1
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Nie R, Peng W, Lü F, Zhang H, Lu X, He P. Impact of the thermo-alkaline pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blended plastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 475:134882. [PMID: 38870853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134882] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a biodegradable plastic that is difficult to degrade under both mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic conditions. In this study, the impact of the thermo-alkaline pretreatment (48 h, 70 °C, 1 % w/v NaOH) on the anaerobic degradation (AD) of PBAT, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PBAT/PLA blended plastics was investigated. Under mesophilic conditions, pretreatment only improved the methane yield of PBAT/PLA/starch plastic (100 days, 51 and 34 NmL/g VSadd for the treated and original plastics, respectively). Under thermophilic conditions, the pretreatment increased the methanogenic rate of PLA, PBAT and PBAT/PLA/starch plastic at the beginning stage (22 days, 35 and 79 NmL/g VSadd for original and treated PBAT, respectively), but did not change the methane yield at the end of the incubation (100 days, 91 NmL/g VSadd for original and treated PBAT). The reduction in the molecular weight and the formation of pore structures on the plastic surface accelerated the utilization of plastics by microorganisms. Furthermore, the pretreated plastics tend to form microplastics (MPs) with size predominantly below 500 µm (>90 %). The numbers of MPs dynamically changed with the degradation time. Several genera of bacteria showed specific degradation of biodegradable plastics under thermophilic conditions, including Desulfitibacter, Coprothermobacter, Tepidimicrobium, c_ D8A-2 and Thermacetogenium. The results suggest that more attention should be paid to the problem of MPs arising from the thermo-alkaline pretreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Nie
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wei Peng
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Fan Lü
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiangyu Lu
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Pinjing He
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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2
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Wang J, Jia M, Zhang L, Li X, Zhang X, Wang Z. Biodegradable microplastics pose greater risks than conventional microplastics to soil properties, microbial community and plant growth, especially under flooded conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172949. [PMID: 38703848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172949] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (bio-plastics) are often viewed as viable option for mitigating plastic pollution. Nevertheless, the information regarding the potential risks of microplastics (MPs) released from bio-plastics in soil, particularly in flooded soils, is lacking. Here, our objective was to investigate the effect of polylactic acid MPs (PLA-MPs) and polyethylene MPs (PE-MPs) on soil properties, microbial community and plant growth under both non-flooded and flooded conditions. Our results demonstrated that PLA-MPs dramatically increased soil labile carbon (C) content and altered its composition and chemodiversity. The enrichment of labile C stimulated microbial N immobilization, resulting in a depletion of soil mineral nitrogen (N). This specialized environment created by PLA-MPs further filtered out specific microbial species, resulting in a low diversity and simplified microbial community. PLA-MPs caused an increase in denitrifiers (Noviherbaspirillum and Clostridium sensu stricto) and a decrease in nitrifiers (Nitrospira, MND1, and Ellin6067), potentially exacerbating the mineral N deficiency. The mineral N deficit caused by PLA-MPs inhibited wheatgrass growth. Conversely, PE-MPs had less effect on soil ecosystems, including soil properties, microbial community and wheatgrass growth. Overall, our study emphasizes that PLA-MPs cause more adverse effect on the ecosystem than PE-MPs in the short term, and that flooded conditions exacerbate and prolong these adverse effects. These results offer valuable insights for evaluating the potential threats of bio-MPs in both uplands and wetlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Minghao Jia
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Long Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaona Li
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Xiaokai Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Institute of Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, School of Environmental and Ecology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
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3
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Tsochatzis ED, Gika H, Theodoridis G, Maragou N, Thomaidis N, Corredig M. Microplastics and nanoplastics: Exposure and toxicological effects require important analysis considerations. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32261. [PMID: 38882323 PMCID: PMC11180319 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32261] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) pervade both the environment and the food chain, originating from the degradation of plastic materials from various sources. Their ubiquitous presence raises concerns for ecosystem safety, as well as the health of animals and humans. While evidence suggests their infiltration into mammalian and human tissues and their association with several diseases, the precise toxicological effects remain elusive and require further investigation. MPs and NPs sample preparation and analytical methods are quite scattered without harmonized strategies to exist at the moment. A significant challenge lies in the limited availability of methods for the chemical characterization and quantification of these contaminants. MPs and NPs can undergo further degradation, driven by abiotic or biotic factors, resulting in the formation of cyclic or linear oligomers. These oligomers can serve as indicative markers for the presence or exposure to MPs and NPs. Moreover, recent finding concerning the aggregation of oligomers to form NPs, makes their analysis as markers very important. Recent advancements have led to the development of sensitive and robust analytical methods for identifying and (semi)quantifying these oligomers in environmental, food, and biological samples. These methods offer a valuable complementary approach for determining the presence of MPs and NPs and assessing their risk to human health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil D Tsochatzis
- Department of Food Science, CiFOOD, Centre for Innovative Foods, Agro Food Park 48, Aarhus N, 8200, Denmark
- FoodOmicsGR Research Infrastructure, AUTh Node, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center B1.4, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, P.O. Box 8318, GR 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Helen Gika
- FoodOmicsGR Research Infrastructure, AUTh Node, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center B1.4, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, P.O. Box 8318, GR 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Biomic AUTh, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center B1.4, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, P.O. Box 8318, GR 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
- School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Theodoridis
- FoodOmicsGR Research Infrastructure, AUTh Node, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center B1.4, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, P.O. Box 8318, GR 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Biomic AUTh, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center B1.4, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Rd, P.O. Box 8318, GR 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Niki Maragou
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Thomaidis
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Milena Corredig
- Department of Food Science, CiFOOD, Centre for Innovative Foods, Agro Food Park 48, Aarhus N, 8200, Denmark
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4
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Zhang S, Li Y, Jiang L, Chen X, Zhao Y, Shi W, Xing Z. From organic fertilizer to the soils: What happens to the microplastics? A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170217. [PMID: 38307274 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In recent, soil microplastic pollution arising from organic fertilizers has been of a great increasing concern. In response to this concern, this review presents a comprehensive analysis of the occurrence and evolution of microplastics in organic fertilizers, their ingress into the soil, and the subsequent impacts. Organic fertilizers are primarily derived from solid organic waste generated by anthropocentric activities including urban (daily-life, municipal wastes and sludge), agricultural (manure, straw), and industrial (like food industrial waste etc.) processes. In order to produce organic fertilizer, the organic solid wastes are generally treated by aerobic composting or anaerobic digestion. Currently, microplastics have been widely detected in the raw materials and products of organic fertilizer. During the process of converting organic solid waste materials into fertilizer, intense oxidation, hydrolysis, and microbial actions significantly alter the physical, chemical, and surface biofilm properties of the plastics. After the organic fertilizer application, the abundances of microplastics significantly increased in the soil. Additionally, the degradation of these microplastics often promotes the adsorption of organic pollutants and affects their retention time in the soil. These microplastics, covered by biofilms, also significantly alter soil ecology due to the unique properties of the biofilm. Furthermore, the biofilms also play a role in the degradation of microplastics in the soil environment. This review offers a new perspective on the soil environmental processes involving microplastics from organic fertilizer sources and highlights the challenges associated with further research on organic fertilizers and microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yanxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Linshu Jiang
- Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Xingcai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wenzhuo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhijie Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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5
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Li X, Guo S, Shen D, Shentu J, Lv L, Qi S, Zhu M, Long Y. Microplastic release and sulfate reduction response in the early stage of a simulated landfill. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 175:22-29. [PMID: 38150952 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.12.037] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Landfills are essential facilities for treating and disposing municipal solid waste. They emit sulfur-containing odors and serve as an important sink for a new type of pollutant called microplastics (MPs). This study focused on the initial stage of anaerobic degradation to establish the relationship between the release of MPs and odor generation. Our findings show the rapid release of MPs into the leachate in the early stage of landfill and their predominant accumulation in the leachate sediment. The circulating leachate contained 1.45 times higher concentrations of MPs than the noncirculating leachate, with a peak concentration of 39 items·L-1. In addition, fragmentation of MPs occurred. The percentage of MPs with particle sizes of 2.5-5 mm decreased from 66.70 % to 22.32 %, while those measuring 0.1-0.5 mm increased by 33.12 %. A positive correlation was observed between MP release and sulfate reduction. Although leachate circulation increased the release of MPs, it also reduced the overall release time and total amount of MPs exported from the landfill. Compared with the initial landfill waste, the leachate operation mode, regardless of circulation, resulted in a 6.15-8.93-fold increase in MP release. These findings provide a valuable foundation for the simultaneous regulation of traditional pollutant odor and new pollutants (MPs) in landfills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghang Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Shuli Guo
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Dongsheng Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Jiali Shentu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Li Lv
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Shengqi Qi
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Yuyang Long
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310012, China.
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6
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Peng W, Nie R, Lü F, Zhang H, He P. Biodegradability of PBAT/PLA coated paper and bioplastic bags under anaerobic digestion. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 174:218-228. [PMID: 38064993 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.11.037] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) are two of biodegradable plastics with the highest production capacities in 2021. Bioplastic waste management can be easily integrated with organic waste management, especially when bioplastics are used as food packaging material, since they are potentially biodegradable. The aim of this study was to assess the biodegradability of biodegradable polymer-coated paper (BPCP) and bioplastic bags made from PBAT/PLA blend during mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) and to reveal the changes in the physicochemical properties of the bioplastics. BPCP obtained 155 NmL-CH4/g VS and 307.3 NmL-CH4/g VS under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, respectively, but left bioplastic film residues. The bioplastic bags did not exhibit significant biodegradation during the AD processes. 1H NMR results indicated that the ratio of PLA to PBAT decreased significantly after AD of the BPCP film and that PLA monomers were formed from the bioplastic bags, leading to a decrease in the hydrophobicity on the surfaces of the materials. Methanoculleus was found to be enriched on the bioplastic surface after mesophilic AD. From the perspective of coupling bioplastic waste management with the food waste management, the incorporation of BPCP into the AD reactor not only enhances system stability and methane production to a greater extent than biodegradable plastic bags but also raises concerns regarding the residual biofilm when utilizing the digestate for direct land applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Peng
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Rong Nie
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Fan Lü
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Pinjing He
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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7
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Zhao L, Wang P, Li Y, Yu M, Zheng Y, Ren L, Wang Y, Li J. Feasibility of anaerobic co-digestion of biodegradable plastics with food waste, investigation of microbial diversity and digestate phytotoxicity. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 393:130029. [PMID: 37977495 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130029] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The effects of biodegradable plastics of different thicknesses (30 and 40 μm) and sizes (20 × 20, 2 × 2, and 1 × 1 mm) on anaerobic digestion of food waste and digestate phytotoxicity were investigated. Methane productions (38 days) for the groups with 20 × 20, 2 × 2, and 1 × 1 mm of 30 μm plastics were 92.46, 138.27, and 259.95 mL/gVSremoval, respectively which are nearly 58 % higher than the control group (58.86 mL/gVSremoval). Methane production in 40 μm plastics groups was lower than in 30 μm groups of equal size. All sizes of 30 µm plastics promoted substrate hydrolysis, acidification, and relative abundance of key hydrolytic bacteria and methanogens. Phytotoxicity tests results showed that seed root elongation was inhibited in groups with 40 μm plastics. In conclusion, 30 μm biodegradable plastics were more suitable for anaerobic digestion with food waste than 40 μm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Zhao
- School of Ecology and Environment, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Pan Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yingnan Li
- School of Ecology and Environment, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Miao Yu
- School of Ecology and Environment, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Organic Recycling Institute (Suzhou) of China Agricultural University, Wuzhong District, Suzhou 215128, China; College of Resources and Environmental Science, Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lianhai Ren
- School of Ecology and Environment, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yongjing Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Ji Li
- Organic Recycling Institute (Suzhou) of China Agricultural University, Wuzhong District, Suzhou 215128, China; College of Resources and Environmental Science, Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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8
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Momeni S, Craplewe K, Safder M, Luz S, Sauvageau D, Elias A. Accelerating the Biodegradation of Poly(lactic acid) through the Inclusion of Plant Fibers: A Review of Recent Advances. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:15146-15170. [PMID: 37886036 PMCID: PMC10599323 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c04240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
As the global demand for plastics continues to grow, plastic waste is accumulating at an alarming rate with negative effects on the natural environment. The industrially compostable biopolymer poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is therefore being adopted for use in many applications, but the degradation of this material is slow under many end-of-life conditions. This Perspective explores the feasibility of accelerating the degradation of PLA through the formation of PLA-plant fiber composites. Topics include: (a) key properties of PLA, plant-based fibers, and biocomposites; (b) mechanisms of both hydrolytic degradation and biodegradation of PLA-fiber composites; (c) end-of-life degradation of PLA and PLA-plant fiber composites in aerobic and anaerobic conditions, relevant to compost, soil and seawater (aerobic), and landfills (anaerobic); and (d) sustainability and environmental impact of PLA and PLA-plant fiber composites, as evaluated using life cycle assessment. Additional degradation modes, including thermal and photodegradation, which are relevant during processing and use, have been omitted for clarity, as have other types of PLA biocomposites. Multiple studies have shown that the addition of some types of plant fibers to PLA (to form PLA biocomposites) accelerates both water transport in the material and hydrolysis, presenting a possible avenue for improving the end-of-life degradation of these materials. To facilitate the continued development of materials with enhanced biodegradability, we identify a need to implement testing protocols that can distinguish between different degradation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Momeni
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Kaylee Craplewe
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Muhammad Safder
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Sandra Luz
- Department
of Automotive Engineering, University of
Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Dominic Sauvageau
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Anastasia Elias
- Department
of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University
of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1H9, Canada
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9
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Wang L, Liu J, Li H. Simultaneous degradation of microplastics and sludge during wet air oxidation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122348. [PMID: 37562524 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122348] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) generated from daily life are commonly collected by urban sewage pipe networks and then transfer to sludge in wastewater treatment plants. Conventional biochemical treatment processes cannot degrade MPs effectively, causing an ecological risk via sludge land use. Wet air oxidation (WAO) is a promising sludge treatment technology with a strong ability to decompose complex organic matter, but its potential for the removal of MPs in sludge was unclear. In this study, three common MPs (polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate, which are called PEMPs, PSMPs, and PETMPs) were added into the sludge samples (1 g MP in 180 mL sludge), to test the effects of WAO on sludge and MPs. The results showed that WAO simultaneously degraded sludge and the PEMPs, and the two degradation processes were relatively independent when oxygen was supplied adequately. The dissolution of PSMPs and organic matter in sludge was not affected by each other, but the degradation rate was slowed down due to the interaction of ketones and benzene compounds. The hydrolysis of sludge and PETMPs was accelerated, while the hydrolyzed products such as terephthalic acid were oxidized without interfering with each other. No obvious MPs remained in the effluent, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were the main components, among which acetic acid accounted for 90%. When the sludge was treated with PEMPs, PSMPs, or PETMPs, the concentration of acetic acid finally accounted for 45%, 21%, and 18% of DOC. Overall, MPs can be degraded or even mineralized during sludge WAO, and humic acid derivatives, acetate, and other small molecules of alcohols, ketones, or aldehydes were the typical intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiayi Liu
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Huan Li
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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10
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Hunter JR, Qiao Q, Zhang Y, Shao Q, Crofcheck C, Shi J. Green solvent mediated extraction of micro- and nano-plastic particles from water. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10585. [PMID: 37391491 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37490-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of plastic and the amount of waste plastic that enters the ecosystem increases every year. Synthetic plastics gradually break down into particles on the micro- and nano-scale in the environment. The micro- and nano-plastics pose a significant ecological threat by transporting toxic chemicals and causing inflammation and cellular damage when ingested; however, removal of those particles from water is challenging using conventional separation methods. Deep eutectic solvents (DES), a new class of solvents composed of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, have been proposed as a cheaper alternative to ionic liquids. Hydrophobic DES derived from natural compounds (NADES) show promise as extractants in liquid-liquid extractions. This study investigated the extraction efficiency of micro- and nano-plastics including polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, and a bioplastic polylactic acid from fresh water and saltwater using three hydrophobic NADES. The extraction efficiencies fall in a range of 50-93% (maximum % extraction) while the extraction rates fall between 0.2 and 1.3 h (as indicated by the time to extract half the theoretical maximum). Molecular simulations show a correlation between the extraction efficiency and the association between the plastics and NADES molecules. This study demonstrates the potential of hydrophobic NADES as extractants for removal of different micro- and nano-plastic particles from aqueous solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameson R Hunter
- Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Qi Qiao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Qing Shao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Czarena Crofcheck
- Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Jian Shi
- Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA.
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11
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Zhang Y, Gao J, Wang Z, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Zhang H, Zhao M. The responses of microbial metabolic activity, bacterial community and resistance genes under the coexistence of nanoplastics and quaternary ammonium compounds in the sewage environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:163064. [PMID: 36966828 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) and quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are frequently detected in sewage. However, little is known about the risks of coexistence of NPs and QACs. In this study, the responses of microbial metabolic activity, bacterial community and resistance genes (RGs) to the exposure of polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), silicon dioxide (SiO2) and dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC) were focused on 2nd and 30th day of incubation in sewer environment. Bacterial community contributed 25.01 % to shape RGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) after two days of incubation in sewage and plastisphere. After 30 days of incubation, the most important individual factor (35.82 %) was turned to microbial metabolic activity. The metabolic capacity of the microbial communities in plastisphere was stronger than that from SiO2 samples. Moreover, DDBAC inhibited the metabolic capacity of microorganisms in sewage samples, and increased the absolute abundances of 16S rRNA in plastisphere and sewage samples which might be similar to the hormesis effect. After 30 days of incubation, Aquabacterium was the predominant genus in plastisphere. As for SiO2 samples, Brevundimonas was the predominant genus. QACs RGs (qacEdelta1-01, qacEdelta1-02) and antibiotic RGs (ARGs) (aac(6')-Ib, tetG-1) significantly enriched in plastisphere. There was also co-selection among qacEdelta1-01, qacEdelta1-02 and ARGs. In addition, VadinBC27 which enriched in plastisphere of PLA NPs was positively correlated with the potentially disease-causing genus Pseudomonas. It showed that after 30 days of incubation, plastisphere had an important effect on distribution and transfer of pathogenic bacteria and RGs. Plastisphere of PLA NPs also carried the risk of spreading disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Jingfeng Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Zhiqi Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Ying Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Mingyan Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
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Lu J, Qiu Y, Muhmood A, Zhang L, Wang P, Ren L. Appraising co-composting efficiency of biodegradable plastic bags and food wastes: Assessment microplastics morphology, greenhouse gas emissions, and changes in microbial community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162356. [PMID: 36822427 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastic bags (BPBs) to collect food waste and microplastics (MPs) produced from their biodegradation have received considerable scientific attention recently. Therefore, the current study was carried out to assess the co-composting efficiency of biodegradable plastic bags (polylactic acid (PLA) + polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT) + ST20 and PLA + PBAT+MD25) and food waste. The variations in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, microbial community and compost fertility were likewise assessed. Compared with the control, PLA + PBAT+ST20 and PLA + PBAT+MD25 both accelerated organic matter degradation and increased temperature. Moreover, PLA + PBAT+ST20 aggravated CH4 and CO2 emissions by 12.10 % and 11.01 %, respectively. PLA + PBAT+MD25 decreased CH4 and CO2 emissions by 5.50 % and 9.12 %, respectively. Meanwhile, compared with PLA + PBAT+ST20, the combined effect of plasticizer and inorganic additive in PLA + PBAT+MD25, reduced the NO3--N contents, seed germination index (GI) and compost maturity. Furthermore, adding BPBs changed the richness and diversity of the bacterial community (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes). Likewise, redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the co-compost system of BPBs and food waste accelerated significantly bacterial community succession from Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes at the initial stage to Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria at the mature stage, increased co-compost temperature to over 64 °C and extended thermophilic composting phase, and promoted the degradation of MPs. Additionally, according to structural equation model quantification results, the inorganic additive of PLA + PBAT+MD25 had more serious toxicity to microorganisms and had significantly adverse effects on GI through CO2-C (λ = -0.415, p < 0.05) and NO3--N (λ = -0.558, p < 0.001), thus reduced compost fertility and quality. The results also indicated that the BPBs with ST20 as an additive could be more suitable for industrial composting than the BPBs with MD25 as an additive. This study provided a vital basis for understanding the potential environmental and human health risks of the MPs' generated by the degradation of BPBs in compost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Lu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yizhan Qiu
- School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Atif Muhmood
- Institute of Soil Chemistry & Environmental sciences, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Luxi Zhang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Pan Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Lianhai Ren
- School of Ecology and Environment, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Food Chain Pollution Control, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China; Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Integrated Resource Utilization of China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
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13
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Fei J, Xie H, Zhao Y, Zhou X, Sun H, Wang N, Wang J, Yin X. Transport of degradable/nondegradable and aged microplastics in porous media: Effects of physicochemical factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158099. [PMID: 35988619 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The degradable properties of degradable plastics allow them to form microplastics (MPs) faster. Therefore, degradable MPs may easily be transported in the underground environment. Research on degradable MPs transport in porous media is necessary and urgent. In this study, polylactic acid (PLA) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were selected to compare the transport differences between degradable and nondegradable MPs under different factors (flow rates, ionic strengths (ISs), pH, and coexisting cations) through column experiments, and UV irradiation was used to further simulate the effect of aging on different types of MPs. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize functional groups and to determine the surface elements of MPs, respectively. The results showed that MPs were more mobile at higher flow rate, lower IS, higher pH, and monovalent cations. The order of transport capacity of MPs was PVC < aged PVC < PLA < aged PLA. This result was mainly attributed to the more negative Zeta potential and higher dispersion stability of aged PLA and PLA, which were caused by abundant O-functional groups. Compared with PVC, the O/C ratio of PLA increased significantly after aging, indicating that PLA was more prone to aging. The advection-dispersion-equation (ADE) fitted the transport data of MPs well. The interaction energy of MPs and quartz sand was accurately predicted by the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. This work contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the transport of degradable MPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Fei
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China 712100
| | - Haoyuan Xie
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China 712100
| | - Yifan Zhao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China 712100
| | - Xuerong Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China 712100
| | - Huimin Sun
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China 712100; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Nong Wang
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China Tianjin, 300191, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Xianqiang Yin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China 712100; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China.
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Okeke ES, Ezeorba TPC, Chen Y, Mao G, Feng W, Wu X. Ecotoxicological and health implications of microplastic-associated biofilms: a recent review and prospect for turning the hazards into benefits. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:70611-70634. [PMID: 35994149 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22612-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), over the years, have been regarded as a severe environmental nuisance with adverse effects on our ecosystem as well as human health globally. In recent times, microplastics have been reported to support biofouling by genetically diverse organisms resulting in the formation of biofilms. Biofilms, however, could result in changes in the physicochemical properties of microplastics, such as their buoyancy and roughness. Many scholars perceived the microplastic-biofilm association as having more severe consequences, providing evidence of its effects on the environment, aquatic life, and nutrient cycles. Furthermore, other researchers have shown that microplastic-associated biofilms have severe consequences on human health as they serve as vectors of heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and antibiotic resistance genes. Despite what is already known about their adverse effects, other interesting avenues are yet to be fully explored or developed to turn the perceived negative microplastic-biofilm association to our advantage. The major inclusion criteria for relevant literature were that it must focus on microplastic association biofilms, while we excluded papers solely on biofilms or microplastics. A total of 242 scientific records were obtained. More than 90% focused on explaining the environmental and health impacts of microplastic-biofilm association, whereas only very few studies have reported the possibilities and opportunities in turning the microplastic biofilms association into benefits. In summary, this paper concisely reviews the current knowledge of microplastic-associated biofilms and their adverse consequences and further proposes some approaches that can be developed to turn the negative association into positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 41000, Nigeria
- Natural Science Unit, SGS, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 41000, Nigeria
| | | | - Yao Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghua Mao
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Feng
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of the Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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15
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Akbay HEG, Akarsu C, Isik Z, Belibagli P, Dizge N. Investigation of degradation potential of polyethylene microplastics in anaerobic digestion process using cosmetics industry wastewater. Biochem Eng J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2022.108619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Liu R, Tan Z, Wu X, Liu Y, Chen Y, Fu J, Ou H. Modifications of microplastics in urban environmental management systems: A review. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 222:118843. [PMID: 35870394 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are a worldwide environmental pollution issue. Besides the natural environmental stresses, various treatments in urban environmental management systems induce modifications on MPs, further affecting their environmental behavior. Investigating these modifications and inherent mechanisms is crucial for assessing the environmental impact and risk of MPs. In this review, up-to-date knowledge regarding the modifications of MPs in urban environmental management systems was summarized. Variations of morphology, chemical composition, hydrophilicity and specific surface area of MPs were generalized. The aging and degradation of MPs during drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, sewage sludge treatment and solid waste treatment were investigated. A high abundance of MPs occurred in sewage sludge and aging solid waste, while digestion and composting contributed to significant decomposition and reduction of MPs. These treatments have become converters for MPs before entering the environment. Several novel technologies for MPs removal were listed; However, no appropriate methods can be put into actual application by now, except the membrane separation. The corresponding effects of degradation on the behaviors of MPs, including adsorption, sinking and contaminant leakage, were discussed. Finally, three priorities for research were proposed. This critical review provides viewpoints and references for risk evaluation of MPs after treatments in urban environmental management systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Zongyi Tan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Xinni Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Yuheng Chen
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province of Community of Life for Man and Nature, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Jianwei Fu
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province of Community of Life for Man and Nature, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Huase Ou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China.
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17
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Liu X, Deng Q, Zheng Y, Wang D, Ni BJ. Microplastics aging in wastewater treatment plants: Focusing on physicochemical characteristics changes and corresponding environmental risks. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 221:118780. [PMID: 35759845 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been frequently detected in effluent wastewater and sludge in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), the discharge and agricultural application of which represent a primary source of environmental MPs contamination. As important as quantitative removal is, changes of physicochemical characteristics of MPs (e.g., shapes, sizes, density, crystallinity) in WWTPs are crucial to their environmental behaviors and risks and have not been put enough attention yet. This review is therefore to provide a current overview on the changes of physicochemical characteristics of MPs in WWTPs and their corresponding environmental risks. The changes of physicochemical characteristics as well as the underlying mechanisms of MPs in different successional wastewater and sludge treatment stages that mainly driven by mechanical (e.g., mixing, pumping, filtering), chemical (e.g., flocculation, advanced oxidation, ultraviolet radiation, thermal hydrolysis, incineration and lime stabilization), biological (e.g., activated sludge process, anaerobic digestion, composition) and their combination effects were first recapitulated. Then, the inevitable correlations between physicochemical characteristics of MPs and their environmental behaviors (e.g., migration, adsorption) and risks (e.g., animals, plants, microbes), are comprehensively discussed with particular emphasis on the leaching of additives and physicochemical characteristics that affect the co-exist pollutants behavior of MPs in WWTPs on environmental risks. Finally, knowing the summarized above, some relating unanswered questions and concerns that need to be unveiled in the future are prospected. The physicochemical properties of MPs change after passing through WWTP, leading to subsequent changes in co-contaminant adsorption, migration, and toxicity. This could threaten our ecosystems and human health and must be worth investigating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuran Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P R China
| | - Qian Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P R China
| | - Yuyang Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P R China
| | - Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P R China.
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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