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Sahoo MM. Microplastic pollution in surface sediments of Coromandel coastline, South-East Coast, India: Diversity index, carbonyl index, pollution load index, risk fraction and MPs inventory. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124179. [PMID: 38763293 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124179] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The investigation along the Coromandel coastline of South-east India focused on assessing microplastics abundance using Simpson's diversity index (DIMP), Degradation-carbonyl index (DgCIMP), Pollution load index (PLIMP) and Ecological risk fraction (RfMP). These indices evaluated the dissemination and transportation of MPs across a 1076 km stretch divided into five zones from Chennai to Kanyakumari. During the wet season, average microplastics abundance (101 ± 36.6 items/kg dw) was lower compared to the dry season (143 ± 56.2 items/kg dw). Notably, 54% and 45% of microplastics were found in the 0.1-0.5 mm size range, with 45% and 64% being colored microplastics, and 80% and 71% being fibers during the wet and dry seasons respectively. Micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR) analysis showed rayon (34%) and PE (64%) dominance in ports and estuaries during both seasons. Kottaipattinam Port exhibited higher diversity indices (DIMPsh=0.56,DIMPsz=0.66,DIMPco=0.50andDIMPpo=0.65) compared to other zones, with an overall diversity index IDIMP of 0.57. Notably, among the DgCIMP values (n = 96), only 12 fell within the moderate photo-chemical oxidation range (0.16-0.35), while the majority (n = 60) surpassed 0.35 indicating higher oxidation levels, with some (n = 24) exceeding 0.50, signifying extreme oxidation. PLIMP revealed that 42% of sampling stations had very low to negligible MP contamination levels in ports and estuaries. However, ecological risk fraction RfMP values ranged from 10.2 to 13,670, with 27% of values exceeding 1500, indicating higher coastal ecological risk in 13 sampling stations.
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S Gomes R, Fernandes AN, Waldman WR. How to Measure Polymer Degradation? An Analysis of Authors' Choices When Calculating the Carbonyl Index. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7609-7616. [PMID: 38624261 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10855] [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: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The carbonyl index aims to measure the degradation level and is used in plastic degradation research as a proxy for the general degradation level of collected plastic pieces. According to the choices for carbonyl index calculation, comparison using this index is prevented and must be unveiled by the authors, which does not always happen. In order to study the proper usage of the carbonyl index, regarding the choice of the reference band and the usage of the band intensity or the absorption area, we systematically reviewed the methodologies used for polypropylene as a case study. Based on 95 studies gathered from 2000 to 2024, two main methods were used to determine the carbonyl index: the ratio between the carbonyl band area and the reference band area (33.68%) and the ratio between the highest intensity of the carbonyl band and the reference band (66.31%). The reference band of choice and the type of calculation method produce different carbonyl index values for the same spectra and mean different information, preventing comparison among works with different calculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimara S Gomes
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS 91501-970, Brasil
| | - Andreia N Fernandes
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS 91501-970, Brasil
| | - Walter R Waldman
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologia para Sustentabilidade, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia SP-264, km 110, Sorocaba, SP 18052-780, Brasil
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Theobald B, Risani R, Donaldson L, Bridson JH, Kingsbury JM, Pantos O, Weaver L, Lear G, Pochon X, Zaiko A, Smith DA, Anderson R, Davy B, Davy S, Doake F, Masterton H, Audrezet F, Maday SDM, Wallbank JA, Barbier M, Greene AF, Parker K, Harris J, Northcott GL, Abbel R. An investigation into the stability and degradation of plastics in aquatic environments using a large-scale field-deployment study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170301. [PMID: 38272094 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The fragmentation of plastic debris is a key pathway to the formation of microplastic pollution. These disintegration processes depend on the materials' physical and chemical characteristics, but insight into these interrelationships is still limited, especially under natural conditions. Five plastics of known polymer/additive compositions and processing histories were deployed in aquatic environments and recovered after six and twelve months. The polymer types used were linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), oxo-degradable LLDPE (oxoLLDPE), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyamide-6 (PA6), and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Four geographically distinct locations across Aotearoa/New Zealand were chosen: three marine sites and a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Accelerated UV-weathering under controlled laboratory conditions was also carried out to evaluate artificial ageing as a model for plastic degradation in the natural environment. The samples' physical characteristics and surface microstructures were studied for each deployment location and exposure time. The strongest effects were found for oxoLLDPE upon artificial ageing, with increased crystallinity, intense surface cracking, and substantial deterioration of its mechanical properties. However, no changes to the same extent were found after recovery of the deployed material. In the deployment environments, the chemical nature of the plastics was the most relevant factor determining their behaviours. Few significant differences between the four aquatic locations were identified, except for PA6, where indications for biological surface degradation were found only in seawater, not the WWTP. In some cases, artificial ageing reasonably mimicked the changes which some plastic properties underwent in aquatic environments, but generally, it was no reliable model for natural degradation processes. The findings from this study have implications for the understanding of the initial phases of plastic degradation in aquatic environments, eventually leading to microplastics formation. They can also guide the interpretation of accelerated laboratory ageing for the fate of aquatic plastic pollution, and for the testing of aged plastic samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - James H Bridson
- Scion, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand; University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Joanne M Kingsbury
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Olga Pantos
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Louise Weaver
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Gavin Lear
- University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Xavier Pochon
- University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; Cawthron Institute, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Ben Davy
- Scion, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
| | | | - Fraser Doake
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Hayden Masterton
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - François Audrezet
- University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; Cawthron Institute, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
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Sommer C, Nguyen J, Menzel T, Ruckdäschel H, Koch M. Determining weathering-induced heterogeneous oxidation profiles of polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 343:140105. [PMID: 37714488 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Weathering-induced polymer degradation is typically heterogeneous which plays an integral part in fragmentation. Despite that, the current selection of techniques to investigate such heterogeneities, especially beneath the sample surface, is sparse. We introduce Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) as an analytical tool and evaluate its performance for depth profiling. Three types of polymers were selected (polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene) that were aged under controlled conditions. We demonstrate that LIBS can detect heterogeneous oxidation on the surface and inside the samples. The results reveal that different oxidation behaviors are linked to the sample's lattice structure and the subsequent formation of microcracks. This implies that LIBS is beneficial to give additional insights into the weathering and degradation behavior of environmentally relevant plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Sommer
- Faculty of Physics and Material Sciences Centre, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Johnny Nguyen
- Faculty of Physics and Material Sciences Centre, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany
| | - Teresa Menzel
- Department Polymer Engineering, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Holger Ruckdäschel
- Department Polymer Engineering, University of Bayreuth, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Martin Koch
- Faculty of Physics and Material Sciences Centre, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037, Marburg, Germany
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Zhao L, Scott JW, Prada AF. From Micro-Plastic to Nano-Plastic in Wastewater: A Study of Their Potentials to Impact Biogeochemical Processes Using Electron Microscope. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2023; 29:1239-1240. [PMID: 37613453 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad067.636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Linduo Zhao
- The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - John W Scott
- The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Andres F Prada
- The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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Utami DA, Reuning L, Schwark L, Friedrichs G, Dittmer L, Nurhidayati AU, Al Fauzan A, Cahyarini SY. Plastiglomerates from uncontrolled burning of plastic waste on Indonesian beaches contain high contents of organic pollutants. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10383. [PMID: 37369801 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37594-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study reports on plastiglomerate and other new forms of plastic pollution in the tropical marine continent of Indonesia. Twenty-five samples were collected from an island beach in the Java Sea where plastiglomerate, plasticrusts, and pyroplastic were formed by the uncontrolled burning of plastic waste. The most common plastic types were polyethylene and polypropylene (PE/PP), as shown by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. However, acrylates/polyurethane/varnish (PU) and a copolymer of styrene and acrylonitrile were found as well. This suggests that plastiglomerates can form from a wider variety of plastic polymers than previously reported. FTIR analysis also indicates thermo-oxidative weathering, making the charred plastic more brittle and susceptible to microplastic formation. A subset of the samples was analyzed for associated chemical contaminants. One plastiglomerate with a PU matrix showed high concentrations of phthalates. All samples had high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), likely due to the burning of the plastic in open fires. The burning leads to a change in the physical and chemical properties of the plastics contained in the plastiglomerates. Plastiglomerate and plastic waste of similar origin are therefore often more weathered and contaminated with organic pollutants than their parent polymers. The highest PAH concentration was found in a plastitar sample. Plastitar is defined as an agglomerate of tar and plastics that adheres to coastal rocks. In contrast, our study documents a more mobile, clastic plastitar type. This clastic plastitar could pose an additional ecological risk because of its mobility. These new types of plastic pollution could be an important vector for chemical contamination of nearby coastal habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi Amanda Utami
- Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Cisitu Sangkuriang, Bandung, 40135, Indonesia.
- Institute of Geosciences, Kiel University, Ludewig-Meyn-Str. 10, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Lars Reuning
- Institute of Geosciences, Kiel University, Ludewig-Meyn-Str. 10, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lorenz Schwark
- Institute of Geosciences, Kiel University, Ludewig-Meyn-Str. 10, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gernot Friedrichs
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Kiel University, Max-Eyth-Str. 1, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ludwig Dittmer
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Kiel University, Max-Eyth-Str. 1, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ayu Utami Nurhidayati
- Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Cisitu Sangkuriang, Bandung, 40135, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Al Fauzan
- Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Cisitu Sangkuriang, Bandung, 40135, Indonesia
- Oceanography Study Program, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha No. 10, Bandung, 40132, Indonesia
| | - Sri Yudawati Cahyarini
- Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Jl. Cisitu Sangkuriang, Bandung, 40135, Indonesia
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Turner A, Filella M. The role of titanium dioxide on the behaviour and fate of plastics in the aquatic environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161727. [PMID: 36702284 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Although titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most widely used pigment in plastics, there is limited quantitative information available for consumer goods and environmental samples. Moreover, and despite its photocatalytic activity, the potential impacts of TiO2 on the behaviour and fate of environmental plastics has received little attention. This paper compiles measurements of Ti in plastic samples from aquatic environments and in consumer goods that are known to make important contributions to environmental pollution. These data, along with a critical evaluation of experimental studies using TiO2-pigmented plastics, are used to formulate an understanding of how the pigment modifies the properties and persistence of environmental plastics. Titanium is heterogeneously distributed amongst different categories and sources of plastic, with concentrations ranging from <1 mg kg-1 in transparent-translucent materials to over 50,000 mg kg-1 in brightly coloured samples. Concentrations towards the higher end are sufficient to change positively buoyant polyolefins into negatively buoyant plastics, suggesting that environmental fractionation based on Ti content might occur. Accelerated leaching of TiO2 from aged plastic has been demonstrated empirically, and while mobilised particles are reported within a size range greater than biotically-active titania nanoparticles, modelling studies suggest that the latter could be derived from TiO2 pigments in the environment. Although rutile appears to be the most important polymorph of TiO2 in non-fibrous plastics, the degree and type of engineered surface modification in consumer and environmental plastics are generally unknown. Surface modification is likely to have a significant impact on the photo-oxidative degradation of plastics and the mobilisation of fine (and, possibly, nano-sized) TiO2 particles and requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Montserrat Filella
- Department F.-A. Forel, University of Geneva, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 66, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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Degradation-fragmentation of marine plastic waste and their environmental implications: A critical review. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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