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Sahoo MM. Microplastic pollution in surface sediments of Coromandel coastline, South-East Coast, India: Diversity index, carbonyl index, pollution load index, risk fraction and MPs inventory. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124179. [PMID: 38763293 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The investigation along the Coromandel coastline of South-east India focused on assessing microplastics abundance using Simpson's diversity index (DIMP), Degradation-carbonyl index (DgCIMP), Pollution load index (PLIMP) and Ecological risk fraction (RfMP). These indices evaluated the dissemination and transportation of MPs across a 1076 km stretch divided into five zones from Chennai to Kanyakumari. During the wet season, average microplastics abundance (101 ± 36.6 items/kg dw) was lower compared to the dry season (143 ± 56.2 items/kg dw). Notably, 54% and 45% of microplastics were found in the 0.1-0.5 mm size range, with 45% and 64% being colored microplastics, and 80% and 71% being fibers during the wet and dry seasons respectively. Micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR) analysis showed rayon (34%) and PE (64%) dominance in ports and estuaries during both seasons. Kottaipattinam Port exhibited higher diversity indices (DIMPsh=0.56,DIMPsz=0.66,DIMPco=0.50andDIMPpo=0.65) compared to other zones, with an overall diversity index IDIMP of 0.57. Notably, among the DgCIMP values (n = 96), only 12 fell within the moderate photo-chemical oxidation range (0.16-0.35), while the majority (n = 60) surpassed 0.35 indicating higher oxidation levels, with some (n = 24) exceeding 0.50, signifying extreme oxidation. PLIMP revealed that 42% of sampling stations had very low to negligible MP contamination levels in ports and estuaries. However, ecological risk fraction RfMP values ranged from 10.2 to 13,670, with 27% of values exceeding 1500, indicating higher coastal ecological risk in 13 sampling stations.
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López-Rosales A, Ferreiro B, Andrade J, Fernández-Amado M, González-Pleiter M, López-Mahía P, Rosal R, Muniategui-Lorenzo S. A reliable method to determine airborne microplastics using quantum cascade laser infrared spectrometry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169678. [PMID: 38159775 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The number of studies dealing with airborne microplastics (MPs) is increasing but sampling and sample treatment are not standardized, yet. Here, a fast and reliable method to characterize MPs is presented. It involves the study of two passive sampling devices to collect atmospheric bulk deposition (wet and dry deposition) and three digestion methods (two alkaline-oxidative and an oxidative) to treat the samples. The alkaline-oxidative method based on KOH and NaClO was selected for a mild organic matrix digestion. In addition, some operational parameters of a high-throughput quantum cascade laser-based infrared device (LDIR) were optimized: an effective automatic tiered approach to differentiate fibres from particles (>90 % success in validation) and a criterion to establish positive matches when comparing an unknown spectrum against the spectral database (proposed match index > 0.85). The procedural analytical recoveries were very good for particles (82-90 %) and slightly lower for fibres (62-73 %). Finally, the amount and type of MPs deposited at a sub-urban area NW Spain were evaluated. Most common polymers were Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The deposition rates ranged 98-1220 MP/m2/day, ca. 1.7 % of the total collected particles. More than 50 % of the total MPs deposited were in the 20-50 μm size range, whereas fibres were mostly in the 50-500 μm size range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián López-Rosales
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Borja Ferreiro
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - José Andrade
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - María Fernández-Amado
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Purificación López-Mahía
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Group of Applied Analytical Chemistry, University Institute of Environment, Universidade da Coruña, Campus da Zapateira s/n, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain.
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Edo C, Fernández-Piñas F, Leganes F, Gómez M, Martínez I, Herrera A, Hernández-Sánchez C, González-Sálamo J, Borges JH, López-Castellanos J, Bayo J, Romera-Castillo C, Elustondo D, Santamaría C, Alonso R, García-Gómez H, Gonzalez-Cascon R, Martínez-Hernández V, Landaburu-Aguirre J, Incera M, Gago J, Noya B, Beiras R, Muniategui-Lorenzo S, Rosal R, González-Pleiter M. A nationwide monitoring of atmospheric microplastic deposition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166923. [PMID: 37704133 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic production continues to increase every year, yet it is widely acknowledged that a significant portion of this material ends up in ecosystems as microplastics (MPs). Among all the environmental compartments affected by MPs, the atmosphere remains the least well-known. Here, we conducted a one-year simultaneous monitoring of atmospheric MPs deposition in ten urban areas, each with different population sizes, economic activities, and climates. The objective was to assess the role of the atmosphere in the fate of MPs by conducting a nationwide quantification of atmospheric MP deposition. To achieve this, we deployed collectors in ten different urban areas across continental Spain and the Canary Islands. We implemented a systematic sampling methodology with rigorous quality control/quality assurance, along with particle-oriented identification and quantification of anthropogenic particle deposition, which included MPs and industrially processed natural fibres. Among the sampled MPs, polyester fibres were the most abundant, followed by acrylic polymers, polypropylene, and alkyd resins. Their equivalent sizes ranged from 22 μm to 398 μm, with a median value of 71 μm. The particle size distribution of MPs showed fewer large particles than expected from a three-dimensional fractal fragmentation pattern, which was attributed to the higher mobility of small particles, especially fibres. The atmospheric deposition rate of MPs ranged from 5.6 to 78.6 MPs m-2 day-1, with the higher values observed in densely populated areas such as Barcelona and Madrid. Additionally, we detected natural polymers, mostly cellulosic fibres with evidence of industrial processing, with a deposition rate ranging from 6.4 to 58.6 particles m-2 day-1. There was a positive correlation was found between the population of the study area and the median of atmospheric MP deposition, supporting the hypothesis that urban areas act as sources of atmospheric MPs. Our study presents a systematic methodology for monitoring atmospheric MP deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Edo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Fernández-Piñas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. C Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Leganes
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. C Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - May Gómez
- Ecophysiology of Marine Organisms (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ico Martínez
- Ecophysiology of Marine Organisms (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Alicia Herrera
- Ecophysiology of Marine Organisms (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Cintia Hernández-Sánchez
- Applied Analytical Chemistry Research Group (AChem), Universidad de La Laguna. Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier González-Sálamo
- Applied Analytical Chemistry Research Group (AChem), Universidad de La Laguna. Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández Borges
- Applied Analytical Chemistry Research Group (AChem), Universidad de La Laguna. Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, s/n, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Joaquín López-Castellanos
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 44, E-30203, Cartagena, Spain
| | - Javier Bayo
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 44, E-30203, Cartagena, Spain
| | - Cristina Romera-Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar-CSIC, Paseo Marítimo de la Barceloneta, 37, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Elustondo
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (BIOMA), Universidad de Navarra, Campues Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carolina Santamaría
- Instituto de Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (BIOMA), Universidad de Navarra, Campues Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rocío Alonso
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avda. Complutense, 40, Madrid, Spain
| | - Héctor García-Gómez
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Avda. Complutense, 40, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario Gonzalez-Cascon
- Department of Environment, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Mónica Incera
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Jesús Gago
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390 Vigo, Spain
| | - Beatriz Noya
- Centro de Investigación Mariña da Universidade de Vigo (CIM-UVigo), Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Beiras
- Centro de Investigación Mariña da Universidade de Vigo (CIM-UVigo), Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- University of A Coruña. Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada (QANAP), Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, A Coruña 15071, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de Alcalá, E-28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, E-28049 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. C Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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Zhu J, Dong G, Feng F, Ye J, Liao CH, Wu CH, Chen SC. Microplastics in the soil environment: Focusing on the sources, its transformation and change in morphology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165291. [PMID: 37406689 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic pieces less than 5 mm in size. Previous studies have focused on the sources, transports, and fates of MPs in marine or sediment environments. However, limited attention has been given to the role of land as the primary source of MPs, and how plastic polymers are transformed into MPs through biological or abiotic effects during the transport process remains unclear. Here, we focus on the exploration of the main sources of MPs in the soil, highlighting that MP generation is not solely a byproduct of plastic production but can also result from the impact of biological and abiotic factors during the process of MPs transport. This review presents a new perspective on understanding the degradation of MPs in soil, considering soil as a distinct fluid and suggesting that the main transformation and change mediated by abiotic factors occur on the soil surface, while the main biodegradation occurs in the soil interior. This viewpoint is suggested because the role of some abiotic factors becomes less obvious in the soil interior, and MPs, whose surface is expected to colonize microorganisms, are gradually considered a carbon source independent of photosynthesis and net primary production. This review emphasizes the need to understand basic MPs information in soil for a rational evaluation of its environmental toxicity. Such understanding enables better control of MPs pollution in affected areas and prevents contamination in unaffected regions. Finally, knowledge gaps and future research directions necessary for advancements in this field are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Zhu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Guowen Dong
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu Feng
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Ye
- College of Environment and chemical Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ching-Hua Liao
- School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Chih-Hung Wu
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Chung Chen
- College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China; School of Resources and Chemical Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Management and Utilization, Sanming University, Sanming, Fujian, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Galvão LS, Ferreira RR, Fernandes EMS, Correia CA, Valera TS, Dos Santos Rosa D, Wiebeck H. Analysis of selective fluorescence for the characterization of microplastic fibers: Use of a Nile Red-based analytical method to compare between natural and synthetic fibers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130217. [PMID: 36283213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130217] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The scientific community has been focusing on studying and understanding the extent of damage caused by microplastics (MPs) to flora, fauna, and humans, including the environmental and health risks associated with them. MPs with different morphologies have been described in different environments, with fibers being the most common type regardless of the environment. Various methods have been used to analyze MPs. Analytical methodologies such as visual inspection, spectroscopic methods, and others currently used to study MPs are time-consuming, and only subjective results are obtained when these methods are used for sample analysis. Researchers have used various dyes, such as Nile Red (NR), a selective fluorescent stain, to differentiate the polymers from the other sample components and address these problems. Using such dyes helps distinguish polymer particles from other contaminants present in the samples. We aimed to study the analytical process, morphology, and wettability of synthetic (such as polyethylene and polypropylene) and natural (such as linen and cotton) fibers using NR to characterize the fibers. The fibers were fragmented manually, and the samples were prepared using a cryomicrotome. The prepared samples were subjected to different NR incubation times of 30 min, 24 h, and 168 h, and characterized under ultraviolet light using optical microscopy. We investigated the effect of NR on different fibers, and the samples selection using the fluorescence properties generated when the fibers adsorbed the NR dye. The wettabilities of the samples indicated that polyethylene and polypropylene were hydrophobic, while linen and cotton were hydrophilic. Both synthetic and natural fibers exhibited fluorescence properties in the presence of NR. This increased the complexity of executing the MP characterization process, indicating that combined methodologies and optical and chemical identification processes should be used to characterize plastic specimens efficiently. We summarize and discuss the results and findings and provide recommendations for future laboratory research on microplastic fibers focusing on (I) microplastic selection, (II) stain preparation, and (III) microplastic characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana S Galvão
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Chemistry and Manufactured Goods - Institute for Technological Research (IPT), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rafaela R Ferreira
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences - CECS, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Emília M S Fernandes
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences - CECS, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Carla Almêda Correia
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ticiane S Valera
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Derval Dos Santos Rosa
- Center for Engineering, Modeling, and Applied Social Sciences - CECS, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, 09210-580, Brazil.
| | - Hélio Wiebeck
- Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Ly NH, Kim MK, Lee H, Lee C, Son SJ, Zoh KD, Vasseghian Y, Joo SW. Advanced microplastic monitoring using Raman spectroscopy with a combination of nanostructure-based substrates. JOURNAL OF NANOSTRUCTURE IN CHEMISTRY 2022; 12:865-888. [PMID: 35757049 PMCID: PMC9206222 DOI: 10.1007/s40097-022-00506-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastic (MNP) pollutants have not only impacted human health directly, but are also associated with numerous chemical contaminants that increase toxicity in the natural environment. Most recent research about increasing plastic pollutants in natural environments have focused on the toxic effects of MNPs in water, the atmosphere, and soil. The methodologies of MNP identification have been extensively developed for actual applications, but they still require further study, including on-site detection. This review article provides a comprehensive update on the facile detection of MNPs by Raman spectroscopy, which aims at early diagnosis of potential risks and human health impacts. In particular, Raman imaging and nanostructure-enhanced Raman scattering have emerged as effective analytical technologies for identifying MNPs in an environment. Here, the authors give an update on the latest advances in plasmonic nanostructured materials-assisted SERS substrates utilized for the detection of MNP particles present in environmental samples. Moreover, this work describes different plasmonic materials-including pure noble metal nanostructured materials and hybrid nanomaterials-that have been used to fabricate and develop SERS platforms to obtain the identifying MNP particles at low concentrations. Plasmonic nanostructure-enhanced materials consisting of pure noble metals and hybrid nanomaterials can significantly enhance the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra signals of pollutant analytes due to their localized hot spots. This concise topical review also provides updates on recent developments and trends in MNP detection by means of SERS using a variety of unique materials, along with three-dimensional (3D) SERS substrates, nanopipettes, and microfluidic chips. A novel material-assisted spectral Raman technique and its effective application are also introduced for selective monitoring and trace detection of MNPs in indoor and outdoor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyễn Hoàng Ly
- Department of Chemistry, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120 Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Kyung Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seokyeong University, Seoul, 02713 Republic of Korea
| | - Cheolmin Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seokyeong University, Seoul, 02713 Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jun Son
- Department of Chemistry, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120 Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Duk Zoh
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Yasser Vasseghian
- Department of Chemistry, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978 Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Woo Joo
- Department of Chemistry, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978 Republic of Korea
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