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Parveen N, Naik SVCS, Vanapalli KR, Sharma HB. Bioplastic packaging in circular economy: A systems-based policy approach for multi-sectoral challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173893. [PMID: 38889821 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Bioplastics have long been publicized as a sustainable plastic packaging alternative; however, their widespread industrialization is still embryonic due to complex challenges spanning multiple sectors. This review critically analyses the bioplastic lifecycle and provides a holistic evaluation of both the opportunities and potential trade-offs along their value chain. Their lifecycle is divided into three sectors: 1) resources, extraction, and manufacturing, 2) product consumption which discusses availability, consumer perception, and marketing strategies, and 3) end-of-life (EoL) management which includes segregation, recycling, and disposal. In the production phase, the primary challenges include selection of suitable raw feedstocks and addressing the techno-economic constraints of manufacturing processes. To tackle these challenges, it is recommended to source sustainable feedstocks from innovative, renewable, and waste materials, adopt green synthesis mechanisms, and optimize processes for improved efficiency. The consumption phase encompasses challenges related to market availability, cost competitiveness, and consumer perception of bioplastics. Localizing feedstock sourcing and production, leveraging the economics of scale, and promoting market demand for recycled bioplastics can positively influence the market dynamics. Additionally, dispelling misconceptions about degradability through proper labeling, and employing innovative marketing strategies to enhance consumer perception of the mechanical performance and quality of bioplastics is crucial. During the EoL management phase, major challenges include inadequate awareness, inefficient segregation protocols, and bioplastics with diverse properties that are incompatible with existing waste management infrastructure. Implementing a standardized labeling system with clear representation of suitable EoL techniques and integrating sensors and machine learning-based sorting technologies will improve segregation efficiency. Further, establishing interconnected recycling streams that clearly define the EoL pathways for different bioplastics is essential to ensure circular waste management systems. Finally, designing a comprehensive systems-based policy framework that incorporates technical, economic, environmental, and social drivers is recommended to promote bioplastics as a viable circular packaging solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naseeba Parveen
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Mizoram, Aizawl 796012, India
| | - S V Chinna Swami Naik
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Kumar Raja Vanapalli
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Mizoram, Aizawl 796012, India.
| | - Hari Bhakta Sharma
- Department of Civil Engineering, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Rangpo, Sikkim 737136, India
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Jang M, Lee M, Chung S, Park SA, Park H, Jeon H, Jegal J, Park SB, Oh DX, Shin G, Kim HJ. Ecotoxicity assessment of additives in commercial biodegradable plastic products: Implications for sustainability and environmental risk. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172903. [PMID: 38697526 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics have gained popularity as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics, which face recycling and degradation challenges. Although the biodegradability of these plastics has been established, research on their ecotoxicity remains limited. Biodegradable plastics may still contain conventional additives, including toxic and non-degradable substances, to maintain their functionality during production and processing. Despite degrading the polymer matrix, these additives can persist in the environment and potentially harm ecosystems and humans. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential ecotoxicity of biodegradable plastics by analyzing the phthalate esters (PAEs) leaching out from biodegradable plastics through soil leachate. Sixteen commercial biodegradable plastic products were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine the types and amounts of PAE used in the products and evaluate their ecotoxicity. Among the various PAEs analyzed, non-regulated dioctyl isophthalate (DOIP) was the most frequently detected (ranging from 40 to 212 μg g-1). Although the DOIP is considered one of PAE alternatives, the detected amount of it revealed evident ecotoxicity, especially in the aquatic environment. Other additives, including antioxidants, lubricants, surfactants, slip agents, and adhesives, were also qualitatively detected in commercial products. This is the first study to quantify the amounts of PAEs leached from biodegradable plastics through water mimicking PAE leaching out from biodegradable plastics to soil leachate when landfilled and evaluate their potential ecotoxicity. Despite their potential toxicity, commercial biodegradable plastics are currently marketed and promoted as environmentally friendly materials, which could lead to indiscriminate public consumption. Therefore, in addition to improving biodegradable plastics, developing eco-friendly additives is significant. Future studies should investigate the leaching kinetics in soil leachate over time and toxicity of biodegradable plastics after landfill disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jang
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkyung Lee
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghyn Chung
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea; Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul-A Park
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Huijeong Park
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonyeol Jeon
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea; Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonggeon Jegal
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Bae Park
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongyeop X Oh
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea; Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and Program in Environmental and Polymer Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Giyoung Shin
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jeong Kim
- Research Center for Bio-Based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Republic of Korea.
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Gracia J, Espinosa A, Moreno N, Cabeza I. Evaluation of the production and extraction of polyhydroxybutyrate from volatile fatty acids by means of mixed cultures and B. cepacia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118448. [PMID: 38360165 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The global consumption of plastics generates accelerated environmental pollution in landfills and marine ecosystems. Biopolymers are the materials with the greatest potential to replace synthetic polymers in the market due to their good biodegradability, however, there are still several disadvantages, mainly related to their production cost. Considering the above, the generation of biodegradable and biocompatible bioplastics stands out as an alternative solution, some of which are made from renewable raw materials, including polyhydroxyalkanoates PHAs. Although much research has been done on bacteria with the capacity for intracellular accumulation of PHAs, among others, it is also possible to produce PHAs using mixed microbial cultures instead of a single microorganism, using natural microbial consortia that have the capacity to store high amounts of PHAs. In this contribution, three methods for the extraction and purification of PHAs produced by fermentation using volatile fatty acids as a carbon source at different concentrations were evaluated, using the pure strain Burkholderia cepacia 2G-57 and the mixed cultures of the activated sludge from the El Salitre WWTP, in order to select the best method from the point of view of environmental sustainability as this will contribute to the scalability of the process. The mixed cultures were identified by sequencing of the 16S gene. A yield of 89% was obtained from the extraction and purification of PHA using acetic acid as a solvent, which according to its properties is "greener" than chloroform. The polymer obtained was identified as polyhydroxybutylated PHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeniffer Gracia
- Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá, 110231, Colombia
| | - Armando Espinosa
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, 11001, Colombia
| | - Nubia Moreno
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, 11001, Colombia
| | - Iván Cabeza
- Energy, Materials and Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de La Sabana, Campus Universitario Puente del Común, Km 7, Autopista Norte, Chía, 250001, Colombia.
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Gigante V, Aliotta L, Ascrizzi R, Pistelli L, Zinnai A, Batoni G, Coltelli MB, Lazzeri A. Innovative Biobased and Sustainable Polymer Packaging Solutions for Extending Bread Shelf Life: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4700. [PMID: 38139951 PMCID: PMC10747240 DOI: 10.3390/polym15244700] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustainable packaging has been steadily gaining prominence within the food industry, with biobased materials emerging as a promising substitute for conventional petroleum-derived plastics. This review is dedicated to the examination of innovative biobased materials in the context of bread packaging. It aims to furnish a comprehensive survey of recent discoveries, fundamental properties, and potential applications. Commencing with an examination of the challenges posed by various bread types and the imperative of extending shelf life, the review underscores the beneficial role of biopolymers as internal coatings or external layers in preserving product freshness while upholding structural integrity. Furthermore, the introduction of biocomposites, resulting from the amalgamation of biopolymers with active biomolecules, fortifies barrier properties, thus shielding bread from moisture, oxygen, and external influences. The review also addresses the associated challenges and opportunities in utilizing biobased materials for bread packaging, accentuating the ongoing requirement for research and innovation to create advanced materials that ensure product integrity while diminishing the environmental footprint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Gigante
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Diotisalvi 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.A.); (M.-B.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Laura Aliotta
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Diotisalvi 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.A.); (M.-B.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Roberta Ascrizzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health” (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (A.Z.)
| | - Laura Pistelli
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health” (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Agriculture Food Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela Zinnai
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health” (NUTRAFOOD), University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Agriculture Food Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Batoni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 37, 56123 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Maria-Beatrice Coltelli
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Diotisalvi 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.A.); (M.-B.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Lazzeri
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Diotisalvi 2, 56122 Pisa, Italy; (L.A.); (M.-B.C.); (A.L.)
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Zhao S, Zhang J. Microplastics in soils during the COVID-19 pandemic: Sources, migration and transformations, and remediation technologies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 883:163700. [PMID: 37105487 PMCID: PMC10125914 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a notable upsurge of 5-10 % in global plastic production, which could have potential implications on the soil quality through increased microplastics (MPs) content. The elevated levels of MPs in the soil poses a significant threat to both the environment and human health, hence necessitating the remediation of MPs in the environment. Despite the significant attention given to MPs remediation in aqueous environments, less consideration has been given to MPs remediation in the soil. Consequently, this review highlights the major sources of MPs in the soil, their migration and transformation behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasizes the importance of utilizing remediation technologies such as phytoremediation, thermal treatment, microbial degradation, and photodegradation for MPs in the soil. Furthermore, this review provides a prospective outlook on potential future remediation methods for MPs in the soil. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is nearing its end, the long-term impact of MPs on the soil remains, making this review a valuable reference for the remediation of MPs in the post-pandemic soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhao
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China; College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- College of Ocean Science and Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
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Chou HC, Chen CH, Huang CM, Wang HJ, Hsiung YC, Liang CH, Ou CM, Guo GL. Screening potential polyhydroxyalkanoate-producing bacteria from wastewater sludge. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:120. [PMID: 36928394 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
We applied fluorescence staining of Nile red, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and carbon substrate utilization and pressure tolerance analysis to execute three-stage screening for potential polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) producers in the sludge samples of 21 large-scale wastewater treatment plants of city and industrial parks in Taiwan area. Total 35,429 colonies were grown on 196 plates, the screened 30 strains were subjected to 16S rRNA analysis, and 18 identified genera belonged to Proteobacteria (67%), Firmicutes (17%), and Actinomycetota (16%). The PHA accumulation results revealed that nine genera (50% of 18 screened) produced PHAs by limiting the nitrogen source and excess single carbon sources of glucose in an aerobic status. The PHA accumulation percentage was 1.44-58.77% at dry cell weight, and the theoretical yield from glucose was 0.52-58.76%. Our results indicate that our triple-screening method is promising for identifying a high biodiversity of PHA-accumulating bacteria from activated sludge for future industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Che Chou
- Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsin Chen
- Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Mei Huang
- Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Jun Wang
- Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Chung-Mao Ou
- Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Gia-Luen Guo
- Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.
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Abubakar IR, Maniruzzaman KM, Dano UL, AlShihri FS, AlShammari MS, Ahmed SMS, Al-Gehlani WAG, Alrawaf TI. Environmental Sustainability Impacts of Solid Waste Management Practices in the Global South. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912717. [PMID: 36232017 PMCID: PMC9566108 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Solid waste management (SWM) is one of the key responsibilities of city administrators and one of the effective proxies for good governance. Effective SWM mitigates adverse health and environmental impacts, conserves resources, and improves the livability of cities. However, unsustainable SWM practices, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and financial and institutional limitations, negatively impact public health and environmental sustainability. This review article assesses the human and environmental health impacts of SWM practices in the Global South cities that are the future of global urbanization. The study employs desktop research methodology based on in-depth analysis of secondary data and literature, including official documents and published articles. It finds that the commonplace SWM practices include mixing household and commercial garbage with hazardous waste during storage and handling. While waste storage is largely in old or poorly managed facilities such as storage containers, the transportation system is often deficient and informal. The disposal methods are predominantly via uncontrolled dumping, open-air incinerators, and landfills. The negative impacts of such practices include air and water pollution, land degradation, emissions of methane and hazardous leachate, and climate change. These impacts impose significant environmental and public health costs on residents with marginalized social groups mostly affected. The paper concludes with recommendations for mitigating the public and environmental health risks associated with the existing SWM practices in the Global South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismaila Rimi Abubakar
- College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
| | - Khandoker M. Maniruzzaman
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Umar Lawal Dano
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faez S. AlShihri
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maher S. AlShammari
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayed Mohammed S. Ahmed
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wadee Ahmed Ghanem Al-Gehlani
- Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 32141, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tareq I. Alrawaf
- Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Architecture and Planning, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
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