1
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Yang T, Nowack B. Formation of nanoparticles during accelerated UV degradation of fleece polyester textiles. NANOIMPACT 2024; 35:100520. [PMID: 38906250 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics have emerged as critical pollutants in various ecosystems, posing potential environmental and human health risks. Washing of polyester textiles has been identified as one of the sources of nanoplastics. However, other stages of the textile life cycle may also release nanoparticles. This study aimed to examine nanoparticle release during UV degradation of polyester textiles under controlled and real-world conditions. Fleece polyester textiles were weathered under simulated sunlight for up to two months, either in air or submerged in water. We conducted bi-weekly SEM image analyses and quantified released nanoparticles using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). At week 0, the fiber surface appeared smooth after prewashing. In the air group, nanoparticles appeared on the fiber surface after UV-exposure. In the group of textiles submerged in water, the surfaces developed more pits over time. The cumulative nanoparticle emission from the weathered textiles ranged from 1.4 × 1011 to 4.0 × 1011 particles per gram of fabric in the air group and from 1.6 × 1011 to 4.4 × 1011 particles per gram of fabric in the water group over two months. The predominant particle size fell into the 100 to 200 nm range. The estimated mass of the released nanoparticles was 0.06-0.26 g per gram of fabric, which is lower than the amount released during the washing of new textiles. Additionally, Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM) images indicated that the weathered nanoparticles underwent oxidation. Overall, the research offers valuable insights into nanoparticle formation and release from polyester textiles during UV degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Yang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland; Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C5, Canada.
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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2
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Jansen MAK, Andrady AL, Bornman JF, Aucamp PJ, Bais AF, Banaszak AT, Barnes PW, Bernhard GH, Bruckman LS, Busquets R, Häder DP, Hanson ML, Heikkilä AM, Hylander S, Lucas RM, Mackenzie R, Madronich S, Neale PJ, Neale RE, Olsen CM, Ossola R, Pandey KK, Petropavlovskikh I, Revell LE, Robinson SA, Robson TM, Rose KC, Solomon KR, Andersen MPS, Sulzberger B, Wallington TJ, Wang QW, Wängberg SÅ, White CC, Young AR, Zepp RG, Zhu L. Plastics in the environment in the context of UV radiation, climate change and the Montreal Protocol: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2023. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:629-650. [PMID: 38512633 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00552-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
This Assessment Update by the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) considers the interactive effects of solar UV radiation, global warming, and other weathering factors on plastics. The Assessment illustrates the significance of solar UV radiation in decreasing the durability of plastic materials, degradation of plastic debris, formation of micro- and nanoplastic particles and accompanying leaching of potential toxic compounds. Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in all ecosystems, the atmosphere, and in humans. While the potential biological risks are not yet well-established, the widespread and increasing occurrence of plastic pollution is reason for continuing research and monitoring. Plastic debris persists after its intended life in soils, water bodies and the atmosphere as well as in living organisms. To counteract accumulation of plastics in the environment, the lifetime of novel plastics or plastic alternatives should better match the functional life of products, with eventual breakdown releasing harmless substances to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A K Jansen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Anthony L Andrady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Janet F Bornman
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
| | | | - Alkiviadis F Bais
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastazia T Banaszak
- Unidad Académica Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - Paul W Barnes
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environment Program, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Laura S Bruckman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rosa Busquets
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kingston University London, Kingston Upon Thames, UK
| | | | - Mark L Hanson
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Samuel Hylander
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Robyn M Lucas
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Roy Mackenzie
- Centro Universitario Cabo de Hornos, Universidad de Magallanes, Puerto Williams, Chile
- Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems BASE, Santiago, Chile
- Cape Horn International Center CHIC, Puerto Williams, Chile
| | - Sasha Madronich
- UV-B Monitoring and Research Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Patrick J Neale
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA
| | - Rachel E Neale
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine M Olsen
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rachele Ossola
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Irina Petropavlovskikh
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Ozone and Water Vapor Division, NOAA ESRL Global Monitoring Laboratory, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Laura E Revell
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sharon A Robinson
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - T Matthew Robson
- UK National School of Forestry, University of Cumbria, Ambleside Campus, Ambleside, UK
- Organismal & Evolutionary Ecology, Viikki Plant Science Centre, Faculty of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kevin C Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA
| | - Keith R Solomon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Mads P Sulbæk Andersen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Barbara Sulzberger
- Retired From Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dubendorf, Switzerland
| | - Timothy J Wallington
- Center for Sustainable Systems, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Qing-Wei Wang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Sten-Åke Wängberg
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Richard G Zepp
- ORD/CEMM, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Liping Zhu
- State Key Lab for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
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3
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Peng M, Vercauteren M, Grootaert C, Catarino AI, Everaert G, Rajkovic A, Janssen C, Asselman J. Bioenergetic effects of pristine and ultraviolet-weathered polydisperse polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene nanoplastics on human intestinal Caco-2 cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168267. [PMID: 37918727 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168267] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous human exposure to nanoplastics (NPs) increasingly raises concerns regarding impact on our health. However, little is known on the biological effects of complex mixtures of weathered NPs with heterogenous size and irregular shape present in the environment. In this study, the bioenergetic effects of four such NPs mixtures on human intestinal Caco-2 cells were investigated. To this aim, Caco-2 cells were exposed to polydisperse nanoPET (<800 nm) and nanoPS (mixture of 100 and 750 nm) samples with and without ultraviolet (UV) weathering at low concentration range (102-107 particles/mL) for 48 h. Mitochondrial respiration, glycolytic functions and ATP production rates of exposed cells were measured by Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer. Among four NPs samples, polydisperse nanoPET with irregular shapes induced significant stimulation of mitochondrial respiration, glycolysis and ATP production rates in Caco-2 cells. Spherical nanoPS caused significant stimulation on glycolytic functions of Caco-2 cells at the highest concentration used (106 particles/mL). ATR-FTIR spectra and carbonyl index indicated formation of carbonyl groups in nanoPET and nanoPS after UV weathering. UV weathering could alleviate bioenergetic stress caused by NPs in Caco-2 cells and even shifted the energy pathways from mitochondrial respiration to glycolysis due to electrostatic repulsion between negatively charged UV-aged NPs and cell membranes. This research is the first to study in-vitro bioenergetic responses of NPs samples with multidimensional features (polymer type, irregular shape, heterogenous size, UV-weathering) on human health. It highlights that effects between pristine and weathered NPs are different at a bioenergetic level, which has important implications for the risk assessment of NPs on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Peng
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium.
| | - Maaike Vercauteren
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Grootaert
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ana Isabel Catarino
- Ocean and Human Health Division, Flanders Marine Institute, Jacobsenstraat 1, B-8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Gert Everaert
- Ocean and Human Health Division, Flanders Marine Institute, Jacobsenstraat 1, B-8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Andreja Rajkovic
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Colin Janssen
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
| | - Jana Asselman
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400 Ostend, Belgium
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4
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Chen R, Zhao X, Wu X, Wang J, Wang X, Liang W. Research progress on occurrence characteristics and source analysis of microfibers in the marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115834. [PMID: 38061148 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115834] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic microfiber pollution is a growing concern in the marine environment. However, critical issues associated with microfiber origins in marine environments have not been resolved. Herein, the potential sources of marine microfibers are systematically reviewed. The obtained results indicate that surface runoffs are primary contributors that transport land-based microfibers to oceans, and the breakdown of larger fiber plastic waste due to weathering processes is also a notable secondary source of marine microfibers. Additionally, there are three main approaches for marine microplastic source apportionment, namely, anthropogenic source classification, statistical analysis, and numerical simulations based on the Lagrangian particle tracking method. These methods establish the connections between characteristics, transport pathways and sources of microplastics, which provides new insights to further conduct microfiber source apportionment. This study helps to better understand sources analysis and transport pathways of microfibers into oceans and presents a scientific basis to further control microfiber pollution in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
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5
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Shi Y, Huang H, Zheng L, Tian Y, Gong Z, Wang J, Li W, Gao S. Releases of microplastics and chemicals from nonwoven polyester fabric-based polyurethane synthetic leather by photoaging. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166584. [PMID: 37634718 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The nonwoven PET fabrics are chemically, mechanically and thermally treated fiber aggregate without weaving, knitting or braiding, which could be used as a base to make polyurethane (PU) synthetic leather through a series of processing. Our research systematically compared the photoaging behaviors of pure non-woven PET base fabric (NPET-P) and PU synthetic leather (nonwoven PET-base fabrics with PU coating, NPET-U), and their possibilities for microplastic fibers (MPFs) generation and chemical transformation in water. NPET-U was photoaged to a higher oxidation degree with higher O/C ratios and more distinct changes in chemical structures. The amount of MPFs released from NPET-U (1.98 × 107 g/fibers) was significantly lower than that from NPET-P (4.76 × 107 g/fibers) after 360 h light irradiation (p value <0.05) with a slower degradation rate and delayed MPFs release. The lengths and diameters of released MPFs from NPET-U varied within a smaller range than that from NPET-P exposed to UV light irradiation. Natural sunlight aging of fabrics for 365 days was found to be equivalent to approximately 85.3-127.2 h UV aging in the laboratory, which indicated the lab accelerated experiments was extraordinarily intense to simulate natural sunlight aging. Furthermore, abundant calcium and sulfur-contained chemicals were detected in original fabrics and the leachate of 360 h light-aged fabrics using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The organic components of the leachate were separated according to their molecular weight with the changes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), and the UV response over aging time. UV stimulation aggravated the role of plastic polymers as disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors. Nevertheless, although NPET-U could produce more nitrogen-contained chemicals, it had similar formation potentials of nitrogen-containing DBPs as NPET-P. The discussion lucubrated the potential risks of the production of MPFs and chemical release in the leachate with regard to combined plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Lezhou Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Yechao Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Zhimin Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Wentao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China.
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6
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Binda G, Carnati S, Spanu D, Bellasi A, Hurley R, Bettinetti R, Monticelli D, Pozzi A, Nizzetto L. Selection of the optimal extraction protocol to investigate the interaction between trace elements and environmental plastic. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131330. [PMID: 37004438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between environmental plastic and trace elements is an issue of concern. Understanding their interaction mechanisms is key to evaluate the potential threats for the environment. To this regard, consolidating confidence in extraction protocols can help in understanding the amount of different species present on plastic surface, as well as the potential mobility of trace elements present inside the plastic matrix (e.g., additives). Here we tested the efficacy of different reagents to mimic the elemental phases bonded to meso- and microplastic in the environment, in relation to the grade of ageing and the polymer composition. Results showed that a relatively high portion of trace elements is bonded in a weak phase and that other phases abundant in other matrices (e.g., oxides and bonded to organic matter) are only present to a limited degree in the plastic samples. The comparison of different sample types highlighted the important role of plastic ageing in governing interactions with trace elements, while the polymer composition has a limited influence on this process. Finally, the future steps toward a tailored extraction scheme for environmental plastic are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Binda
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Stefano Carnati
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Davide Spanu
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Arianna Bellasi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Rachel Hurley
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Roberta Bettinetti
- Department of Human and Innovation for the Territory, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Damiano Monticelli
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Andrea Pozzi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Luca Nizzetto
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway; RECETOX, Masarik University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Xiao C, Zhang M, Ding L, Qiu X, Guo X. New sight of microplastics aging: Reducing agents promote rapid aging of microplastics under anoxic conditions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 451:131123. [PMID: 36871465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The aging of microplastics (MPs) occurs extensively in the environment, and understanding the aging mechanisms of MPs is essential to study the properties, fate and environmental impact of MPs. We proposed a creative hypothesis that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be aged by reducing reactions with reducing agents. Simulation experiments based on the principle of reduction of carbonyl by NaBH4 were conducted to test the correctness of this hypothesis. The results showed that after 7 days of experiments, physical damage and chemical transformation occurred in the PET-MPs. The particle size of MPs was reduced by 34.95-55.93 %, and the C/O ratio was increased by 2.97-24.14 %. The changing order of surface functional groups (CO > C-O > C-H > C-C) was obtained. The occurrence of reductive aging and electron transfer of MPs was further supported by electrochemical characterization experiments. These results together reveal the reductive aging mechanism of PET-MPs: CO is firstly reduced to C-O by BH4- attack, and then further reduced to ·R. The resulting ·R recombines to form new C-H and C-C. This study is beneficial to deepen the understanding of the chemical aging of MPs, and can provide a theoretical basis for further research on the reactivity of oxygenated MPs with reducing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanqi Xiao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Mengwei Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Ling Ding
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Xinran Qiu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
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8
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Li J, Wang L, Xu Z, Zhang J, Li J, Lu X, Yan R, Tang Y. A new point to correlate the multi-dimensional assessment for the aging process of microfibers. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 235:119933. [PMID: 37023644 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Fiber, the most prevalent plastic type, can be weathered and eroded easily in the natural environment. Although a variety of techniques have been applied to characterize the aging characteristics of plastics, a comprehensive understanding was critically essential to correlate the multi-dimensional assessment of the weathering process of microfibers and their environmental behavior. Therefore, in this study, microfibers were prepared from the face masks and Pb2+ was selected as a typical metal pollutant. The weathering process was simulated by xenon aging and chemical aging, and then subjected to Pb2+adsorption to examine the effect of weathering processes. The changes in fiber property and structure were detected by using various characterization techniques, with the development of several aging indices to quantify the changes. The two-dimensional Fourier transform infrared correlation spectroscopy analysis (2D-FTIR-COS) and Raman mapping were also performed to understand the order of changes in the surface functional groups of the fiber. The results showed that both aging processes altered the surface morphology, physicochemical properties, and polypropylene chain conformations of the microfibers, with stronger effect after chemical aging. The aging process also enhanced the affinity of microfiber to Pb2+. Moreover, the changes and correlation of the aging indices were analyzed, showing that the maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) was positively related to carbonyl index (CI), oxygen-to-carbon atom (O/C) ratio and intensity ratio of the Raman peaks (I841/808), but negatively related to contact angle and the temperature at the maximum weight loss rate (Tm). The O/C ratio was more suitable to quantify the surface changes with lower aging degree while the CI value explained the chemical aging process better. Overall, this study discussed the weathering processes of microfibers based on a multi-dimensional investigation, and attempted to correlate the aging characteristics of the microfibers and their environmental behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangpeng Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Zhe Xu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Jianshuai Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Jiawei Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Xiao Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Ruoqun Yan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
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9
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de Oliveira CRS, da Silva Júnior AH, Mulinari J, Ferreira AJS, da Silva A. Fibrous microplastics released from textiles: Occurrence, fate, and remediation strategies. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2023; 256:104169. [PMID: 36893526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP), i.e., particles measuring less than 5 mm in size, are considered emerging pollutants. The ubiquity of MP is causing great concern among environmental and public health agencies. Anthropogenic activities are responsible for the extensive dispersal of MP in nature. Adverse effects on living organisms, interactions with other contaminants occurring in the environment, and the lack of effective degradation/removal techniques are significant issues related to MP. Most MP found in nature are fibrous (FMP). FMP originate from textile products, mainly synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester). Synthetic fibers are intensively used to produce countless goods due to beneficial characteristics such as high mechanical resistance and economic feasibility. FMP are ubiquitous on the planet and impart lasting adverse effects on biodiversity. Data on the consequences of long-term exposure to these pollutants are scarce in the literature. In addition, few studies address the main types of synthetic microfibers released from textiles, their occurrence, adverse effects on organisms, and remediation strategies. This review discusses the relevant topics about FMP and alerts the dangers to the planet. Furthermore, future perspectives and technological highlights for the FMP mitigation/degradation are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Rafael Silva de Oliveira
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Textile Engineering, João Pessoa street - 2514, 89036-004, Blumenau Campus, Blumenau, SC, Brazil; Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, PO Box 476, 88040-900, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Afonso Henrique da Silva Júnior
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, PO Box 476, 88040-900, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Mulinari
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, PO Box 476, 88040-900, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Alexandre José Sousa Ferreira
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Textile Engineering, João Pessoa street - 2514, 89036-004, Blumenau Campus, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Adriano da Silva
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, PO Box 476, 88040-900, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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10
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Pinlova B, Nowack B. Characterization of fiber fragments released from polyester textiles during UV weathering. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121012. [PMID: 36623791 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121012] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic textiles are considered a prime source of microplastics fibers which are a prevalent shape of microplastic pollution. Whilst the release mechanisms and formation of such microplastic fibers have been so far mainly studied in connection with laundry washing, there are some studies emerging that describe also other release pathways for microplastic fibers such as abrasion during wearing. The aim of this study was to consider weathering as another process contributing to the formation of microplastic fibers and their presence in the environment. Four types of polyester fabrics were selected and exposed to artificial weathering by UV-light for two months. The fabrics were extracted every 15 days to quantify and characterize the formed microplastics. Microplastic fibers with the diameter matching the size of the fibers in the textiles were observed. However, additional microplastic fibers of different shapes were also formed. These included partially broken fibers, thin fibers with a diameter below the size of the fiber in the fabrics, fibers flattened into a ribbon, and non-fibrous microplastics. The released microplastics evinced physical alterations on their surface in the form of pits and cracks. The released microplastics exhibited a steep increase in number with progressing weathering; from hundreds of fibers per gram of textile from unaged fabrics, to hundred thousands fibers (150,000-450,000 MPF/g) after 2 months of weathering. Additional 10,000-52,000 unfibrous microplastics/g were released from the weathered fabrics. While plain fabrics showed higher releases than interlock and fleece, further research is needed to evaluate the importance of the textile architecture on the weathering process in comparison with the production history of the fabrics. Based on a comparison with washing studies with the same textiles, we can estimate that the potential of weathered fabrics to be a source of microplastic fibers can be 20-40 times larger than washing only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Pinlova
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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Shi Y, Zheng L, Huang H, Tian YC, Gong Z, Liu P, Wu X, Li WT, Gao S. Formation of Nano- and Microplastics and Dissolved Chemicals During Photodegradation of Polyester Base Fabrics with Polyurethane Coating. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1894-1906. [PMID: 36693029 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polyurethane (PU) synthetic leathers possess an intricate plastic composition, including polyester (PET) base fabrics and upper PU resin, but the release of fragments from the complexes is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the photodegradation trends of PET base fabrics with PU coating (PET-U) as a representative of composite plastics. Attention was paid to the comparison of the photoaging process of PET-U with that of pure PET base fabric (PET-P). To reveal the potential for chain scission, physical and chemical changes (e.g., surface morphology, molecular weight, and crystallinity) of the two fabrics were explored. The generation of microplastic fibers (MPFs) and microplastic particles (MPPs) was distinguished. Compared with PET-P, PET-U showed a similar but delayed trend in various characteristics and debris release rate as the photoaging time prolonged. Even so, after 360 h of illumination, the generated number of MPs (including MPFs and MPPs) rose considerably to 9.32 × 107 MPs/g, and the amount of released nanoplastics (NPs) increased to 2.70 × 1011 NPs/g from PET-U. The suppression of MP formation from PET-U was potentially directed by the physical shielding of the upper PU layer and the dropped MPs, which resisted the photochemical radical effect. The components of dissolved organic matter derived from plastics (P-DOM) were separated by molecular weight using a size-exclusion chromatography-diode array detector-organic carbon detector/organic nitrogen detector (SEC-DAD-OCD/OND), and the results showed that a larger amount of carbon- and nitrogen-containing chemical substances were generated in PET-U, accompanied by more aromatic and fluorescent compounds. The results provided theoretical bases and insights for future research on the risks of plastic debris from PU synthetic leathers on aquatic organisms and indicated feasible directions for exploring combined pollution studies of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lezhou Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye-Chao Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Tao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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