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Dike S, Apte SD. Impact of microplastics on strength parameters of clayey, Sandy, silty soil: A comparative assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174161. [PMID: 38909809 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The comparative assessment of a variety of microplastic contamination on various soil types hasn't been extensively explored in existing literature. The present study focuses on the comparative analysis of the impact of environmentally relevant concentrations of LDPE, HDPE, and PVC microplastic contamination (2 %, 4 %, and 6 %) on index properties and strength parameters of sandy, silty and clayey soil types at varying observation days 5,10,15,20,25, and 30 days. Extensive experimental investigations are carried out to understand the effect of contamination on moisture content, specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, optimum moisture content, maximum dry density, and shear strength parameters of the respective soil type. It is observed that the depletion in Atterberg's limits is found more in the case of clayey soil as compared to silty soil because clayey soils consist of large specific surface areas leading to van der Waals force of attraction being the predominant force between particles, compared with silty soil which is affected by microplastic addition leading to decrease in net attractive forces. In the case of clayey soil maximum depletion of liquid limit up to 168 %, plastic limit up to 33 %, plasticity index (136 %), and optimum moisture content (9.04 %) is observed for PVC microplastic. The deduction in maximum dry density values is observed more for sandy soil (0.59 g/cc) followed by silty soil (0.21 g/cc) and clayey soil (0.12 g/cc). The maximum depletion of moisture content(delta-8 %), shear strength (delta-0.89 kg/cm2), and maximum dry density (delta-0.44 g/cc) is observed in the case of sandy soil for PVC and LDPE microplastic contamination. Significant depletion in optimum moisture content is observed in the case of clayey soil (9.57 %) compared to sandy (5.62 %) and silty soil (5.3 %). An increase in cohesion is observed for sandy soil (0.09 kg/cm2) and a decrease for clayey (0.19 kg/cm2) and silty soil (0.19 kg/cm2). The angle of internal friction is reduced in the case of clayey soil (∆-14.380) followed by silty soil (∆-11.230) and sandy soil (∆-11.020). For silty soil maximum depletion of specific gravity(delta-1.06) and cohesion (0.192 kg/cm2) is observed for LDPE and HDPE microplastic. The sandy soil type is most affected due to microplastic contamination irrespective of the type of microplastic contamination followed by clayey soil and the silty soil type is least affected. The maximum overall shear strength is reduced due to microplastic contamination in all the soil types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangita Dike
- Department of Civil Engineering, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), Pune, India
| | - Sayali D Apte
- Department of Civil Engineering, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), Pune, India.
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2
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Jiang Y, Zhou C, Khan A, Zhang X, Mamtimin T, Fan J, Hou X, Liu P, Han H, Li X. Environmental risks of mask wastes binding pollutants: Phytotoxicity, microbial community, nitrogen and carbon cycles. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135058. [PMID: 38986403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135058] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The increasing contamination of mask wastes presents a significant global challenge to ecological health. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the environmental risks that mask wastes pose to soil. In this study, a total of 12 mask wastes were collected from landfills. Mask wastes exhibited negligible morphological changes, and bound eight metals and four types of organic pollutants. Masks combined with pollutants inhibited the growth of alfalfa and Elymus nutans, reducing underground biomass by 84.6 %. Mask wastes decreased the Chao1 index and the relative abundances (RAs) of functional bacteria (Micrococcales, Gemmatimonadales, and Sphingomonadales). Metagenomic analysis showed that mask wastes diminished the RAs of functional genes associated with nitrification (amoABC and HAO), denitrification (nirKS and nosZ), glycolysis (gap2), and TCA cycle (aclAB and mdh), thereby inhibiting the nitrogen transformation and ATP production. Furthermore, some pathogenic viruses (Herpesviridae and Tunggulvirus) were also found on the mask wastes. Structural equation models demonstrated that mask wastes restrained soil enzyme activities, ultimately affecting nitrogen and carbon cycles. Collectively, these evidences indicate that mask wastes contribute to soil health and metabolic function disturbances. This study offers a new perspective on the potential environmental risks associated with the improper disposal of masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Jiang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China; Centre for Grassland Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Chunxiu Zhou
- Centre for Grassland Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China
| | - Aman Khan
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xueyao Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Tursunay Mamtimin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Jingwen Fan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Hou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Pu Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Huawen Han
- Centre for Grassland Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Pastoral Agricultural Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China.
| | - Xiangkai Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China.
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Khan MT, Rashid S, Yaman U, Khalid SA, Kamal A, Ahmad M, Akther N, Kashem MA, Hossain MF, Rashid W. Microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystem: A review of existing policies and regulations. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 364:143221. [PMID: 39233299 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Environmental pollution due to plastic waste is a global challenge causing adverse impacts on the ecosystem and public health. Microplastic (MP) originates at the upstream processes such as industrial and household activities; however, their existence is affecting the downstream environment. Even though many governments and non-government organizations have taken technological and regulatory steps, these current efforts and strategies are insufficient to prevent the MP release in the environment. Thus, a multidisciplinary global approach is required, which must prioritize the reducing of plastic inputs to the environment. To regulate MP levels in the environment, worldwide reformative and preventive strategies are required because the issue is not limited to a single nation or region. In relation to marine plastic waste, a number of multilateral agreements and measures exist at global level. Several regulatory measures have been examined by regulatory bodies with the intention of safeguarding the environment from excessive MP contamination. However, neither of the frameworks in place is specifically made to stop the increased MP pollution in the environment. Therefore, this review focused on the preventive measures taken by the government and non-government organizations for MP control through legislations. The study also critically discussed MP-related policies aiming to increase the viability and efficiency of implementing future plastic management. This review is expected to provide the basic guidelines for formulating MP standards in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tariq Khan
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai po New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Sajid Rashid
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco- Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Unzile Yaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology Izmir Katip Celebi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, 35620, Cigli, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Saeed Ahsan Khalid
- Department of Law, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Asif Kamal
- Guanghua Law School Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Nasrin Akther
- Department of Soil Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abul Kashem
- Department of Soil Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Md Faysal Hossain
- Fibre and Particle Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu, Erkki Koiso-Kanttilan katu, Oulu, 90014, Finland
| | - Wajid Rashid
- Department of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, University of Swat, Swat, 19120, Pakistan.
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4
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Lee J, Kim YS, Ju K, Jeong JW, Jeong S. The significant impact of MPs in the industrial/municipal effluents on the MPs abundance in the Nakdong River, South Korea. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 363:142871. [PMID: 39019177 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Owing to extensive plastic consumption, wastewater from households, business establishments, and industrial activities have been recognised as a significant contributor to microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments. This case study represents the first investigation of MPs in the Nakdong River, Republic of Korea, that traverses through the largest industrial complex midstream and densely populated cities of Daegu and Busan downstream before flowing into the sea. Monitoring of MP abundance in effluents discharged from three municipal, two industrial, and one livestock wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) into the Nakdong River was conducted over four seasons from August 2022 to April 2023. Identification and quantification of MPs were performed using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. Seasonal variation in MPs in the Nakdong River was found to be strongly influenced by the nearest upstream WWTPs and rivers, exhibiting a linear relationship that decreased gradually with increasing distance from the WWTPs. The average concentrations of MPs in the six effluent sources ranged from 101 ± 13 to 490 ± 240 particles/L during the yearly monitoring period, while MP concentrations in the river ranged between 79 ± 25 and 120 ± 43 particles/L. Industrial effluents contained higher amounts of discharged MPs (314 ± 78 particles/L) than municipal sources (201 ± 61 particles/L). Notably, two municipal WWTPs, located in the highly densely populated city, discharged the highest total MP amounts per day and released the greatest volumes of effluents. This study provides valuable insights into the monitoring and impact of effluents on MPs in rivers, which could inform MP treatment and management strategies for in river and marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Lee
- Institute for Environment and Energy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, South Korea
| | - Yong-Soon Kim
- Water Quality Research Institute, Busan Water Authority, Busan, 47210, South Korea.
| | - KwangYong Ju
- Water Quality Research Institute, Busan Water Authority, Busan, 47210, South Korea
| | - Jae-Won Jeong
- Water Quality Research Institute, Busan Water Authority, Busan, 47210, South Korea
| | - Sanghyun Jeong
- Institute for Environment and Energy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, South Korea; Department of Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, South Korea.
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Rehman R, Hussain MS, Abidin A, Ghfar AA, Hossain N, Akram M, Dar A. Exploring feasibility of citric acid infused lignocellulosic waste derived from chestnut and water melon peels for phytofiltration of Eosin yellow dye from water. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 276:133878. [PMID: 39025187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The adsorption efficiency of cheap, ecofriendly, and easily available agro-waste, Trapa natans (Chestnut) and Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) peels, has been investigated in their native forms (TNAT and CLAN) as well as citric acid impregnated forms (C-TNAT and C-CLAN), respectively, for the detoxification of toxic, deleterious, and carcinogenic Eosin yellow dye (EYD) from wastewater streams. Different operational parameters were optimized for the investigation of isothermal, kinetic and the thermodynamic models. R2 for sportive decontamination of Eosin by citric acid treated adsorbents were close to one, supporting the applicability of Langmuir, Temkin, and pseudo-second-order in this investigation. Maximum sorption capabilities were 222 and 667 mg/g for chemically treated bio-waste C-TNAT and C-CLAN, respectively, reflecting their efficient and promising performance, while Gibbs free energy revealed exothermic and spontaneous adsorption behavior. The kinetic statics for qe (cal) are quite close to qe (exp), indicating the viability and fitness of pseudo-second-order mechanisms. The present study suggests that both citric acid fabricated bio-waste C-TNAT and C-CLAN can be substantially employed to decontaminate persistent organic pollutants, like: Eosin yellow dye from wastewater using green approach to resolve socio-economic problems of developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Rehman
- Centre for Inorganic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Sadiq Hussain
- Centre for Inorganic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan.
| | - Amna Abidin
- Department of Physics, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Ayman A Ghfar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nazia Hossain
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, VIC 3001 Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Mehwish Akram
- Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Amara Dar
- Centre for Analytical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan.
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6
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Sawangproh W. Microplastic contamination of bryophytes: A review on mechanisms and impacts. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36360. [PMID: 39253117 PMCID: PMC11381745 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
This systematic review investigates the interactions of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) with bryophytes, incorporating findings from 11 articles identified through a comprehensive database search using a combination of keywords. The review explores mechanisms such as adsorption and internalization by which MPs and NPs are present in bryophytes and examines the ecological ramifications, including changes in bryophyte community structure and impacts on ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling, soil formation, habitat provision, water balance, and erosion control. Despite providing valuable insights, this review highlights several critical knowledge gaps that warrant further investigation. Future research should address the following areas: the long-term effects of MPs and NPs on bryophyte health and survival, the mechanisms of MP and NP uptake and translocation within bryophytes, and the broader ecological consequences of plastic pollution on bryophyte-dominated ecosystems. Additionally, studies should explore the effectiveness of various mitigation and management strategies, including advanced waste management techniques and innovative technologies, in reducing plastic pollution and protecting these vital ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weerachon Sawangproh
- Conservation Biology Program, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mahidol University Kanchanaburi Campus, 199 Moo 9, Lumsum Sub-District, Saiyok District, Kanchanaburi Province 71150, Thailand
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7
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Ghosal S, Bag S, Rao SR, Bhowmik S. Exposure to polyethylene microplastics exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease tightly associated with intestinal gut microflora. RSC Adv 2024; 14:25130-25148. [PMID: 39139248 PMCID: PMC11320195 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra04544k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs) have sparked widespread concern about their possible health implications because of their abundance, pervasiveness in the environment and in our daily life. Multiple investigations have shown that a high dosage of PE MPs may adversely impact gastrointestinal health. In tandem with the rising prevalence of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in recent decades, global plastic manufacturing has risen to more than 300 million tons per year, resulting in a build-up of plastic by-products such as PE MPs in our surroundings. We have explored current advancements in the effect PE MPs on IBD in this review. Furthermore, we compared and summarized the detrimental roles of PE MPs in gut microbiota of different organisms viz., earthworms, super worm's larvae, yellow mealworms, brine shrimp, spring tails, tilapia, gilt-head bream, crucian carp, zebrafish, juvenile yellow perch, European sea bass, c57BL/6 mice and human. According to this review, PE MPs played a significant role in decreasing the diversity of gut microbiota of above-mentioned species which leads to the development of IBD and causes severe intestinal inflammation. Finally, we pinpoint significant scientific gaps, such as the movement of such hazardous PE MPs and the accompanying microbial ecosystems and propose prospective research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Ghosal
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute (MGMARI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Pondy-Cuddalore Main Road, Pillaiyarkuppam Pondicherry - 607402 India
| | - Sagar Bag
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta 92, A. P. C. Road Kolkata - 700009 India
| | - S R Rao
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute (MGMARI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Pondy-Cuddalore Main Road, Pillaiyarkuppam Pondicherry - 607402 India
| | - Sudipta Bhowmik
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical Advanced Research Institute (MGMARI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Pondy-Cuddalore Main Road, Pillaiyarkuppam Pondicherry - 607402 India
- Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta 92, A. P. C. Road Kolkata - 700009 India
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8
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Lahiri SK, Azimi Dijvejin Z, Gholamreza F, Shabanian S, Khatir B, Wotherspoon L, Golovin K. Liquidlike, Low-Friction Polymer Brushes for Microfibre Release Prevention from Textiles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2400580. [PMID: 38529758 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
During synthetic textile washing, rubbing between fibres or against the washing machine, exacerbated by the elevated temperature, initiates the release of millions of microplastic fibres into the environment. A general tribological strategy is reported that practically eliminates the release of microplastic fibres from laundered apparel. The two-layer fabric finishes combine low-friction, liquidlike polymer brushes with "molecular primers", that is, molecules that durably bond the low-friction layers to the surface of the polyester or nylon fabrics. It is shown that when the coefficient of friction is below a threshold of 0.25, microplastic fibre release is substantially reduced, by up to 96%. The fabric finishes can be water-wicking or water-repellent, and their comfort properties are retained after coating, indicating a tunable and practical strategy toward a sustainable textile industry and plastic-free oceans and marine foodstuffs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Kumar Lahiri
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Zahra Azimi Dijvejin
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Farzan Gholamreza
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Sadaf Shabanian
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Behrooz Khatir
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Lauren Wotherspoon
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Kevin Golovin
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G8, Canada
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Nanayakkara CJ, Senadheera V, Anuththara V, Rathnaweera P, Nishshanka P, Piyatissa P, Munasingha H, Dushyantha N, Kuruppu GN. The collateral effects of COVID-19 on marine pollution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116595. [PMID: 38880035 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116595] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has gained significant attention to the intersection of public health crises and environmental challenges, particularly in the context of marine pollution. This paper examines the various impacts of the pandemic on marine environments, focusing on the pollution attributed to single-use plastics (SUPs) and personal protective equipment (PPE). Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of literature and case studies, the paper highlights the detrimental effects of increased plastic waste on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Statistical data and graphical representations reveal the scale of plastic pollution during the pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for mitigation strategies. The study evaluates innovative monitoring techniques and future recommendations, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration in sustainable waste management. By broadening geographic examples and comparative analyses, it provides a global perspective on the pandemic's impact, highlighting the importance of international cooperation for safeguarding marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chamila Jinendra Nanayakkara
- Department of Earth Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
| | - Venuri Senadheera
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Veenavee Anuththara
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Pinsara Rathnaweera
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Primalsha Nishshanka
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Piyumi Piyatissa
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Harshani Munasingha
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Nimila Dushyantha
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka.
| | - Gayithri Niluka Kuruppu
- Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Business, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
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10
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Lyu L, Bagchi M, Markoglou N, An C. Innovations and development of sustainable personal protective equipment: a path to a greener future. ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH 2024; 13:22. [PMID: 38911061 PMCID: PMC11189323 DOI: 10.1186/s40068-024-00350-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The unprecedented surge in the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) worldwide during the covid pandemic resulted in a significant increase in PPE consumption and subsequent waste generation. Despite the importance of PPE, its widespread usage and disposal have sparked worries about the environmental impact and its long-term sustainability. The increasing awareness of environmental challenges, resource scarcity, and the urgent need to mitigate climate change necessitates a paradigm shift in the product design, manufacturing process, and waste management of PPE. To address these challenges and have a sustainable PPE future, the development of degradable polymers and natural fibers offers a promising alternative to traditional plastics. Additionally, recycling and upcycling methods can convert the waste into valuable alternate products or energy sources, thereby reducing their environmental impact. Better waste management systems, comprehensive policy frameworks, and international collaborations are essential for the effective PPE waste management and the promotion of sustainable practices. Despite the challenges, collaborative efforts across governments, manufacturers, research institutions, and waste management authorities are crucial for transitioning to a more sustainable PPE industry and a circular economy, ultimately benefiting both the environment and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiang Lyu
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8 Canada
| | - Monisha Bagchi
- Meltech Innovation Canada Inc., Medicom Group, Pointe-Claire, Montreal, QC H9P 2Z2 Canada
| | - Nektaria Markoglou
- Meltech Innovation Canada Inc., Medicom Group, Pointe-Claire, Montreal, QC H9P 2Z2 Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8 Canada
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11
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Verma M, Singh P, Dhanorkar M. Exploring the abundance of microplastics in Indian landfill leachate: An analytical study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 360:121181. [PMID: 38761628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121181] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Landfills are a major source of many emerging pollutants, including microplastics (MPs). This makes them a potential threat to human and environmental health and calls for a more detailed analysis of their hazard potential. India is a developing country with multiple unscientific waste dumping sites. In spite of their hazardous nature, detailed studies on the abundance of microplastics in landfills in India are scanty. Current work investigates the abundance and diversity of MPs in two landfills of India, Uruli Devachi in Pune (S1) and Deonar in Mumbai (S2). MPs collected from landfill leachate using multiple filters were analyzed using an optical microscope and categorized on the basis of shape, color and size to give information on their distribution. MP abundance in S1 was 1473 ± 273.01 items/L while 2067 ± 593.75 items/L were found in leachate from S2. Film and fragment were the dominant shape and black was the dominant color of MP found in both the landfills. Maximum number of MPs were in the size range below 100 μm in both the landfills necessitating the study of small sized particles. Chemical characterization revealed the prevalence of four types of MPs (polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, cellulose acetate and polyvinyl chloride). This study sheds light on the prevalence, characteristics, abundance and distribution of MPs in landfill leachate in Western India, sparking more research into the processes followed for capturing the factual small sized microplastic abundance data. This study is vital for a detailed management of landfill leachate enabling a sustainable waste management and targeted actions for ecosystem preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Verma
- Symbiosis Centre for Waste Resource Management, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, India
| | - Pooja Singh
- Symbiosis Centre for Waste Resource Management, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, India
| | - Manikprabhu Dhanorkar
- Symbiosis Centre for Waste Resource Management, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, India.
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12
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Han Y, Gu X, Lin C, He M, Wang Y. Effects of COVID-19 on coastal and marine environments: Aggravated microplastic pollution, improved air quality, and future perspective. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141900. [PMID: 38579953 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic during 2020-2023 has wrought adverse impacts on coastal and marine environments. This study conducts a comprehensive review of the collateral effects of COVID-19 on these ecosystems through literature review and bibliometric analysis. According to the output and citation analysis of these publications, researchers from the coastal countries in Asia, Europe, and America payed more attentions to this environmental issue than other continents. Specifically, India, China, and USA were the top three countries in the publications, with the proportion of 19.55%, 18.99%, and 12.01%, respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly aggravated the plastic and microplastic pollution in coastal and marine environments by explosive production and unproper management of personal protective equipment (PPE). During the pandemic, the estimated mismanaged PPE waste ranged from 16.50 t/yr in Sweden to 250,371.39 t/yr in Indonesia. In addition, the PPE density ranged from 1.13 × 10-5 item/m2 to 2.79 item/m2 in the coastal regions worldwide, showing significant geographical variations. Besides, the emerging contaminants released from PPE into the coastal and marine environments cannot be neglected. The positive influence was that the COVID-19 lockdown worldwide reduced the release of air pollutants (e.g., fine particulate matter, NO2, CO, and SO2) and improved the air quality. The study also analyzed the relationships between sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the publications and revealed the dynamic changes of SDGs in different periods the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, the air was cleaner due to the lockdown, but the coastal and marine contamination of plastic, microplastic, and emerging contaminants got worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last but not least, the study proposed four strategies to deal with the coastal and marine pollution caused by COVID-19, which were regular marine monitoring, performance of risk assessment, effective regulation of plastic wastes, and close international cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Xiang Gu
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China; School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Chunye Lin
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Mengchang He
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yidi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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13
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Maurya AC, Bhattacharya A, Vij V, Khare SK. Deciphering the seasonal dynamics of microplastic morphotypes and associated co-contaminants along the northwest coast of India. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 354:141690. [PMID: 38484988 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141690] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
In the present study, the northwest coast of India, bordering the Arabian Sea, was selected to evaluate the microplastic (MP) abundance. This is the first study to emphasize the effects of different seasons on MP distribution. The collected MPs were dried, segregated, and evaluated based on their morphotype, size, color, and polymer type. A total of 1756.6, 7326.6, and 202 particles/kg of sand were estimated in the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, respectively, with a dominance of polypropylene (PP) type of plastic in the pre-monsoon and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. HDPE and PP collected MPs during the monsoon season were further characterized for associated contaminants. Metal absorbance was detected using SEM-EDX mapping and ICP-MS. The presence of organic compounds (OCs) was analyzed using GC-MS. MPs exhibit distinct associations with metals, among which the HDPE pellet morphotype exhibits a higher range of metal adsorption. Total 61 different OCs were associated with MPs. The HDPE pellets contained the highest amounts of hydrophobic organic compounds. PP pellets were found to contain triglycerides, fatty aldehydes, and alkaloids, along with HOCs. Among morphotypes, pellet forms of MPs were found to adsorb more contaminants. These co-contaminants infiltrate the study area through sewage runoff and shoreline debris deposition, subsequently interacting with MPs. Furthermore, the MP diversity was studied by employing the MP diversity integrated index, which suggests that most of the MP diversity was observed in the pre-monsoon period. The pollution load index employed an MP risk assessment, which presented a low degree of MP contamination. In contrast, the polymer hazard index was calculated as 21650.3 in post-monsoon, placing the area under the extreme danger category. It is evident from the data that the types of MP is more important than their number. Thus, MP morphotypes have importance in the adsorption of co-contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita C Maurya
- Enzyme and Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-11016, India
| | - Amrik Bhattacharya
- Enzyme and Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-11016, India
| | - Varun Vij
- Enzyme and Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-11016, India
| | - Sunil K Khare
- Enzyme and Microbial Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-11016, India.
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14
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Zabihi O, Patrick R, Ahmadi M, Forrester M, Huxley R, Wei Y, Hadigheh SA, Naebe M. Mechanical upcycling of single-use face mask waste into high-performance composites: An ecofriendly approach with cost-benefit analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170469. [PMID: 38311090 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170469] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented demand for PPE, with single-use face masks emerging as a critical tool in containing virus transmission. However, the extensive use and improper disposal of these single-use face masks, predominantly composed of non-biodegradable plastics, has exacerbated environmental challenges. This research presents an innovative method for mechanically upcycling PPEs used in medical sectors i.e. single use face masks. The study investigates a facile approach for reclamation of infection-free and pure polypropylene (PP) plastic from discarded single use face masks (W-PP) and blends it with various vegetable oil percentages (5, 10 and 20 %), resulting in a versatile material suitable for various applications. Melt flow index, rheological behaviour, DSC and FTIR were employed to investigate the effect of vegetable oil/radical initiator through chemical grafting on W-PP properties. The results demonstrate significant enhancements in the tensile strength and modulus of W-PP when blended with vegetable oil and a radical initiator. There was a marked increase in tensile strength (33 %) and strain (55 %) compared to untreated W-PP, rendering W-PP both robust and flexible. Furthermore, we employed this upcycled W-PP in the fabrication of glass fibre-reinforced composites, resulting in notable enhancements in both tensile strength and impact resistance. The upcycled W-PP demonstrates excellent potential for various applications, such as sheet forming and 3D printing, where the non-brittleness of plastics plays a pivotal role in manufacturing high-quality products. The cost-benefit analysis of this approach underscores the potential of upcycling PPE waste as a sustainable solution to mitigate plastic pollution and conserve valuable resources. The applications of this upcycled material span a wide range of industries, including automotive composites, packaging, and 3D printing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Zabihi
- Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Patrick
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mojtaba Ahmadi
- Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Mike Forrester
- School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Huxley
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yaning Wei
- School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - S Ali Hadigheh
- School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Minoo Naebe
- Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia.
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15
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Zhou X, Tian L, Wu H, Chen X, Zhang J, Li W, Qin H, Tao Z, Wang S, Liu Y. Reusable and self-sterilization mask for real-time personal protection based on sunlight-driven photocatalytic reaction. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133513. [PMID: 38262319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Personal protective masks play critical role in preventing the disease epidemic and resisting pathogenic bacterial infestation. However, large quantities of masks were disposed during COVID-19 epidemic, which caused environmental problem and huge economic burden. Herein, we developed reusable masks with inherent antimicrobial and self-cleaning features under solar irradiation. With spun-bonded nonwoven fabrics (SNF) layer as substrate, copper sulfide@polydopamine nanoparticles are deposited on SNF layer (CuS@PDANPs-SNF), which presents excellent photocatalytic activity. Under solar irradiation, CuS@PDANPs produce abundant of singly linear oxygen (1O2), which inactivates pathogenic bacteria with high efficiency over 99%. Interestingly, CuS@PDANPs-SNF cannot cause high temperature to bring any uncomfortable to the person, which is suitable for human to wear in daily life. Such design effectively protect person from the transmission of viral aerosol. Meanwhile, CuS@PDANPs-SNF masks are reusable and still maintain robust bactericidal ability after washing. The sunlight-mediated self-sterilization at low temperature endows CuS@PDANPs-SNF masks as powerful personal protective equipment for daily protection, which also provides an instructive way for reducing the environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Li Tian
- China Resources Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Beijing 100120, PR China
| | - Haotian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Xiying Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Weiran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Haijuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Zhanhui Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Yaqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, PR China.
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16
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Chandra S, Chakraborty P. Air-water exchange and risk assessment of phthalic acid esters during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic in tropical riverine catchments of India. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:140013. [PMID: 37657701 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140013] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Given the increased load of waste plastic in the solid waste stream after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we investigated the fate of selected plastic additives along open burning dumps, industrial and residential transects in tropical riverine catchments of India. Polyurethane foam disk passive air samples, surface water and community stored water (CSW) samples were collected along the Adyar River (AR), Cooum River (CR) and canals in Chennai and Daman Ganga River (DG) in Vapi. Among the quantified phthalic acid esters (PAEs), a widely used plastic additive, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), was ubiquitous across all the transects. More open drains and leaching of littered single-use plastic items can be the reason for significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of PAEs in CR over other rivers with a dominance of di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP). Prevalence of open burning of dumped plastic waste was the possible primary emission source of PAEs in these riverine catchments. Excluding highly soluble dimethyl phthalate (DMP), air-water exchange processes reflected the secondary emission of all the PAEs from the surface water along the open burning sites. Despite the cleansing effect of the oceanic air mass from the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, the average atmospheric PAE level was two-fold higher in Chennai than Vapi. Even though Vapi is a coastal city along the Arabian Sea, it was impacted by inland air masses during the sampling event. Open burning dumpsites showed a five-fold increase in atmospheric priority PAEs in Chennai city after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. DnBP was the major contributor to estrogenicity in CSW and DG, and also posed maximum risk for fishes in the open burning transect of these tropical rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarath Chandra
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Paromita Chakraborty
- Environmental Science and Technology Laboratory, Centre for Research in Environment, Sustainability Advocacy and Climate Change (REACH), SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
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17
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Quoc TT, Bácskay I, Fehér P, Pallér Á, Papp B, Bíró K, Ujhelyi Z. Personalized Nasal Protective Devices: Importance and Perspectives. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2116. [PMID: 38004256 PMCID: PMC10672262 DOI: 10.3390/life13112116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, in addition to diseases caused by environmental pollution, the importance of personalized protection against various infectious agents has become of paramount importance. Besides medicine, several technical and technological studies have been carried out to develop suitable devices. One such revolutionary solution is the use of personalized nasal filters, which allow our body to defend itself more effectively against external environmental damage and pathogens. These filters are small devices that are placed in the nose and specifically filter the inhaled environmental contaminants, allergens, and microorganisms according to individual needs. These devices not only play a key role in maintaining our health but also contribute to environmental protection, reducing the inhalation of pollutants and their harmful impact on the natural environment. Another advantage of personalized filters is that they also provide an opportunity to strengthen our individual immune systems. The use of personalized filters allows medicine to provide optimized protection for everyone, focusing on individual genetic and immunological conditions. The momentum behind the development and research of personalized nasal filters has reached astonishing proportions today. Nowadays, many research groups and medical institutions are working to create new materials, nanotechnologies, and bioinformatics solutions in order to create even more effective personalized nasal filters that can also be shaped easily and safely. Considering the needs of the users is at least as important during development as the efficiency of the device. These two properties together determine the success of the product. Industry research focuses not only on improving the efficiency of devices, but also on making them more responsive to user needs, comfort, and portability. Based on all this, it can be concluded that personalized nasal filters can be a promising and innovative solution for protection against environmental pollutants and pathogens. Through a commitment to the research and development of technology, the long-term impact of such devices on our health and the environment can be significant, contributing to improving people's quality of life and creating a sustainable future. With unique solutions and continuous research, we give hope that in the future, despite the environmental challenges, we can enjoy the protection of our health with even more efficient and sophisticated devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thinh To Quoc
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (T.T.Q.); (I.B.); (P.F.); (Á.P.); (B.P.)
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Ildikó Bácskay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (T.T.Q.); (I.B.); (P.F.); (Á.P.); (B.P.)
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Institute of Healthcare Industry, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Pálma Fehér
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (T.T.Q.); (I.B.); (P.F.); (Á.P.); (B.P.)
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Ádám Pallér
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (T.T.Q.); (I.B.); (P.F.); (Á.P.); (B.P.)
| | - Boglárka Papp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (T.T.Q.); (I.B.); (P.F.); (Á.P.); (B.P.)
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Krisztina Bíró
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Hospital Pharmacy at the University of Debrecen, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Ujhelyi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (T.T.Q.); (I.B.); (P.F.); (Á.P.); (B.P.)
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei Sqr 98, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
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18
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Emenike EC, Okorie CJ, Ojeyemi T, Egbemhenghe A, Iwuozor KO, Saliu OD, Okoro HK, Adeniyi AG. From oceans to dinner plates: The impact of microplastics on human health. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20440. [PMID: 37790970 PMCID: PMC10543225 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics, measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, are now found in various environmental media, including soil, water, and air, and have infiltrated the food chain, ultimately becoming a part of the human diet. This study offers a comprehensive examination of the intricate nexus between microplastics and human health, thereby contributing to the existing knowledge on the subject. Sources of microplastics, including microfibers from textiles, personal care products, and wastewater treatment plants, among others, were assessed. The study meticulously examined the diverse routes of microplastic exposure-ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact-offering insights into the associated health risks. Notably, ingestion of microplastics has been linked to gastrointestinal disturbances, endocrine disruption, and the potential transmission of pathogenic bacteria. Inhalation of airborne microplastics emerges as a critical concern, with possible implications for respiratory and cardiovascular health. Dermal contact, although less explored, raises the prospect of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The impacts of COVID-19 on microplastic pollution were also highlighted. Throughout the manuscript, the need for a deeper mechanistic understanding of microplastic interactions with human systems is emphasized, underscoring the urgency for further research and public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebuka Chizitere Emenike
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Chika J. Okorie
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Toluwalase Ojeyemi
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, USA
- Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Abel Egbemhenghe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Art and Science, Texas Tech University, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley O. Iwuozor
- Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Oluwaseyi D. Saliu
- Department of Indutrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Hussein K. Okoro
- Department of Indutrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Adewale George Adeniyi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Landmark University, Omu-aran, Nigeria
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19
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Spencer A, Nicholls I, Onianwa O, Furneaux J, Grieves J, Pottage T, Gould S, Fletcher T, Dunning J, Bennett AM, Atkinson B. Mpox virus DNA contamination can still be detected by qPCR analysis after autoclaving. J Hosp Infect 2023; 139:217-219. [PMID: 37459916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Spencer
- Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK.
| | - I Nicholls
- Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - O Onianwa
- Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - J Furneaux
- Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - J Grieves
- Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - T Pottage
- Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - S Gould
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - T Fletcher
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Dunning
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A M Bennett
- Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - B Atkinson
- Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
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20
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Requena-Sanchez NP, Carbonel D, Demel L, Moonsammy S, Richter A, Mahmud TS, Ng KTW. A multi-jurisdictional study on the quantification of COVID-19 household plastic waste in six Latin American countries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:93295-93306. [PMID: 37505388 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28949-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
This study examines urban plastic waste generation using a citizen science approach in six Latin American countries during a global pandemic. The objectives are to quantify generation rates of masks, gloves, face shields, and plastic bags in urban households using online survey and perform a systematic cross-jurisdiction comparisons in these Latin American countries. The per capita total mask generation rates ranged from 0.179 to 0.915 mask cap-1 day-1. A negative correlation between the use of gloves and masks is observed. Using the average values, the approximate proportion of masks, gloves, shields, and single-use plastic bags was 34:5:1:84. We found that most studies overestimated face mask disposal rate in Latin America due to the simplifying assumptions on the number of masks discarded per person, masking prevalence rate, and average mask weight. Unlike other studies, end-of-life PPE quantities were directly counted and reported by the survey participants. Both of the conventional weight-based estimates and the proposed participatory survey are recommended in quantifying COVID waste. Participant' perception based on the Likert scale is generally consistent with the waste amount generated. Waste policy and regulation appear to be important in daily waste generation rate. The results highlight the importance of using measured data in waste estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norvin Plumieer Requena-Sanchez
- Integrated Waste Management for Sustainable Development (GIRDS), Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Engineering, Av. Túpac Amaru 210, Rímac, 15333, Lima, Peru
| | - Dalia Carbonel
- Integrated Waste Management for Sustainable Development (GIRDS), Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Engineering, Av. Túpac Amaru 210, Rímac, 15333, Lima, Peru
| | - Larissa Demel
- United Nations Development Program, Apartado, 0816-1914, Panama, Panama
| | - Stephan Moonsammy
- Department of Environmental Studies, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Guyana, RV6J+XV8, Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - Amy Richter
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Tanvir Shahrier Mahmud
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng
- Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada.
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada.
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21
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Fang C, Luo Y, Chuah C, Naidu R. Identification of microplastic fibres released from COVID-19 test swabs with Raman imaging. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2023; 35:34. [PMID: 37193314 PMCID: PMC10162899 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-023-00737-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over, and it has been generating lots of plastic wastes that become a big concern. To catch the virus, for example, no matter via antigen or PCR test, swab is generally used for sampling. Unfortunately, the swab tip is commonly made of plastics, and thus it can be a potential source of microplastics. This study aims to propose and optimise several Raman imaging to identify the microplastic fibres released from different COVID-19 test swabs. Results The results show that Raman imaging can effectively identify and visualise the microplastic fibres released from the swabs. In the meantime, on the surface of the fibres, additives such as titanium oxide particles are also captured for some brands of swabs. To increase the result certainty, scanning electron microscope (SEM) is first employed to get the morphology of the released microplastic fibres, along with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to confirm the presence of titanium element. Then, Raman imaging is advanced to identify and visualise the microplastics and titanium oxide particles, from different characteristic peaks in the scanning spectrum matrix. To further increase the imaging certainty, these images can be merged and cross-checked using algorithms, or the raw data from the scanning spectrum matrix can be analysed and decoded via chemometrics, such as principal component analysis (PCA). Beyond the advantages, the disadvantages of the confocal Raman imaging (affected by focal height) and algorithms (non-supervised calculation) are also discussed and intentionally corrected. In brief, the imaging analysis (particularly the combined SEM with Raman) is recommended to avoid the possible result bias that might be generated from the single spectrum analysis at a selective but random position. Conclusions Overall, the results indicate that Raman imaging can be a useful tool to detect microplastics. The results also send us a strong warning that, if we worry about the potential microplastics contamination, we should be cautious to select the suitable COVID-19 testing kits. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12302-023-00737-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Newcastle, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Newcastle, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Clarence Chuah
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Newcastle, Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308, Newcastle, Australia
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22
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Trindade LDS, Gloaguen TV, Benevides TDSF, Valentim ACS, Bomfim MR, Gonzaga Santos JA. Microplastics in surface waters of tropical estuaries around a densely populated Brazilian bay. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121224. [PMID: 36754197 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Brazil is the fourth largest producer of plastic waste in the world, but studies on pollution of rivers and estuaries by microplastics are still scarce. This study is located in the state of Bahia (Northeast region) in ten estuarine environments around Todos dos Santos Bay (TDB), the largest Brazilian bay, where more than 3 million Brazilians live. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the input of microplastics into the TSB by river. Microplastic abundance, size, morphology and water quality were determined during three sampling campaigns. All river samples were highly polluted with microplastics (mostly <150 μm), up to 33,000 items m-3, exceeding values observed in most estuaries worldwide. The poor quality of the river water reflect the deficient treatment of domestic wastewater in the state of Bahia (49% are not treated), and in this study is shown a correlation with the abundance of microplastics, indicating their possible main source. Artisanal fishing can also contribute locally to this pollution. Morover, the results highlight the importance of sampling small microplastics (<100 μm) to avoid important underestimation of this pollution. Based on these data, the three major rivers would discharge 3.88 trillion items into the Bay each year, equivalent to 4.75 × 105 m2 of plastic. Further research in surface water systems is essential, given that the average wastewater treatment rates in the country and in the Northeast and North regions are only 43%, 32%, and 12%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laiana Dos Santos Trindade
- Center for Agricultural, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Reconcavo of Bahia, 44380-000, Cruz Das Almas, Brazil
| | - Thomas Vincent Gloaguen
- Center for Technology and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Reconcavo of Bahia, 44380-000, Cruz Das Almas, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Marcela Rebouças Bomfim
- Center for Agricultural, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Reconcavo of Bahia, 44380-000, Cruz Das Almas, Brazil.
| | - Jorge Antônio Gonzaga Santos
- Center for Agricultural, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Reconcavo of Bahia, 44380-000, Cruz Das Almas, Brazil.
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23
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Usman M, Yuyan L, Husnain M, Akhtar MW. COVID-19, travel restrictions and environmental consequences. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2023:1-21. [PMID: 37363034 PMCID: PMC10024297 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03146-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The component of human life that has been most significantly altered by the COVID-19 epidemic is travel. Due to the upheaval produced by the pandemic breakout, countries are becoming increasingly avaricious and are scrambling to stockpile vaccines. The world has been locked down to reduce/control the pandemic outbreak, driving countries to shut their doors to other people from countries. The recent pandemic has had a short-term, positive effect on the environment, but travel restrictions have caused problems for the common person and are expected to deteriorate more soon, necessitating longer quarantines, vaccination requirements, vaccine passports, and immunization certificates required by countries for safe travel. Thus, this study has three objectives. First, we investigate the impact of COVID-19 on travel and the environment, as well as the role that tourists play in the transmission of the virus. Second, we examine how countries are handling COVID-19 vaccines. Finally, we pinpoint differences in vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Usman
- UE Business School, Division of Management and Administrative Sciences, University of Education Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Li Yuyan
- Zhengzhou Shengda University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mudassir Husnain
- UE Business School, Division of Management and Administrative Sciences, University of Education Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
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24
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Lu Q, Zhou Y, Sui Q, Zhou Y. Mechanism and characterization of microplastic aging process: A review. FRONTIERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2023; 17:100. [PMID: 36935734 PMCID: PMC10010843 DOI: 10.1007/s11783-023-1700-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing production of petroleum-based plastics, the problem of environmental pollution caused by plastics has aroused widespread concern. Microplastics, which are formed by the fragmentation of macro plastics, are bio-accumulate easily due to their small size and slow degradation under natural conditions. The aging of plastics is an inevitable process for their degradation and enhancement of adsorption performance toward pollutants due to a series of changes in their physiochemical properties, which significantly increase the toxicity and harm of plastics. Therefore, studies should focus on the aging process of microplastics through reasonable characterization methods to promote the aging process and prevent white pollution. This review summarizes the latest progress in natural aging process and characterization methods to determine the natural aging mechanism of microplastics. In addition, recent advances in the artificial aging of microplastic pollutants are reviewed. The degradation status and by-products of biodegradable plastics in the natural environment and whether they can truly solve the plastic pollution problem have been discussed. Findings from the literature pointed out that the aging process of microplastics lacks professional and exclusive characterization methods, which include qualitative and quantitative analyses. To lessen the toxicity of microplastics in the environment, future research directions have been suggested based on existing problems in the current research. This review could provide a systematic reference for in-depth exploration of the aging mechanism and behavior of microplastics in natural and artificial systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinwei Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
| | - Yi Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Qian Sui
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Yanbo Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237 China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092 China
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