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Liu R, Liao Z, Zheng J, Wu X, Tan Z, Ou H. Characterizing the photodegradation-induced release of volatile organic compounds from bottled water containers. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH 2024; 3:145-153. [PMID: 38638170 PMCID: PMC11021827 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
While plastic water bottles are known to potentially release various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when exposed to light, existing knowledge in this field remains limited. In this study, we systematically examined the composition, yield, and toxicity of VOCs released from six plastic containers obtained from different continents under UV-A and solar irradiation. After light exposure, all containers released VOCs, including alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, aromatics, etc. The 1#, 3#, 4#, 5#, and 6# containers exhibited 35, 32, 19, 24 and 37 species of VOCs, respectively. Specifically, the 2# container released 28 and 32 series of VOCs after 1-day (short-term) and 7-day (long-term) UV-A irradiation, respectively, compared to 30 and 32 species under solar irradiation. Over half of the VOCs identified were oxidized compounds alongside various short-chain hydrocarbons. Significant differences in VOC compositions among the containers were observed, potentially originating from light-induced aging and degradation of the polyethylene terephthalate structure in the containers. Toxicological predictions unveiled distinctive toxic characteristics of VOCs from each container. For example, among the various VOCs produced by the 2# container, straight-chain alkanes like n-hexadecane (544-76-3) were identified as the most toxic compounds. After long-term irradiation, the yield of these toxic VOCs from the 2# container ranged from 0.11 ng/g to 0.79 ng/g. Considering the small mass of a single bottle, the volatilization of VOCs from an individual container would be insignificant. Even after prolonged exposure to light, the potential health risks associated with inhaling VOCs when opening and drinking bottled water appear manageable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Zhianqi Liao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, 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
| | - Jing Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Xinni Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, 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
| | - Zongyi Tan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, 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
- Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Science in Guangdong Province of Community of Life for Man and Nature, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
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Nzimande MC, Mtibe A, Tichapondwa S, John MJ. A Review of Weathering Studies in Plastics and Biocomposites-Effects on Mechanical Properties and Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1103. [PMID: 38675023 PMCID: PMC11054226 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymeric materials undergo degradation when exposed to outdoor conditions due to the synergistic effects of sunlight, air, heat, and moisture. The degradation can lead to a decline in mechanical properties, fading, surface cracking, and haziness, attributed to the cleavage of the polymer chains and oxidation reactions. Accelerated weathering testing is a useful technique to evaluate the comparative photodegradation of materials within a reasonable timeframe. This review gives an overview of the different degradation mechanisms occurring in conventional plastics and bio-based materials. Case studies on accelerated weathering and its effect on the mechanical properties of conventional plastics and biocomposites are discussed. Different techniques for analysing volatile organic emissions (VOCs) have been summarized and studies highlighting the characterization of VOCs from aged plastics and biocomposites after aging have been cited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monwabisi Cyril Nzimande
- Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials, Chemicals Cluster, CSIR, Pretoria 6011, South Africa; (M.C.N.); (A.M.)
- Water Utilization and Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
| | - Asanda Mtibe
- Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials, Chemicals Cluster, CSIR, Pretoria 6011, South Africa; (M.C.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Shepherd Tichapondwa
- Water Utilization and Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
| | - Maya Jacob John
- Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials, Chemicals Cluster, CSIR, Pretoria 6011, South Africa; (M.C.N.); (A.M.)
- Department of Chemistry, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa
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Kong D, Zhang H, Yuan Y, Wu J, Liu Z, Chen S, Zhang F, Wang L. Enhanced biodegradation activity toward polyethylene by fusion protein of anchor peptide and Streptomyces sp. strain K30 latex clearing protein. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130378. [PMID: 38428774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130378] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene is the most commonly used plastic product, and its biodegradation is a worldwide problem. Latex clearing protein derived from Streptomyces sp. strain K30 (LcpK30) has been reported to be able to break the carbon-carbon double bond inside oxidized polyethylene and is an effective biodegradation enzyme for polyethylene. However, the binding of the substrate to the enzyme was difficult due to the hydrophobic nature of polyethylene. Therefore, to further improve the efficiency of LcpK30, the effect of different anchor peptides on the binding capacity of LcpK30 to the substrate was screened in this study. The results of fluorescence confocal microscopy showed that the anchoring peptide LCI had the most significant improvement in effect and was finally selected for further application in a UV-irradiated PE degradation system. The degradation results showed that LCI was able to improve the degradation efficiency of LcpK30 by approximately 1.15 times in the presence of equimolar amounts of protein compared with wild-type. This study further improves the application of LcpK30 in the field of polyethylene degradation by modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demin Kong
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhanzhi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Fengshan Zhang
- Shandong Huatai Paper Co., Ltd. and Shandong Yellow Triangle Biotechnology Industry Research Institute Co. Ltd, Dongying 257335, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China; International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, China.
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Tan Z, Deng H, Ou H, Liao Z, Wu X, Liu R, Ou H. Microplastics and volatile organic compounds released from face masks after disinfection: Layers and materials differences. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170286. [PMID: 38280606 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170286] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Effective disinfection methods are critical for ensuring the reusability of masks, yet these methods may inadvertently introduce health concerns associated with microplastics (MPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study investigated the impact of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) bleaching on mask filter layers composed of four distinct materials. Our results revealed that UVGI induced more pronounced damage compared to bleaching, leading to the significant release of both MPs and VOCs. After UVGI treatment at conventional disinfection doses, meltblown (MB) fabrics released MPs reaching 864 ± 182 μg/g (92 ± 19 particles/g). For all filter layers, the quantity of released MPs followed the order: MB > HDPE>PU ≈ NW. These MPs were identified as degraded debris from the mask filter layers. The specific VOCs generated varied depending on the material composition. Non-woven (NW) and MB fabrics, both comprised of polypropylene, predominantly produced various branched aliphatic hydrocarbons and their derivative oxides. The cotton-like fabric, composed of high-density polyethylene, primarily emitted different linear aliphatic hydrocarbons and oxygenates. In contrast, the polyurethane filter layer of reusable masks released aromatic compounds, nitrogenous compounds, and their oxidation products. The formation of VOCs was primarily attributed to bond breakage and oxidative damage to the filter structure resulting from the disinfection process. In summary, as UVGI induced higher yields of MPs and VOCs compared to bleaching, the latter would be a safer option for mask disinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Haiyang Deng
- CECEP Construction Engineering Design Institute Limited Company, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Huali Ou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Zhianqi Liao
- 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
| | - 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
| | - 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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Zhang Z, Zou S, Li P. Aging of plastics in aquatic environments: Pathways, environmental behavior, ecological impacts, analyses and quantifications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 341:122926. [PMID: 37963513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122926] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity of plastics in our environment has brought about pressing concerns, with their aging processes, photo-oxidation, mechanical abrasion, and biodegradation, being at the forefront. Microplastics (MPs), whether originating from plastic degradation or direct anthropogenic sources, further complicate this landscape. This review delves into the intricate aging dynamics of plastics in aquatic environments under various influential factors. We discuss the physicochemical changes that occur in aged plastics and the release of oxidation products during their degradation. Particular attention is given to their evolving environmental interactions and the resulting ecotoxicological implications. A rigorous evaluation is also conducted for methodologies in the analysis and quantification of plastics aging, identifying their merits and limitations and suggesting potential avenues for future research. This comprehensive review is able to illuminate the complexities of plastics aging, charting a path for future research and aiding in the formulation of informed policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Shichun Zou
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Pu Li
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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Garrison CE, Pachiadaki MG, Soliman S, Helfrich A, Taylor GT. Microbes and microplastics: Community shifts along an urban coastal contaminant gradient. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16563. [PMID: 38151777 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Plastic substrates introduced to the environment during the Anthropocene have introduced new pathways for microbial selection and dispersal. Some plastic-colonising microorganisms have adapted phenotypes for plastic degradation (selection), while the spatial transport (dispersal) potential of plastic colonisers remains controlled by polymer-specific density, hydrography and currents. Plastic-degrading enzyme abundances have recently been correlated with concentrations of plastic debris in open ocean environments, making it critical to better understand colonisation of hydrocarbon degraders with plastic degradation potential in urbanised watersheds where plastic pollution often originates. We found that microbial colonisation by reputed hydrocarbon degraders on microplastics (MPs) correlated with a spatial contaminant gradient (New York City/Long Island waterways), polymer types, temporal scales, microbial domains and putative cell activity (DNA vs. RNA). Hydrocarbon-degrading taxa enriched on polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride substrates relative to other polymers and were more commonly recovered in samples proximal to New York City. These differences in MP colonisation could indicate phenotypic adaptation processes resulting from increased exposure to urban plastic runoff as well as differences in carbon bioavailability across polymer types. Shifts in MP community potential across urban coastal contaminant gradients and polymer types improve our understanding of environmental plastic discharge impacts toward biogeochemical cycling across the global ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody E Garrison
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Anthony Helfrich
- School of Professional Development, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Gordon T Taylor
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
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Lee J, Jeong S. Approach to an answer to "How dangerous microplastics are to the human body": A systematic review of the quantification of MPs and simultaneously exposed chemicals. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132404. [PMID: 37672992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132404] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to facilitate future research on microplastics (MPs) in the environment using systematic and analytical protocols, ultimately contributing to assessment of the risk to human health due to continuous daily exposure to MPs. Despite extensive studies on MP abundance in environment, identification, and treatment, their negative effects on human health remain unknown due to the lack of proof from clinical studies and limited technology on the MP identification. To assess the risk of MPs to human health, the first step is to estimate MP intake via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact under standardized exposure conditions in daily life. Furthermore, rather than focusing on the sole MPs, migrating chemicals from plastic products should be quantified and their health risk be assessed concurrently with MP release. The critical factors influencing MP release and simultaneously exposed chemicals (SECs) must be investigated using a standardized identification method. This review summarises release sources, factors, and possible routes of MPs from the environment to the human body, and the quantification methods used in risk assessment. We also discussed the issues encountered in MP release and SEC migration. Consequently, this review provides directions for future MP studies that can answer questions about MP toxicity to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Lee
- Institute for Environment and Energy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, South Korea
| | - Sanghyun Jeong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, South Korea.
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