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Christudoss AC, Kundu R, Dimkpa CO, Mukherjee A. Time dependent release of microplastics from disposable face masks poses cyto-genotoxic risks in Allium cepa. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116542. [PMID: 38850698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The use of disposable face masks (DFMs) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and has become a threat to the environment due to the release of microplastics (MPs). Although many reports have characterized and explored the release of MPs from DFMs and their effects in aquatic ecosystems, there is a lack of investigation into the effects in terrestrial plants. This report aims to fill this research gap by characterizing whole mask leachates (WMLs) collected at different time points and examining their toxicity on Allium cepa, a terrestrial model plant. Various analytical techniques including FE-SEM, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify MPs in WMLs. The MPs are composed of polypropylene mostly and the concentration of smaller-sized MPs increased with leachate release time. The WMLs showed a MP concentration-dependent cytogenotoxic effect (72 %, 50 %, and 31 %, on 1, 5, and 11-day WMLs, respectively) on A. cepa root cells due to elevated oxidative stress (19 %, 45 %, and 70 %, on 1, 5, and 11-day WMLs, respectively). Heavy metal content of the WMLs was negligible and, thus, not a significant contributor to toxicity in the plant. Overall, this report highlights the fate of DFMs in the environment and their biological impacts in a model plant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rita Kundu
- Department of Botany, Centre of Advanced Studies, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Christian O Dimkpa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Amitava Mukherjee
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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2
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Xiu FR, Zhan L, Qi Y, Wu T, Ju Y. Upcycling of waste disposable medical masks to high value-added gasoline fuel and surfactants products by sub/supercritical water degradation and partial oxidation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134950. [PMID: 38908183 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The amount of waste disposable medical masks (DMMs) and the potential environmental risk increased significantly due to the huge demand of disposable medical surgical masks. In this study, two effective and environmentally friendly processes, supercritical water degradation (SCWD) and subcritical water partial oxidation (SubCWPO), were proposed for the upcycling of DMMs. The optimal conditions for the SCWD process (conversion ratio>98 %) were 410 ℃, 15 min, and 1:5 g/mL. The oil products obtained from the SCWD process were mainly small molecule hydrocarbons (C7-C12) with a content of 86 % and could be recycled as fuel feedstock for gasoline. Alkyl radicals in the SCWD reaction formed double bonds and ring structures through hydrogen capture reactions, β-scission, and dehydrogenation reactions, and aromatic hydrocarbons were formed by olefin cyclization and cycloalkane dehydrogenation. The introduction of an oxidant (H2O2) to the reaction system could significantly reduce the reaction temperature and shorten the reaction time. At 350 ℃, 15 min, 1:20 g/mL, V(H2O2): V (H2O) of 1:1, the conversion ratio of the SubCWPO process was 88 %, which was higher than that of the SCWD process at 400 ℃ (71.49 %). Oil products produced from the SubCWPO process were rich in alcohols and esters, which could be used as raw materials for nonionic surfactant of polyol and fatty acid ester. The abundant hydroxyl radical in the SubCWPO system trapped hydrogen atoms on PP and reacted with the resulting alkyl radical to form alkanols, which was oxidized to form acids. The esterification of acids and alkanols formed high level of esters. The SCWD and SubCWPO processes proposed in this study are believed to be promising strategies for DMMs degradation and the recovery of high value-added hydrocarbons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Rong Xiu
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi' an 710054, China
| | - Longsheng Zhan
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi' an 710054, China
| | - Yingying Qi
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi' an 710054, China.
| | - Tianbi Wu
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi' an 710054, China
| | - Yawei Ju
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi' an 710054, China
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Lyu L, Bagchi M, Markoglou N, An C. Innovations and development of sustainable personal protective equipment: a path to a greener future. ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH 2024; 13:22. [PMID: 38911061 PMCID: PMC11189323 DOI: 10.1186/s40068-024-00350-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The unprecedented surge in the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) worldwide during the covid pandemic resulted in a significant increase in PPE consumption and subsequent waste generation. Despite the importance of PPE, its widespread usage and disposal have sparked worries about the environmental impact and its long-term sustainability. The increasing awareness of environmental challenges, resource scarcity, and the urgent need to mitigate climate change necessitates a paradigm shift in the product design, manufacturing process, and waste management of PPE. To address these challenges and have a sustainable PPE future, the development of degradable polymers and natural fibers offers a promising alternative to traditional plastics. Additionally, recycling and upcycling methods can convert the waste into valuable alternate products or energy sources, thereby reducing their environmental impact. Better waste management systems, comprehensive policy frameworks, and international collaborations are essential for the effective PPE waste management and the promotion of sustainable practices. Despite the challenges, collaborative efforts across governments, manufacturers, research institutions, and waste management authorities are crucial for transitioning to a more sustainable PPE industry and a circular economy, ultimately benefiting both the environment and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiang Lyu
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8 Canada
| | - Monisha Bagchi
- Meltech Innovation Canada Inc., Medicom Group, Pointe-Claire, Montreal, QC H9P 2Z2 Canada
| | - Nektaria Markoglou
- Meltech Innovation Canada Inc., Medicom Group, Pointe-Claire, Montreal, QC H9P 2Z2 Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8 Canada
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Ke Y, Lin L, Zhang G, Hong H, Yan C. Aging behavior and leaching characteristics of microfibers in landfill leachate: Important role of surface mesh structure. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134092. [PMID: 38554515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Mesh-structured films formed by the post-processing of microfibers improves their permeability and dexterity, such as disposable masks. However, the aging behavior and potential risks of mesh-structured microfibers (MS-MFs) in landfill leachate remain poorly understood. Herein, the aging behavior and mechanisms of MS-MFs and ordinary polypropylene-films (PP-films) microplastics, as well as their leaching concerning dissolved organic matter (DOM) in landfill leachate were investigated. Results revealed that MS-MFs underwent more significant physicochemical changes than PP-films during the aging process in landfill leachate, due to their rich porous habitats. An important factor in the photoaging of MS-MFs was related to reactive oxygen species produced by DOM, and this process was promoted by photoelectrons under UV irradiation. Compared with PP-films, MS-MFs released more DOM and nano-plastics fragments into landfill leachate, altering the composition and molecular weight of DOM. Aged MS-MFs-DOM generated new components, and humus-like substances produced by photochemistry showed the largest increase. Correlation analysis revealed that leached DOM was positively correlated with oxygen-containing groups accumulated in aged MS-MFs. Overall, MS-MFs will bring higher environmental risks and become a new long-term source of DOM contaminants in landfill leachate. This study provides new insights into the impact of novel microfibers on landfill leachate carbon dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ke
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Lujian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Guanglong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China
| | - Hualong Hong
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China.
| | - Chongling Yan
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystems, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, PR China.
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Yang X, Huang G, Chen Z, Feng Q, An C, Lyu L, Bi H, Zhou S. Spotlight on the vertical migration of aged microplastics in coastal waters. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134040. [PMID: 38503206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Coastal waters are complex and dynamic areas with unique environmental attributes that complicate the vertical migration of microplastics (MPs). The MPs that enter coastal waters from diverse sources, including terrestrial, riverine, oceanic, and shoreline inputs undergo various aging pathways. In this study, the variations in the physiochemical characteristics of MPs undergoing various aging pathways and their vertical migration under dynamic conditions subjected to the effects of different MP characteristics and coastal environmental features were comprehensively explored. Opposite effects of aging on the vertical migration of hydrophobic and hydrophilic MPs were observed, with aging appearing to promote the dispersion of hydrophobic MPs but enhance the vertical migration of hydrophilic ones. The positive role of salinity and the negative role of humic acid (HA) concentrations on MP vertical migration were identified, and the mechanisms driving these effects were analyzed. Notably, intense turbulence not only promoted the floating of positively buoyant MPs but also reversed the migration direction of negatively buoyant MPs from downward to upward. Aging-induced changes in MP characteristics had a limited effect on MP vertical migration. The inherent characteristics of MPs and the surrounding environmental features, however, played major roles in their vertical migration dynamics. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a significant global environmental concern and the coastal zones are the hotspots for MP pollution due to their high population density. This study comprehensively investigated the variations in the physiochemical characteristics of MPs undergoing various aging pathways. Their vertical migration patterns under dynamic conditions subjected to the effects of different MP characteristics and coastal environmental features were revealed. The roles of turbulence and MP density in their migration were identified. The findings of this study have important implications for understanding the transport and determining the ecological risks of MPs in coastal waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Yang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Guohe Huang
- Environmental Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Zhikun Chen
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Qi Feng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - Linxiang Lyu
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Huifang Bi
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Siyuan Zhou
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
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Cheng J, Wang P, Ghiglione JF, Liu L, Cai Z, Zhou J, Zhu X. Bacterial pathogens associated with the plastisphere of surgical face masks and their dispersion potential in the coastal marine environment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 462:132741. [PMID: 37827107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132741] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Huge numbers of face masks (FMs) were discharged into the ocean during the coronavirus pandemic. These polymer-based artificial surfaces can support the growth of specific bacterial assemblages, pathogens being of particular concern. However, the potential risks from FM-associated pathogens in the marine environment remain poorly understood. Here, FMs were deployed in coastal seawater for two months. PacBio circular consensus sequencing of the full-length 16S rRNA was used for pathogen identification, providing enhanced taxonomic resolution. Selective enrichment of putative pathogens (e.g., Ralstonia pickettii) was found on FMs, which provided a new niche for these pathogens rarely detected in the surrounding seawater or the stone controls. The total relative abundance of the putative pathogens in FMs was higher than in seawater but lower than in the stone controls. FM exposure during the two months resulted in 3% weight loss and the release of considerable amounts of microfibers. The ecological assembly process of the putative FM-associated pathogens was less impacted by the dispersal limitation, indicating that FM-derived microplastics can serve as vectors of most pathogens for their regional transport. Our results indicate a possible ecological risk of FMs for marine organisms or humans in the coastal and potentially in the open ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingguang Cheng
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Pu Wang
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jean-François Ghiglione
- CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Laboratoire d'Océanographie Microbienne (LOMIC), Observatoire Océanologique de Banyuls, Banyuls sur mer 66650, France
| | - Lu Liu
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Zhonghua Cai
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
| | - Xiaoshan Zhu
- Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; College of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, PR China.
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Lyu L, Bagchi M, Markoglou N, An C, Peng H, Bi H, Yang X, Sun H. Towards environmentally sustainable management: A review on the generation, degradation, and recycling of polypropylene face mask waste. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132566. [PMID: 37742382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132566] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
There has been a considerable increase in the use of face masks in the past years. Managing face mask waste has become a global concern, as the current waste management system is insufficient to deal with such a large quantity of solid waste. The drastic increase in quantity, along with the material's inability to degrade plastic components such as polypropylene, has led to a large accumulation of plastic waste, causing a series of environmental and ecological challenges. In addition, the growing use also imposes pressure on waste management methods such as landfill and incineration, raising concerns about high energy consumption, low value-added utilization, and the release of additional pollutants during the process. This article initially reviews the impact of mask-related plastic waste generation and degradation behavior in the natural environment. It then provides an overview of various recently developed methods for recycling face mask plastic waste. The article also offers forward-looking strategies and recommendations on face mask plastic waste management. The review aims to provide guidance on harnessing the complexities of mask waste and other medical plastic pollution issues, as well as improving the current waste management system's deficiencies and inefficiencies in tackling the growing plastic waste problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiang Lyu
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Monisha Bagchi
- Department Research and Development, Meltech Innovation Canada Inc., Medicom Group, Pointe-Claire, QC H9P 2Z2, Canada
| | - Nektaria Markoglou
- Department Research and Development, Meltech Innovation Canada Inc., Medicom Group, Pointe-Claire, QC H9P 2Z2, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - He Peng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Huifang Bi
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Huijuan Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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Lyu L, Peng H, An C, Sun H, Yang X, Bi H. An insight into the benefits of substituting polypropylene with biodegradable polylactic acid face masks for combating environmental emissions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167137. [PMID: 37734618 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167137] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Mask waste can affect the natural environment and human health. In this study, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of two types of face masks (Polylactic acid (PLA) and Polypropylene (PP)) was first performed to evaluate the environmental impacts from production to end-of-life, and then, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were estimated for each life stage. The GHG emissions for one functional unit of PP and PLA face masks were estimated to be 6.27E+07 and 5.06E+07 kg CO2 eq, respectively. Explicitly, PLA mask production emissions are 37 % lower as compared to those for PP masks. Packaging has been recognized as a major GHG source throughout the product's life cycle. This study may provide a new insight into the environmental benefits of reducing GHG emissions within PLA face mask life cycles. Biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials can be used in the manufacturing and packaging of face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiang Lyu
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - He Peng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - Huijuan Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Huifang Bi
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
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