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Ahmet Miraç B, Fatoş U. The effect of environmental health education on microplastic pollution awareness. Public Health Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38613242 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of environmental health education given at the ninth-grade level on the microplastic pollution awareness level of students. METHODS This pretest-posttest experimental study with a randomized control group was conducted between 2022 and 2023 in three high schools in a province in eastern Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 90 ninth-grade students (experimental group: 45, control group: 45), and the sample magnitude was determined by power analysis. Tools such as the "Personal Information Form" and "Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale (MPAS)" were used to collect data. Training was given to the experimental group as a nursing intervention in a total of four sessions at 15-day intervals. No intervention was applied to the individuals in the control group. RESULTS While no significant difference was observed in the MPAS total score in the control group according to the pretest and posttest mean scores, a significant difference was observed in the MPAS total score in the experimental group (p < 0.05). When the posttest mean scores of the experimental and control groups were examined, it was observed that the posttest mean scores of the experimental group were higher than the posttest mean scores of the control group and there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION It was observed that the microplastic pollution awareness level of the experimental group students who received environmental health training increased significantly. The issue of environmental health should be integrated into the education curriculum in schools and students' awareness levels should be increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayoğlu Ahmet Miraç
- Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Specialist Nurse, Elazığ, Turkey
- Firat University Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health Nursing, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Uncu Fatoş
- Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Specialist Nurse, Elazığ, Turkey
- Firat University Faculty of Health Sciences, Public Health Nursing, Elazig, Turkey
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Hongsawat P, Thinjong W, Chouychai B, Punyapalakul P, Prarat P. Microplastics in retail shellfish from a seafood market in eastern Thailand: Occurrence and risks to human food safety. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 201:116228. [PMID: 38467085 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the presence of microplastics in three economically essential shellfish species: green mussels, cockles and spotted babylon. The average abundance of microplastics ranged from 2.41 to 2.84 particles/g wet weight. The predominant shape was fiber, with colors ranging from black-grey to transparent. The size of the microplastics discovered was <1.0 mm. Polystyrene and polyethylene were the most detected types in mussels and cockles, while linen was the predominant type in spotted babylon. The Thai population's estimated annual intake (EAI) of microplastics through shellfish consumption ranged from 20.23 to 1178.42 particles/person/year. The potential human health risks were evaluated using the polymer hazard index (PHI), which led to risk categories III-IV. These findings, along with others from the literature, indicate that shellfish consumption may pose risks to human health, depending on the species consumed and the origin of the specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parnuch Hongsawat
- Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Rayong 21120, Thailand
| | - Waleerat Thinjong
- Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Rayong 21120, Thailand
| | - Bopit Chouychai
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Rayong 21120, Thailand
| | - Patiparn Punyapalakul
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Research unit Control of Emerging Micropollutants in Environment, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Panida Prarat
- Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Rayong 21120, Thailand.
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Jia Z, Wei W, Wang Y, Chang Y, Lei R, Che Y. Occurrence characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics in agricultural soils in the loess hilly gully area of Yan' an, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169627. [PMID: 38157894 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Large amounts of microplastics accumulated in the soil of agricultural fields with the rapid development of mulch agriculture. The enrichment of microplastics endangered the growth of crops and food security, and it also posed ecological risks. In this study, we investigated microplastics in a typical agriculture area of Yan' an City, in the loess hilly gully area of China. The characteristics of microplastics including their abundances, sizes, and types were measured through laser direct infrared spectrometer. The potential sources of microplastics were analyzed and the risk of soil microplastic pollution was evaluated. It was elaborated that the average abundances of microplastics in soil, water, and fertilizer were 4505 ± 435 n·kg-1, 91 ± 27 n·L-1, and 39,629 ± 10,114 n·kg-1, respectively. Microplastics with particle sizes < 100 μm accounted for >90 %. The smaller the particle size, the higher the content of microplastics. The top three polymers were polyethylene (PE, 37.4 %), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 15.0 %), and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA, 8.9 %), respectively. Agricultural mulch, plastic film, domestic waste, surface water irrigation, and organic compost were probably the potential sources of soil microplastics. The ecological risk evaluation showed that overall sampling sites had a minor ecological risk of microplastic pollution based on their abundance, while the polymer type showed a relatively high ecological risk for the investigated agricultural soils. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) contribute considerably to the ecological risk, and their inputs to the farmland environment should be strictly limited. There was no significant carcinogenic risk to humans. This study would provide the basic reference for the current situation and risk assessment of farmland soil microplastics pollution in the loess hilly gully area of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Jia
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Wei Wei
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Yanhua Wang
- School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
| | - Yingjie Chang
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Rui Lei
- School of Water and Environment, Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology and Water Security in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of the Ministry of Water Resources, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Yanhong Che
- Xi'an Guolian Quality Testing Technology Co., LTD, Xi'an 710116, China
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Ali N, Liu W, Zeb A, Shi R, Lian Y, Wang Q, Wang J, Li J, Zheng Z, Liu J, Yu M, Liu J. Environmental fate, aging, toxicity and potential remediation strategies of microplastics in soil environment: Current progress and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167785. [PMID: 37852500 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic debris (<5 mm) that result from the fragmentation of plastic due to physical and physiochemical processes. MPs are emerging pollutants that pose a significant threat to the environment and human health, primarily due to their pervasive presence and potential bioaccumulation within the food web. Despite their importance, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the fate, toxicity, and aging behavior of MPs. Therefore, this review aims to address this gap by providing a cohesive understanding of several key aspects. Firstly, it summarizes the sources and fate of MPs, highlighting their ubiquitous presence and the potential pathways through which they enter ecosystems. Secondly, it evaluates the aging process of MPs and the factors influencing it, including the morphological and physiological changes observed in crops and the release of pollutants from aged MPs, which can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Furthermore, the impacts of aging MPs on various processes are discussed, such as the mobilization of other pollutants in the environment. The influence of aged MPs on the soil environment, particularly their effect on heavy metal adsorption, is examined. Finally, the review explores strategies for the prevention technologies and remediation of MPs, highlighting the importance of developing effective approaches to tackle this issue. Overall, this review aims to contribute to our understanding of MPs, their aging process, and their impacts on the environment and human health. It underscores the urgency of addressing the issue of MPs and promoting research and remediation efforts to mitigate their adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouman Ali
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Aurang Zeb
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ruiying Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yuhang Lian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianling Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiantao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zeqi Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jinzheng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Miao Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jianv Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; Tianjin Engineering Research Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
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Prabakaran K, Sompongchaiyakul P, Bureekul S, Wang X, Charoenpong C. Heavy metal bioaccumulation and risk assessment in fishery resources from the Gulf of Thailand. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115864. [PMID: 38096691 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115864] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The muscle tissues of 19 fish species, two crab species, and one shrimp species collected from the Gulf of Thailand (GoT) were analyzed to determine the levels of heavy metals, including Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Hg. The results revealed that the mean concentrations of the heavy metals, in descending order, were Zn > Cu > Fe > Cd > Hg > Mn > Pb > Ni. Among the examined metals, zinc was found to be the most prevalent in fish tissues. Based on the risk assessment indices, the estimated average daily doses (ADD) of the heavy metals were found to be below the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) recommended by the joint Committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on food contaminants. The results of the target cancer risk analysis revealed no related cancer risk from the consumption of the fishes considered for the study. However, the target hazard quotient (THQ) values exceeded the threshold of 1 (THQ > 1) specifically for mercury in Gymnothorax spp. and Terapon spp. Furthermore, the calculated hazard index (HI) values for fish muscles were all below 1, indicating that there is no significant health risk for humans at the current consumption rates, except in Terapon species for both normal and habitual consumers. Notably, habitual consumers of Gymnothorax species showed the highest HI value (>1), suggesting potential long-term effects on human health when consuming larger quantities of these fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Prabakaran
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Penjai Sompongchaiyakul
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Sujaree Bureekul
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Xiangfeng Wang
- Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Chawalit Charoenpong
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Vrinda PK, Amal R, Abhirami N, Mini DA, Kumar VJR, Devipriya SP. Co-exposure of microplastics and heavy metals in the marine environment and remediation techniques: a comprehensive review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:114822-114843. [PMID: 37922080 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30679-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals are significant pollutants in the marine environment, necessitating effective remediation strategies to prevent their release into the sea through sewage and industrial effluent. This comprehensive review explores the current understanding of the co-exposure of MPs and heavy metal-enriched MPs, highlighting the need for effective remediation methods. Various mechanisms, including surface ion complexation, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces, contribute to the adsorption of heavy metals onto MPs, with factors like surface area and environmental exposure duration playing crucial roles. Additionally, biofilm formation on MPs alters their chemical properties, influencing metal adsorption behaviors. Different thermodynamic models are used to explain the adsorption mechanisms of heavy metals on MPs. The adsorption process is influenced by various factors, including the morphological characteristics of MPs, their adsorption capacity, and environmental conditions. Additionally, the desorption of heavy metals from MPs has implications for their bioavailability and poses risks to marine organisms, emphasizing the importance of source reduction and remedial measures. Hybrid approaches that combine both conventional and modern technologies show promise for the efficient removal of MPs and heavy metals from marine environments. This review identifies critical gaps in existing research that should be addressed in future studies including standardized sampling methods to ensure accurate data, further investigation into the specific interactions between MPs and metals, and the development of hybrid technologies at an industrial scale. Overall, this review sheds light on the adsorption and desorption mechanisms of heavy metal-enriched MPs, underscoring the necessity of implementing effective remediation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Punmoth Kalyadan Vrinda
- Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology, Pondicherry University, Port Blair, 744112, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
| | - Radhakrishnan Amal
- School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, India, 682022
| | - Nandakumar Abhirami
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Versova, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400061, India
| | - Divya Alex Mini
- Department of Aquatic Environment Management, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Panangad, Kochi, 682508, Kerala, India
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Nguyen TLH, Duong TL, Nguyen THT, Dang TQ, Nguyen TH, Dao NN, Nguyen KT, Duong CD, Pham NN, Nguyen BQ. Microplastics and trace metals in river sediment: Prevalence and correlation with multiple factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165145. [PMID: 37385491 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), which are ubiquitous, are no longer novel emerging pollutants, yet our knowledge of them is insufficient. This study investigates the prevalence of MPs and trace metals in sediment belonging to Ma River, Vietnam, and their interaction with various parameters, including nutrients such as total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP), grain sizes, and MPs in surface water. The study revealed that the abundance of MPs in sediment (MPs/S) is relatively high (i.e., 1328.3 ± 1925.5 items.kg-1 dry weight), while the concentration of MPs in surface water (MPs/W) was relatively low (i.e., 57.3 ± 55.8 items.m-3) compared to other areas. Notably, the study found that arsenic and cadmium concentrations exceeded baseline levels, indicating their anthropogenic origin. To interpret the relationship between MPs/S, metals, and the aforementioned parameters, principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analyses were employed. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between metals and nutrients, as well as small grain sizes such as clay and silt. It was observed that the majority of metals displayed co-occurrence with one another but showed weak associations with the levels of MPs present in both water and sediment. Additionally, a weak correlation was observed between MPs/W and MPs/S. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the distribution and behavior of MPs and trace metals in aquatic systems are influenced by multiple factors, including nutrient levels, grain size, and other chemical and physical characteristics of the environment. While certain metals may have natural sources, others may result from human activities such as mining, industrial discharge, and wastewater treatment plants. As a result, understanding the sources and aspects of metal contamination are critical for determining their relationship with MPs and developing effective strategies for mitigating their impact on aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Lan Huong Nguyen
- Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Lim Duong
- Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Huong Thuy Nguyen
- Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam
| | - Tran Quan Dang
- Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Hue Nguyen
- Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam
| | - Ngoc Nhiem Dao
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam; Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam
| | - Kien Trung Nguyen
- Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam
| | - Cong Dien Duong
- Institute of Mechanics, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 264 Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam
| | - Ngo Nghia Pham
- Faculty of Chemistry, VNU University of Science, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam
| | - Bac Quang Nguyen
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam; Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam.
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