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Nanayakkara CJ, Senadheera V, Anuththara V, Rathnaweera P, Nishshanka P, Piyatissa P, Munasingha H, Dushyantha N, Kuruppu GN. The collateral effects of COVID-19 on marine pollution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116595. [PMID: 38880035 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has gained significant attention to the intersection of public health crises and environmental challenges, particularly in the context of marine pollution. This paper examines the various impacts of the pandemic on marine environments, focusing on the pollution attributed to single-use plastics (SUPs) and personal protective equipment (PPE). Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of literature and case studies, the paper highlights the detrimental effects of increased plastic waste on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Statistical data and graphical representations reveal the scale of plastic pollution during the pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for mitigation strategies. The study evaluates innovative monitoring techniques and future recommendations, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration in sustainable waste management. By broadening geographic examples and comparative analyses, it provides a global perspective on the pandemic's impact, highlighting the importance of international cooperation for safeguarding marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chamila Jinendra Nanayakkara
- Department of Earth Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
| | - Venuri Senadheera
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Veenavee Anuththara
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Pinsara Rathnaweera
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Primalsha Nishshanka
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Piyumi Piyatissa
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Harshani Munasingha
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka
| | - Nimila Dushyantha
- Department of Applied Earth Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passaara Road, Badulla 90000, Sri Lanka.
| | - Gayithri Niluka Kuruppu
- Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Business, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa 10400, Sri Lanka
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2
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Dolci G, Puricelli S, Cecere G, Tua C, Fava F, Rigamonti L, Grosso M. How does plastic compare with alternative materials in the packaging sector? A systematic review of LCA studies. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2024:734242X241241606. [PMID: 38576323 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x241241606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
In the recent years, packaging made of conventional plastics has been increasingly replaced by materials believed to be more sustainable. However, perceived sustainability must align with scientific assessments, such as life cycle assessments (LCAs). This review analysed 53 peer-reviewed studies published in the time range 2019-2023, aiming at understanding the state of the art in LCA about the environmental impacts of packaging by focusing on the comparison between plastics and alternative materials. The literature showed that consumer perceptions often differ from LCA findings and revealed that, frequently, conventional plastics are not the least environmentally friendly choice. Bioplastics typically show benefits only in the climate change and the fossil resource depletion impact categories. The heavy weight of glass turns out to affect its environmental performances with respect to the light plastics, with reuse being an essential strategy to lower the burdens. The comparison between plastics and metals is more balanced, leaning more towards plastics for food packaging. Similarly, paper resulted often preferable than plastics. Finally, for the other materials (i.e. wood and textiles), the picture is variable. To be competitive with plastics, the alternative materials require improvements like the optimisation of their production processes, their reuse and enhanced end-of-life options. At the same time, recycled polymers could boost the eco-performance of virgin plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Dolci
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Puricelli
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cecere
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Camilla Tua
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Floriana Fava
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Rigamonti
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Grosso
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
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3
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Li L, Zhang Z, Li X, Su J, Jiang Y, Cao J, Zhao F. Mining the sustainability of takeaway businesses in online food delivery service supply chain. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27938. [PMID: 38510049 PMCID: PMC10950709 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The online food delivery service supply chain constitutes a crucial element in achieving sustainable development goals. With its prosperity, an increasing number of takeaway businesses are drawn to this sector. As their numbers rise, issues such as profitability resilience, environmental friendliness, and fulfillment of social responsibility emerge, posing potential disruptions to the service supply chain. Against this backdrop, our endeavor is to mine the sustainability of takeaway businesses using the triple bottom line. We propose a two-stage approach involving the Bayesian best-worst method and a data mining technique to derive the weights of sustainability criteria and the clusters of takeaway businesses. Subsequently, a case study is conducted focusing on takeaway businesses on the Ele.me platform in China. The results highlight economic sustainability as the most valued criterion, followed by social and environmental sustainability. Clustering outcomes reveal four distinct levels of sustainability, with a stronger performance in social sustainability compared to environmental and economic dimensions. Further discussions explore the relationship between sustainability levels, cuisine categories, and business size. Consequently, this study suggests an effective approach for advancing sustainability initiatives within the online food delivery service supply chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longxiao Li
- School of Business Administration, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, No. 20, East University Town Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Zusheng Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Chongqing University, No.174 Shazhengjie, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Xixi Li
- Teaching Affairs Department, Chongqing Energy College, Chongqing, 402260, China
| | - Jiafu Su
- International College, Krirk University, Bangkok, 10220, Thailand
| | - Yanling Jiang
- School of Business Administration, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, No. 20, East University Town Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Jun Cao
- School of Business Administration, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, No. 20, East University Town Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Fangsu Zhao
- School of Business Administration, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, No. 20, East University Town Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 401331, China
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4
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Son JW, Nam Y, Kim C. Nanoplastics from disposable paper cups and microwavable food containers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:133014. [PMID: 37984146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133014] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs, <1 µm) pose greater risks due to their increased absorption rates in biological systems. In this study, we investigated the release of NPs from paper cups and microwavable food containers coated with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA). For disposable paper cups, we found that LDPE-coated cups released up to 26-fold more NPs (maximum 1.9 × 107 per cup) than PLA-coated ones. The NPs release from LDPE-coated cups was increased at high temperatures above 80 °C, and further increased by physical agitation. However, negligible NP release was observed when the inner coating thickness exceeded 1 mm. For microwavable food containers, those with PLA coatings were more susceptible to the effects of microwave. Depending on the cooking time, we noticed a significant difference (up to 40000 times) in the number of released NPs between LDPE and PLA coatings. Additionally, higher microwave power level led to an increase of NPs, even with constant total energy input. Considering the release of NP, PLA coatings for disposable paper cups and LDPE coatings for microwavable food containers seem more suitable. Furthermore, our results suggest that multi-use cups significantly reduce NPs release due to their material thickness, making them a safer alternative to disposable ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Won Son
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Nam
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Changwoo Kim
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Di Mario M, Bauwens G, Peltier F, Goscinny S, Focant JF, Purcaro G, Van Hoeck E. Investigation of potential migratables from paper and board food contact materials. Front Chem 2023; 11:1322811. [PMID: 38099191 PMCID: PMC10720245 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1322811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the ban on single-use plastic articles in Europe, the food contact material (FCM) industry has been forced to move to more sustainable alternatives. Paper and board FCM are convenient alternatives but must be safe for consumers. This study aims to investigate potential migrations of various substances (e.g., plasticizers, photoinitiators, primary aromatic amines, mineral oil, and bisphenols) from straws and takeaway articles made of paper and board. Twenty straws and fifty-eight takeaway articles were carefully selected and investigated using liquid and gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry or flame ionization detector. Fourteen substances of all the targeted categories were found in takeaway articles, including seven plasticizers, two photoinitiators, one primary aromatic amine, two bisphenols, and the saturated and aromatic fraction of mineral oil (MOSH and MOAH, respectively). In straws, fewer substances were detected, i.e., six substances, including three plasticizers, one photoinitiator, MOSH, and MOAH. At least one of the target substances was detected in 88% of the samples, demonstrating the importance of further evaluation of these materials. Finally, the associated risks were assessed, highlighting the potential risks for several types of articles regarding bisphenol A, one primary aromatic amine (3.3-DMB), and MOSH and MOAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Di Mario
- Organic Contaminants and Additives Service, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gregory Bauwens
- Analytical Chemistry Lab at the AgroBioChem Department, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Florian Peltier
- Organic Contaminants and Additives Service, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Séverine Goscinny
- Organic Contaminants and Additives Service, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Focant
- Organic and Biological Analytical Chemistry Group, MolSys Research Unit, University of Liège, Liege, Belgium
| | - Giorgia Purcaro
- Analytical Chemistry Lab at the AgroBioChem Department, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Els Van Hoeck
- Organic Contaminants and Additives Service, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
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6
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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] [MESH Headings] [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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7
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Kochanska E, Wozniak K, Nowaczyk A, Piedade PJ, de Almeida Lavorato ML, Almeida AM, Morais ARC, Lukasik RM. Global Ban on Plastic and What Next? Are Consumers Ready to Replace Plastic with the Second-Generation Bioplastic? Results of the Snowball Sample Consumer Research in China, Western and Eastern Europe, North America and Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13970. [PMID: 36360849 PMCID: PMC9659008 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic can be used for many things and at the same time is the most versatile material in our modern world. However, the uncontrolled and unprecedented use of plastic comes to its end. The global ban on plastic brings significant changes in technology but even more so in civil perception-changes taking place before our eyes. The aim of this study was to find answers to the questions about the readiness of consumers for a global ban on plastic. Within the research, the differences in consumer acceptance in countries in Europe, South and North America and Asia and the expression of social readiness to change attitudes towards plastic food packaging were analyzed. This work sketches the legal framework related to limiting the use of one-use food packaging made of fossil raw materials at the level of the European Union, Poland and Portugal but also at the level of the two largest economies in the world, China and the United States, as well as lower-income countries, e.g., Ukraine and Brazil. The survey results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The performed study demonstrates that, in in all the surveyed countries, appropriate legal acts related to the reduction of plastic in everyday life are already in place. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the full understanding of plastic banning in all surveyed countries. Consumers are aware that every effort should be made to prevent the world from drowning in plastic waste. Society is, in general, open to the use of bioplastics produced from the second-generation resource if second-generation bioplastics contribute to environmental and pollution reduction targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kochanska
- Research and Innovation Center Pro-Akademia, 9/11 Innowacyjna Str., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wozniak
- Research and Innovation Center Pro-Akademia, 9/11 Innowacyjna Str., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Nowaczyk
- Research and Innovation Center Pro-Akademia, 9/11 Innowacyjna Str., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Patrícia J. Piedade
- Unidade de Bioenergia e Biorrefinerias, Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia I.P., Estrada do Paço do Lumiar 22, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | | | - Ana Rita C. Morais
- School of Engineering, The University of Kansas, 4165E Learned Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Rafal M. Lukasik
- Unidade de Bioenergia e Biorrefinerias, Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia I.P., Estrada do Paço do Lumiar 22, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal
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8
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Florentino GIB, Lima DAS, Santos MMF, Ferreira VCDS, Grisi CVB, Madruga MS, da Silva FAP. Characterization of a new food packaging material based on fish by-product proteins and passion fruit pectin. Food Packag Shelf Life 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fpsl.2022.100920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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9
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Borghesi G, Morone P. A review of the effects of COVID-19 on food waste. Food Secur 2022; 15:261-280. [PMID: 35991844 PMCID: PMC9374484 DOI: 10.1007/s12571-022-01311-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant vulnerabilities in systems of production and consumption. In particular, the economic and social implications of the pandemic highlighted the urgent need for more sustainable and less impactful practices of food production and consumption. Through a systematic literature review, this paper seeks to assess how the pandemic affected the phenomenon of food waste, with the aim of assessing whether the pandemic stimulated changes amongst food system actors, especially consumers. The findings indicate that consumers generally reported behavioural changes during the pandemic and claimed to have adopted sustainable practices that could contribute to reducing food waste. The results also reflect the rapid diffusion of practices such as food delivery during the pandemic, which requires further investigation in terms of its effects on the environment. Simultaneously, supply-demand shocks and disruptions were reported in the areas of production, processing, and retailing, suggesting the occurence of ripple effects. A call is made for greater resilience in the food system, through the adoption of sustainable and less impactful practices, supported by policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Borghesi
- Bioeconomy in Transition Research Group, UnitelmaSapienza – University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiuseppe Morone
- Bioeconomy in Transition Research Group, UnitelmaSapienza – University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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10
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Economic Aspects of Low Carbon Development. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15145228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Low-carbon development is a prerequisite and a fundamental element of sustainable development [...]
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11
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Strategic Environmental Assessment as a Support in a Sustainable National Waste Management Program—European Experience in Serbia. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15134568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is one of the most important instruments for directing the strategic planning process toward the sustainable development goals in various areas of human activity. This also applies to the field of waste management. By applying SEA in waste management planning, it is possible to see the benefits and consequences of the proposed changes in space that will occur during the implementation of strategic planning concepts and based on that make appropriate decisions respecting the capacity of the space where the planned activities are implemented. The paper presents the application of SEA for the National Waste Management Program with all its spatial, organizational, energy, environmental, and other solutions, and the way they are included in the specific method of multicriteria evaluation in SEA. The specificity of the methodological approach indicates the need for equal consideration of environmental and socio-economic aspects of development and a clear presentation of the results obtained in order to make optimal decisions in waste management planning at the national level. The National Waste Management Program in Serbia, which legislation in the field of environmental protection and waste management is harmonized with EU legislation and directives, was chosen for the case study. The obtained results indicate the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in the evaluation of strategic solutions in the field of waste management, which is achieved by specific choice of environmental and socio-economic SEA goals and indicators as a basis for valorization of the proposed concept of waste management.
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12
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Wang Q, Zhang M, Li R. The COVID-19 pandemic reshapes the plastic pollution research - A comparative analysis of plastic pollution research before and during the pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112634. [PMID: 34973197 PMCID: PMC8715631 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112634] [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: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated plastic pollution worldwide. So has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the research on plastic pollution? This work aims to explore the impact of the pandemic on plastic pollution research by comprehensively assessing the current status and prospects of plastic pollution research before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A collection of publications on the topic of plastic pollution in the Web of Science database concludes that the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the plastic pollution research: (i) The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the trend of plastic pollution publication output. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of publications on the topic of plastic pollution has shown a significant increase trend; (ii) The COVID-19 pandemic has reversed the global research landscape of research on the plastic pollution. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, more and more countries have begun to pay attention to plastic pollution. Before the pandemic, developed countries were global leaders in plastic pollution research. However, during the pandemic, developing countries began to have a significant share in the quality, quantity and international cooperation of publications; (iii) The COVID-19 pandemic has redefined the major hotspots of plastic pollution research. The focus of research has changed significantly since the pandemic. Solving plastic pollution has become a major research content. During the epidemic, in-depth research on microplastics was conducted. The results of mining the publications on plastic pollution show that there is currently no effective solution to plastic pollution caused by the COVID-19. However, given the seriousness of controlling plastic pollution, it is very necessary to continue to carry out more research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China; School of Economics and Management, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China.
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Li
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China; School of Economics and Management, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, People's Republic of China; Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, 266580, People's Republic of China
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13
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Active Composite Packaging Reinforced with Nisin-Loaded Nano-Vesicles for Extended Shelf Life of Chicken Breast Filets and Cheese Slices. FOOD BIOPROCESS TECH 2022; 15:1284-1298. [PMID: 35495090 PMCID: PMC9033524 DOI: 10.1007/s11947-022-02815-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
To meet the demands for more effective and ecofriendly food packaging strategies, the potential of nisin-loaded rhamnolipid functionalized nanofillers (rhamnosomes) has been explored after embedding in hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose (HPMC) and κ-carrageenan (κ-CR)-based packaging films. It was observed that intrinsically active rhamnosomes based nanofillers greatly improved the mechanical and optical properties of nano-active packaging (NAP) films. Incorporation of rhamnosomes resulted in higher tensile strength (5.16 ± 0.06 MPa), Young’s modulus (2777 ± 0.77 MPa), and elongation (2.58 ± 0.03%) for NAP than active packaging containing free nisin (2.96 ± 0.03 MPa, 1107 ± 0.67 MPa, 1.48 ± 0.06%, respectively). NAP demonstrated a homogenous distribution of nanofillers in the biopolymer matrix as elucidated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed that NAP prepared with nisin-loaded rhamnosomes was thermally stable even above 200 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses revealed that addition of nisin in nanofillers resulted in a slight increase in Tg (108.40 °C), indicating thermal stability of NAP. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed slight shift in all characteristic bands of nano-active packaging, which indicated the embedding of rhamnosomes inside the polymer network without any chemical interaction. Finally, when tested on chicken breast filets and cheese slices under refrigerated storage conditions, NAP demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity (up to 4.5 log unit reduction) and inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. These results suggest that HPMC and κ-CR-based NAP containing functionalized nanofillers can serve as an innovative packaging material for the food industry to improve the safety, quality, and shelf-life of dairy and meat products.
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14
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Molloy S, Varkey P, Walker TR. Opportunities for single-use plastic reduction in the food service sector during COVID-19. SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION 2022; 30:1082-1094. [PMID: 35132385 PMCID: PMC8806402 DOI: 10.1016/j.spc.2022.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in consumption of single-use plastics (SUPs), particularly in the food service sector, due to concerns for public health and safety. To follow public health guidelines, food services have been limited to takeout service and have restricted use of personal reusable items. This study investigated opportunities to reduce increased use of SUPs in Nova Scotia food services sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic using semi-structured interviews and focus groups with stakeholders from the food service sector. Many participants had already implemented SUP reduction strategies prior to COVID-19. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to rely on SUPs and to pause SUP reduction strategies. Obstacles to SUP reduction included operational challenges from COVID-19 restrictions, misunderstanding of local waste management systems, costs of transitioning to zero plastic waste, poorly manufactured alternatives, greenwashing, and ingrained societal convenience culture. Whilst not all SUP consumption patterns were attributed to COVID-19, these barriers prevented food retailers, waste managers and consumers from achieving zero-plastic waste goals. Food services should adopt SUP reduction strategies, including re-introducing reusables, implementing exchange programs for bulk items and takeout, providing education and awareness to staff and consumers, and sourcing sustainable SUP alternatives. SUP reduction strategies can be implemented immediately as public health officials and researchers agree reusable items can be used safely when using basic hygiene measures. Food services across Nova Scotia should adapt their operational procedures and create behaviour change to reduce SUPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Molloy
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Priyanka Varkey
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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Morinval A, Averous L. Systems Based on Biobased Thermoplastics: From Bioresources to Biodegradable Packaging Applications. POLYM REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15583724.2021.2012802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Morinval
- BioTeam/ICPEES-ECPM, UMR CNRS 7515, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, Cedex 2, France
| | - Luc Averous
- BioTeam/ICPEES-ECPM, UMR CNRS 7515, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, Cedex 2, France
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