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Zhang Q, Wang L, Wu Q. Occurrence and combined exposure of phthalate esters in urban soil, surface dust, atmospheric dustfall, and commercial food in the semi-arid industrial city of Lanzhou, Northwest China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 354:124170. [PMID: 38759748 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124170] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
A total of 138 samples including urban soil, surface dust, atmospheric dustfall, and commercial food were collected from the semi-arid industrial city of Lanzhou in Northwest China, and 22 phthalate esters (PAEs) were analyzed in these samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the pollution characteristics, potential sources, and combined exposure risks of PAEs. The results showed that the total concentration of 22 PAEs (Ʃ22PAEs) presented surface dust (4.94 × 104 ng/g) ≫ dustfall (1.56 × 104 ng/g) ≫ food (2.14 × 103 ng/g) ≫ urban soil (533 ng/g). Di-n-butyl phthalate (DNBP), di-isobutyl phthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and di-isononyl phthalate/di-isodecyl phthalate were predominant in the environmental media and commercial food, being controlled by priority (52.1%-65.5%) and non-priority (62.1%) PAEs, respectively. Elevated Ʃ22PAEs in the urban soil and surface dust was found in the west, middle, and east of Lanzhou. Principal component analysis indicated that PAEs the urban soil and surface dust were related with the emissions of products containing PAEs, atmosphere depositions, and traffic and industrial emissions. PAEs in the foods were associated with the growth and processing environment. The health risk assessment of United States Environmental Protection Agency based on the Chinese population exposure parameters indicated that the total exposure dose of 22 PAEs was from 0.111 to 0.226 mg/kg/day, which were above the reference dose (0.02 mg/kg/day) and tolerable daily intake (TDI, 0.05 mg/kg/day) for DEHP (0.0333-0.0631 mg/kg/day), and TDI (0.01 mg/kg/day) for DNBP (0.0213-0.0405 mg/kg/day), implying that the exposure of PAEs via multi-media should not be ignored; the total non-carcinogenic risk of six priority PAEs was below 1 for the three environmental media (1.21 × 10-5-2.90 × 10-3), while close to 1 for food (4.74 × 10-1-8.76 × 10-1), suggesting a potential non-carcinogenic risk of human exposure to PAEs in food; the total carcinogenic risk of BBP and DEHP was below 1 × 10-6 for the three environmental media (9.13 × 10-10-5.72 × 10-7), while above 1 × 10-4 for DEHP in food (1.02 × 10-4), suggesting a significantly carcinogenic risk of human exposure to DEHP in food. The current research results can provide certain supports for pollution and risk prevention of PAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
| | - Qianlan Wu
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
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Suchat S, Boonrasri S. Advancement of an Environmentally Friendly and Innovative Sustainable Rubber Wrap Film with Superior Sealing Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1499. [PMID: 38891446 PMCID: PMC11174811 DOI: 10.3390/polym16111499] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Common kitchen wraps like plastic and aluminum foil create significant environmental burdens. Plastic wrap, typically made from non-renewable fossil fuels, often ends up in landfills for centuries, breaking down into harmful microplastics. Aluminum foil, while effective, requires a large amount of energy to produce, and recycling it at home can be impractical due to food residue. A promising new alternative, low-nitrosamine rubber wrap film, aims to reduce waste by offering a reusable option compared to traditional single-use plastic wrap. The film is environmentally friendly, durable, and effective in sealing containers and keeping food fresh or crispy. The raw materials used to make the product were studied, namely fresh and concentrated natural rubber latex. No nitrosamines were found in either the fresh or concentrated latex, which is important as nitrosamines are known to be carcinogenic. The absence of nitrosamines in the raw materials suggests that the universal rubber wrap film is safe for use. In this study, the rubber formulation and properties of rubber used to make rubber wrap film were studied. The content of additives affecting the rubber properties was varied to find the optimum rubber formulation for making rubber wrap films. The rubber formulation with the least amount of chemicals that met the following criteria was selected: tensile strength of at least 15 MPa, elongation at break of at least 600%, and nitrosamine content below 6 ppm. It was found experimentally that the optimum rubber formulation for making a translucent rubber film had 0.7 phr zinc oxide and 1.0 phr sulfur. Performance tests revealed the rubber wrap film's superior sealing capabilities. Its elasticity allows for a tighter fit on containers, effectively conforming to various shapes and creating an optimal seal compared to plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The results of this study provide valuable information for developing a universal rubber wrap film that is safe with low nitrosamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunisa Suchat
- Faculty of Science and Industrial Technology, Prince of Songkla University Surat Thani Campus, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand
| | - Siwarote Boonrasri
- Faculty of Engineering and Agro-Industry, Maejo University, Chiang Mai 50290, Thailand
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Zhao F, Ping H, Liu J, Zhao T, Wang Y, Cui G, Ha X, Ma Z, Li C. Occurrence, potential sources, and ecological risks of traditional and novel organophosphate esters in facility agriculture soils: A case study in Beijing, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171456. [PMID: 38442758 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171456] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Although traditional organophosphate esters (OPEs) in soils have attracted widespread interest, there is little information on novel OPEs (NOPEs), especially in facility agriculture soils. In this work, we surveyed 11 traditional OPEs, four NOPEs, and four corresponding organophosphite antioxidant precursors (OPAs) for the NOPEs in soil samples collected from facility greenhouses and open fields. The median summed concentrations of traditional OPEs and NOPEs were 14.1 μg/kg (range: 5.38-115 μg/kg) and 702 μg/kg (range: 348-1952 μg/kg), respectively, in film-mulched soils from greenhouses. These concentrations were much higher than those in soils without mulch films, which suggests that OPEs in soils are associated with plastic mulch films. Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate, which is a NOPE produced by oxidation of (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, was the predominant congener in farmland soils, with concentrations several orders of magnitude greater than those of traditional OPEs. Comparisons of OPEs in different mulch films and the corresponding mulched soils revealed that degradable and black films caused more severe pollution than polyethylene and white films. Traditional OPEs, including tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate and tricresyl phosphate, exhibited moderate risks in farmland soils, especially in film-mulched soils. NOPEs, including trisnonylphenol phosphate, posed high ecological risks to the terrestrial ecosystem. Risk evaluations should be conducted for a broad range of NOPEs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhao
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Risk Assessment Laboratory for Agro-Products (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Ping
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Risk Assessment Laboratory for Agro-Products (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Risk Assessment Laboratory for Agro-Products (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Zhao
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Risk Assessment Laboratory for Agro-Products (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjun Wang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Risk Assessment Laboratory for Agro-Products (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Guanglu Cui
- Daxing District Planting Technology Promotion Station, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Xuejiao Ha
- Daxing District Planting Technology Promotion Station, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Zhihong Ma
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Risk Assessment Laboratory for Agro-Products (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China.
| | - Cheng Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China; Risk Assessment Laboratory for Agro-Products (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China.
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Zhao Y, Chang YH, Ren HR, Lou M, Jiang FW, Wang JX, Chen MS, Liu S, Shi YS, Zhu HM, Li JL. Phthalates Induce Neurotoxicity by Disrupting the Mfn2-PERK Axis-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondria Interaction. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:7411-7422. [PMID: 38390847 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), as the most common phthalate, has been extensively used as a plasticizer to improve the plasticity of agricultural products, which pose severe harm to human health. Mitochondrial dynamics and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis are indispensable for maintaining mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM) integrity. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of DEHP on the nervous system and its association with the ER-mitochondria interaction. Here, we showed that DEHP caused morphological changes, motor deficits, cognitive impairments, and blood-brain barrier disruption in the brain. DEHP triggered ER stress, which is mainly mediated by protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) signaling. Moreover, DEHP-induced mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) downregulation results in imbalance of the mitochondrial dynamics. Interestingly, DEHP exposure impaired MAMs by inhibiting the Mfn2-PERK interaction. Above all, this study elucidates the disruption of the Mfn2-PERK axis-mediated ER-mitochondria interaction as a phthalate-induced neurotoxicity that could be potentially developed as a novel therapy for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Yuan-Hang Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Hao-Ran Ren
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Ming Lou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Fu-Wei Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Xin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Ming-Shan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Shuo Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Sheng Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Mei Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
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Estoppey N, Castro G, Slinde GA, Hansen CB, Løseth ME, Krahn KM, Demmer V, Svenni J, Tran TVAT, Asimakopoulos AG, Arp HPH, Cornelissen G. Exposure assessment of plastics, phthalate plasticizers and their transformation products in diverse bio-based fertilizers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170501. [PMID: 38307289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170501] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) produced from organic waste have the potential to reduce societal dependence on limited and energy-intensive mineral fertilizers. BBFs, thereby, contribute to a circular economy for fertilizers. However, BBFs can contain plastic fragments and hazardous additives such as phthalate plasticizers, which could constitute a risk for agricultural soils and the environment. This study assessed the exposure associated with plastic and phthalates in BBFs from three types of organic wastes: agricultural and food industry waste (AgriFoodInduWaste), sewage sludge (SewSludge), and biowaste (i.e., garden, park, food and kitchen waste). The wastes were associated with various treatments like drying, anaerobic digestion, and vermicomposting. The number of microplastics (0.045-5 mm) increased from AgriFoodInduWaste-BBFs (15-258 particles g-1), to SewSludge-BBFs (59-1456 particles g-1) and then to Biowaste-BBFs (828-2912 particles g-1). Biowaste-BBFs mostly contained packaging plastics (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), with the mass of plastic (>10 g kg-1) exceeding the EU threshold (3 g kg-1, plastics >2 mm). Other BBFs mostly contained small (< 1 mm) non-packaging plastics in amounts below the EU limit. The calculated numbers of microplastics entering agricultural soils via BBF application was high (107-1010 microplastics ha-1y-1), but the mass of plastic released from AgriFoodInduWaste-BBFs and SewSludge-BBFs was limited (< 1 and <7 kg ha-1y-1) compared to Biowaste-BBFs (95-156 kg ha-1y-1). The concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP; < 2.5 mg kg-1) and phthalate transformation products (< 8 mg kg-1) were low (< benchmark of 50 mg kg-1 for DEHP), attributable to both the current phase-out of DEHP as well as phthalate degradation during waste treatment. The Biowaste-BBF exposed to vermicomposting indicated that worms accumulated phthalate transformation products (4 mg kg-1). These results are overall positive for the implementation of the studied AgriFoodInduWaste-BBFs and SewSludge-BBFs. However, the safe use of the studied Biowaste-BBFs requires reducing plastic use and improving sorting methods to minimize plastic contamination, in order to protect agricultural soils and reduce the environmental impact of Biowaste-BBFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Estoppey
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Gabriela Castro
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7024 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, Institute for Research in Chemical and Biological Analysis (IAQBUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gøril Aasen Slinde
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | - Caroline Berge Hansen
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mari Engvig Løseth
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Viona Demmer
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørgen Svenni
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Department of Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Art and Design, OsloMet, 0176 Oslo, Norway
| | - Teresa-Van-Anh Thi Tran
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Department of Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Art and Design, OsloMet, 0176 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7024 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gerard Cornelissen
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box. 3930, Ullevål Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1432 Ås, Norway
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6
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Chen L, Yu L, Han B, Li Y, Zhang J, Tao S, Liu W. Pollution characteristics and affecting factors of phthalate esters in agricultural soils in mainland China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133625. [PMID: 38295727 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133625] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Phthalate esters (PAEs), the most commonly produced and used plasticizers, are widely used in plastic products and agroecosystems, posing risks to agricultural products and human health. However, current research on PAE pollution characteristics in agricultural soils in China is not comprehensive; affecting factors and relationships with microplastics and plasticizer organophosphate esters have not been sufficiently considered. In this study, farmland soil samples were collected with field questionnaires on a national scale across mainland China. The results showed that the detection rate of PAEs was 100% and the Σ16PAEs concentrations were 23.5 - 903 μg/kg. The level of PAEs was highest in the greenhouse, and significantly higher than that in mulched farmland (p < 0.05). The PAE concentration in northwestern China was the lowest among different physical geographic zones. PAEs in farmlands posed a low cancer risk to Chinese people. PAE pollution in farmlands was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by agronomic measures (such as disposal method), environmental factors, and socioeconomic factors. Overall, PAEs were significantly and positively correlated (p < 0.05) with organophosphate esters but not with microplastics. This study aims to provide scientific data for relevant prevention and control policies, as well as actionable recommendations for pollution reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- LiYuan Chen
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - BingJun Han
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - YuJun Li
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - JiaoDi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shu Tao
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - WenXin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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7
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Chen Z, Dou S, Zhao C, Xiao L, Lu Z, Qiu Y. Machine learning-assisted assessment of key meteorological and crop factors affecting historical mulch pollution in China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133281. [PMID: 38134688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133281] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Degraded mulch pollution is of a great concern for agricultural soils. Although numerous studies have examined this issue from an environmental perspective, there is a lack of research focusing on crop-specific factors such as crop type. This study aimed to explore the correlation between meteorological and crop factors and mulch contamination. The first step was to estimate the amounts of mulch-derived microplastics (MPs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs) during the rapid expansion period (1993-2012) of mulch usage in China. Subsequently, the Elastic Net (EN) and Random Forest (RF) models were employed to process a dataset that included meteorological, crop, and estimation data. At the national level, the RF model suggested that coldness in fall was crucial for MPs generation, while vegetables acted as a key factor for PAEs release. On a regional scale, the EN results showed that crops like vegetables, cotton, and peanuts remained significantly involved in PAEs contamination. As for MPs generation, coldness prevailed over all regions. Aridity became more critical for southern regions compared to northern regions due to solar radiation. Lastly, each region possessed specific crop types that could potentially influence its MPs contamination levels and provide guidance for developing sustainable ways to manage mulch contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Chen
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, China
| | - Shuguang Dou
- Department of Computer Science, College of Electronic and Information Engineering, Tongji University, China
| | - Cairong Zhao
- Department of Computer Science, College of Electronic and Information Engineering, Tongji University, China
| | - Liwen Xiao
- Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Zhibo Lu
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, China
| | - Yuping Qiu
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, China.
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Fan R, Li B, Liu Q, Liu Q, Cui J, Bai R, Wang Y, Elias R, Li C, He W. Comparative evaluation of soil accumulation of light stabilizers from biodegradable mulching films versus conventional polyethylene ones. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133302. [PMID: 38141305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133302] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Light stabilizers are commonly used as additives in mulching films and have environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and ecotoxicity. However, their occurrence and distribution in mulching films and accumulation in mulched soils are seldom reported. This study firstly presents a comprehensive screening of 19 light stabilizers in 65 mulching films and 30 farmland soils collected in China, of which five and eight light stabilizers were 100% detected, respectively. The light stabilizer concentration in biodegradable mulching films was significantly higher than that in polyethylene ones, with median concentrations of 1.75 × 106 μg/kg and 4.86 × 103 μg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the light stabilizer concentration in mulching films and in soils. This indicates that mulching films play a critical role in the accumulation of light stabilizers in farmland soils, and biodegradable mulching films significantly increase benzotriazole light stabilizers in soils. Although the light stabilizer concentration in farmland soil is relatively low, the sustainable quantities of mulching film input and the long-term accumulation will still pose a threat to the ecological environment and organism health. Consequently, our work reveals the occurrence and environmental risk of light stabilizers in mulching films and farmland soils and brings attention to light stabilizers in the soil environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Fan
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Bingru Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Qiuyun Liu
- The BioComposites Centre, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Jixiao Cui
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, Xinjiang, China
| | - Runhao Bai
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Robert Elias
- The BioComposites Centre, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Cheng Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China.
| | - Wenqing He
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Residual Pollution in Agricultural Film, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, Xinjiang, China.
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9
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Yang X, Xu J, Chen X, Yao M, Pei M, Yang Y, Gao P, Zhang C, Wang Z. Co-exposure of butyl benzyl phthalate and TiO 2 nanomaterials (anatase) in Metaphire guillelmi: Gut health implications by transcriptomics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 354:120429. [PMID: 38387344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, an abundance of plastic face masks has been consumed and disposed of in the environment. In addition, substantial amounts of plastic mulch film have been used in intensive agriculture with low recovery. Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) and TiO2 nanomaterials (nTiO2) are widely applied in plastic products, leading to the inevitable release of BBP and nTiO2 into the soil system. However, the impact of co-exposure of BBP and nTiO2 at low concentrations on earthworms remains understudied. In the present study, transcriptomics was applied to reveal the effects of individual BBP and nTiO2 exposures at a concentration of 1 mg kg-1, along with the combined exposure of BBP and nTiO2 (1 mg kg-1 BBP + 1 mg kg-1 nTiO2 (anatase)) on Metaphire guillelmi. The result showed that BBP and nTiO2 exposures have the potential to induce neurodegeneration through glutamate accumulation, tau protein, and oxidative stress in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, as well as metabolism dysfunction. The present study contributes to our understanding of the toxic mechanisms of emerging contaminants at environmentally relevant levels and prompts consideration of the management of BBP and nTiO2 within the soil ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Yang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jiake Xu
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaoni Chen
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mengyao Yao
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Mengyuan Pei
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yujian Yang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, United States
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- School of Environment & Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, 215009, China
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10
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Feng Y, Li J, Ai Y, Cheng Y, Yang L, Han L, Chen M. Exposure risk assessment of representative phthalate acid esters and associated plastic debris under the agricultural land use in typical Chinese regions. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141059. [PMID: 38163469 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141059] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are frequently detected in the global environment and can cause potential health hazards. In this study, quantitative exposure risk assessment was undertaken to derive soil generic assessment criteria (GAC) for six representative PAEs under the agricultural land use in the evaluated Chinese regions, which coupled multi-media transport and human exposure models based on multiple exposure pathways including vegetables consumption, dermal absorption, ingestion of soil and dust, and the exposure from non-soil sources. It is identified that the PAEs in agricultural soil are dominated by DEHP and DnBP representing 72-96% of the total PAEs. The GAC for BBP and DEHP, calculated on the basis of region-specific exposure parameters and soil properties in various locations, are stringent, signifying greater potential health risks from exposure to them, warranting more rigorous contamination management. The proposed soil GAC for plastic debris are 100, 107, 73 and 88 mg kg-1 for Heilongjiang Province, Beijing City, Jiangsu and Guangdong Provinces respectively. Additionally, the potential risks of 1.68 × 10-6 and 7 × 10-6 are identified for BBP and DEHP in Guangdong Province as indicated by the exceedance of target risk level of 1 × 10-6, with the consumption of vegetables being the dominant contributor to the total estimated PAEs exposure. Overall, this methodology based on the coupled contaminant transport and exposure models incorporating region-specific data provides a technical framework to derive science-based soil GAC for representative PAEs for maintaining and assessing soil quality and food safety under the agricultural land use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China; Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Soil and Groundwater Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China; Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Soil and Groundwater Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; Nanjing Jinghongze Environmental Technology Co Ltd, Nanjing, 210000, China.
| | - Yulu Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China; Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Soil and Groundwater Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Yikang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China; Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Soil and Groundwater Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China; Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Soil and Groundwater Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Lu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China; Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Soil and Groundwater Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Mengfang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China; Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Soil and Groundwater Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
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11
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Wright ACM, Boots B, Ings TC, Green DS. Impacts of pristine, aged and leachate of conventional and biodegradable plastics on plant growth and soil organic carbon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11766-11780. [PMID: 38224439 PMCID: PMC10869392 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31838-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Plastic is an essential component of agriculture globally, becoming a concerning form of pollution. Biodegradable alternatives are gaining attention as a potential replacement for commonly used, non-degradable plastics, but there is little known about the impacts of biodegradable plastics as they age and potential leachates are released. In this study, different types (conventional: polyethylene and polypropylene and biodegradable: polyhydroxybutyrate and polylactic acid) of micro- and meso-films were added to soil at 0.1% (w/w) prior to being planted with Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) to evaluate the plant and soil biophysical responses in a pot experiment. Root and shoot biomass and chlorophyll content were reduced when soil was exposed to plastics, whether conventional or biodegradable, pristine, aged or when just their leachate was present. The pH and organic matter content of soil exposed to these plastics and their leachates was significantly reduced compared to control samples; furthermore, there was an increase in CO2 respiration rate from soil. In general, meso (> 5 mm) and micro (< 5 mm) plastic films did not differ in the impact on plants or soil. This study provides evidence that conventional and biodegradable plastics have both physical and chemical impacts on essential soil characteristics and the growth of L. perenne, potentially leading to wider effects on soil carbon cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C M Wright
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK.
| | - Bas Boots
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Thomas C Ings
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Dannielle S Green
- Applied Ecology Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK
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12
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Casagrande N, Silva CO, Verones F, Sobral P, Martinho G. Ecotoxicity effect factors for plastic additives on the aquatic environment: a new approach for life cycle impact assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122935. [PMID: 37977358 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
All plastic contains additives. Once in the environment, these will start to leach out and will expose and harm aquatic biota, causing potentially lethal and sub-lethal toxic effects. Even though life cycle assessment covers the toxic impacts of several thousands of chemicals, models to assess the toxic impacts of plastic additives are only emerging. We gathered 461 data points from the literature (266 for freshwater and 195 for marine ecosystems) for 75 species belonging to 9 different phyla. The endpoints effective concentration and lethal concentration, no observed effects concentrations and lowest observed effect concentration tested in acute and chronic exposure, were harmonized into chronic values by applying extrapolation factors. The collected data points covered 75 main plastic additives. This allowed us to calculate 25 Effect factors, 19 for single chemicals and four for overarching categories (alkylphenols, benzophenones, brominated flame retardants and phosphates. In addition, we calculated an aggregated effect factor for chemicals that did not fit in any of the previous groups, as well as a Generic effect factor including 404 gathered data points. The estimated potentially affected fraction (PAF) for the single additives varied between 20.69 PAF·m3·kg-1 for diethyl phthalate and 11081.85 PAF·m3·kg-1 for 4-Nonylphenol. The factors can in future be combined with fate and exposure factors to derive a characterization factor for toxicity caused by additives in aquatic species. This is an important advancement for the assessment of the impacts of plastic debris on aquatic species, thus providing information for decision-makers, as well as guiding policies for the use of additives, ultimately aiming to make the plastic value chain more sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Casagrande
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre | ARNET - Aquatic Research Network Associate Laboratory, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Carla O Silva
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre | ARNET - Aquatic Research Network Associate Laboratory, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Francesca Verones
- Industrial Ecology Programme, Department for Energy and Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Paula Sobral
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre | ARNET - Aquatic Research Network Associate Laboratory, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
| | - Graça Martinho
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre | ARNET - Aquatic Research Network Associate Laboratory, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, Caparica, Portugal
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13
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Zhang H, Huang Y, An S, Wang P, Xie C, Jia P, Huang Q, Wang B. Mulch-derived microplastic aging promotes phthalate esters and alters organic carbon fraction content in grassland and farmland soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132619. [PMID: 37757559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural plastic mulch is a major microplastics (MPs) source in terrestrial ecosystems. However, knowledge about the aging characteristics of mulch-derived MPs entering natural and agricultural soils and their effects on phthalate esters (PAEs) and organic carbon fractions is still limited. Black (contains black masterbatches) and white polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable (Bio, Poly propylene carbonate and Polybutylene adipate terephthalate synthetic material (PPC+PBAT)) mulch-derived MPs, at 0.3% (w/w) dose, were added to grassland and farmland soils for eight-week incubation. Microplastic (MP) aging degree was explored by quantifying the carbonyl index (CI). The soil PAEs and organic carbon fractions were also analyzed. After incubation, black and white PE-MP aged greater in farmland than in grassland. PAEs accumulated highest in PE-MP treatment (5.27-6.41 mg kg-1) followed by Bio-MP (1.88-2.38 mg kg-1). Soil organic carbon (SOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were reduced by 5.3%-8.2%, 31.8%-41.6%, and 39.7%-63.0%, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was increased by 10.1%-27.6% in grassland containing MP compared to control. MPs' aging degree promoted PAEs content or altered nutrients, then regulated soil microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activity directly or indirectly, ultimately affecting SOC. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Microplastics are persistent environmental pollutants that gradually undergo surface aging in response to extracellular enzymes secreted by microorganisms. As microplastics age, their surface roughness and functional groups change; thus, organochemical contaminants gradually leach out. Therefore, this study analyzed the aging of mulch film-derived microplastics under the action of diverse microorganisms in farmland and grassland soils and the effect on plasticizer and organic carbon fractions. The results proved that polyethylene microplastic aging degree was highest in farmland soil. Besides, biodegradable microplastic caused lower contamination of phthalate esters than polyethylene, but they affected soil carbon balance in grassland and farmland soils. STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: This study highlights that MPs affect organic carbon fractions by influencing the PAEs, available nutrients, and extracellular enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yimei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Shaoshan An
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Pan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chunjiao Xie
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Penghui Jia
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Baorong Wang
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
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14
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Maddela NR, Kakarla D, Venkateswarlu K, Megharaj M. Additives of plastics: Entry into the environment and potential risks to human and ecological health. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119364. [PMID: 37866190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119364] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
A steep rise in global plastic production and significant discharge of plastic waste are expected in the near future. Plastics pose a threat to the ecosystem and human health through the generation of particulate plastics that act as carriers for other emerging contaminants, and the release of toxic chemical additives. Since plastic additives are not covalently bound, they can freely leach into the environment. Due to their occurrence in various environmental settings, the additives exert significant ecotoxicity. However, only 25% of plastic additives have been characterized for their potential ecological concern. Despite global market statistics highlighting the substantial environmental burden caused by the unrestricted production and use of plastic additives, information on their ecotoxicity remains incomplete. By focusing on the ecological impacts of plastic additives, the present review aims to provide detailed insights into the following aspects: (i) diversity and occurrence in the environment, (ii) leaching from plastic materials, (iii) trophic transfer, (iv) human exposure, (v) risks to ecosystem and human health, and (vi) legal guidelines and mitigation strategies. These insights are of immense value in restricting the use of toxic additives, searching for eco-friendly alternatives, and establishing or revising guidelines on plastic additives by global health and environmental agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naga Raju Maddela
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, 130105, Ecuador
| | - Dhatri Kakarla
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Kadiyala Venkateswarlu
- Formerly Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, 515003, India
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Engineering Science and Environment, ATC Building, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of Environment (CRC CARE), The University of Newcastle, ATC Building, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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15
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Zhang Y, Li J, Shi W, Lu L, Zhou Q, Zhang H, Liu R, Pu Y, Yin L. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces reproductive toxicity and transgenerational reproductive aging in Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122259. [PMID: 37541378 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
With the large-scale production and use of plastic products, the global plastic pollution problem is becoming more and more serious. The plasticizer di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which is widely used in the production of plastics, has caused great concern for the health of the population. Exposure of organisms to DEHP can cause a variety of health damage, of which reproductive system damage is an important part. At present, there are still few studies on DEHP in reproductive aging, and it is of great significance to explore the role of DEHP in promoting reproductive aging and its underlying mechanism. In this study, the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used to preliminarily explore the mechanism of DEHP-induced female reproductive senescence. The results showed that DEHP reduced the number of offspring and gonad area of C. elegans, resulting in shortened reproductive and life span, abnormal phenotypes in somatic gonad structure including the Emo phenotype, the BOW phenotype, a twisted gonad arm, and atrophied oocytes. Biochemical studies showed that DEHP promoted oxidative stress and autophagy in C. elegans. Further, we found the decreased number of offspring, malformed somatic gonad structure, oxidative damage and autophagy induced by DEHP in parental worms can be inheritance to the not directly exposed offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jingjing Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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16
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Ramanayaka S, Vithanage M, Zhang H, Semple KT. Role of soil organic matter on the retention and mobility of common plastic additives, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, bisphenol A and benzophenone, in soil. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116725. [PMID: 37487922 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to assess the role of soil organic matter on retaining plastic additives, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Bisphenol A (BPA) and Benzophenone (BP), to postulate the retention mechanisms and mobility in soil. Batch experiments were conducted for red yellow podzolic soil (OM) and soil subjected to high temperature oxidation at 600 °C for 2 h to remove total organic matter (OMR). Pristine soil, which contains organic matter abbreviated as OM (soil with organic matter) whereas total organic matter removed soil is abbreviated as OMR (organic matter removed soil). The pH edge and kinetic experiments were conducted with 20 g/L soil suspension spiked with 10 mg/L of each additive, whereas 1-20 mg/L concentration range was used in isotherm experiments and analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography. DEHP demonstrated the highest retention, 331 and 615.16 mg/kg in OM and OMR soils respectively, at pH 6.6. However, BPA and BP showed highest retentions of 132 and 128 mg/kg, respectively around pH 4.3 in pristine soil. DEHP interaction with soil OM indicated weak physical bonding whereas chemisorption to OMR soil. In the case of BPA, physisorption governed its interaction with both soil organic matter and mineral fraction. Nevertheless, BP demonstrated chemical interactions with OM and minerals. Desorption of DEHP was close to 100% however, BPA and BP were <15%. Overall, DEHP and BPA could be easily released into soil water and possibly be available for plant uptake while, BP is immobilized in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammani Ramanayaka
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Centre, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Hao Zhang
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Kirk T Semple
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
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17
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Wang Y, Sun Y, Gao M, Xin Y, Zhang G, Xu P, Ma D. Degradation of dimethyl phthalate by morphology controlled β-MnO 2 activated peroxymonosulfate: The overlooked roles of high-valent manganese species. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132199. [PMID: 37541123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) processes have emerged as an efficient advanced oxidation process to eliminate refractory organic pollutants in water. This study synthesized a novel spherical manganese oxide catalyst (0.4KBr-β-MnO2) via a simple KBr-guided approach to activate PMS for degrading dimethyl phthalate (DMP). The 0.4KBr-β-MnO2/PMS system enhanced DMP degradation under different water quality conditions, exhibiting an ultrahigh and stable catalytic activity, outperforming equivalent quantities of pristine β-MnO2 by 8.5 times. Mn(V) was the dominant reactive species that was revealed by the generation of methyl phenyl sulfone from methyl phenyl sulfoxide oxidation. The selectivity of Mn(V) was demonstrated by the negligible inhibitory effects of Inorganic anions. Theoretical calculations confirmed that Mn (V) was more prone to attack the CO bond of the side chain of DMP. This study revealed the indispensable roles of high-valent manganese species in DMP degradation by the 0.4KBr-β-MnO2/PMS system. The findings could provide insight into effective PMS activation by Mn-based catalysts to efficiently degrade pollutants in water via the high-valent manganese species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhao Wang
- Key Lab of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yunlong Sun
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Mengchun Gao
- Key Lab of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Yanjun Xin
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Guangshan Zhang
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Peng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Dong Ma
- College of Resource and Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
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18
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Yao M, Qian J, Chen X, Liu J, Yang X, Gao P, Zhang C. Butyl benzyl phthalate exposure impact on the gut health of Metaphire guillelmi. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 171:443-451. [PMID: 37801871 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural films are extensively utilized in high-intensity agriculture, with China's annual usage reaching 1.5 million tons. Unfortunately, the recovery rate is less than 60%, leading to an inevitable accumulation of plastic mulch in agricultural soils. This accumulation primarily introduces butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) into soil ecosystems, whose specific effects remain largely unclear, thereby posing potential risks. The present study focuses on the exposure impact of BBP on earthworms, Metaphire guillelmi, a commonly found endogenic earthworm within real farmland, as it provides insight into the direct interaction between biota gut health and contaminants. Specifically, we studied the biomarkers related to oxidative stress, the digestive system, and neurotoxicity within the gut of Metaphire guillelmi, and the integrated biological response (IBR) index was utilized to track these markers at different timeframes after BBP exposures. Our findings indicate that BBP exposures lead to oxidative damage, digestive system inhibition, and neurotoxicity, with IBR indexes of 14.6 and 17.3 on the 14th and 28th days, respectively. Further, the underlying mechanisms at a molecular level through molecular docking were investigated. The results showed that the most unstable interaction was with the Na+K+-ATPase (binding energy: -2.25 kcal-1), while BBP displayed stable bonds with superoxide dismutase and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interaction. These interactions resulted in changes in protein conformation and their normal physiological functions, offering new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying enzymatic activity changes. This study has significant implications for the prediction of toxicity, environmental risk assessment, and the establishment of regulations related to BBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Yao
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jingran Qian
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaoni Chen
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jilong Liu
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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19
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Jia L, Liu L, Zhang Y, Fu W, Liu X, Wang Q, Tanveer M, Huang L. Microplastic stress in plants: effects on plant growth and their remediations. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1226484. [PMID: 37636098 PMCID: PMC10452891 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1226484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is becoming a global problem due to the resilience, long-term persistence, and robustness of MPs in different ecosystems. In terrestrial ecosystems, plants are exposed to MP stress, thereby affecting overall plant growth and development. This review article has critically analyzed the effects of MP stress in plants. We found that MP stress-induced reduction in plant physical growth is accompanied by two complementary effects: (i) blockage of pores in seed coat or roots to alter water and nutrient uptake, and (ii) induction of drought due to increased soil cracking effects of MPs. Nonetheless, the reduction in physiological growth under MP stress is accompanied by four complementary effects: (i) excessive production of ROS, (ii) alteration in leaf and root ionome, (iii) impaired hormonal regulation, and (iv) decline in chlorophyll and photosynthesis. Considering that, we suggested that targeting the redox regulatory mechanisms could be beneficial in improving tolerance to MPs in plants; however, antioxidant activities are highly dependent on plant species, plant tissue, MP type, and MP dose. MP stress also indirectly reduces plant growth by altering soil productivity. However, MP-induced negative effects vary due to the presence of different surface functional groups and particle sizes. In the end, we suggested the utilization of agronomic approaches, including the application of growth regulators, biochar, and replacing plastic mulch with crop residues, crop diversification, and biological degradation, to ameliorate the effects of MP stress in plants. The efficiency of these methods is also MP-type-specific and dose-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jia
- College of Food and Drug, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Lining Liu
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Wenxuan Fu
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Xing Liu
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Mohsin Tanveer
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Liping Huang
- International Research Center for Environmental Membrane Biology, College of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
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20
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Anake WU, Nnamani EA. Levels and health risk assessments of Phthalate acid esters in indoor dust of some microenvironments within Ikeja and Ota, Nigeria. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11209. [PMID: 37433814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38062-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The levels, profiles of Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) and their associated health risk in children and adults using indoor dust samples were assessed from nine (9) microenvironments in Nigeria. Six PAEs congeners were determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and the human health risk assessments of PAEs exposure to children and adults were computed using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) exposure model. The mean concentrations of the total PAEs (Σ6PAEs) in indoor dust across the study locations ranged from 1.61 ± 0.12 to 53.3 ± 5.27 μg/g with 72.0% of di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) as the most predominant contributor of PAEs in sample locations B, C, D, E, F and G. PAEs estimated daily intake results exceeded the USEPA value of 20 and 50 kg/bw/day for children and adults respectively in some locations. Non-carcinogenic risk exposure indicated no risk (HI < 1), while the carcinogenic risk was within the recommended threshold of 1.00 × 10-4 to 1.00 × 10-6 for benzyl butyl phthalate and bis-2-ethylhexyl phthalate. From our findings, lower levels of PAEs were observed in locations with good ventilation system. Also, the human health risk evaluation indicated indoor dust ingestion as the dominant exposure route of PAEs for both children and adults, while the children were at a higher risk of PAEs exposure. To protect children susceptible to these endocrine-disrupting pollutants, soft vinyl children's toys and teething rings should be avoided. Appropriate policies and procedures on the reduction of PAEs exposure to humans should be enacted by all stakeholders, including government regulatory agencies, industries, school administrators and the entire community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winifred U Anake
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, P.M. B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
| | - Esther A Nnamani
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, P.M. B 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
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21
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Yang J, Zeng H, Chai Y, Yuan R, Liu H. Ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical biosensor amplified by target induced assembly of cruciform DNA nanostructure for the detection of dibutyl phthalate. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1262:341242. [PMID: 37179065 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341242] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In this work, an ultra-sensitive signal quenched photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptasensor for dibutyl phthalate (DBP) detection was constructed by using a target induced cruciform DNA structure as signal amplifier and g-C3N4/SnO2 composite as signal indicator. Impressively, the designed cruciform DNA structure shows high signal amplification efficiency due to the reduced reaction steric hindrance because of its mutually separated and repelled tails, multiple recognition domains, and a fixed direction for the sequential identification of the target. Therefore, the fabricated PEC biosensor demonstrated a low detection limit of 0.3 fM for DBP in a wide linear range of 1 fM to 1 nM. This work offered a novel nucleic acid signal amplification approach for enhancing the sensitivity of PEC sensing platforms for the detection of phthalates (PAEs)-based plasticizer, laying the foundation for its utilization in the determine of real environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongmei Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yaqin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ruo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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22
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Sahoo TP, Kumar MA. Remediation of phthalate acid esters from contaminated environment—Insights on the bioremedial approaches and future perspectives. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14945. [PMID: 37025882 PMCID: PMC10070671 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Phthalates are well-known emerging pollutants that are toxic to the environment and human health. Phthalates are lipophilic chemicals used as plasticizers in many of the items for improving their material properties. These compounds are not chemically bound and are released to the surroundings directly. Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are endocrine disruptors and can interfere with hormones, which can cause issues with development and reproduction, thus there is a huge concern over their existence in various ecological surroundings. The purpose of this review is to explore the occurrence, fate, and concentration of phthalates in various environmental matrices. This article also covers the phthalate degradation process, mechanism, and outcomes. Besides the conventional treatment technology, the paper also aims at the recent advancements in various physical, chemical, and biological approaches developed for phthalate degradation. In this paper, a special focus has been given on the diverse microbial entities and their bioremedial mechanisms executes the PAEs removal. Critically, the analyses method for determining intermediate products generated during phthalate biotransformation have been discussed. Concluisvely, the challenges, limitations, knowledge gaps and future opportunities of bioremediation and their significant role in ecology have also been highlighted.
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23
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Mansoor Z, Tchuenbou-Magaia F, Kowalczuk M, Adamus G, Manning G, Parati M, Radecka I, Khan H. Polymers Use as Mulch Films in Agriculture-A Review of History, Problems and Current Trends. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14235062. [PMID: 36501456 PMCID: PMC9740682 DOI: 10.3390/polym14235062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of mulch films for preserving soil moisture and preventing weed growth has been a part of agricultural practice for decades. Different materials have been used as mulch films, but polyethylene plastic has been considered most effective due to its excellent mechanical strength, low cost and ability to act as a barrier for sunlight and water. However, its use carries a risk of plastic pollution and health hazards, hence new laws have been passed to replace it completely with other materials over the next few years. Research to find out about new biodegradable polymers for this purpose has gained impetus in the past few years, driven by regulations and the United Nations Organization's Sustainable Development Goals. The primary requisite for these polymers is biodegradability under natural climatic conditions without the production of any toxic residual compounds. Therefore, biodegradable polymers developed from fossil fuels, microorganisms, animals and plants are viable options for using as mulching material. However, the solution is not as simple since each polymer has different mechanical properties and a compromise has to be made in terms of strength, cost and biodegradability of the polymer for its use as mulch film. This review discusses the history of mulching materials, the gradual evolution in the choice of materials, the process of biodegradation of mulch films, the regulations passed regarding material to be used, types of polymers that can be explored as potential mulch films and the future prospects in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinnia Mansoor
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
- Department of Biotechnology, Virtual University of Pakistan, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Fideline Tchuenbou-Magaia
- Division of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Marek Kowalczuk
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Curie-Sklodowskiej 34, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Grazyna Adamus
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, M. Curie-Sklodowskiej 34, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Georgina Manning
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Mattia Parati
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Iza Radecka
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (H.K.)
| | - Habib Khan
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (H.K.)
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