1
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Kintzi A, Daturpalli S, Battagliarin G, Zumstein M. Biodegradation of Water-Soluble Polymers by Wastewater Microorganisms: Challenging Laboratory Testing Protocols. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58. [PMID: 39134471 PMCID: PMC11360367 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c05808] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
For water-soluble polymers (WSPs) that enter environmental systems at their end-of-life, biodegradability is a key functionality. For the development and regulation of biodegradable WSPs, testing methods that are both scientifically validated and economically practicable are needed. Here, we used respirometric laboratory tests to study the biodegradation of poly(amino acids), poly(ethylene glycol), and poly(vinyl alcohol), together with appropriate low-molecular-weight reference substrates. We varied key protocol steps of commonly used testing methods, which were originally established for small molecules and tested for effects on WSP biodegradation. We found that avoiding aeration of the wastewater inoculate prior to WSP addition, incubating WSP with filter-sterilized wastewater prior to biodegradation testing, and lowering the WSP concentration can increase biodegradation rates of WSPs. Combining the above-mentioned protocol variations substantially affected the results of the biodegradation testing for the two poly(amino acids) tested herein (i.e., poly(lysine) and poly(aspartic acid)). Our findings were consistent between microbial inocula derived from two municipal wastewater treatment plants. Our study presents promising biodegradation dynamics for poly(amino acids) and highlights the importance, strengths, and limitations of respirometric laboratory methods for WSP biodegradation testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Kintzi
- Division
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Doctoral
School in Microbiology and Environmental Science, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | | | | | - Michael Zumstein
- Division
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, Vienna 1090, Austria
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2
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Couch J, Marsee JD, Callaway WW, Ho T, Glorioso KE, Mercante M, Williams B, Coughran C, Weiland MH, Miller JM. Novel DNA-Binding Activity Exhibited by Poly(aspartic acid) Hydrolase-1 Inhibits Poly(aspartic acid) Hydrolase Activity. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1901-1912. [PMID: 38995238 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Significant attention has been shifted toward the use and development of biodegradable polymeric materials to mitigate environmental accumulation and potential health impacts. One such material, poly(aspartic acid) (PAA), is a biodegradable alternative to superabsorbent poly(carboxylates), like poly(acrylate). Three enzymes are known to hydrolyze PAA: PahZ1KT-1 and PahZ2KT-1 from Sphingomonas sp. KT-1 and PahZ1KP-2 from Pedobacter sp. KP-2. We previously reported the X-ray crystal structure for PahZ1KT-1, which revealed a homodimer complex with a strongly cationic surface spanning one side of each monomer. Here, we report the first characterization of any polymer hydrolase binding to DNA, where modeling data predict binding of the polyanionic DNA near the cationic substrate binding surface. Our data reveal that PahZ1 homologues from Sphingomonas sp. KT-1 and Pedobacter sp. KP-2 bind ssDNA and dsDNA with nanomolar binding affinities. PahZ1KT-1 binds ssDNA and dsDNA with an apparent dissociation constant, KD,app = 81 ± 14 and 19 ± 1 nM, respectively, and these estimates are similar to the same behaviors exhibited by PahZ1KP-2. Gel permeation chromatography data reveal that dsDNA binding promotes inhibition of PahZ1-catalyzed PAA biodegradation for each homologue. We propose a working model wherein binding of PahZ1 to extracellular biofilm DNA aids in the localization of the hydrolase to the environment in which PAA would first be encountered, thereby providing a mechanism to degrade extracellular PAA and potentially harvest aspartic acid for nutritional uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Couch
- Middle Tennessee State University, Department of Chemistry, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | - Justin D Marsee
- Middle Tennessee State University, Department of Chemistry, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | - Waylan W Callaway
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Southern University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419, United States
| | - Thi Ho
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Southern University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419, United States
| | - Kathryn E Glorioso
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Southern University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419, United States
| | - Michael Mercante
- Middle Tennessee State University, Department of Chemistry, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | - Britney Williams
- Middle Tennessee State University, Department of Chemistry, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | - Connor Coughran
- Middle Tennessee State University, Department of Chemistry, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | - Mitch H Weiland
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Southern University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419, United States
| | - Justin M Miller
- Middle Tennessee State University, Department of Chemistry, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
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3
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Li X, Zheng WZ, Xu PY, Zhang ZY, Wang PL, Lu B, Huang D, Zhen ZC, Zhao Y, Ji JH, Wang GX. Water-soluble biodegradable polyesters with pH and ionic responsivity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135333. [PMID: 39116751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The synthesis of novel water-soluble polymers with biodegradability is an effective way to mitigate their negative environmental impacts. In this study, semi-aromatic copolyester poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBST) with exceptional biodegradability is used as the resin matrix. Anionic sodium 1-3-isophthalate-5-sulfonate (SIPA) is introduced as a fourth monomer to prepare random poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene terephthalate-co-butylene 5-sodiosulfoisophthalate) (PBSTS) copolyesters by melt copolymerization. The incorporation of ionic groups enhances the hydrophilicity and water absorption of the copolyesters, resulting in water-soluble materials that exhibit ionic and temperature responsivity. Furthermore, the ionized biodegradable copolyesters demonstrate distinct pH-dependent degradation, which is accelerated at pH = 5.5 and 8.5 but inhibited at pH = 7.2. Degradation assessments in simulated body fluids reveal that the PBSTS copolyesters exhibit significant degradation in gastric fluids at pH = 1.5 with minimal degradation in intestinal fluids at pH = 6.8 and in body fluids at pH = 7.0. This unique degradation performance highlights the potential of these materials for addressing the challenges associated with selective drug delivery and localized controlled release in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Engineering Plastics and Ecological Plastics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei-Zhen Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center of Engineering Plastics and Ecological Plastics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Peng-Yuan Xu
- National Engineering Research Center of Engineering Plastics and Ecological Plastics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ze-Yang Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Engineering Plastics and Ecological Plastics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ping-Li Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Engineering Plastics and Ecological Plastics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Hainan Degradable Plastics Technology Innovation Center, Haikou 571137, China
| | - Bo Lu
- National Engineering Research Center of Engineering Plastics and Ecological Plastics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Hainan Degradable Plastics Technology Innovation Center, Haikou 571137, China
| | - Dan Huang
- National Engineering Research Center of Engineering Plastics and Ecological Plastics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Hainan Degradable Plastics Technology Innovation Center, Haikou 571137, China
| | - Zhi-Chao Zhen
- National Engineering Research Center of Engineering Plastics and Ecological Plastics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Hainan Degradable Plastics Technology Innovation Center, Haikou 571137, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center of Engineering Plastics and Ecological Plastics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Hainan Degradable Plastics Technology Innovation Center, Haikou 571137, China
| | - Jun-Hui Ji
- National Engineering Research Center of Engineering Plastics and Ecological Plastics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Hainan Degradable Plastics Technology Innovation Center, Haikou 571137, China.
| | - Ge-Xia Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Engineering Plastics and Ecological Plastics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Hainan Degradable Plastics Technology Innovation Center, Haikou 571137, China.
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4
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Keyes P, Halimah N, Xiong B. Deciphering polymer degradation chemistry via integrating new database construction into suspect screening analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2024; 26:1184-1197. [PMID: 38804611 DOI: 10.1039/d4em00212a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Water-soluble synthetic polymers and their environmental degradation products are overlooked but important industrial pollutants in wastewater. However, the detection of degradation products is limited to bulk solution chemistry and molecular-level analysis remains unreachable. In this work, we assessed the feasibility of current suspect screening and nontarget workflow using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) to elucidate molecular level information about polyacrylamide (PAM) and its degraded products by free radicals. Radical chain scission of PAM (10 kDa) using heat-activated persulfate was conducted to simulate hydraulic fracturing conditions in the deep subsurface. We found that the current workflows in the commercial software generated predicted formulae with low accuracy, due to limited capability of peak picking and formula prediction for high mass and charge features. By modeling literature-reported degradation pathways, we constructed a degradation product database of over 463 000 unique formulae, which improved the accuracy of the predicted formula. For the matched features, the ratio of aldehyde/ketone terminating molecule abundance was found to increase over 24 h degradation time, suggesting increasing content of aldehydes by radical-induced oxidative chain scission of PAM. This is contradictory to previously proposed ratios of carbon-centered radical position on polymer backbone initiated by hydroxyl radicals. Using in silico fragmentation of MS1 features, we identified 11 structures with confidence levels 2b and 3 using their MS2 information. This is the first attempt to resolve complex polymer degradation chemistry using HRMS that can advance our ability to detect water-soluble polymer pollutants and their transformation products in environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Keyes
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA.
| | - Noor Halimah
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA.
| | - Boya Xiong
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA.
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5
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Langlet R, Valentin R, Morard M, Raynaud CD. Transitioning to Microplastic-Free Seed Coatings: Challenges and Solutions. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1969. [PMID: 39065285 PMCID: PMC11280678 DOI: 10.3390/polym16141969] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the issue of replacing manufactured microplastics in seed coatings used in agriculture. Firstly, it focuses on the policy and regulatory actions taken on microplastics at a global level. There is no consensus within the scientific community on the definition of a microplastic and, more generally, on the classification of plastic debris. Nevertheless, several decision schemes have been proposed in an attempt to define the notion of microplastics. The different criteria relevant to this definition, such as the size, physical state, chemical structure, origin, and persistence of microplastics, are discussed, with a comparison being made between the REACH regulation and the scientific literature. Seed production and processing are also discussed, with the functions of seed coatings being explained in order to gain a better understanding of the properties to be considered in a substitution strategy for currently used microplastics. The main challenges are multiple; substitutes must provide the same performance as microplastics: (i) improving the adherence of the treatment to the seed, (ii) distributing the treatment more evenly over the seed, (iii) reducing the amount of dust-off when handling treated seed, and (iv) improving the seed flowability, which is particularly important during the sowing stage, all while preserving the physiological properties of the seed. Substitute polymers are proposed according to the desired performance and functional properties: two main chemical families of biopolymers were identified in the literature: polysaccharides and proteins. Among them, 13 and 6 polymers, respectively, complied with REACH regulation, demonstrating adhesion, dust reduction performances, and preservation of seed physiological quality in particular. This work aims to guide future studies on microplastic substitution in seed coatings, and to highlight research needs in this area. It is based on an analysis and discussion of the literature, identifying and listing potential substitutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozenn Langlet
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle (LCA), Univeristé de Toulouse, INRAE, Toulouse INP, 31030 Toulouse, France; (R.L.); (R.V.)
- Bois Valor, OLMIX, 13 rue Jean Mermoz, 81160 Saint-Juéry, France;
| | - Romain Valentin
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle (LCA), Univeristé de Toulouse, INRAE, Toulouse INP, 31030 Toulouse, France; (R.L.); (R.V.)
| | - Marie Morard
- Bois Valor, OLMIX, 13 rue Jean Mermoz, 81160 Saint-Juéry, France;
| | - Christine Delgado Raynaud
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle (LCA), Univeristé de Toulouse, INRAE, Toulouse INP, 31030 Toulouse, France; (R.L.); (R.V.)
- Centre d’Application et de Traitement des Agro-Ressources (CATAR), Toulouse INP, 31030 Toulouse, France
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6
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Zhang G, Wang B, Jiang N, Pang K, Wu W, Yin X. Effect of water-soluble polymers on the transport of functional group-modified polystyrene nanoplastics in goethite-coated saturated porous media. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134044. [PMID: 38493628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The research on the impact of water-soluble polymers (WSPs) on the migration and fate of plastic particles is extremely limited. This article explored the effects of polyacrylic acid (PAA, a common WSP) and physicochemical factors on the transport of polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs-NH2/COOH) with different functional groups in QS (quartz sand) and FOS (goethite-modified quartz sand, simulates mineral colloids). Research has shown that PAA can selectively adsorb onto the surface of PSNPs-NH2, forming ecological corona heterogeneous aggregates. This process increased the spatial hindrance and elastic repulsion, resulting in the recovery of PSNPs-NH2 always exceeding that of PSNPs-COOH. Overall, PAA can hinder the migration of PSNPs in QS but can promote their migration in FOS. When multivalent cations coexist with PAA, the transport of PSNPs in the media is primarily affected by cation bridging and CH-cation-π interaction. The presence of oxyanions and PAA prevents PSNPs from following the Hofmeister rule and promotes their migration (PO43-: 82.34 ± 0.16% to 94.63 ± 2.82%>SO42-: 81.38 ± 2.73% to 91.15 ± 0.93%>NO3-: 55.85 ± 0.70%-87.16 ± 3.80%). The findings of this study contribute significantly to a better understanding of the migration of WSPs and group-modified NPs in complex saturated porous media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangcai Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Binying Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Kejing Pang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Wenbing Wu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xianqiang Yin
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling 712100, China.
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7
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Nigro L, Magni S, Ortenzi MA, Gazzotti S, Della Torre C, Signorini SG, Sbarberi R, Binelli A. Unveiling the multilevel impact of four water-soluble polymers on Daphnia magna: From proteome to behaviour (a case study). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:134000. [PMID: 38508107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134000] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of water-soluble polymers (WSPs) in freshwater environments raises concerns regarding potential threats to aquatic organisms. This study investigated, for the first time, the effects of widely used WSPs -polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyacrylic acid (PAA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG)- using a multi-level approach in the freshwater biological model Daphnia magna. This integrated assessment employed a suite of biomarkers, evaluation of swimming behaviour, and proteomic analysis to investigate the effects of three environmentally relevant concentrations (0.001, 0.5, and 1 mg/L) of the tested WSPs from molecular to organismal levels, assessing both acute and chronic effects. Our findings reveal that exposure to different WSPs induces specific responses at each biological level, with PEG being the only WSP inducing lethal effects at 0.5 mg/L. At the physiological level, although all WSPs impacted both swimming performance and heart rate of D. magna specimens, PAA exhibited the greatest effects on the measured behavioural parameters. Furthermore, proteomic analyses demonstrated altered protein profiles following exposure to all WSPs, with PVA emerging as the most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Nigro
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Stefano Magni
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Stefano Gazzotti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Camilla Della Torre
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, Milan 20133, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Sbarberi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Andrea Binelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, Milan 20133, Italy
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8
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Vidović N, Antić V, Schwarzbauer J. Simultaneous identification and quantification of three water-soluble polymers (PVP, PNVCL and PEI) in wastewater samples by continuous-flow off-line pyrolysis GC/MS. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170320. [PMID: 38278278 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
In environmental analysis, the detection of water-soluble synthetic polymers (WSSP) presents considerable challenges. Thus, a precise and reproducible analytical method was developed using continuous-flow off-line pyrolysis with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to simultaneously identify multiple water-soluble polymers from a single environmental sample. WSSP are widely used in multiple industries as hydrogels due to their hydrophilic character and potential biocompatibility. This adaptability of hydrogels is reflected in their ability to provide customized formulations for specific needs, such as in the development of personal care products, medicine, and pharmaceuticals. Specifically, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL), and polyethyleneimine (PEI) were targeted for analysis in wastewater, employing unique pyrolysis products for identification. These polymers require careful assessment in wastewater to evaluate potential environmental risks associated with their release. PVP and PNVCL were identified through two pyrolysis products, while six pyrolysis products were utilized for the identification of PEI. The validated method demonstrated very good linearity and reproducibility, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.94 to 0.99 and relative standard deviation (RSD) values between 3 % and 36 % for the targeted compounds. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for the three polymers ranged from 1 to 10 μg L-1. Moreover, the average recovery rates for these polymers, determined from artificial water samples, were approx. 85 %. Utilizing the validated method, water samples from seven wastewater treatment plants in Germany were successfully analyzed, confirming the presence of these polymers at elevated concentrations in the μg L-1 range. Notably, untreated influent waters exhibited higher polymer levels compared to treated influents and effluents, underscoring their significant contribution to overall polymer content. The developed analytical method provides an efficient tool for the simultaneous identification and quantification of PVP, PNVCL, and PEI in wastewater samples. The results highlighted the prevalent presence of PVP, PNVCL, and PEI in the tested wastewater samples, indicating their significant abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Vidović
- Institute for Geology and Geochemistry of Petroleum and Coal, RWTH, Lochnerstr. 4-20, Aachen, Germany
| | - Vesna Antić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Zemun-Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jan Schwarzbauer
- Institute for Geology and Geochemistry of Petroleum and Coal, RWTH, Lochnerstr. 4-20, Aachen, Germany.
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Bading M, Olsson O, Kümmerer K. Analysis of environmental biodegradability of cellulose-based pharmaceutical excipients in aqueous media. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141298. [PMID: 38301834 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141298] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical cellulosic polymers will inevitably reach natural water systems if they are not removed after entering wastewater. Biodegradation of organic chemicals in sewage or in the aquatic environment is an important removal mechanism. In this study, we investigated the environmental biodegradation of 14 cellulose derivatives commonly utilized as pharmaceutical excipients using three different test systems that are based on the closed bottle test (OECD 301D) and the manometric respirometry test (OECD 301F). For the different cellulose derivatives tested, we observed varying degrees of biodegradation ranging from 0 to 20.4 % chemical oxygen demand (COD). However, none met the criteria for classification as 'readily biodegradable'. In addition, 10 out of 14 cellulose derivatives and/or their possible transformation products formed during the experiments, may exhibit possible toxic inhibitory effects on the inoculum. This includes one or several derivatives of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and hydroxy ethyl cellulose. Based on the results obtained, we have developed a graded classification score ('traffic light system') for excipient biodegradation. This could help streamline the assessment and classification of cellulose derivatives concerning risk of persistence and potential adverse environmental effects, thereby assisting in the prioritization of more favorable compounds. In the long term, however, excipients should be designed from the very beginning to be biodegradable and mineralizable in the environment ('benign by design').
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Affiliation(s)
- Mila Bading
- Institute of Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University Lüneburg, 21335, Germany.
| | - Oliver Olsson
- Institute of Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University Lüneburg, 21335, Germany
| | - Klaus Kümmerer
- Institute of Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University Lüneburg, 21335, Germany.
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10
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Wei Y, Jiao Y, Chen H. Polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride inhibits dark fermentative hydrogen production from waste activated sludge. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 393:130003. [PMID: 37977493 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride (PDDA) is an excellent flocculant for wastewater purification and sludge dewatering, but whether it poses a threat to hydrogen production from waste activated sludge is not known. In this study, the effect and underlying mechanism of PDDA on the dark fermentation of sludge was investigated. The results showed that PDDA reduced cumulative hydrogen production from 3.8±0.1 to 2.4±0.1 mL/g volatile suspended solids at 40 g/kg total suspended solids. PDDA impeded the dark fermentation process by inhibiting the activity of key enzymes, presenting a stronger inhibitory effect on the hydrogen production process than the hydrogen consumption process. Additionally, PDDA inhibited Firmicutes by enriching other microorganisms, thereby impeding hydrogen production via the acetate pathway. This study deepens the understanding of the potential effects of PDDA on sludge treatment and provides a theoretical basis for alleviating the negative effects of quaternary ammonium-based cationic flocculants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Wei
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
| | - Yimeng Jiao
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China
| | - Hongbo Chen
- College of Environment and Resources, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China.
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11
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Wang X, Xu Y, Ou Q, Chen W, van der Meer W, Liu G. Adsorption characteristics and mechanisms of water-soluble polymers (PVP and PEG) on kaolin and montmorillonite minerals. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133592. [PMID: 38290331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The excessive use and accumulation of water-soluble polymers (WSPs, known as "liquid plastics") in the environment can pose potential risks to both ecosystems and human health, but the environmental fate of WSPs remains unclear. Here, the adsorption behavior of WSPs with different molecular weight on kaolinite (Kaol) and montmorillonite (Mt) were examined. The results showed that the adsorption of PEG and PVP on minerals were controlled by hydrogen bond and van der Waals force. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) analysis revealed that there were interactions between the Al-O and Si-O groups of the minerals and the polar O- or N-containing functional groups as well as the alkyl groups of PEG and PVP. The adsorption characteristics of WSPs were closely related to their molecular weight and the pore size of minerals. Due to the relatively large mesopore size of Kaol, both PEG and PVP were absorbed into inner spaces, for which the adsorption capacity increased with molecular weight of the polymers. For Mt, all types of PEG could enter its micropores, while PVP with larger molecular weights appeared to be confined externally, leading to a decrease in the adsorption capacity of PVP with increasing molecular weight. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for scientific evaluation of environmental processes of WSPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintu Wang
- The Guangxi Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology for Environmental Pollution Control, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China; Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yanghui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Section of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Qin Ou
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Section of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Wenwen Chen
- The Guangxi Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology for Environmental Pollution Control, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Walter van der Meer
- Science and Technology Faculty, Twente University, Enschede 7500AE, the Netherlands; Oasen Drinkwater, Gouda 2800 AC, the Netherlands
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Section of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, the Netherlands; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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12
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Robison-Smith C, Masud N, Tarring EC, Ward BD, Cable J. A class of their own? Water-soluble polymer pollution impacting a freshwater host-pathogen system. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168086. [PMID: 37890633 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168086] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
While the inclusion of synthetic polymers such as primary microplastics within personal care products have been widely restricted under EU/UK Law, water-soluble polymers (WSPs) have so far slipped the net of global chemical regulation despite evidence that these could be polluting wastewater effluents at concentrations greatly exceeding those of microplastics. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) represent WSPs with common industry and household uses, down-the-drain disposal and a direct route to wastewater treatment plants, conveying high risk of environmental leaching into freshwater ecosystems. The current study is the first investigating the impacts of predicted environmental concentrations of these WSPs on life-history traits of two freshwater species also constituting a disease model (fish - Poecilia reticulata and parasite - Gyrodactylus turnbulli). Single effects of WSPs on fish as well as their interactive effects with infection of the ectoparasite were determined over a 45-day exposure. Generally, WSPs reduced fish growth and increased routine metabolic rate of fish implying a depleted energetic budget, however these effects were dose, exposure time and polymer dependent. Parasitic infection alone caused a significant reduction in fish growth and enhanced fish routine metabolic rate. In contrast, a non-additive effect on metabolic rate was evident in fish experiencing simultaneous infection and WSP exposure, suggesting a protective effect of the two WSPs for fish also exposed to a metazoan ectoparasite. Off-host parasite survival was significantly lowered by both WSPs; however, parasite counts of infected fish also exposed to WSP were not significantly different from the control, implying more complex mechanisms may underpin this stressor interaction. Distinct detrimental impacts were inflicted on both organisms implying environmental leaching of WSPs may be causing significant disruption to interspecies interactions within freshwater ecosystems. Additionally, these results could contribute to sustainable development in industry, as we conclude PVA represents a less harmful alternative to PVP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Numair Masud
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Eve C Tarring
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, CF10 3AT, UK
| | | | - Jo Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3AX, UK
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13
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Binelli A, Nigro L, Sbarberi R, Della Torre C, Magni S. To be or not to be plastics? Protein modulation and biochemical effects in zebrafish embryos exposed to three water-soluble polymers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167699. [PMID: 37832656 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) are a particular category of polymers that, due to their capability to be soluble in water, come out of the classic definition of plastic and therefore also from its regulation and control, representing a possible new environmental problem considering the number of consumer products in which they are contained. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible adverse effects of three of the most used WSPs (polyacrylic acid - PAA, polyethylene glycol - PEG, polyvinylpyrrolidone - PVP), administered at relevant environmental concentrations (0.001, 0.5 and 1 mg/L) to Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos up to 120 h post fertilization. To assess the WSP toxicity at the molecular, cellular and organism level we used an integrated ecotoxicological approach of both biomarkers and high-throughput technology based on gel-free proteomics. The main results showed how all the three WSPs up-regulated many proteins (up to 74 in specimens exposed to 1 mg/L PVP) with a wide range of molecular functions and involved in numerous cellular pathways of exposed specimens. On the other hand, the measurement of biomarkers showed how PAA and PVP were able to activate the antioxidant machinery following an over-production of reactive oxygen species, while PEG produced no significant changes in the biomarkers measured. Based on the obtained results, the use and application of WSPs should be revised and regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Binelli
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Lara Nigro
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Sbarberi
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Della Torre
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Magni
- University of Milan, Department of Biosciences, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
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14
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Tarring EC, Durance I, Harbottle MJ, Lucas R, Read DS, Ward BD. Water-soluble polymers: Emerging contaminants detected, separated and quantified by a novel GPC/MALDI-TOF method. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 340:122888. [PMID: 37940017 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122888] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) are additives used as thickeners, stabilisers and flocculants in industry and in household products, including personal care products. Given their widespread use, it is likely WSPs enter the environment, particularly through wastewaters. This is of concern as there is little ecotoxicological research on their fate and behaviour once in the environment, which means their risk to aquatic life is not understood. The lack of suitable analytical techniques to detect, characterise and quantify WSPs hinders research on the potential impact of these polymers. A novel method has been developed that identifies polymers within a sample and separates them using gel-permeation chromatography (GPC). This is coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), to quantify the polymer fractions using molecular weight information. This process has been carried out on a range of aqueous media. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) ingredients were successfully separated from non-polymeric material in a commercial shaving gel personal care product (PCP), before being quantified at 1.62 wt%. This method was applied to a spiked wastewater influent sample to demonstrate the extraction and separation of PEG from organic constituents such as dissolved organic matter (DOM). This highlighted the additional challenges of analysing WSPs in the environment, as factors such as sorption and biodegradation affected the total recovery of PEG, with an extraction efficiency of 53%. Overall, this method was applied for the extraction of PEG from a PCP with accurate quantification, before a proof-of-concept extraction from wastewater demonstrated the difficulties associated with WSP analysis in environmental samples. This method provides opportunities to use tandem GPC/MALDI-TOF MS to quantify WSPs in a broad array of environmental samples. Additional studies could include its application to wastewater or freshwater monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve C Tarring
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle Durance
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Daniel S Read
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin D Ward
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
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15
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Hisar O, Oehlmann J. Individual and combined ecotoxic effects of water-soluble polymers. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16475. [PMID: 38025686 PMCID: PMC10676718 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) are a class of high-molecular-weight compounds which are widely used in several applications, including water treatment, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, they pose a potential threat for water resources and aquatic ecosystems. We assessed the ecotoxicity of four WSPs-non-ionic polyacrylamide (PAM) and polyethylene glycol (PEG-200), anionic homopolymer of acrylic acid (P-AA), and cationic polyquaternium-6 (PQ-6)-as single compounds and in mixture. For this purpose in vitro and in vivo assays were used to record baseline toxicity, mutagenic potential, endocrine effects, and growth inhibition in the freshwater alga Raphidocelis subcapitata. Furthermore, the mixture toxicity of the two polymers P-AA and PQ-6 which showed effects in the algae tests was evaluated with the concentration addition (CA), independent action (IA), and generalized concentration addition (GCA) model and compared with experimental data. No toxic effects were observed among the polymers and their mixtures in the in vitro assays. On the contrary, in the growth inhibition test with R. subcapitata the cationic PQ-6 caused high inhibition while the anionic P-AA and its mixture with the cationic polymer caused low inhibition. The non-ionic polymers PEG-200 and PAM showed no effect in R. subcapitata in the tested concentration range up to 100 mg/L. The IA model represented the mixture effect of the combination experiment better than the CA and GCA models. The results indicate (1) that the toxic effects of anionic and cationic polymers are most likely due to interactions of the polymers with the surfaces of organisms or with nutrients in the water and (2) that the polymers elicit their effects through different mechanisms of action that do not interact with each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olcay Hisar
- Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
| | - Jörg Oehlmann
- Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
- Kompetenzzentrum Wasser, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, Germany
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16
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Hasegawa S, Sawada T, Serizawa T. Identification of Water-Soluble Polymers through Machine Learning of Fluorescence Signals from Multiple Peptide Sensors. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:4598-4602. [PMID: 37889623 PMCID: PMC10664068 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Recently, there has been growing concern about the discharge of water-soluble polymers (especially synthetic polymers) into the environment. Therefore, the identification of water-soluble polymers in water samples is becoming increasingly crucial. In this study, a chemical tongue system to simply and precisely identify water-soluble polymers using multiple fluorescently responsive peptide sensors was demonstrated. Fluorescence spectra obtained from the mixture of each peptide sensor and water-soluble polymer were changed depending on the combination of the polymer species and peptide sensors. Water-soluble polymers were successfully identified through the supervised or unsupervised machine learning of multidimensional fluorescence signals from the peptide sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shion Hasegawa
- Department of Chemical Science and
Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-H121 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Toshiki Sawada
- Department of Chemical Science and
Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-H121 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Takeshi Serizawa
- Department of Chemical Science and
Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-H121 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
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17
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Sainju D, Lucas R, Le Gresley A. Evaluation of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for characterisation and quantitation of water-soluble polymers in river water. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 245:120650. [PMID: 37742403 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) are commonly used in industrial, commercial, agricultural and pharmaceutical products and their molecular weights and concentrations vary considerably. Methods commonly used in the analysis of WSPs are often for pure products or formulations with only a few other high MW constituents. These methods, like size exclusion chromatography (SEC) or Gel Permeation Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (MS) can be frustrated by the impact of the necessary separation steps prior to identification and the limitations of MS when identifying and quantifying polymers. To that end, the employment of a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) method to identify, characterize and quantify WSPs in the real-world is reported for the first time. Samples were taken from fourteen UK inland river sites, concentrated via air-drying, freeze-drying or vacuum-drying and analyzed using 1D 1H NMR and 2D 1H Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy (DOSY) NMR analysis. Seven of the river sites showed the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with a range of molecular weights, evidencing the application of these techniques in analysis of WSPs. Soil percolation models evidenced the proof of principle that these techniques can also be used for the detection of polyacrylamide (PAM) and polyacrylic acid (PAA). This work should better enable the evaluation of the biological impact of WSPs on aquatic organisms in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drishna Sainju
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, HSSCE Faculty, Kingston University, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Robert Lucas
- Consumer Healthcare, Haleon PLC, Weybridge, Surrey, UK
| | - Adam Le Gresley
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, HSSCE Faculty, Kingston University, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK.
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18
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Zhang J, Zhou Z, Xiao B, Zhou C, Jiang Z, Liang Y, Sun Z, Xiong J, Chen G, Zhu H, Wang S. Visible-light photocatalytic degradation of water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol in aqueous solution by Cu 2O@TiO 2: Optimization of conditions, mechanisms and toxicity analysis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 341:118054. [PMID: 37148766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118054] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a water-soluble synthetic polymer, is one of the most prevalent non-native polyvinyl alcohols found in the environment. Due to its inherent invisibility, its potential for causing severe environmental pollution is often underestimated. To achieve efficient degradation of PVA in wastewater, a Cu2O@TiO2 composite was synthesized through the modification of titanium dioxide with cuprous oxide, and its photocatalytic degradation of PVA was investigated. The Cu2O@TiO2 composite, supported by titanium dioxide, facilitated photocarrier separation and demonstrated high photocatalytic efficiency. Under alkaline conditions, the composite exhibited a 98% degradation efficiency for PVA solutions and a 58.7% PVA mineralization efficiency. Radical capture experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analyses revealed that superoxide radicals primarily drive the degradation process within the reaction system. Throughout the degradation process, PVA macromolecules are broken down into smaller molecules, including ethanol, and compounds containing aldehyde, ketone, and carboxylic acid functional groups. Although the intermediate products exhibit reduced toxicity compared to PVA, they still pose certain toxic hazards. Consequently, further research is necessary to minimize the environmental impact of these degradation products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Zhang
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Zhenqi Zhou
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Bing Xiao
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Chenxu Zhou
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Zhongqin Jiang
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China
| | - Yinna Liang
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Zhuo Sun
- College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Jianhua Xiong
- School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, China.
| | - Guoning Chen
- Guangxi Bossco Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., Nanning 530007, China
| | - Hongxiang Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Shuangfei Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Clean Pulp & Papermaking and Pollution Control, Nanning, 530004, China
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19
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Wang D, Zheng Y, Deng Q, Liu X. Water-Soluble Synthetic Polymers: Their Environmental Emission Relevant Usage, Transport and Transformation, Persistence, and Toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:6387-6402. [PMID: 37052478 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Water-soluble synthetic polymers (WSPs) are distinct from insoluble plastic particles, which are both critical components of synthetic polymers. In the history of human-made macromolecules, WSPs have consistently portrayed a crucial role and served as the ingredients of a variety of products (e.g., flocculants, thickeners, solubilizers, surfactants, etc.) commonly used in human society. However, the environmental exposures and risks of WSPs with different functions remain poorly understood. This paper provides a critical review of the usage, environmental fate, environmental persistence, and biological consequences of multiple types of WSPs in commercial and industrial production. Investigations have identified a wide market of applications and potential environmental threats of various types of WSPs, but we still lack the suitable assessment tools. The effects of physicochemical properties and environmental factors on the environmental distribution as well as the transport and transformation of WSPs are further summarized. Evidence regarding the degradation of WSPs, including mechanical, thermal, hydrolytic, photoinduced, and biological degradation is summarized, and their environmental persistence is discussed. The toxicity data show that some WSPs can cause adverse effects on aquatic species and microbial communities through intrinsic toxicity and physical hazards. This review may serve as a guide for environmental risk assessment to help develop a sustainable path for WSP management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yuyang Zheng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Qian Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xuran Liu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR, P. R. China
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20
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Pauelsen F, Huppertsberg S, Knepper TP, Zahn D. Narrowing the analytical gap for water-soluble polymers: A novel trace-analytical method and first quantitative occurrence data for polyethylene oxide in surface and wastewater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163563. [PMID: 37084914 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) like polyethylene oxide (PEO) have annual production volumes ranging from thousands to millions of tonnes and are used in a wide variety of applications that enable a release into the aquatic environment. Despite these facts, a lack of quantitative trace-analytical methods for WSPs prevents the comprehensive study of their environmental occurrence. Here, size exclusion chromatography was hyphenated with electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry. An all-ion fragmentation approach for the formation of diagnostic fragments independent of molecular weight, charge state, and ion species was used to quantify PEO and its derivatives in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and surface water samples. Despite its inherent biodegradability, PEO concentrations found in the samples analysed ranged from <LOD-11 μg/L for surface waters (11/18 samples >1 μg/L) and reached up to 20 μg/L (effluent) and 400 μg/L (influent) for WWTPs. A substantial shift in molecular weight ranges was observed between influent and effluent, pointing towards a molecular weight fraction between 1.3 and 4 kDa being dominant in the effluent. Due to an assumed size exclusion during sample enrichment, information on the MW-distribution of PEO is limited to MW < 55 kDa. The high concentrations widely detected for a readily biodegradable WSP such as PEO, raise strong concerns about the occurrence and fate of recalcitrant WSPs in the aquatic environment. The method presented herein may provide the tools necessary to assess the burden of these high production volume chemicals and the risk they may pose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Pauelsen
- Hochschule Fresenius gem. GmbH, Institute for Analytical Research, Idstein, Germany
| | - Sven Huppertsberg
- Hochschule Fresenius gem. GmbH, Institute for Analytical Research, Idstein, Germany
| | - Thomas P Knepper
- Hochschule Fresenius gem. GmbH, Institute for Analytical Research, Idstein, Germany
| | - Daniel Zahn
- Hochschule Fresenius gem. GmbH, Institute for Analytical Research, Idstein, Germany.
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21
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Zhang L, Sheng H, Liu R, Yang M, Guo Y, Xu Q, Hu L, Liang S, Xie H. Engineering chitosan into fully bio-sourced, water-soluble and enhanced antibacterial poly(aprotic/protic ionic liquid)s packaging membrane. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 230:123182. [PMID: 36623617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The design and facile preparation of water-soluble and eco-friendly polymer packaging membrane materials is a fascinating research topic, particularly in terms of the increasing concerns on potential microplastics pollution in ecosystem. In this study, taking advantages of the structural features of chitosan (CS) and betaine hydrochloride (BHC), fully bio-sourced and water-soluble poly(aprotic/protic ionic liquid)s (PAPILs) were successfully designed and prepared through the reaction of the amino groups in CS and carboxyl groups in BHC. The structure and thermo-properties of the PAPILs were elucidated by a series of characteristic methods. The rheological properties of the PAPILs aqueous solutions were also investigated. Moreover, water-soluble PAPILs membrane with a smooth surface morphology and a tensile strength of 62.9 MPa was successfully prepared. The PAPILs membrane also exhibited satisfactory biocompatibility, excellent antibacterial activities and high oxygen barrier property. Together with these outstanding material performance and functionality, as a "proof of concept", the potential use of the PAPILs membrane as water-soluble packaging material for laundry detergent capsule and pesticide was preliminarily demonstrated. These findings provide significant insights for the design of sustainable and functional packaging materials by using natural resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Zhang
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Hailiang Sheng
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Mao Yang
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yuanlong Guo
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Qinqin Xu
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Lijie Hu
- Separation Membrane Materials & Technologies Joint Research Centre of Vontron-Guizhou University, Vontron Technol Co Ltd, Guiyang 550018, China
| | - Songmiao Liang
- Separation Membrane Materials & Technologies Joint Research Centre of Vontron-Guizhou University, Vontron Technol Co Ltd, Guiyang 550018, China
| | - Haibo Xie
- Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
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22
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Groh KJ, Arp HPH, MacLeod M, Wang Z. Assessing and managing environmental hazards of polymers: historical development, science advances and policy options. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:10-25. [PMID: 36511246 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00386d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polymers are the main constituents of many materials and products in our modern world. However, their environmental safety is not assessed with the same level of detail as done for non-polymeric chemical substances. Moreover, the fundamentals of contemporary regulatory approaches for polymers were developed in the early 1990s, with little change occurring since then. Currently, the European Commission is working on a proposal to initiate registration of polymers under the European Union's (EU) chemicals legislation REACH. This provides a unique opportunity for regulation to catch up on recent scientific advances. To inform this process, we here critically appraise the suggested regulatory approaches to the environmental assessment and management of polymers against the latest scientific findings regarding their environmental fate, exposure, and effects, and identify the remaining critical knowledge gaps. While we use the EU draft proposal as an example, our findings are broadly applicable to other polymer legislations worldwide, due to the similarity of polymer assessment criteria being used. We emphasize four major aspects that require more attention in the regulation of polymers: (i) increased transparency about chemical identities, physical characteristics and grouping approaches for in-use polymers; (ii) improved understanding of the environmental fate of polymers and materials composed of polymers across size and density categories and exposure profiles; (iii) comprehensive assessment of the environmental hazards of polymers, considering the effects of degradation and weathering and taking into account the actual uptake, long-term toxicity, and geophysical impacts; and (iv) consideration of the production volume and use/release patterns in determining regulatory data and testing requirements. Transitioning toward a toxic-free and sustainable circular economy will likely require additional policy instruments that will reduce the overall complexity and diversity of in-use polymers and polymeric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia J Groh
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, NO-0806 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Matthew MacLeod
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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23
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Godfrey AR, Dunscombe J, Gravell A, Hunter A, Barrow MP, van Keulen G, Desbrow C, Townsend R. Use of QuEChERS as a manual and automated high-throughput protocol for investigating environmental matrices. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136313. [PMID: 36067814 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution has strong links to adverse human health outcomes with risks of pollution through production, use, ineffective wastewater (WW) remediation, and/or leachate from landfill. 'Fit-for-purpose' monitoring approaches are critical for better pollution control and mitigation of harm, with current sample preparation methods for complex environmental matrices typically time-consuming and labour intensive, unsuitable for high-throughput screening. This study has shown that a modified 'Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe' (QuEChERS) sample preparation is a viable alternative for selected environmental matrices required for pollution monitoring (e.g. WW effluent, treated sludge cake and homogenised biota tissue). As a manual approach, reduced extraction times (hours to ∼20 min/sample) with largely reproducible (albeit lower) recoveries of a range of pharmaceuticals and biocidal surfactants have been reported. Its application has shown clear differentiation of matrices via chemometrics, and the measurement of pollutants of interest to the UK WW industry at concentrations significantly above suggested instrument detection limits (IDL) for sludge, indicating insufficient removal and/or bioaccumulation during WW treatment. Furthermore, new pollutant candidates of emerging concern were identified - these included detergents, polymers and pharmaceuticals, with quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) biocides observed at 2.3-70.4 mg/kg, and above levels associated with priority substances for environmental quality regulation (EQSD). Finally, the QuEChERS protocol was adapted to function as a fully automated workflow, further reducing the resource to complete both the preparation and analysis to <40 min. This operated with improved recovery for soil and biota (>62%), and when applied to a largely un-investigated clay matrix, acceptable recovery (88.0-131.1%) and precision (≤10.3% RSD) for the tested pharmaceuticals and biocides was maintained. Therefore, this preliminary study has shown the successful application of a high-throughput QuEChERS protocol across a range of environmental solids for potential deployment in a regulated laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ruth Godfrey
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | | | - Anthony Gravell
- Natural Resources Wales Analytical Services, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Ann Hunter
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Mark P Barrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | | | - Claire Desbrow
- Biotage GB Limited, Dyffryn Business Park, Hengoed, CF82 7TS, UK
| | - Rachel Townsend
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
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24
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Mondellini S, Schott M, Löder MGJ, Agarwal S, Greiner A, Laforsch C. Beyond microplastics: Water soluble synthetic polymers exert sublethal adverse effects in the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157608. [PMID: 35901884 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is considered one of the causes of global change. However, water soluble synthetic polymers (WSSPs) have been neglected so far, although they are used in several industrial, dietary, domestic and biomedical products. Moreover, they are applied in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) as flocculants and coagulant agents. Hence, their presence in the aquatic environment as well as their uptake by aquatic organisms is probable, whereas no data are available regarding their potential adverse effects. Here we show in the freshwater key species D. magna exposed to five different WSSPs life history changes along with an altered level of reactive oxygen species, although acute mortality was not observed. Since daphnids act as keystone species in lake ecosystems by controlling phytoplankton biomass, even sublethal effects such as WSSPs induced changes in life history may result in cascading effects, from lower to higher trophic levels, which in turn could affect the whole food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Mondellini
- Animal Ecology I, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; BayCEER, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Matthias Schott
- Animal Ecology I, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; BayCEER, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Martin G J Löder
- Animal Ecology I, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; BayCEER, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Seema Agarwal
- Macromolecolar Chemistry II, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Andreas Greiner
- Macromolecolar Chemistry II, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Christian Laforsch
- Animal Ecology I, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; BayCEER, Universitaetsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
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25
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Berkner S, Schwirn K, Voelker D. Too advanced for assessment? Advanced materials, nanomedicine and the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2022; 34:71. [PMID: 35990895 PMCID: PMC9378259 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-022-00647-7] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Advanced materials, and nanomaterials, are promising for healthcare applications and are in particular in the spotlight of medical innovation since rapidly developed nano-formulated vaccines provide relief in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Further increased rapid growth is to be expected as more and more products are in development and reach the market, beneficial for human health. However, the human body is not a dead end and these products are likely to enter the environment, whereas their fate and effects in the environment are unknown. This part of the life-cycle of advanced medicinal products tends to be overlooked, if the perspective is human-centered and excludes the connectedness of human activity with, and consequences for our environment. Gaps are reviewed that exist in awareness, perspective taking, inclusion of environmental concerns into research and product development and also in available methodologies and regulatory guidance. To bridge these gaps, possible ways forward start to emerge, that could help to find a more integrative way of assessing human and environmental safety for advanced material medicinal products and nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Berkner
- German Environment Agency, IV2.2 Pharmaceuticals and Nanomaterials, Woerlitzer Platz 1, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schwirn
- German Environment Agency, IV2.2 Pharmaceuticals and Nanomaterials, Woerlitzer Platz 1, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Doris Voelker
- German Environment Agency, IV2.2 Pharmaceuticals and Nanomaterials, Woerlitzer Platz 1, 06844 Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
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26
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Zumstein M, Battagliarin G, Kuenkel A, Sander M. Environmental Biodegradation of Water-Soluble Polymers: Key Considerations and Ways Forward. Acc Chem Res 2022; 55:2163-2167. [PMID: 35929823 PMCID: PMC9386898 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) have unique properties that are valuable in diverse applications ranging from home and personal care products to agricultural formulations. For applications that result in the release of WSPs into natural environments or engineered systems, such as agricultural soils and wastewater streams, biodegradable as opposed to nonbiodegradable WSPs have the advantage of breaking down and, thereby, eliminating the risk of persistence and accumulation. In this Commentary, we emphasize central steps in WSP biodegradation, discuss how these steps depend on both WSP properties and characteristics of the receiving environment, and highlight critical requirements for testing WSP biodegradability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Zumstein
- Division
of Environmental Geosciences, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental
Systems Science, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria,
| | | | - Andreas Kuenkel
- BASF
SE, Carl-Bosch-Strasse
38, 67056 Ludwigshafen
am Rhein, Germany
| | - Michael Sander
- Institute
of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, Department of Environmental
Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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27
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Nigro L, Magni S, Ortenzi MA, Gazzotti S, Della Torre C, Binelli A. Are "liquid plastics" a new environmental threat? The case of polyvinyl alcohol. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 248:106200. [PMID: 35605492 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite the pollution induced by plastics become a well-known and documented problem, bringing many countries to adopt restrictions about their production, commercialization and use, the impact of another emerging category of synthetic polymers, represented by the Water-Soluble Polymers (WSPs), also known as "liquid plastics", is overlooked by scientific community. WSPs are produced in large quantities and used in a wide plethora of applications such as food packaging, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, cosmetics and detergents, with a consequent continuous release in the environment. The aim of this study was the investigation of the possible toxicity induced by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), one of the main produced and used WSPs, on two freshwater model organisms, the crustacean Daphnia magna and the teleost Danio rerio (zebrafish). We evaluated the effects of solubilized standard PVA powder and PVA-based commercial bags for carp-fishing, at 3 different concentrations (1 µg/L, 0.5 mg/L and 1 mg/L), through the exposures for 14 days of D. magna (daphnids; age < 24 h) and for 5 days of zebrafish embryos (up to 120 h post fertilization - hpf). As acute effects we evaluated the immobilization/mortality of specimens, while for chronic toxicity we selected several endpoints with a high ecological relevance, as the behavioural alteration on swimming performance, in real-time readout, and the activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO), a neuro-enzyme with a potential implication in the organism movement. The results showed the lack of significant effects induced by the selected substances, at all tested concentrations and in both model organisms. However, considering the wide plethora of available WSPs, other investigations are needed to provide the initial knowledge of risk assessment of these compounds contained in some consumer products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Nigro
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Stefano Magni
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Marco Aldo Ortenzi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Stefano Gazzotti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Camilla Della Torre
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Andrea Binelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, Milan 20133, Italy
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28
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Jin B, Han M, Huang C, Arp HPH, Zhang G. Towards improved characterization of the fate and impact of hydraulic fracturing chemicals to better secure regional water quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:497-503. [PMID: 35404376 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00034b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing (HF) of shale and other permeable rock formations to extract gas and oil is a water-intensive process that returns a significant amount of flowback and produced water (FPW). Due to the complex chemical composition of HF fluids and FPW, this process has led to public concern on the impacts of FPW disposal, spillage and spreading to regional freshwater resources, in particular to shallow groundwater aquifers. To address this, a better understanding of the chemical composition of HF fluid and FPW is needed, as well as the environmental fate properties of the chemical constituents, such as their persistence, mobility and toxicity (PMT) properties. Such research would support risk-based management strategies for the protection of regional water quality, including both the phase-out of problematic chemicals and better hydraulic safeguards against FPW contamination. This article presents recent strategies to advance the assessment and analysis of HF and FPW associated organic chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10069, China
| | - Min Han
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10069, China
| | - Chen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10069, China
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930 Ullevaal Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway.
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Deep Earth Science, Guangzhou, 510640, China
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29
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Brunning H, Sallach JB, Zanchi V, Price O, Boxall A. Toward a Framework for Environmental Fate and Exposure Assessment of Polymers. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:515-540. [PMID: 34913523 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Development of risk-assessment methodologies for polymers is an emerging regulatory priority to prevent negative environmental impacts; however, the diversity and complexity of polymers require adaptation of existing environmental risk-assessment approaches. The present review discusses the challenges and opportunities for the fate and exposure assessment of polymers in the context of regulatory environmental risk assessment of chemicals. The review discusses the applicability and adequacy for polymers of existing fate parameters used for nonpolymeric compounds and proposes additional parameters that could inform the fate of polymers. The significance of these parameters in various stages of an exposure-assessment framework is highlighted, with classification of polymers as solid or dissolved being key for identification of those parameters most relevant to environmental fate. Considerations to address the key limitations and knowledge gaps are then identified and discussed, specifically the complexity of polymer identification, with the need for characterization of the most significant parameters for polymer grouping and prioritization; the complexity of polymer degradation in the environment, with the need to incorporate the fate and hazards of degradation products into risk assessment; the requirement for development and standardization of analytical methods for characterization of polymer fate properties and degradation products; and the need to develop exposure modeling approaches for polymers. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:515-540. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hattie Brunning
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - J Brett Sallach
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Alistair Boxall
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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30
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Liu X, Du M, Lu Q, He D, Song K, Yang Q, Duan A, Wang D. How Does Chitosan Affect Methane Production in Anaerobic Digestion? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:15843-15852. [PMID: 34788010 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The expanding use of chitosan in sewage and sludge treatment processes raises concerns about its potential environmental impacts. However, investigations of the impacts of chitosan on sewage sludge anaerobic digestion where chitosan is present at substantial levels are sparse. This study therefore aims to fill this knowledge gap through both long-term and batch tests. The results showed that 4 g/kg total suspended solid (TSS) chitosan had no acute effects on methane production, but chitosan at 8-32 g/kg TSS inhibited methane production by 7.2-30.3%. Mass balance and metabolism of organic analyses indicated that chitosan restrained the transfer of organic substrates from solid phase to liquid phase, macromolecules to micromolecules, and finally to methane. Further exploration revealed that chitosan suppressed the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances of anaerobes by occupying the connection sites of indigenous carbohydrates and increased the mass transfer resistance between anaerobes and substrates, which thereby lowered the metabolic activities of anaerobes. Although chitosan could be partly degraded by anaerobes, it is much more persistent to be degraded compared with indigenous organics in sludge. Microbial community and key enzyme encoding gene analyses further revealed that the inhibition of chitosan to CO2-dependent methanogenesis was much severer than that to acetate-dependent methanogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuran Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Mingting Du
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Qi Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Dandan He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Kang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, P.R. China
| | - Qi Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Abing Duan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
| | - Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, P.R. China
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31
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Suzuki S, Sawada T, Serizawa T. Identification of Water-Soluble Polymers through Discrimination of Multiple Optical Signals from a Single Peptide Sensor. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:55978-55987. [PMID: 34735134 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c11794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The pollution of water environments is a worldwide concern. Not only marine pollution by plastic litter, including microplastics, but also the spillage of water-soluble synthetic polymers in wastewater have recently gained increasing attention due to their potential risks to soil and water environments. However, conventional methods to identify polymers dissolved in water are laborious and time-consuming. Here, we propose a simple approach to identify synthetic polymers dissolved in water using a peptide-based molecular sensor with a fluorophore unit. Supervised machine learning of multiple fluorescence signals from the sensor, which specifically or nonspecifically interacted with the polymers, was applied for polymer classification as a proof of principle demonstration. Aqueous solutions containing different polymers or multiple polymer species with different mixture ratios were identified successfully. We found that fluorophore-introduced biomolecular sensors have great potential to provide discriminative information regarding water-soluble polymers. Our approach based on the discrimination of multiple optical signals of water-soluble polymers from peptide-based molecular sensors through machine learning will be applicable to next-generation sensing systems for polymers in wastewater or natural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seigo Suzuki
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-H121 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Toshiki Sawada
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-H121 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Takeshi Serizawa
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1-H121 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
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32
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Synthesis and performance evaluation of a new drag reducer–cationic hybrid polymeric based on polyacrylamide. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-021-02701-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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33
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Berninger T, Dietz N, González López Ó. Water-soluble polymers in agriculture: xanthan gum as eco-friendly alternative to synthetics. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:1881-1896. [PMID: 34196103 PMCID: PMC8449660 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) are a versatile group of chemicals used across industries for different purposes such as thickening, stabilizing, adhesion and gelation. Synthetic polymers have tailored characteristics and are chemically homogeneous, whereas plant-derived biopolymers vary more widely in their specifications and are chemically heterogeneous. Between both sources, microbial polysaccharides are an advantageous compromise. They combine naturalness with defined material properties, precisely controlled by optimizing strain selection, fermentation operational parameters and downstream processes. The relevance of such bio-based and biodegradable materials is rising due to increasing environmental awareness of consumers and a tightening regulatory framework, causing both solid and water-soluble synthetic polymers, also termed 'microplastics', to have come under scrutiny. Xanthan gum is the most important microbial polysaccharide in terms of production volume and diversity of applications, and available as different grades with specific properties. In this review, we will focus on the applicability of xanthan gum in agriculture (drift control, encapsulation and soil improvement), considering its potential to replace traditionally used synthetic WSPs. As a spray adjuvant, xanthan gum prevents the formation of driftable fine droplets and shows particular resistance to mechanical shear. Xanthan gum as a component in encapsulated formulations modifies release properties or provides additional protection to encapsulated agents. In geotechnical engineering, soil amended with xanthan gum has proven to increase water retention, reduce water evaporation, percolation and soil erosion - topics of high relevance in the agriculture of the 21st century. Finally, hands-on formulation tips are provided to facilitate exploiting the full potential of xanthan gum in diverse agricultural applications and thus providing sustainable solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Berninger
- Jungbunzlauer Ladenburg GmbHDr.‐Albert‐Reimann‐Str. 18Ladenburg68526Germany
| | - Natalie Dietz
- Jungbunzlauer Ladenburg GmbHDr.‐Albert‐Reimann‐Str. 18Ladenburg68526Germany
| | - Óscar González López
- Department of Agriculture and FoodUniversidad de la RiojaC/Madre de Dios 53Logroño26006Spain
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34
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Hu K, Tian W, Yang Y, Nie G, Zhou P, Wang Y, Duan X, Wang S. Microplastics remediation in aqueous systems: Strategies and technologies. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 198:117144. [PMID: 33933920 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the ubiquitous detection and accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in the aquatic environment have raised significant concerns on water security and long-term ecological impacts all around the world. Nevertheless, critical reviews on strategic control and effective remediation of MPs in the aqueous phase are still lacking. In this work, we summarise the origins and types of MPs, and then introduce the methodologies for extraction, identification and quantification. More importantly, we for the first time provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the emerging MPs removal and transformation technologies. Except for biodegradation, this review presents new applications of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for MPs degradation and utilisation, including photocatalysis, photoreforming and Fenton-like reactions. Physical or catalytic thermal treatment can transform plastics into value-added nanocarbons or hydrocarbons. These transformation technologies demonstrate great potentials in dealing with MPs. The review will guide researchers to further explore the feasible approaches and develop new strategies for advanced control and remediation of MPs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunsheng Hu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia
| | - Wenjie Tian
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia
| | - Yangyang Yang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia
| | - Gang Nie
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- College of Architecture & Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuxian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Pollution Control, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
| | - Xiaoguang Duan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Shaobin Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia.
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35
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Brambley CA, Yared TJ, Gonzalez M, Jansch AL, Wallen JR, Weiland MH, Miller JM. Sphingomonas sp. KT-1 PahZ2 Structure Reveals a Role for Conformational Dynamics in Peptide Bond Hydrolysis. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:5722-5739. [PMID: 34060838 PMCID: PMC8657308 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c01216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Poly(aspartic acid) (PAA) is a common water-soluble polycarboxylate used in a broad range of applications. PAA biodegradation and environmental assimilation were first identified in river water bacterial strains, Sphingomonas sp. KT-1 and Pedobacter sp. KP-2. Within Sphingomonas sp. KT-1, PahZ1KT-1 cleaves β-amide linkages to oligo(aspartic acid) and then is degraded by PahZ2KT-1. Recently, we reported the first structure for PahZ1KT-1. Here, we report novel structures for PahZ2KT-1 bound to either Gd3+/Sm3+ or Zn2+ cations in a dimeric state consistent with M28 metallopeptidase family members. PahZ2KT-1 monomers include a dimerization domain and a catalytic domain with dual Zn2+ cations. MD methods predict the putative substrate binding site to span across the dimerization and catalytic domains, where NaCl promotes the transition from an open conformation to a closed conformation that positions the substrate adjacent to catalytic zinc ions. Structural knowledge of PahZ1KT-1 and PahZ2KT-1 will allow for protein engineering endeavors to develop novel biodegradation reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad A Brambley
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | - Tarah J Yared
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Southern University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419, United States
| | - Marriah Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | - Amanda L Jansch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Southern University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419, United States
| | - Jamie R Wallen
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Western Carolina University, 111 Memorial Drive, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723, United States
| | - Mitch H Weiland
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Southern University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31419, United States
| | - Justin M Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
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Mairinger T, Loos M, Hollender J. Characterization of water-soluble synthetic polymeric substances in wastewater using LC-HRMS/MS. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 190:116745. [PMID: 33360422 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic water-soluble polymeric materials are widely employed in e.g. cleaning detergents, personal care products, paints or textiles. Accordingly, these compounds reach sewage treatment plants and may enter receiving waters and the aquatic environment. Characteristically, these molecules show a polydisperse molecular weight distribution, comprising multiple repeating units, i.e. a homologous series (HS). Their analysis in environmentally relevant samples has received some attention over the last two decades, however, the majority of previous studies focused on surfactants and a molecular weight range <1000 Da. To capture a wider range on the mass versus polarity plane and extend towards less polar contaminants, a workflow was established using three different ionization strategies, namely conventional electrospray ionization, atmospheric pressure photoionization and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. The data evaluation consisted of suspect screening of ca. 1200 suspect entries and a non-target screening of HS with pre-defined accurate mass differences using ca. 400 molecular formulas of repeating units of HS as input and repeating retention time shifts as HS indicator. To study the fate of these water-soluble polymeric substances in the wastewater treatment process, the different stages, i.e. after primary and secondary clarifier, and after ozonation followed by sand filtration, were sampled at a Swiss wastewater treatment plant. Remaining with two different ionization interfaces, ESI and APPI, in both polarities, a non-targeted screening approach led to a total number of 146 HS (each with a minimum number of 4 members), with a molecular mass of up to 1200 detected in the final effluent. Of the 146 HS, ca 15% could be associated with suspect hits and approximately 25% with transformation products of suspects. Tentative characterization or probable chemical structure could be assigned to almost half of the findings. In positive ionization mode various sugar derivatives with differing side chains, for negative mode structures with sulfonic acids, could be characterized. The number of detected HS decreased significantly over the three treatment stages. For HS detectable also in the biological and oxidative treatment stages, a change in HS distribution towards to lower mass range was often observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Mairinger
- Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Duebendorf, Switzerland.
| | | | - Juliane Hollender
- Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Duebendorf, Switzerland; Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Zhao X, Jiang J, Zhou Z, Yang J, Chen G, Wu W, Sun D, Yao J, Qiu Z, He K, Wu Z, Lou Z. Applying organic polymer flocculants in conditioning and advanced dewatering of landfill sludge as a substitution of ferric trichloride and lime: Mechanism, optimization and pilot-scale study. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 260:127617. [PMID: 32683031 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study, poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDADMAC) and polyacrylamide (PAM) were applied to substitute ferric trichloride (FeCl3) and lime conditioning for advanced dewatering of landfill sludge (LS). Four response surface methodology (RSM) models were constructed for FeCl3-lime, FeCl3-PAM, PDADMAC-lime and PDADMAC-PAM, and identical dosages, namely 29.86, 57.91, 5.73 and 2.99 mg/g dry solids (DS) for FeCl3, lime, PDADMAC and PAM, were obtained by solving the system of four RSM equations at water content of 60% to investigate conditioning mechanisms. Compared to FeCl3-lime, PDADMAC-PAM conditioning had strong charge neutralization and bridging performance, and obtained conditioned LS with large flocs size, strong network structure and rapid dewatering rate. By integrating RSM with nonlinear programming for optimization, the total cost of PDADMAC-PAM route was saved by 7.9% and close to FeCl3-lime, and the optimized condition with dosages of 1.93 and 3.47 kg/t DS was further confirmed by pilot-scale experiments. The results indicated that PDADMAC-PAM was a feasible substitute for FeCl3-lime in sludge conditioning, and showed more advantage if dewatered sludge was further treated by incineration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Zhao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Energy - Saving in Heat Exchange Systems, College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Energy - Saving in Heat Exchange Systems, College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Zhen Zhou
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Energy - Saving in Heat Exchange Systems, College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Jiazhe Yang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Energy - Saving in Heat Exchange Systems, College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Shanghai Chengtou Wastewater Treatment Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Dongqi Sun
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Energy - Saving in Heat Exchange Systems, College of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Electric Power, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Shanghai Chengtou Wastewater Treatment Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhan Qiu
- Shanghai Chengtou Wastewater Treatment Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Kankan He
- SNF (China) Flocculant Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Zhichao Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ziyang Lou
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
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