved negative impact values (that mean avoided GHG emissions) of -9.8 and -7.7 kg CO2 eq/FU respectively, showing comparable benefits from these scenarios. The key reason was the lower quality of compost obtained from the organic treatment route, which reduced the environmental credits achieved by the energy recovery during anaerobic digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Gadaleta
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Carmen Ferrara
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II n. 132, I-84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Sabino De Gisi
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, I-70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Michele Notarnicola
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni De Feo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II n. 132, I-84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
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15
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Wang Q, Chen X, Zeng S, Chen P, Xu Y, Nie W, Xia R, Zhou Y. In-situ polycondensate-coated cellulose nanofiber heterostructure for polylactic acid-based composites with superior mechanical and thermal properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 240:124515. [PMID: 37085066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Renewable yet biodegradable natural fiber (e.g., cellulose nanofiber (CNF)) reinforced bio-based polymers (e.g., polylactic acid (PLA)) are being applied for the manufacture of clean packaging products. The interface incompatibility between hydrophilic CNF and hydrophobic PLA still restricts the promotion of high-performance bio-based products. Herein, a polycondensate-coated CNF hybrid, wherein silane, aluminate, and titanate coupling agent monomers were in-situ polymerized onto the CNF surface via dehydration self-condensation, was designed and further employed as strengthening/toughening nanofillers for fabricating the CNF-reinforced PLA composite. Results showed that the polycondensate coatings could efficiently promote the dispersion of CNFs and enhance interfacial compatibility between CNFs and PLA. Attributing to the synergistic effect of polycondensate coatings and CNFs, a considerable improvement in processing, mechanical and thermal properties was obtained in resultant CNF/PLA composites. With adding 2.5 wt% polycondensate-coated CNFs, the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and tensile toughness of CNF-reinforced PLA composites was raised by about 27 %, 51 % and 68 %, respectively; also, such composite possessed greater elasticity and higher melt strength than pure PLA. This study provides a novel interface control strategy to fabricate low-cost yet high-performance PLA-based composites for sustainable packaging application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiming Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymer Materials, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Xinyi Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymer Materials, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Shaohua Zeng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymer Materials, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
| | - Pengpeng Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymer Materials, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymer Materials, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Wangyan Nie
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymer Materials, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Ru Xia
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymer Materials, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yifeng Zhou
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymer Materials, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China.
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16
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Paul-Pont I, Ghiglione JF, Gastaldi E, Ter Halle A, Huvet A, Bruzaud S, Lagarde F, Galgani F, Duflos G, George M, Fabre P. Discussion about suitable applications for biodegradable plastics regarding their sources, uses and end of life. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 157:242-248. [PMID: 36577275 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This opinion paper offers a scientific view on the current debate of the place of biodegradable plastics as part of the solution to deal with the growing plastic pollution in the world's soil, aquatic, and marine compartments. Based on the current scientific literature, we focus on the current limits to prove plastic biodegradability and to assess the toxicity of commercially used biobased and biodegradable plastics in natural environments. We also discuss the relevance of biodegradable plastics for selected applications with respect to their use and end of life. In particular, we underlined that there is no universal biodegradability of plastics in any ecosystem, that considering the environment as a waste treatment system is not acceptable, and that the use of compostable plastics requires adaptation of existing organic waste collection and treatment channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ika Paul-Pont
- Univ Brest, Ifremer, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280, Plouzané, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France.
| | - Jean-François Ghiglione
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne (LOMIC), UMR 7621, Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, Banyuls sur mer, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Emmanuelle Gastaldi
- INRAE, Univ Montpellier, IATE, Montpellier, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandra Ter Halle
- IMRCP, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Arnaud Huvet
- Univ Brest, Ifremer, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280, Plouzané, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Stéphane Bruzaud
- Institut de Recherche Dupuy de Lôme (IRDL), Université Bretagne Sud, UMR CNRS 6027, Lorient, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Fabienne Lagarde
- Institut des Molécules et Matériaux du Mans (IMMM, UMR CNRS 6283), Le Mans Université, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, F-72085 Le Mans, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - François Galgani
- IFREMER/ RMPF, Tahiti, Polynésie Française; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Duflos
- ANSES - Laboratoire de Sécurité des Aliments, Boulevard du Bassin Napoléon, F-62200, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Matthieu George
- Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C), UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, Place Eugène Bataillon, Montpellier, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Pascale Fabre
- Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C), UMR 5221 CNRS-UM, Place Eugène Bataillon, Montpellier, France; GDR 2050 Polymères et Océans, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, France
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17
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Kosheleva A, Gadaleta G, De Gisi S, Heerenklage J, Picuno C, Notarnicola M, Kuchta K, Sorrentino A. Co-digestion of food waste and cellulose-based bioplastic: From batch to semi-continuous scale investigation. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 156:272-281. [PMID: 36521212 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Only few studies on the behaviour of bioplastics in anaerobic co-digestion could be found in literature and most of them are conducted in batch mode. Despite the fact that continuous experiments confirm or add new insight to the findings acquired from batch ones, there is still lack of such studies. This work aims to cover this gap, carrying out a semi-continuous anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and cellulose acetate (which its behaviour under anaerobic environment is also quite unexplored). After a first evaluation of the potential methane production from each substrate at batch scale, the semi-continuous co-digestion of food waste and cellulose acetate was carried out in three configurations. During the semi-continuous process, a methane yield of 331 NmlCH4/gVS was generated from the co-digestion of food waste and cellulose acetate while bioplastics specimens achieved a weight loss of about 45 %. The results were both lower than the one obtained from batch co-digestion, although methane production rates were comparable regardless of being fed with or without bioplastics. An increase was registered after 65 days of semi-continuous process, due to the accumulation of CA specimens. This confirms the different degradation trends between bioplastics and food waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arina Kosheleva
- Hamburg University of Technology - Circular Resource Engineering and Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Giovanni Gadaleta
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabino De Gisi
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Joern Heerenklage
- Hamburg University of Technology - Circular Resource Engineering and Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Caterina Picuno
- Hamburg University of Technology - Circular Resource Engineering and Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michele Notarnicola
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Kerstin Kuchta
- Hamburg University of Technology - Circular Resource Engineering and Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Sorrentino
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR), P.le E. Fermi, 1, I-80055 Portici (Napoli), Italy
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18
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Nazareth MC, Marques MRC, Pinheiro LM, Castro ÍB. Key issues for bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics governance. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 322:116074. [PMID: 36049309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Among global efforts facing plastic pollution, their gradual replacement with alternative materials has gained strength during the last decade. We identified five stakeholders and their respective key participation in the chain of bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics (BBCP), which have contributed to several flaws on governance of these materials. The widespread unfamiliarity of the consumers about biodegradability concepts has been leading to misguided purchase decisions and disposal practices, along with possible littering behavior. Simultaneously, the adoption of greenwashing practices by stores and manufacturers contribute to disseminating misguided decisions on plastic consumption. Such issues are further aggravated by the lack of certification standards concerning the impact of littering, including the assessment of persistency and toxicity, also covering those made with biodegradable plastics.". Moreover, even though such alternative polymers were originally conceived as a strategy to minimize plastics pollution, the almost inexistence of specific regulatory frameworks in different political scales may convert them in a relevant part of the problem. Therefore, the governance systems and management strategies need to incorporate BBCP as potentially hazardous waste as they do for conventional plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monick Cruz Nazareth
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 Pavilhão Haroldo Lisboa da Cunha, 20559-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mônica R C Marques
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 Pavilhão Haroldo Lisboa da Cunha, 20559-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lara Mesquita Pinheiro
- Laboratório de Microcontaminantes Orgânicos e Ecotoxicologia Aquática - Instituto de Oceanografia - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Av. Itália, Km 8, Carreiros, CEP: 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Ítalo Braga Castro
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (IMAR-UNIFESP), Rua Maria Máximo, 11030-100 Santos, SP, Brazil.
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19
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Gadaleta G, De Gisi S, Picuno C, Heerenklage J, Di Iaconi C, Notarnicola M, Kuchta K, Sorrentino A. Effects of cellulose-based bio-plastics on the aerobic biological stabilization treatment of mixed municipal solid waste: A lab-scale assessment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 318:115585. [PMID: 35759970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work is to assess how the presence of cellulose-based bio-plastics influence the biological stabilization of mixed Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). For the scope, two cellulose acetate bio-plastics have been mixed with a synthetic mixed waste to create samples with and without bio-plastics. A self-induced biostabilization has been carried out for 7 and 14 days where temperature and off-gas have been monitored continuously. Results about temperature evolution, O2 consumption, CO2 production and respiratory quotient did not show a substantial difference regarding both the duration of the process and the presence of cellulose-based bio-plastics on the mixture. On the average, the temperature peak and the maximum daily O2 consumption and CO2 production were 52.2 °C, 35.81 g O2/kg DM *d and 48.95 g CO2/kg DM *d respectively. Disintegration of bio-plastics samples after 7 and 14 days were comparable (on the average 23.13%). The self-induced biostabilization gave its main contribution after 4 days and resulted almost finished at the end of the day 7 of the process. Results showed that cellulose-based bio-plastics did not give a negative effect on mixed MSW biological stabilization and suggest a possible management, aiming at energy recovery of the outputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Gadaleta
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona N.4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Sabino De Gisi
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona N.4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Caterina Picuno
- Hamburg University of Technology - Sustainable Resource and Waste Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joern Heerenklage
- Hamburg University of Technology - Sustainable Resource and Waste Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudio Di Iaconi
- Water Research Institute, C.N.R, Viale F. De Blasio 5, I-70123, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Notarnicola
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona N.4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Kerstin Kuchta
- Hamburg University of Technology - Sustainable Resource and Waste Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Sorrentino
- Istituto per I Polimeri, Compositi e Biomateriali (IPCB), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), P.le E. Fermi, 1, I-80055, Portici, Napoli, Italy
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20
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Carbon Footprint and Total Cost Evaluation of Different Bio-Plastics Waste Treatment Strategies. CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/cleantechnol4020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
To address the problem of fossil-based pollution, bio-plastics have risen in use in a wide range of applications. The current waste management system still has some weakness for bio-plastics waste (BPW) treatment, and quantitative data is lacking. This study combines environmental and economic assessments in order to indicate the most sustainable and suitable BPW management treatment between organic, plastic and mixed wastes. For the scope, the carbon footprint of each scenario was calculated by life cycle assessment (LCA), while the total cost of the waste management system was used as an economic parameter. The economic evaluation revealed that the organic, plastic and mixed waste treatment routes reached a total cost of 120.35, 112.21 and 109.43 EUR, respectively. The LCA results showed that the incomplete degradation of BPW during anaerobic digestion and composting led to the disposal of the compost produced, creating an environmental burden of 324.64 kgCO2-Eq. for the organic waste treatment route, while the mixed and plastic treatment routes obtained a benefit of −87.16 and −89.17 kgCO2-Eq. respectively. This study showed that, although the current amount of BPW does not affect the treatment process of organic, plastic and mixed wastes, it can strongly affect the quality of the output, compromising its further reuse. Therefore, specific improvement of waste treatment should be pursued, particularly with regard to the anaerobic digestion of organic waste, which remains a promising technology for BPW treatment.
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21
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Gadaleta G, De Gisi S, Picuno C, Heerenklage J, Cafiero L, Oliviero M, Notarnicola M, Kuchta K, Sorrentino A. The influence of bio-plastics for food packaging on combined anaerobic digestion and composting treatment of organic municipal waste. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 144:87-97. [PMID: 35334386 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The use of bio-plastic-based packaging as an alternative to conventional plastic packaging is increasing. Among the plethora of different bio-based plastics, the most relevant ones are those that, at the end of their life, can be treated with the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Even in these cases, their impact on the waste processing and recycling is not always positive. This study aim to assess on a laboratory scale the influence on combined anaerobic digestion and composting industrial processes of a bio-based plastic film, namely cellulose acetate (CA), in pure and modified (additions of additive) forms. CA films were mixed with organic waste and subjected to: (i) anaerobic digestion; (ii) active composting and (iii) two stages of curing composting. Anaerobic digestion and composting were monitored through methane yield and oxygen uptake respectively; additionally, the bio-plastics degree of disintegration was assessed during all the processes. The final disintegration of pure and modified CA was 73.82% and 54.66%, respectively. Anaerobic digestion contributes to the disintegration of the material, while aerobic treatment appears to be nearly ineffective, especially for modified CA. The presence of cellulose acetate during anaerobic digestion of food waste increased the methane yield by about 4.5%. Bioassay confirmed the absence of possible toxic effects on the final compost from the bio-plastic treatment. Although bio-based materials are not the only solution to plastic pollution, the findings confirm the need to upgrade the organic waste treatment plants and the necessity to revise the requirements for the use of compost in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Gadaleta
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabino De Gisi
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Caterina Picuno
- Hamburg University of Technology - Sustainable Resource and Waste Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joern Heerenklage
- Hamburg University of Technology - Sustainable Resource and Waste Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Livia Cafiero
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR), P.le E. Fermi, 1, I-80055 Portici (Napoli), Italy
| | - Maria Oliviero
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR), P.le E. Fermi, 1, I-80055 Portici (Napoli), Italy
| | - Michele Notarnicola
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Politecnico di Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Kerstin Kuchta
- Hamburg University of Technology - Sustainable Resource and Waste Management, Blohmstraße 15, D-21079 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Sorrentino
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB), National Research Council (CNR), P.le E. Fermi, 1, I-80055 Portici (Napoli), Italy
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