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Menger F, Römerscheid M, Lips S, Klein O, Nabi D, Gandrass J, Joerss H, Wendt-Potthoff K, Bedulina D, Zimmermann T, Schmitt-Jansen M, Huber C, Böhme A, Ulrich N, Beck AJ, Pröfrock D, Achterberg EP, Jahnke A, Hildebrandt L. Screening the release of chemicals and microplastic particles from diverse plastic consumer products into water under accelerated UV weathering conditions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135256. [PMID: 39106725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Photodegradation of plastic consumer products is known to accelerate weathering and facilitate the release of chemicals and plastic particles into the aquatic environment. However, these processes are complex. In our presented pilot study, eight plastic consumer products were leached in distilled water under strong ultraviolet (UV) light simulating eight months of Central European climate and compared to their respective dark controls (DCs). The leachates and formed plastic particles were exploratorily characterized using a range of chemical analytical tools to describe degradation and leaching processes. These techniques covered (a) microplastic analysis, showing substantial liberation of plastic particles further increased under UV exposure, (b) non-targeted mass spectrometric characterization of the leachates, revealing several hundreds of chemical features with typically only minor agreement between the UV exposure and the corresponding DCs, (c) target analysis of 71 organic analytes, of which 15 could be detected in at least one sample, and (d) metal(loid) analysis, which revealed substantial release of toxic metal(loid)s further enhanced under UV exposure. A data comparison with the US-EPA's ToxVal and ToxCast databases showed that the detected metals and organic additives might pose substantial health and environmental concerns, requiring further study and comprehensive impact assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Menger
- Department of Organic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Straße 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Mara Römerscheid
- Department of Exposure Science, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Lips
- Department of Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ole Klein
- Department for Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Deedar Nabi
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstr. 1-3, 24148 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jürgen Gandrass
- Department of Organic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Straße 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Hanna Joerss
- Department of Organic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Straße 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Katrin Wendt-Potthoff
- Department of Lake Research, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Brueckstr. 3 a, 39114 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daria Bedulina
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Am Handelshafen 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Tristan Zimmermann
- Department for Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Mechthild Schmitt-Jansen
- Department of Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Carolin Huber
- Department of Exposure Science, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Böhme
- Department of Exposure Science, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nadin Ulrich
- Department of Exposure Science, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Aaron J Beck
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstr. 1-3, 24148 Kiel, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Department for Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Eric P Achterberg
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstr. 1-3, 24148 Kiel, Germany
| | - Annika Jahnke
- Department of Exposure Science, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, 52047 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Lars Hildebrandt
- Department for Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
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Kaing V, Guo Z, Sok T, Kodikara D, Breider F, Yoshimura C. Photodegradation of biodegradable plastics in aquatic environments: Current understanding and challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 911:168539. [PMID: 37981156 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Direct and indirect photolysis are important abiotic processes in aquatic environments through which plastics can be transformed physically and chemically. Transport of biodegradable plastics in water is influenced by vertical mixing and turbulent flow, which make biodegradable plastics remain susceptible to sunlight and photolysis despite their high density. In general, biodegradable plastics are composed of ester containing polymers (e.g., poly(butylene succinate), polyhydroxyalkanoate, and polylactic acid), whereas non-biodegradable plastics are composed of long chains of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons in their backbones (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene). Based on the reviewed knowledge and discussion, we may hypothesize that 1) direct photolysis is more pronounced for non-biodegradation than for biodegradable plastics, 2) smaller plastics such as micro/nano-plastics are more prone to photodegradation and photo-transformation by direct and indirect photolysis, 3) the production rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the surface of biodegradable plastics is higher than that of non-biodegradable plastics, 4) the photodegradation of biodegradable plastics may be promoted by ROS produced from biodegradable plastics themselves, and 5) the subsequent reactions of ROS are more active on biodegradable plastics than non-biodegradable plastics. Moreover, micro/nanoplastics derived from biodegradable plastics serve as more effective carriers of organic pollutants than those from non-biodegradable plastics and thus biodegradable plastics may not necessarily be more ecofriendly than non-biodegradable plastics. However, biodegradable plastics have been largely unexplored from the viewpoint of direct or indirect photolysis. Roles of reactive oxygen species originating from biodegradable plastics should be further explored for comprehensively understanding the photodegradation of biodegradable plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinhteang Kaing
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-M1-4 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan; Faculty of Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Russian Federation Blvd., P.O. Box 86, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Zhongyu Guo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-M1-4 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Ty Sok
- Faculty of Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Russian Federation Blvd., P.O. Box 86, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; Research and Innovation Center, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Dilini Kodikara
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-M1-4 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Florian Breider
- EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Central Environmental Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ENAC, station 2, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Chihiro Yoshimura
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-M1-4 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan.
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3
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Cao Y, Sathish CI, Guan X, Wang S, Palanisami T, Vinu A, Yi J. Advances in magnetic materials for microplastic separation and degradation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132537. [PMID: 37716264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of plastics in modern human society has led to severe environmental pollution with microplastics (MP/MPs). The rising consumption of plastics raises the omnipresence of microplastics in aquatic environments, which carry toxic organic matter, transport toxic chemicals, and spread through the food chain, seriously threatening marine life and human health. In this context, several advanced strategies for separating and degrading MPs from water have been developed recently, and magnetic materials and their nanostructures have emerged as promising materials for targeting, adsorbing, transporting, and degrading MPs. However, a comprehensive review of MP remediation using magnetic materials and their nanostructures is currently lacking. The present work provides a critical review of the recent advances in MP removal/degradation using magnetic materials. The focus is on the comparison and analysis of the MP's removal efficiencies of different magnetic materials, including iron/ferrite nanoparticles, magnetic nanocomposites, and micromotors, aiming to unravel the underlying roles of magnetic materials in different types of MP degradation and present the general strategies for designing them with optimal performance. Finally, the review outlines the forthcoming challenges and perspectives in the development of magnetic nanomaterials for MP remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Cao
- Global Innovative Center of Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - C I Sathish
- Global Innovative Center of Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia.
| | - Xinwei Guan
- Global Innovative Center of Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Shaobin Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Center of Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Ajayan Vinu
- Global Innovative Center of Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Jiabao Yi
- Global Innovative Center of Advanced Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia.
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Sababadichetty L, Miltgen G, Vincent B, Guilhaumon F, Lenoble V, Thibault M, Bureau S, Tortosa P, Bouvier T, Jourand P. Microplastics in the insular marine environment of the Southwest Indian Ocean carry a microbiome including antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria: A case study from Reunion Island. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115911. [PMID: 38103498 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115911] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The increasing threats to ecosystems and humans from marine plastic pollution require a comprehensive assessment. We present a plastisphere case study from Reunion Island, a remote oceanic island located in the Southwest Indian Ocean, polluted by plastics. We characterized the plastic pollution on the island's coastal waters, described the associated microbiome, explored viable bacterial flora and the presence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria. Reunion Island faces plastic pollution with up to 10,000 items/km2 in coastal water. These plastics host microbiomes dominated by Proteobacteria (80 %), including dominant genera such as Psychrobacter, Photobacterium, Pseudoalteromonas and Vibrio. Culturable microbiomes reach 107 CFU/g of microplastics, with dominance of Exiguobacterium and Pseudomonas. Plastics also carry AMR bacteria including β-lactam resistance. Thus, Southwest Indian Ocean islands are facing serious plastic pollution. This pollution requires vigilant monitoring as it harbors a plastisphere including AMR, that threatens pristine ecosystems and potentially human health through the marine food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loik Sababadichetty
- Université de La Réunion, UMR ENTROPIE, 15 Avenue René Cassin, CS 92003, 97744 Saint Denis Cedex 9, La Réunion, France; CHU, Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, 97400 Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Guillaume Miltgen
- CHU, Laboratoire de Bactériologie, CHU Félix Guyon, Allée des Topazes, 97400 Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France; Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, CNRS 9192, INSERM 1187, IRD 249, Plateforme de recherche CYROI, 2 rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Bryan Vincent
- CIRAD, UMR040 LSTM, Campus Agro Environnemental Caraïbe, BP 214-97285, Cedex 2 le Lamentin, Martinique, Antilles Françaises, France
| | - François Guilhaumon
- IRD, UMR ENTROPIE, 15 Avenue René Cassin, CS 92003, 97744 Saint Denis Cedex 9, La Réunion, France
| | - Veronique Lenoble
- Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, UMR MIO, 83 Toulon, France
| | - Margot Thibault
- Université de La Réunion, UMR ENTROPIE, 15 Avenue René Cassin, CS 92003, 97744 Saint Denis Cedex 9, La Réunion, France; The Ocean Cleanup, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; CNRS, Université Toulouse III, Laboratoire des Interactions Moléculaires et Réactivité Chimique et Photochimique (IMRCP), UMR 5623, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Bureau
- Université de La Réunion, UMR ENTROPIE, 15 Avenue René Cassin, CS 92003, 97744 Saint Denis Cedex 9, La Réunion, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, CNRS 9192, INSERM 1187, IRD 249, Plateforme de recherche CYROI, 2 rue Maxime Rivière, 97490 Ste Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Thierry Bouvier
- UMR MARBEC, Université Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Jourand
- IRD, UMR ENTROPIE, 15 Avenue René Cassin, CS 92003, 97744 Saint Denis Cedex 9, La Réunion, France.
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5
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Hoseini M, Stead J, Bond T. Ranking the accelerated weathering of plastic polymers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:2081-2091. [PMID: 37882078 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00295k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The timespans over which different plastics degrade in the environment are poorly understood. This study aimed to rank the degradation speed of five widespread plastic polymers-low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-in terms of their physicochemical properties. Five of the six samples were plastic films with identical dimensions, which allowed the influence of morphology to be excluded, with a polyethylene carrier bag (PEB) tested for comparison. An accelerated weathering chamber was used to photochemically degrade samples over 41 days, with degradation monitored via mass loss and changes to carbonyl index, crystallinity and contact angle. The mass loss ranking was PP ≫ LDPE > PEB > PS > PLA > PET. Estimates of the time needed for complete degradation ranged from 0.27 years for PP to 1179 years for PET. Therefore, mass loss in PP proceeded more rapidly than the other polymers, which was unexpected based on previous literature and is plausibly explained by the presence of an unlisted additive which accelerated degradation. Increases in carbonyl index proceeded more rapidly in PP and LDPE than the other polymers tested. However, changes in contact angle and crystallinity did not correspond to the mass loss ranking. Therefore, monitoring the carbonyl index during accelerated weathering trials can indicate which polymers will fragment more quickly. However, alternative approaches are needed to simulate conditions where photooxidation reactions are negligible, such as the ocean floor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hoseini
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jess Stead
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Tom Bond
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
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Quade J, López-Ibáñez S, Beiras R. UV Dosage Unveils Toxic Properties of Weathered Commercial Bioplastic Bags. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14807-14816. [PMID: 37750591 PMCID: PMC10569051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that weathered conventional plastics and bioplastics pose ecotoxicological risks. Here, the effects of artificial and natural weathering on the ecotoxicity of three compostable bags and a conventional polyethylene (PE) bag are investigated. With that aim, a 21-day artificial indoor weathering experiment featuring UV light, UV-filtered light, and darkness was run simultaneously to a 120-day outdoor littoral mesocosm exposure featuring natural light, UV-filtered light, and shaded conditions. Acute toxicity of so-weathered plastic specimens was tested in vivo using the sensitive Paracentrotus lividus sea-urchin embryo test. PE was nontoxic from the beginning and did not gain toxicity due to UV weathering. In contrast, for bioplastics, dry artificial UV weathering increased toxicity in comparison to the dark control. Weathering in outdoor mesocosm led to a rapid loss of toxic properties due to leaching in rainwater. With a higher UV dosage, a plastic-type-dependent regain of toxicity was observed, most likely driven by enhanced availability or transformation of functional additives or due to bioplastic degradation products. PE showed moderate UV absorbance, while bioplastics showed high UV absorbance. This study highlights the potential of biodegradable plastics to pose enhanced ecotoxicological risk due to weathering under environmentally relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Quade
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Sara López-Ibáñez
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Beiras
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
- Facultade
de Ciencias do Mar, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
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Wang T, Hosseinzadeh M, Cuccagna A, Alakenova R, Casademunt P, Reyes Rovatti A, López-Rubio A, Porte C. Comparative toxicity of conventional versus compostable plastic consumer products: An in-vitro assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132123. [PMID: 37499498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132123] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the toxicity of methanolic extracts obtained from compostable plastics (BPs) and conventional plastics (both virgin and recycled). Additionally, it explores the potential influence of plastic photodegradation and composting on toxic responses using a battery of in vitro assays conducted in PLHC-1 cells. The extracts of BPs, but not those of conventional plastics, induced a significant decrease in cell viability (<70%) in PLHC-1 cells after 24 h of exposure. Toxicity was enhanced by either photodegradation or composting of BPs. Extracts of conventional plastics, and particularly those of recycled plastics, induced 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and micronucleus formation in exposed cells, indicating the presence of significant amounts of CYP1A inducers and genotoxic compounds in the extracts, which was enhanced by photodegradation. These findings highlight the importance of investigating the effects of degradation mechanisms such as sunlight and composting on the toxicity of BPs. It is also crucial to investigate the composition of newly developed formulations for BPs, as they may be more harmful than conventional ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Wang
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain.
| | - Mahboubeh Hosseinzadeh
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alice Cuccagna
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Rakhat Alakenova
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Paula Casademunt
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain
| | - Alcira Reyes Rovatti
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Amparo López-Rubio
- Food Safety and Preservation Department, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cinta Porte
- Environmental Chemistry Department, IDAEA -CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona, 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain; Interdisciplinary Platform for Sustainable Plastics towards a Circular Economy, Spanish National Research Council (SusPlast-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Sousa-Guedes D, Cunha SC, Fernandes JO, Semedo D, Sillero N, Marco A, Bessa F. Can plastic pollution contaminate loggerhead turtle nests? Evaluation of flame retardants (PBDEs) levels in the sand. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115550. [PMID: 37722265 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global environmental issue affecting multiple ecosystems, namely sea turtle nesting grounds. We analysed the potential chemical contamination caused by plastic debris in loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nests, focusing on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, a class of flame retardants). For that, we conducted a field experiment in a turtle hatchery (Cabo Verde) by placing plastic fragments in the nests at two depths: surface and ~20 cm. We evaluated the nests' success and quantified the levels of PBDEs in the sand using GC-MS/MS. Our results suggest that plastics on the nests' surface can leak contaminants, infiltrating the sand up to 20 cm. Buried plastics showed no relevant leakage of chemicals. While hatching and emergence success was unaffected, we found a relationship between leucistic embryos and contamination levels. Our study highlights the threats of plastic accumulation on beaches, which can potentially leak chemicals and contaminate turtle nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Sousa-Guedes
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências Geo-Espaciais (CICGE), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Alameda do Monte da Virgem, 4430-146 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal; BIOS.CV - Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development, CP 52111 Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde; Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/ Américo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain; University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Sara C Cunha
- LAQV/Requimte, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - José O Fernandes
- LAQV/Requimte, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Diana Semedo
- BIOS.CV - Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development, CP 52111 Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde
| | - Neftalí Sillero
- Centro de Investigação em Ciências Geo-Espaciais (CICGE), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Alameda do Monte da Virgem, 4430-146 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | - Adolfo Marco
- BIOS.CV - Conservation of the Environment and Sustainable Development, CP 52111 Sal Rei, Boa Vista Island, Cabo Verde; Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/ Américo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Filipa Bessa
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal.
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9
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Tan E, Ong MC, Mohd Zanuri NB. Polyethylene degradation and heavy metals leaching under realistic tropical marine climate. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 191:106113. [PMID: 37619477 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106113] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The study examines the influence of temperature and pH on the leaching of six heavy metals (HMs) species: aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) from transparent polyethylene pellets into seawater. The idea is to understand the potential influence of intensifying global warming and ocean acidification towards microplastic toxicity in the ocean. HMs leaching was obvious by 24th hours, with most HMs concentration decreased in water by 120th and 240th hours except Al. Nevertheless, we report that temperature and pH do not influence the overall HMs leaching from PE pellets with statistical analysis showing no significance (p < 0.05) between temperature and pH toward HMs concentration. Instead, it is hypothesized that these two parameters may be crucial in promoting heavy metal adsorption onto PE pellets under tropical weathering. However, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) revealed that temperature and pH are influential in polymer aging and surficial breakdown where pellets exposed in warm, acidic waters showed the greatest extent of weathering. This study highlights that PE pellets exposed under tropical conditions may accelerate surficial degradation and possibly stimulate HMs adherence to the polymer as a pollution vector. Further consideration of metal behaviour in water and microbial activities is crucial to improve our understanding of microplastic toxicity under tropical weathering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evonne Tan
- Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Meng Chuan Ong
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21300, Terengganu, Malaysia; Ocean Pollution and Ecotoxicology (OPEC) Research Group, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, 21300, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Norlaila Binti Mohd Zanuri
- Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia.
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Zhao X, You F. Cascading Polymer Macro-Debris Upcycling and Microparticle Removal as an Effective Life Cycle Plastic Pollution Mitigation Strategy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6506-6519. [PMID: 37058399 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08686] [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: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution caused by material losses and their subsequent chemical emissions is pervasive in the natural environment and varies with age. Cascading the life cycles of plastic losses with solid waste reclamation via re-manufacturing virgin polymers or producing fuels and energy may extend resource availability while minimizing waste generation and environmental exposure. Here, we systematically investigate this cascaded plastic waste processing over other waste end-of-life management pathways by analyzing the environmental consequences of plastic losses across the entire life cycle. Plastic losses can form volatile organic chemicals via photo-degradation and pose non-negligible global warming, ecotoxicity, and air pollution effects that worsen by at least 189% in the long run. These environmental burdens increase by above 9.96% under high ultraviolet radiation levels and participation rates, which facilitate plastic particulate compartment transport and degradation. Cascaded plastic waste processing aided by fast pyrolysis upcycling technologies can effectively cut environmental losses and outperform landfills and incineration in reducing 23.35% ozone formation and 19.91% air pollution by offsetting the external monomer manufacturing and fuels and energy production while saving at least 25.75% fossil fuels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhao
- Systems Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Fengqi You
- Systems Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
- Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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Zhao S, Zhang J. Microplastics in soils during the COVID-19 pandemic: Sources, migration and transformations, and remediation technologies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 883:163700. [PMID: 37105487 PMCID: PMC10125914 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a notable upsurge of 5-10 % in global plastic production, which could have potential implications on the soil quality through increased microplastics (MPs) content. The elevated levels of MPs in the soil poses a significant threat to both the environment and human health, hence necessitating the remediation of MPs in the environment. Despite the significant attention given to MPs remediation in aqueous environments, less consideration has been given to MPs remediation in the soil. Consequently, this review highlights the major sources of MPs in the soil, their migration and transformation behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasizes the importance of utilizing remediation technologies such as phytoremediation, thermal treatment, microbial degradation, and photodegradation for MPs in the soil. Furthermore, this review provides a prospective outlook on potential future remediation methods for MPs in the soil. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is nearing its end, the long-term impact of MPs on the soil remains, making this review a valuable reference for the remediation of MPs in the post-pandemic soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhao
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China; College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
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Hingant M, Mallarino S, Conforto E, Dubillot E, Barbier P, Bringer A, Thomas H. Artificial weathering of plastics used in oyster farming. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161638. [PMID: 36649774 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161638] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
With the omnipresence of plastic litter from oyster farming in marine coastal areas, the objective of this work was to better understand the weathering of plastics used in this field, focusing on oyster spat collectors. During their use, around fifteen years, collectors made of polypropylene (PP) undergo numerous degradations, alternatively submerged, emerged in seawater, and stored outdoor until the next cycle. They weaken, crack, break, end up fragmenting and disseminated in the environment as microplastics associated to persistent organic pollutants. In this work, a comparison of 55 months of in situ weathering with five months of artificial weathering in air or in artificial seawater in a homemade UV chamber was conducted to better understand the mechanisms involved. Chemical, thermal and surface characterizations of virgin and weathered samples were conducted using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM). After 55 months of in situ weathering, collectors were notably damaged with large fissures and loss of microplastics (MPs) associated with an increase of carbonyl index values and a decrease of melting temperatures and crystallinity rates. Considering only UV irradiation, five months of artificial weathering at 30 °C under continuous irradiation of 6.9 W/m2 under UV lamps (295-400 nm) reproduced approximately 4.4 months of natural sunlight. Artificial weathering confirmed that photooxidation by combined effects of UV rays and oxygen was the main weathering mechanism and was reduced in seawater. These results help to understand the mechanisms involved in the weathering of these collectors in the marine environment and provide valuable information for industrials and professionals. Our study suggests a better storage away from UV rays and a reduction of the duration of use compared to current practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Hingant
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, F-17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France.
| | - Stéphanie Mallarino
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Ingénieur pour l'Environnemen (LaSIE), UMR 7356 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, Avenue Michel Crépeau, 17042 La Rochelle, France
| | - Egle Conforto
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Ingénieur pour l'Environnemen (LaSIE), UMR 7356 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, Avenue Michel Crépeau, 17042 La Rochelle, France
| | - Emmanuel Dubillot
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, F-17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France
| | - Pierrick Barbier
- Centre pour l'Aquaculture, la Pêche et l'Environnement de Nouvelle-Aquitaine (CAPENA), Prise de Terdoux, 17480 Le Château d'Oléron, France
| | - Arno Bringer
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, F-17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France; Qualyse, 5 Allée de l'Océan, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Hélène Thomas
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, F-17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France
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Landrigan PJ, Raps H, Cropper M, Bald C, Brunner M, Canonizado EM, Charles D, Chiles TC, Donohue MJ, Enck J, Fenichel P, Fleming LE, Ferrier-Pages C, Fordham R, Gozt A, Griffin C, Hahn ME, Haryanto B, Hixson R, Ianelli H, James BD, Kumar P, Laborde A, Law KL, Martin K, Mu J, Mulders Y, Mustapha A, Niu J, Pahl S, Park Y, Pedrotti ML, Pitt JA, Ruchirawat M, Seewoo BJ, Spring M, Stegeman JJ, Suk W, Symeonides C, Takada H, Thompson RC, Vicini A, Wang Z, Whitman E, Wirth D, Wolff M, Yousuf AK, Dunlop S. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:23. [PMID: 36969097 PMCID: PMC10038118 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances of modern civilization in fields as diverse as medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, and sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment. These harms occur at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of the coal, oil, and gas that are its main feedstocks through to ultimate disposal into the environment. The extent of these harms not been systematically assessed, their magnitude not fully quantified, and their economic costs not comprehensively counted. Goals The goals of this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health are to comprehensively examine plastics' impacts across their life cycle on: (1) human health and well-being; (2) the global environment, especially the ocean; (3) the economy; and (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, and the world's children. On the basis of this examination, the Commission offers science-based recommendations designed to support development of a Global Plastics Treaty, protect human health, and save lives. Report Structure This Commission report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents a narrative review of the processes involved in plastic production, use, and disposal and notes the hazards to human health and the environment associated with each of these stages. Section 3 describes plastics' impacts on the ocean and notes the potential for plastic in the ocean to enter the marine food web and result in human exposure. Section 4 details plastics' impacts on human health. Section 5 presents a first-order estimate of plastics' health-related economic costs. Section 6 examines the intersection between plastic, social inequity, and environmental injustice. Section 7 presents the Commission's findings and recommendations. Plastics Plastics are complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% of plastics are produced from fossil carbon- coal, oil and gas. Plastics are comprised of a carbon-based polymer backbone and thousands of additional chemicals that are incorporated into polymers to convey specific properties such as color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, and ultraviolet resistance. Many of these added chemicals are highly toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants and endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants, and organophosphate flame retardants. They are integral components of plastic and are responsible for many of plastics' harms to human health and the environment.Global plastic production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, and in this time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) of plastic have been manufactured. Annual production volume has grown from under 2 Mt in 1950 to 460 Mt in 2019, a 230-fold increase, and is on track to triple by 2060. More than half of all plastic ever made has been produced since 2002. Single-use plastics account for 35-40% of current plastic production and represent the most rapidly growing segment of plastic manufacture.Explosive recent growth in plastics production reflects a deliberate pivot by the integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations that produce coal, oil and gas and that also manufacture plastics. These corporations are reducing their production of fossil fuels and increasing plastics manufacture. The two principal factors responsible for this pivot are decreasing global demand for carbon-based fuels due to increases in 'green' energy, and massive expansion of oil and gas production due to fracking.Plastic manufacture is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to climate change. At present, plastic production is responsible for an estimated 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the contribution of Brazil. This fraction is projected to increase to 4.5% by 2060 if current trends continue unchecked. Plastic Life Cycle The plastic life cycle has three phases: production, use, and disposal. In production, carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, and oil-are transformed through energy-intensive, catalytic processes into a vast array of products. Plastic use occurs in every aspect of modern life and results in widespread human exposure to the chemicals contained in plastic. Single-use plastics constitute the largest portion of current use, followed by synthetic fibers and construction.Plastic disposal is highly inefficient, with recovery and recycling rates below 10% globally. The result is that an estimated 22 Mt of plastic waste enters the environment each year, much of it single-use plastic and are added to the more than 6 gigatons of plastic waste that have accumulated since 1950. Strategies for disposal of plastic waste include controlled and uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, and export. Vast quantities of plastic waste are exported each year from high-income to low-income countries, where it accumulates in landfills, pollutes air and water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches and estuaries, and harms human health-environmental injustice on a global scale. Plastic-laden e-waste is particularly problematic. Environmental Findings Plastics and plastic-associated chemicals are responsible for widespread pollution. They contaminate aquatic (marine and freshwater), terrestrial, and atmospheric environments globally. The ocean is the ultimate destination for much plastic, and plastics are found throughout the ocean, including coastal regions, the sea surface, the deep sea, and polar sea ice. Many plastics appear to resist breakdown in the ocean and could persist in the global environment for decades. Macro- and micro-plastic particles have been identified in hundreds of marine species in all major taxa, including species consumed by humans. Trophic transfer of microplastic particles and the chemicals within them has been demonstrated. Although microplastic particles themselves (>10 µm) appear not to undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic plastic-associated chemicals bioaccumulate in marine animals and biomagnify in marine food webs. The amounts and fates of smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs <10 µm) in aquatic environments are poorly understood, but the potential for harm is worrying given their mobility in biological systems. Adverse environmental impacts of plastic pollution occur at multiple levels from molecular and biochemical to population and ecosystem. MNP contamination of seafood results in direct, though not well quantified, human exposure to plastics and plastic-associated chemicals. Marine plastic pollution endangers the ocean ecosystems upon which all humanity depends for food, oxygen, livelihood, and well-being. Human Health Findings Coal miners, oil workers and gas field workers who extract fossil carbon feedstocks for plastic production suffer increased mortality from traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Plastic production workers are at increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, neurotoxic injury, and decreased fertility. Workers producing plastic textiles die of bladder cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and interstitial lung disease at increased rates. Plastic recycling workers have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, and lung cancer. Residents of "fenceline" communities adjacent to plastic production and waste disposal sites experience increased risks of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood leukemia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.During use and also in disposal, plastics release toxic chemicals including additives and residual monomers into the environment and into people. National biomonitoring surveys in the USA document population-wide exposures to these chemicals. Plastic additives disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for premature births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive birth defects, infertility, obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed through the environmental degradation of plastic waste can enter living organisms, including humans. Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates that MNPs may cause toxicity due to their physical and toxicological effects as well as by acting as vectors that transport toxic chemicals and bacterial pathogens into tissues and cells.Infants in the womb and young children are two populations at particularly high risk of plastic-related health effects. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of early development to hazardous chemicals and children's unique patterns of exposure, plastic-associated exposures are linked to increased risks of prematurity, stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects of the reproductive organs, neurodevelopmental impairment, impaired lung growth, and childhood cancer. Early-life exposures to plastic-associated chemicals also increase the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases later in life. Economic Findings Plastic's harms to human health result in significant economic costs. We estimate that in 2015 the health-related costs of plastic production exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, and that in the USA alone the health costs of disease and disability caused by the plastic-associated chemicals PBDE, BPA and DEHP exceeded $920 billion (2015 Int$). Plastic production results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to 1.96 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) social cost of carbon metric, we estimate the annual costs of these GHG emissions to be $341 billion (2015 Int$).These costs, large as they are, almost certainly underestimate the full economic losses resulting from plastics' negative impacts on human health and the global environment. All of plastics' economic costs-and also its social costs-are externalized by the petrochemical and plastic manufacturing industry and are borne by citizens, taxpayers, and governments in countries around the world without compensation. Social Justice Findings The adverse effects of plastics and plastic pollution on human health, the economy and the environment are not evenly distributed. They disproportionately affect poor, disempowered, and marginalized populations such as workers, racial and ethnic minorities, "fenceline" communities, Indigenous groups, women, and children, all of whom had little to do with creating the current plastics crisis and lack the political influence or the resources to address it. Plastics' harmful impacts across its life cycle are most keenly felt in the Global South, in small island states, and in disenfranchised areas in the Global North. Social and environmental justice (SEJ) principles require reversal of these inequitable burdens to ensure that no group bears a disproportionate share of plastics' negative impacts and that those who benefit economically from plastic bear their fair share of its currently externalized costs. Conclusions It is now clear that current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal are not sustainable and are responsible for significant harms to human health, the environment, and the economy as well as for deep societal injustices.The main driver of these worsening harms is an almost exponential and still accelerating increase in global plastic production. Plastics' harms are further magnified by low rates of recovery and recycling and by the long persistence of plastic waste in the environment.The thousands of chemicals in plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, and non-intentionally added substances-include amongst their number known human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants, and persistent organic pollutants. These chemicals are responsible for many of plastics' known harms to human and planetary health. The chemicals leach out of plastics, enter the environment, cause pollution, and result in human exposure and disease. All efforts to reduce plastics' hazards must address the hazards of plastic-associated chemicals. Recommendations To protect human and planetary health, especially the health of vulnerable and at-risk populations, and put the world on track to end plastic pollution by 2040, this Commission supports urgent adoption by the world's nations of a strong and comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty in accord with the mandate set forth in the March 2022 resolution of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures such as a Global Plastics Treaty are needed to curb plastic production and pollution, because the harms to human health and the environment caused by plastics, plastic-associated chemicals and plastic waste transcend national boundaries, are planetary in their scale, and have disproportionate impacts on the health and well-being of people in the world's poorest nations. Effective implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty will require that international action be coordinated and complemented by interventions at the national, regional, and local levels.This Commission urges that a cap on global plastic production with targets, timetables, and national contributions be a central provision of the Global Plastics Treaty. We recommend inclusion of the following additional provisions:The Treaty needs to extend beyond microplastics and marine litter to include all of the many thousands of chemicals incorporated into plastics.The Treaty needs to include a provision banning or severely restricting manufacture and use of unnecessary, avoidable, and problematic plastic items, especially single-use items such as manufactured plastic microbeads.The Treaty needs to include requirements on extended producer responsibility (EPR) that make fossil carbon producers, plastic producers, and the manufacturers of plastic products legally and financially responsible for the safety and end-of-life management of all the materials they produce and sell.The Treaty needs to mandate reductions in the chemical complexity of plastic products; health-protective standards for plastics and plastic additives; a requirement for use of sustainable non-toxic materials; full disclosure of all components; and traceability of components. International cooperation will be essential to implementing and enforcing these standards.The Treaty needs to include SEJ remedies at each stage of the plastic life cycle designed to fill gaps in community knowledge and advance both distributional and procedural equity.This Commission encourages inclusion in the Global Plastic Treaty of a provision calling for exploration of listing at least some plastic polymers as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.This Commission encourages a strong interface between the Global Plastics Treaty and the Basel and London Conventions to enhance management of hazardous plastic waste and slow current massive exports of plastic waste into the world's least-developed countries.This Commission recommends the creation of a Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body to guide the Treaty's implementation. The main priorities of this Body would be to guide Member States and other stakeholders in evaluating which solutions are most effective in reducing plastic consumption, enhancing plastic waste recovery and recycling, and curbing the generation of plastic waste. This Body could also assess trade-offs among these solutions and evaluate safer alternatives to current plastics. It could monitor the transnational export of plastic waste. It could coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, and air-based MNP monitoring programs.This Commission recommends urgent investment by national governments in research into solutions to the global plastic crisis. This research will need to determine which solutions are most effective and cost-effective in the context of particular countries and assess the risks and benefits of proposed solutions. Oceanographic and environmental research is needed to better measure concentrations and impacts of plastics <10 µm and understand their distribution and fate in the global environment. Biomedical research is needed to elucidate the human health impacts of plastics, especially MNPs. Summary This Commission finds that plastics are both a boon to humanity and a stealth threat to human and planetary health. Plastics convey enormous benefits, but current linear patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal that pay little attention to sustainable design or safe materials and a near absence of recovery, reuse, and recycling are responsible for grave harms to health, widespread environmental damage, great economic costs, and deep societal injustices. These harms are rapidly worsening.While there remain gaps in knowledge about plastics' harms and uncertainties about their full magnitude, the evidence available today demonstrates unequivocally that these impacts are great and that they will increase in severity in the absence of urgent and effective intervention at global scale. Manufacture and use of essential plastics may continue. However, reckless increases in plastic production, and especially increases in the manufacture of an ever-increasing array of unnecessary single-use plastic products, need to be curbed.Global intervention against the plastic crisis is needed now because the costs of failure to act will be immense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Hervé Raps
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Maureen Cropper
- Economics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, US
| | - Caroline Bald
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Fenichel
- Université Côte d’Azur
- Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Nice, FR
| | - Lora E. Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
| | | | | | | | - Carly Griffin
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, US
| | - Budi Haryanto
- Department of Environmental Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
- Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Richard Hixson
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Hannah Ianelli
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Bryan D. James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, UY
| | | | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, US
| | - Jenna Mu
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | - Adetoun Mustapha
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lead City University, NG
| | - Jia Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, US
| | - Sabine Pahl
- University of Vienna, Austria
- University of Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Maria-Luiza Pedrotti
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), Sorbonne Université, FR
| | | | | | - Bhedita Jaya Seewoo
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| | | | - John J. Stegeman
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - William Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
| | | | - Hideshige Takada
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry (LOG), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, JP
| | | | | | - Zhanyun Wang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, WEmpa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials and Technology, CH
| | - Ella Whitman
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | - Aroub K. Yousuf
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Sarah Dunlop
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
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Hassoun A, Pasti L, Chenet T, Rusanova P, Smaoui S, Aït-Kaddour A, Bono G. Detection methods of micro and nanoplastics. ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2023; 103:175-227. [PMID: 36863835 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastics and related contaminants (including microplastics; MPs and nanoplastics; NPs) have become a serious global safety issue due to their overuse in many products and applications and their inadequate management, leading to possible leakage into the environment and eventually to the food chain and humans. There is a growing literature reporting on the occurrence of plastics, (MPs and NPs) in both marine and terrestrial organisms, with many indications about the harmful impact of these contaminants on plants and animals, as well as potential human health risks. The presence of MPs and NPs in many foods and beverages including seafood (especially finfish, crustaceans, bivalves, and cephalopods), fruits, vegetables, milk, wine and beer, meat, and table salts, has become popular research areas in recent years. Detection, identification, and quantification of MPs and NPs have been widely investigated using a wide range of traditional methods, such as visual and optical methods, scanning electron microscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, but these methods are burdened with a number of limitations. In contrast, spectroscopic techniques, especially Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, and other emerging techniques, such as hyperspectral imaging are increasingly being applied due to their potential to enable rapid, non-destructive, and high-throughput analysis. Despite huge research efforts, there is still an overarching need to develop reliable analytical techniques with low cost and high efficiency. Mitigation of plastic pollution requires establishing standard and harmonized methods, adopting holistic approaches, and raising awareness and engaging the public and policymakers. Therefore, this chapter focuses mainly on identification and quantification techniques of MPs and NPs in different food matrices (mostly seafood).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdo Hassoun
- Sustainable AgriFoodtech Innovation & Research (SAFIR), Arras, France; Syrian Academic Expertise (SAE), Gaziantep, Turkey.
| | - Luisa Pasti
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tatiana Chenet
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Polina Rusanova
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies, National Research Council (IRBIM-CNR), Mazara del Vallo, TP, Italy; Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA) - Marine Biology and Fisheries Laboratory of Fano (PU), University of Bologna (BO), Bologna, Italy
| | - Slim Smaoui
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Engineering Enzymes (LMBEE), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax (CBS), University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | | | - Gioacchino Bono
- Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies, National Research Council (IRBIM-CNR), Mazara del Vallo, TP, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università Di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Díez AM, Pazos M, Sanromán MÁ, Naranjo HV, Mayer J, Kolen'ko YV. Photocatalytic solid-phase degradation of polyethylene with fluoride-doped titania under low consumption ultraviolet radiation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 329:117044. [PMID: 36584507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117044] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Photodegradation of plastic in solid-phase requires the polymer to be composited with an efficient photocatalyst. We report herein the successful synthesis and characterization of fluoride-doped-TiO2 and its applicability, for the first time, on solid-phase photodegradation of polyethylene films. Nearly half weight loss of polyethylene, containing only 2% of the photocatalyst, is eliminated after three weeks of ultraviolet A radiation using a low consumption light emitting diode lamp, defeating previously reported data. The half-life time of the plastic was around 3 weeks, highlighting the viability of this process for real applications. Results were compared to raw PE and PE composite with well-known TiO2, resulting in, respectively, 0 and 26% of weight loss. The degradation process was monitored by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which revealed the formation of plastic cracks, loss of polyethylene crystallinity and thus stability, the oxidation of C-H bonds and the oxidized state of the surface compounds during photodegradation. The obtained results open a path for the future production of cleaner and self-photodegradable plastics, where the photocatalyst would be introduced in all the manufactured plastics, making possible the quicker photodegradation of the plastics that end up on the environment and the plastics reaching wastewater treatment plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida M Díez
- Nanochemistry Research Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Braga, Portugal; CINTECX, Universidade de Vigo, Grupo de Bioingeniería y Procesos Sostenibles, Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Campus Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain.
| | - Marta Pazos
- CINTECX, Universidade de Vigo, Grupo de Bioingeniería y Procesos Sostenibles, Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Campus Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - M Ángeles Sanromán
- CINTECX, Universidade de Vigo, Grupo de Bioingeniería y Procesos Sostenibles, Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Campus Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Helen Valencia Naranjo
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy (GFE), RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Joachim Mayer
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy (GFE), RWTH Aachen University, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Yury V Kolen'ko
- Nanochemistry Research Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Braga, Portugal
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16
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A Biodegradable, Bio-Based Polymer for the Production of Tools for Aquaculture: Processing, Properties and Biodegradation in Sea Water. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15040927. [PMID: 36850211 PMCID: PMC9959439 DOI: 10.3390/polym15040927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bio-based, biodegradable polymers can dramatically reduce the carbon dioxide released into the environment by substituting fossil-derived polymers in some applications. In this work, prototypes of trays for aquaculture applications were produced via injection molding by using a biodegradable polymer, Mater-Bi®. A characterization carried out via calorimetric, rheological and mechanical tests revealed that the polymer employed shows properties suitable for the production of tools to be used in aquaculture applications. Moreover, the samples were subjected to a biodegradation test in conditions that simulate the marine environment. The as-treated samples were characterized from gravimetrical, morphological and calorimetric point of views. The obtained data showed a relatively low biodegradation rate of the thick molded samples. This behavior is of crucial importance since it implies a long life in marine water for these manufacts before their disappearing.
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17
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Dawson AL, Santana MFM, Nelis JLD, Motti CA. Taking control of microplastics data: A comparison of control and blank data correction methods. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130218. [PMID: 36367473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although significant headway has been achieved regarding method harmonisation for the analysis of microplastics, analysis and interpretation of control data has largely been overlooked. There is currently no consensus on the best method to utilise data generated from controls, and consequently many methods are arbitrarily employed. This study identified 6 commonly implemented strategies: a) No correction; b) Subtraction; c) Mean Subtraction; d) Spectral Similarity; e) Limits of detection/ limits of quantification (LOD/LOQ) or f) Statistical analysis, of which many variations are possible. Here, the 6 core methods and 45 variant methods (n = 51) thereof were used to correct a dummy dataset using control data. Most of the methods tested were too inflexible to account for the inherent variation present in microplastic data. Only 7 of the 51 methods tested (six LOD/LOQ methods and one statistical method) showed promise, removing between 96.3 % and 100 % of the contamination data from the dummy set. The remaining 44 methods resulted in deficient corrections for background contamination due to the heterogeneity of microplastics. These methods should be avoided in the future to avoid skewed results, especially in low abundance samples. Overall, LOD/LOQ methods or statistical analysis comparing means are recommended for future use in microplastic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Dawson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 306 Carmody Rd, St Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia.
| | - Marina F M Santana
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Joost L D Nelis
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 306 Carmody Rd, St Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia
| | - Cherie A Motti
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia; AIMS@JCU, Division of Research and Innovation, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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18
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Viljoen SJ, Brailsford FL, Murphy DV, Hoyle FC, Chadwick DR, Jones DL. Leaching of phthalate acid esters from plastic mulch films and their degradation in response to UV irradiation and contrasting soil conditions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130256. [PMID: 36327845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are commonly used plastic additives, not chemically bound to the plastic that migrate into surrounding environments, posing a threat to environmental and human health. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are two common PAEs found in agricultural soils, where degradation is attributed to microbial decomposition. Yet the impact of the plastic matrix on PAE degradation rates is poorly understood. Using 14C-labelled DBP and DEHP we show that migration from the plastic matrix into soil represents a key rate limiting step in their bioavailability and subsequent degradation. Incorporating PAEs into plastic film decreased their degradation in soil, DBP (DEHP) from 79% to 21% (9% to <1%), over four months when compared to direct application of PAEs. Mimicking surface soil conditions, we demonstrated that exposure to ultraviolet radiation accelerated PAE mineralisation twofold. Turnover of PAE was promoted by the addition of biosolids, while the presence of plants and other organic residues failed to promote degradation. We conclude that PAEs persist in soil for longer than previously thought due to physical trapping within the plastic matrix, suggesting PAEs released from plastics over very long time periods lead to increasing levels of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Viljoen
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6105, Australia; SoilsWest, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6105, Australia; Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK.
| | - Francesca L Brailsford
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6105, Australia; SoilsWest, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6105, Australia
| | - Daniel V Murphy
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6105, Australia; SoilsWest, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6105, Australia
| | - Frances C Hoyle
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6105, Australia; SoilsWest, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6105, Australia
| | - David R Chadwick
- Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Davey L Jones
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6105, Australia; SoilsWest, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6105, Australia; Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
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19
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Jansen MAK, Barnes PW, Bornman JF, Rose KC, Madronich S, White CC, Zepp RG, Andrady AL. The Montreal Protocol and the fate of environmental plastic debris. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2023:10.1007/s43630-023-00372-x. [PMID: 36705849 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-023-00372-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging class of pollutants in air, soil and especially in all aquatic environments. Secondary MPs are generated in the environment during fragmentation of especially photo-oxidised plastic litter. Photo-oxidation is mediated primarily by solar UV radiation. The implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments, which have resulted in controlling the tropospheric UV-B (280-315 nm) radiation load, is therefore pertinent to the fate of environmental plastic debris. Due to the Montreal Protocol high amounts of solar UV-B radiation at the Earth's surface have been avoided, retarding the oxidative fragmentation of plastic debris, leading to a slower generation and accumulation of MPs in the environment. Quantifying the impact of the Montreal Protocol in reducing the abundance of MPs in the environment, however, is complicated as the role of potential mechanical fragmentation of plastics under environmental mechanical stresses is poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A K Jansen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - P W Barnes
- Biological Sciences and Environmental Program, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - J F Bornman
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - K C Rose
- Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, USA
| | - S Madronich
- Atmospheric Chemistry Observations and Modeling Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - C C White
- Exponent, Inc, Bowie, MD, 20715, USA
| | - R G Zepp
- ORD/CEMM, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, USA
| | - A L Andrady
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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20
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La Mantia FP, Baiamonte M, Santangelo S, Scaffaro R, Mistretta MC. Influence of Different Environments and Temperatures on the Photo-Oxidation Behaviour of the Polypropylene. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 15:polym15010074. [PMID: 36616424 PMCID: PMC9823793 DOI: 10.3390/polym15010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The photo-oxidation of polypropylene at two different temperatures and in three different environments-air, distilled water and sea water-has been followed as a function of the irradiation time. The photo-oxidation kinetic is dramatically dependent on the amount of oxygen available for the oxidation reactions and on the temperature. While the photo-oxidation is very fast in air, the degradation is much slower in the two aqueous media. The degradation in sea water is slightly slower than in distilled water. In all cases, the degradation kinetic increases remarkably with the temperature. This behavior has been attributed to the lower oxygen availability for the oxidation reactions of the polymers. The light difference of the degradation kinetic between the two aqueous media depends on the small difference of the oxygen concentration at the test temperatures of 40 and 70 °C. At the latter temperature, the difference between the degradation kinetic in distilled water and sea water is still less important because increasing the temperature decreases the solubility of the oxygen, and it tends to became very similar in both samples of water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Paolo La Mantia
- Department of Engineering, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- INSTM, Italian Consortium for Materials Science and Technology, Via Giusti 9, 50125 Firenze, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Marilena Baiamonte
- INSTM, Italian Consortium for Materials Science and Technology, Via Giusti 9, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Stefania Santangelo
- INSTM, Italian Consortium for Materials Science and Technology, Via Giusti 9, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Roberto Scaffaro
- Department of Engineering, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Mistretta
- Department of Engineering, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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21
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Andrady AL, Barnes PW, Bornman JF, Gouin T, Madronich S, White CC, Zepp RG, Jansen MAK. Oxidation and fragmentation of plastics in a changing environment; from UV-radiation to biological degradation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158022. [PMID: 35970458 PMCID: PMC9765214 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the fate of plastics in the environment is of critical importance for the quantitative assessment of the biological impacts of plastic waste. Specially, there is a need to analyze in more detail the reputed longevity of plastics in the context of plastic degradation through oxidation and fragmentation reactions. Photo-oxidation of plastic debris by solar UV radiation (UVR) makes material prone to subsequent fragmentation. The fragments generated following oxidation and subsequent exposure to mechanical stresses include secondary micro- or nanoparticles, an emerging class of pollutants. The paper discusses the UV-driven photo-oxidation process, identifying relevant knowledge gaps and uncertainties. Serious gaps in knowledge exist concerning the wavelength sensitivity and the dose-response of the photo-fragmentation process. Given the heterogeneity of natural UV irradiance varying from no exposure in sediments to full UV exposure of floating, beach litter or air-borne plastics, it is argued that the rates of UV-driven degradation/fragmentation will also vary dramatically between different locations and environmental niches. Biological phenomena such as biofouling will further modulate the exposure of plastics to UV radiation, while potentially also contributing to degradation and/or fragmentation of plastics independent of solar UVR. Reductions in solar UVR in many regions, consequent to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments for protecting stratospheric ozone, will have consequences for global UV-driven plastic degradation in a heterogeneous manner across different geographic and environmental zones. The interacting effects of global warming, stratospheric ozone and UV radiation are projected to increase UV irradiance at the surface in localized areas, mainly because of decreased cloud cover. Given the complexity and uncertainty of future environmental conditions, this currently precludes reliable quantitative predictions of plastic persistence on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Andrady
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - P W Barnes
- Biological Sciences and Environmental Program, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - J F Bornman
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - T Gouin
- TG Environmental Research, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - S Madronich
- Atmospheric Chemistry Observations and Modeling Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | - R G Zepp
- ORD/CEMM, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, USA
| | - M A K Jansen
- School of BEES, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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22
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Tang HJ, Neoh SZ, Sudesh K. A review on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB- co-3HHx)] and genetic modifications that affect its production. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1057067. [PMID: 36545679 PMCID: PMC9760699 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1057067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have garnered global attention to replace petroleum-based plastics in certain applications due to their biodegradability and sustainability. Among the different types of PHAs, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-3HHx)] copolymer has similar properties to commodity plastics, making them a suitable candidate to replace certain types of single-use plastics, medical devices, and packaging materials. The degradation rate of P(3HB-co-3HHx) is faster than the commercial petroleum-based plastics which take a very long time to be degraded, causing harmful pollution to both land and marine ecosystem. The biodegradability of the P(3HB-co-3HHx) is also dependent on its 3HHx molar composition which in turn influences the crystallinity of the material. Various metabolic pathways like the common PHA biosynthesis pathway, which involves phaA, phaB, and phaC, β-oxidation, and fatty acids de novo synthesis are used by bacteria to produce PHA from different carbon sources like fatty acids and sugars, respectively. There are various factors affecting the 3HHx molar composition of P(3HB-co-3HHx), like PhaCs, the engineering of PhaCs, and the metabolic engineering of strains. It is crucial to control the 3HHx molar composition in the P(3HB-co-3HHx) as it will affect its properties and applications in different fields.
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23
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Formation of craze-like pattern in polypropylene UV-induced surface cracking. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-022-03357-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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24
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Lincoln S, Andrews B, Birchenough SNR, Chowdhury P, Engelhard GH, Harrod O, Pinnegar JK, Townhill BL. Marine litter and climate change: Inextricably connected threats to the world's oceans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155709. [PMID: 35525371 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The global issues of climate change and marine litter are interlinked and understanding these connections is key to managing their combined risks to marine biodiversity and ultimately society. For example, fossil fuel-based plastics cause direct emissions of greenhouse gases and therefore are an important contributing factor to climate change, while other impacts of plastics can manifest as alterations in key species and habitats in coastal and marine environments. Marine litter is acknowledged as a threat multiplier that acts with other stressors such as climate change to cause far greater damage than if they occurred in isolation. On the other hand, while climate change can lead to increased inputs of litter into the marine environment, the presence of marine litter can also undermine the climate resilience of marine ecosystems. There is increasing evidence that that climate change and marine litter are inextricably linked, although these interactions and the resulting effects vary widely across oceanic regions and depend on the particular characteristics of specific marine environments. Ecosystem resilience approaches, that integrate climate change with other local stressors, offer a suitable framework to incorporate the consideration of marine litter where that is deemed to be a risk, and to steer, coordinate and prioritise research and monitoring, as well as management, policy, planning and action to effectively tackle the combined risks and impacts from climate change and marine litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Lincoln
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom.
| | - Barnaby Andrews
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Silvana N R Birchenough
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Piyali Chowdhury
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Georg H Engelhard
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia Harrod
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - John K Pinnegar
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Bryony L Townhill
- International Marine Climate Change Centre (iMC3), The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas), Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
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25
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In situ laboratory for plastic degradation in the Red Sea. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11956. [PMID: 35831329 PMCID: PMC9279475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15310-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Degradation and fragmentation of plastics in the environment are still poorly understood. This is partly caused by the lack of long-term studies and methods that determine weathering duration. We here present a novel study object that preserves information on plastic age: microplastic (MP) resin pellets from the wreck of the SS Hamada, a ship that foundered twenty-nine years ago at the coast of Wadi el Gemal national park, Egypt. Its sinking date enabled us to precisely determine how long MP rested in the wreck and a nearby beach, on which part of the load was washed off. Pellets from both sampling sites were analyzed by microscopy, X-ray tomography, spectroscopy, calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, and rheology. Most pellets were made of low-density polyethylene, but a minor proportion also consisted of high-density polyethylene. MP from inside the wreck showed no signs of degradation compared to pristine reference samples. Contrary, beached plastics exhibited changes on all structural levels, which sometimes caused fragmentation. These findings provide further evidence that plastic degradation under saltwater conditions is comparatively slow, whereas UV radiation and high temperatures on beaches are major drivers of that process. Future long-term studies should focus on underlying mechanisms and timescales of plastic degradation.
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26
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Audy R, Enfrin M, Boom YJ, Giustozzi F. Selection of recycled waste plastic for incorporation in sustainable asphalt pavements: A novel multi-criteria screening tool based on 31 sources of plastic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 829:154604. [PMID: 35307423 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the suitability of 31 recycled waste plastic samples obtained from 15 major recycling companies across Australia and New Zealand to be used as bitumen/asphalt modifiers. The plastics have been selected to be representative of recycled waste plastic around Australia and New Zealand. The recycled waste plastics belonged to either the post-industrial or post-consumer collection scheme. A new classification scheme was developed to rank each recycled waste plastic based on their chemical and physical properties against those of bitumen/asphalt. Specifically, density, polarity, melting point, solubility and melt flow index of the samples as well as the presence of contaminants, fillers and additives were analyzed for each recycled waste plastic material and their virgin counterpart. These 8 properties were used to rank various sources of recycled low-density poly(ethylene), linear low-density poly(ethylene), high density poly(ethylene) and poly(propylene) in addition to commingled plastics based on their suitability for bitumen modification (wet method). The modification of asphalt via replacement of virgin quarry aggregate with plastic aggregate (dry method) by recycled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and poly(ethylene terephthalate) was also assessed by considering four criteria of purity, polarity, recycling contamination and hazardous additives. This new multi-criterion ranking approach revealed that low-density and linear low-density poly(ethylene) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and poly(ethylene terephthalate) should be preferentially used as bitumen/asphalt modifiers. This tool has been developed for recycling companies and bitumen/asphalt contractors to determine the suitability of recycled waste plastics within asphalt roads by a series of experimental techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Audy
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Melbourne 3001, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marie Enfrin
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Melbourne 3001, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yeong Jia Boom
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Melbourne 3001, Victoria, Australia
| | - Filippo Giustozzi
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Melbourne 3001, Victoria, Australia.
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27
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Sorasan C, Edo C, González-Pleiter M, Fernández-Piñas F, Leganés F, Rodríguez A, Rosal R. Ageing and fragmentation of marine microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 827:154438. [PMID: 35276161 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The generation of small fragments from the environmental ageing of microplastics (MPs) is still a poorly known process. This work addresses the fragmentation of MPs obtained from marine debris consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene (PE and PP in environmental mixture) and polystyrene (PS) after exposure to accelerated ageing by irradiation and mechanical stirring. Number particle size distribution in the 1-100 μm range was assessed by combining laser diffractometry with particle counts from flow cytometry. The results showed the generation of a high number of small MP particles, which reached 105-106 items/mg of plastic with most fragments <2 μm. The results showed that environmentally aged MPs give rise to a larger number of small MPs in a pattern consistent with progressive fragmentation in the three spatial dimensions. The proportion of small MPs was much higher than that found in current sampling campaigns, suggesting a severe underestimation of the environmental presence of small MPs. We also demonstrated the generation of nanoplastics (NPs) in the fraction <1 μm from irradiated runs. The results showed that the mechanism that produced nanoplastics (NPs) from MPs was irradiation, which yielded up to 1011-1013 NPs/g with particle size in the few hundreds of nm range. Our results are relevant for the assessment of fate and risk of plastic debris in the environment showing that the number of small plastic fragments produced during the ageing of MPs is much larger than expect from the extrapolation of larger size populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Sorasan
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Edo
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel González-Pleiter
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisca Fernández-Piñas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Leganés
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rodríguez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, E-28871 Madrid, Spain.
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28
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Quade J, López-Ibáñez S, Beiras R. Mesocosm trials reveal the potential toxic risk of degrading bioplastics to marine life. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 179:113673. [PMID: 35489090 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
If biodegradable plastics tackle the marine plastic pollution problem sufficiently remains questionable. To gain more insight in degradability, performance, and the impact of degradation on the toxicity, commercial bags made from two biodegradable plastics and one conventional plastic (PE) were exposed for 120 days in a mesocosm featuring benthic, pelagic, and littoral habitat simulations. Degradability was assessed as weight loss, and specimens were tested for toxicity using Paracentrotus lividus sea-urchin larvae after different exposure times. Both biodegradable bags showed degradation within 120 days, with the littoral simulation showing the highest and the pelagic simulation the lowest decay. Disregarding habitat, the home-compostable plastic showed higher marine degradation than the industrial-compostable material. The relevant initial toxicity of both biopolymers was lost within 7 days of exposure, pointing towards easily leachable chemical additives as its cause. Interestingly, littoral exposed specimens gained toxicity after 120 days, suggesting UV- induced modifications that increase biopolymer toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Quade
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Environmental Research, Worringer Weg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany; ECOTOX Group, ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain.
| | - Sara López-Ibáñez
- ECOTOX Group, ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Beiras
- ECOTOX Group, ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
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Kobayashi Y, Ishigami A, Ito H. Relating Amorphous Structure to the Tear Strength of Polylactic Acid Films. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14101965. [PMID: 35631847 PMCID: PMC9145306 DOI: 10.3390/polym14101965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared with polyolefins that are used as single-use plastics, polylactic acid (PLA) has a lower tear strength in films. The relationship between the tear strength and the higher-order structure of films was investigated using PLA films that absorbed moisture at 30 °C and 95% relative humidity (RH) or that had been annealed under reduced pressure conditions. Although the mobile amorphous (MAm) amount did not change under high humidity, the film became brittle due to enthalpy relaxation. The crystallization by annealing also caused embrittlement, and the MAm amount decreased to 10%. The displacement until tearing is lowered from 2.5 to 0.5 mm in both cases. However, in situ retardation measurements revealed that there was a significant difference in the fracture morphology of the torn tip. When crystallized, the molecular chains and crystals are oriented in the tensile direction of the film, and a fragmented structure is observed in the ligament. Embrittlement due to enthalpy relaxation caused a weak orientation perpendicular to the tensile direction of the film, and cracks occurs along with this orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Kobayashi
- Research Center for GREEN Materials and Advanced Processing (GMAP), 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan;
- Correspondence: (Y.K.); (H.I.); Tel.: +81-(238)-263430 (Y.K.); +81-(238)-263081 (H.I.)
| | - Akira Ishigami
- Research Center for GREEN Materials and Advanced Processing (GMAP), 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan;
- Graduate School of Organic Materials Science, Yamagata University, 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ito
- Research Center for GREEN Materials and Advanced Processing (GMAP), 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan;
- Graduate School of Organic Materials Science, Yamagata University, 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-8510, Japan
- Correspondence: (Y.K.); (H.I.); Tel.: +81-(238)-263430 (Y.K.); +81-(238)-263081 (H.I.)
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30
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Alleviation of Tris(2-chloroethyl) Phosphate Toxicity on the Marine Rotifer Brachionus plicatilis by Polystyrene Microplastics: Features and Molecular Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094934. [PMID: 35563328 PMCID: PMC9102492 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
As emerging pollutants, microplastics (MPs) and organophosphorus esters (OPEs) coexist in the aquatic environment, posing a potential threat to organisms. Although toxicological studies have been conducted individually, the effects of combined exposure are unknown since MPs can interact with OPEs acting as carriers. In this study, we assessed the response of marine rotifer, Brachionus plicatilis, to co-exposure to polystyrene MPs and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) at different concentrations, including population growth, oxidative status, and transcriptomics. Results indicated that 0.1 μm and 1 μm MPs were accumulated in the digestive system, and, even at up to 2000 μg/L, they did not exert obvious damage to the stomach morphology, survival, and reproduction of B. plicatilis. The presence of 1 μm MPs reversed the low population growth rate and high oxidative stress induced by TCEP to the normal level. Some genes involved in metabolic detoxification and stress response were upregulated, such as ABC and Hsp. Subsequent validation showed that P-glycoprotein efflux ability was activated by combined exposure, indicating its important role in the reversal of population growth inhibition. Such results challenge the common perception that MPs aggravate the toxicity of coexisting pollutants and elucidate the molecular mechanism of the limited toxic effects induced by MPs and TCEP.
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31
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Andrady AL, Lavender Law K, Donohue J, Koongolla B. Accelerated degradation of low-density polyethylene in air and in sea water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 811:151368. [PMID: 34732340 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Accelerated weathering of LDPE laminates, with samples exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in air and while floating in seawater at the same temperature, was investigated in this study. The depth profiles of the concentrations of oxidation products in the two sets of samples was assessed by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and suggest the oxidation on weathering to be diffusion-controlled in both air and in seawater, localizing the reaction to a thin surface layer. While the thickness of this layer is several hundred microns in air-weathered samples it is too small to be discernible by FTIR spectroscopy in sea water-weathered samples. A naturally weathered polyethylene microplastic pellet from floating ocean debris was also similarly studied by FTIR and the depth profile compared with that from accelerated weathering of LDPE laminates. Tensile properties of the LDPE weathered in air and in sea water were also compared to better understand the impact of diffusion-controlled oxidation on their mechanical integrity. How the origin of apparent retardation of the rate of weathering degradation of LDPE in seawater relative to that in air, is related diffusion-controlled oxidation due to the low concentrations of dissolved oxygen in seawater, is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L Andrady
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America.
| | | | - Jessica Donohue
- Sea Education Association, Woods Hole, MA, United States of America
| | - Bimali Koongolla
- Institution of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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32
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Zvekic M, Richards LC, Tong CC, Krogh ET. Characterizing photochemical ageing processes of microplastic materials using multivariate analysis of infrared spectra. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:52-61. [PMID: 34904601 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00392e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics in the environment are an emerging concern due to impacts on human and environmental health. In addition to direct effects on biota, microplastics influence the fate and distribution of trace organic contaminants through sorption and transport. Environmental weathering may influence the rate and extent of chemical sorption. Changes in the surface characteristics of four common plastics including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) were followed under the influence of both artificial light (UV-B) and natural sunlight for up to six months. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra were collected at regular intervals. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the full dataset of UV-B weathered samples (n >500 spectra) simultaneously discriminated plastic type and extent of photochemical weathering. The magnitude of PCA scores correlated with exposure time and the loadings were consistent with surface chemistry changes including photooxidation. Projecting sunlight and UV-C exposed samples onto this PCA model demonstrated that similar chemical changes occurred, albeit at different rates. The results were compared to the carbonyl index (CI) with similar weathering trends indicating PP weathered at a faster initial rate than LDPE and HDPE. We propose that a multivariate approach is more widely applicable than CI as illustrated by PS, which lacked a stable reference peak. Kinetic analysis of the time series indicated that outdoor weathering occurred 5-12 times slower than the artificial exposure used here, depending on the plastic and the light source employed. The results provide unique insights into weathering processes and the photochemical age of naturally weathered plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misha Zvekic
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories (AERL), Department of Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700, Stn CSC, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Larissa C Richards
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories (AERL), Department of Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700, Stn CSC, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christine C Tong
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories (AERL), Department of Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Erik T Krogh
- Applied Environmental Research Laboratories (AERL), Department of Chemistry, Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700, Stn CSC, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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33
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Xu X, Wang X, Li X, Liu Q. A theoretical study on the photodegradation mechanism of the endocrine disrupting chemical p-nonylphenol induced by OH in water. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113107. [PMID: 34743070 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Nonylphenol (NP) has attracted significant attention because of its widespread environmental presence, toxicity, and pseudo-estrogen properties. Photolysis is the main degradation pathway of many organic pollutants in water. In this study, the photodegradation mechanism of p-nonylphenol (p-NP) induced by OH in water was investigated using the density functional theory (DFT). Based on the calculations of charges using natural population analysis (NPA), the reaction of OH with NP included the carbon addition of a benzene ring and the hydrogen extraction of a phenolic hydroxyl group. The structures of all reactants, products, and intermediates were optimized at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level. Using vibrational frequency and intrinsic reaction coordinate analyses, the transition state and its reaction pathway were confirmed. Additionally, the solvent effect results showed the reaction preferably took place in water. Our results provide a theoretical basis for understanding the transformative process and assessing the potential risk of NP in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xu
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
| | - Xudong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Xianguo Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Qingzhi Liu
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
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