1
|
Kaushik A, Singh A, Kumar Gupta V, Mishra YK. Nano/micro-plastic, an invisible threat getting into the brain. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142380. [PMID: 38763401 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Due to weather and working/operational conditions, plastic degradation produces toxic and non-biodegradable nano and microplastics (N/M-Ps, ranging from 10 nm to 5 mm), and over time these N/M-Ps have integrated with the human cycle through ingestion and inhalation. These N/M-Ps, as serious emerging pollutants, are causing considerable adverse health issues due to up-taken by the cells, tissue, and organs, including the brain. It has been proven that N/M-Ps can cross the blood-brain barrier (via olfactory and blood vessels) and affect the secretion of neuroinflammatory (cytokine and chemokine), transporters, and receptor markers. Neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and brain injury, which may result in such scenarios are a serious concern and may cause brain disorders. However, the related pathways and pathogenesis are not well-explored but are the focus of upcoming emerging research. Therefore, as a focus of this editorial, well-organized multidisciplinary research is required to explore associated pathways and pathogenesis, leading to brain mapping and nano-enabled therapeutics in acute and chronic N/M - Ps exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Department of Environmental Engineering, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL, USA.
| | - Avtar Singh
- Research and Development, Molekule Inc., 3802 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| | - V Kumar Gupta
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Yogendra Kumar Mishra
- Mads Clausen Institute, NanoSYD, University of Southern Denmark, Alsion 2, 6400, Sønderborg, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tasseron PF, van Emmerik THM, Vriend P, Hauk R, Alberti F, Mellink Y, van der Ploeg M. Defining plastic pollution hotspots. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 934:173294. [PMID: 38763189 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the natural environment poses a growing threat to ecosystems and human health, prompting urgent needs for monitoring, prevention and clean-up measures, and new policies. To effectively prioritize resource allocation and mitigation strategies, it is key to identify and define plastic hotspots. UNEP's draft global agreement on plastic pollution mandates prioritizing hotspots, suggesting a potential need for a defined term. Yet, the delineation of hotspots varies considerably across plastic pollution studies, and a definition is often lacking or inconsistent without a clear purpose and boundaries of the term. In this paper, we applied four common definitions of hotspot locations to plastic pollution datasets ranging from urban areas to a global scale. Our findings reveal that these hotspot definitions encompass between 0.8 % to 93.3 % of the total plastic pollution, covering <0.1 % to 50.3 % of the total locations. Given this wide range of results and the possibility of temporal inconsistency in hotspots, we emphasize the need for fit-for-purpose criteria and a unified approach to defining plastic hotspots. Therefore, we designed a step-wise framework to define hotspots by determining the purpose, units, spatial scale, temporal scale, and threshold values. Incorporating these steps in research and policymaking yields a harmonized definition of hotspots, facilitating the development of effective plastic pollution prevention and reduction measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo F Tasseron
- Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions, 1018 JA Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Tim H M van Emmerik
- Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Vriend
- Rijkswaterstaat, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, 2515 XP The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Rahel Hauk
- Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Francesca Alberti
- Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions, 1018 JA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yvette Mellink
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6709 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martine van der Ploeg
- Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mutmainna I, Gareso PL, Suryani S, Tahir D. Microplastics from petroleum-based plastics and their effects: A systematic literature review and science mapping of global bioplastics production. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024. [PMID: 38980276 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The use of bioplastics is a new strategy for reducing microplastic (MP) waste caused by petroleum-based plastics. This problem has received increased attention worldwide, leading to the development of large-scale bioplastic plants. The large amount of MPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments and the atmosphere has raised global concern. This article delves into the profound environmental impact of the increasing use of petroleum-based plastics, which contribute significantly to plastic waste and, as a consequence, to the increase in MPs. We conducted a comprehensive analysis to identify countries that are at the forefront of efforts to produce bioplastics to reduce MP pollution. In this article, we explain the development, degradation processes, and research trends of bioplastics derived from biological materials such as starch, chitin, chitosan, and polylactic acid (PLA). The findings pinpoint the top 10 countries demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing MP pollution through bioplastics. These nations included the United States, China, Spain, Canada, Italy, India, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This study underscores the technical and economic obstacles to large-scale bioplastic production. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-20. © 2024 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sri Suryani
- Department of Physics, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Dahlang Tahir
- Department of Physics, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ahmed Dar A, Chen Z, Sardar MF, An C. Navigating the nexus: climate dynamics and microplastics pollution in coastal ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118971. [PMID: 38642636 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118971] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution is an emerging environmental health concern, impacting soil, plants, animals, and humans through their entry into the food chain via bioaccumulation. Human activities such as improper solid waste dumping are significant sources that ultimately transport MPs into the water bodies of the coastal areas. Moreover, there is a complex interplay between the coastal climate dynamics, environmental factors, the burgeoning issue of MPs pollution and the complex web of coastal pollution. We embark on a comprehensive journey, synthesizing the latest research across multiple disciplines to provide a holistic understanding of how these inter-connected factors shape and reshape the coastal ecosystems. The comprehensive review also explores the impact of the current climatic patterns on coastal regions, the intricate pathways through which MPs can infiltrate marine environments, and the cascading effects of coastal pollution on ecosystems and human societies in terms of health and socio-economic impacts in coastal regions. The novelty of this review concludes the changes in climate patterns have crucial effects on coastal regions, proceeding MPs as more prevalent, deteriorating coastal ecosystems, and hastening the transfer of MPs. The continuous rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and strong storms result in habitat loss, decline in biodiversity, and economic repercussion. Feedback mechanisms intensify pollution effects, underlying the urgent demand for environmental conservation contribution. In addition, the complex interaction between human, industry, and biodiversity demanding cutting edge strategies, innovative approaches such as remote sensing with artificial intelligence for monitoring, biobased remediation techniques, global cooperation in governance, policies to lessen the negative socioeconomic and environmental effects of coastal pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afzal Ahmed Dar
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | | | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1M8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Garai S, Bhattacharjee C, Sarkar S, Moulick D, Dey S, Jana S, Dhar A, Roy A, Mondal K, Mondal M, Mukherjee S, Ghosh S, Singh P, Ramteke P, Manna D, Hazra S, Malakar P, Banerjee H, Brahmachari K, Hossain A. Microplastics in the soil-water-food nexus: Inclusive insight into global research findings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:173891. [PMID: 38885699 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Nuisance imposed by biotic and abiotic stressors on diverse agroecosystems remains an area of focus for the scientific fraternity. However, emerging contaminants such as microplastics (MP) have imposed additional dimension (alone or in combinations with other stressors) in agroecosystems and keep escalating the challenges to achieve sustainability. MP are recognized as persistent anthropogenic contaminants, fetch global attention due to their unique chemical features that keeps themselves unresponsive to the decaying process. This review has been theorized to assess the current research trends (along with possible gap areas), widespread use of MP, enhancement of the harshness of heavy metals (HMs), complex interactions with physico-chemical constituents of arable soil, accumulation in the edible parts of field crops, dairy products, and other sources to penetrate the food web. So far, the available review articles are oriented to a certain aspect of MP and lack a totality when considered from in soil-water-food perspective. In short, a comprehensive perspective of the adverse effects of MP on human health has been assessed. Moreover, an agro-techno-socio-health prospective-oriented critical assessment of policies and remedial measures linked with MP has provided an extra edge over other similar articles in influential future courses of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Garai
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Chandrima Bhattacharjee
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sukamal Sarkar
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
| | - Debojyoti Moulick
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal -741235, India
| | - Saikat Dey
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Soujanya Jana
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Anannya Dhar
- Division of Agronomy, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Anirban Roy
- Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Krishnendu Mondal
- Dhaanyaganga Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Sargachhi, West Bengal, India
| | - Mousumi Mondal
- School of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, The Neotia University, Sarisha, West Bengal, India
| | - Siddhartha Mukherjee
- Division of Agriculture, Faculty Centre for Agriculture, Rural and Tribal Development, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Morabadi, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Samrat Ghosh
- Emergent Ventures India, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Puja Singh
- Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Natural Resource Management, Horticultural College, Birsa Agricultural University, Khuntpani, Chaibasa, Jharkhand, India
| | - Pratik Ramteke
- Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, MS 444104, India
| | - Dipak Manna
- School of Biological Sciences, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Shreyasee Hazra
- School of Biological Sciences, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pushkar Malakar
- School of Biological Sciences, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Hirak Banerjee
- Regional Research Station (CSZ), Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kakdwip, West Bengal, India
| | - Koushik Brahmachari
- Department of Agronomy, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Akbar Hossain
- Division of Soil Science, Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang Z, Li Y, Zhang G. Degradation of microplastic in water by advanced oxidation processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 357:141939. [PMID: 38621489 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141939] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Plastic products have gained global popularity due to their lightweight, excellent ductility, high durability, and portability. However, out of the 8.3 billion tons of plastic waste generated by human activities, 80% of plastic waste is discarded due to improper disposal, and then transformed into microplastic pollution under the combined influence of environmental factors and microorganisms. In this comprehensive study, we present a thorough review of recent advancements in research on the source, distribution, and effect of microplastics. More importantly, we conducted deep research on the catalytic degradation technologies of microplastics in water, including advanced oxidation and photocatalytic technologies, and elaborated on the mechanisms of microplastics degradation in water. Besides, various strategies for mitigating microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems are discussed, ranging from policy interventions, the initiative for plastic recycling, the development of efficient catalytic materials, and the integration of multiple technological approaches. This review serves as a valuable resource for addressing the challenge of removing microplastic contaminants from water bodies, offering insights into effective and sustainable solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Yang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Gaoke Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Key Laboratory of Green Utilization of Critical Non-metallic Mineral Resources, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cao NDT, Vo DHT, Pham MDT, Nguyen VT, Nguyen TB, Le LT, Mukhtar H, Nguyen HV, Visvanathan C, Bui XT. Microplastics contamination in water supply system and treatment processes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171793. [PMID: 38513854 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171793] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Due to global demand, millions of tons of plastics have been widely consumed, resulting in the widespread entry of vast amounts of microplastic particles into the environment. The presence of microplastics (MPs) in water supplies, including bottled water, has undergone systematic review, assessing the potential impacts of MPs on humans through exposure assessment. The main challenges associated with current technologies lie in their ability to effectively treat and completely remove MPs from drinking and supply water. While the risks posed by MPs upon entering the human body have not yet been fully revealed, there is a predicted certainty of negative impacts. This review encompasses a range of current technologies, spanning from basic to advanced treatments and varying in scale. However, given the frequent detection of MPs in drinking and bottled water, it becomes imperative to implement comprehensive management strategies to address this issue effectively. Consequently, integrating current technologies with management options such as life-cycle assessment, circular economy principles, and machine learning is crucial to eliminating this pervasive problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc-Dan-Thanh Cao
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNU-HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Dieu-Hien Thi Vo
- Institute of Applied Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Mai-Duy-Thong Pham
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNU-HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Van-Truc Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment, Saigon University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Thanh-Binh Nguyen
- College of Hydrosphere Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, No. 142, Haijhuan Road, Nanzih District, Kaohsiung City 81157, Taiwan
| | - Linh-Thy Le
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City (UMP HCMC), 217 Hong Bang street, District 5th, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Hussnain Mukhtar
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Huu-Viet Nguyen
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNU-HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Chettiyappan Visvanathan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Xuan-Thanh Bui
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT), 268 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh (VNU-HCM), Linh Trung ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Paul I, Mondal P, Haldar D, Halder G. Beyond the cradle - Amidst microplastics and the ongoing peril during pregnancy and neonatal stages: A holistic review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133963. [PMID: 38461669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133963] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in research concerning the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in human blood, sputum, urine, and breast milk samples have piqued the interest of the scientific community, prompting further investigation. MPs present in the placenta, amniotic fluid, and meconium raise concerns about interference with embryonic development, leading to preeclampsia, stillbirth, preterm birth, and spontaneous abortion. The challenges posed by MPs extend beyond pregnancy, affecting the digestive, reproductive, circulatory, immune, and central nervous systems. This has spurred scientists to examine the origins of MPs in distinct environmental layers, including air, water, and soil. These risks continue after birth, as neonates are continuously exposed to MPs through everyday items such as breast milk, cow milk and infant milk powder, as well as plastic-based products like feeding bottles and breast milk storage bags. It is the need of the hour to strike a balance amidst lifestyle changes, alternative choices to traditional plastic products, raising awareness about plastic-related health risks, and fostering collaboration between the scientific community and policymakers. This review aims to provide fresh insights into potential sources of MP pollution, with a specific focus on pregnancy and neonates. It is the first compilation of its kind so far that includes critical studies on recently reported discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indrani Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, Brainware University, Kolkata 700125, West Bengal, India
| | - Pritam Mondal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur 713209, West Bengal, India
| | - Dibyajyoti Haldar
- Division of Biotechnology, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore 641114, India
| | - Gopinath Halder
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur 713209, West Bengal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kisielinski K, Hockertz S, Hirsch O, Korupp S, Klosterhalfen B, Schnepf A, Dyker G. Wearing face masks as a potential source for inhalation and oral uptake of inanimate toxins - A scoping review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 275:115858. [PMID: 38537476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115858] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From 2020 to 2023 many people around the world were forced to wear masks for large proportions of the day based on mandates and laws. We aimed to study the potential of face masks for the content and release of inanimate toxins. METHODS A scoping review of 1003 studies was performed (database search in PubMed/MEDLINE, qualitative and quantitative evaluation). RESULTS 24 studies were included (experimental time 17 min to 15 days) evaluating content and/or release in 631 masks (273 surgical, 228 textile and 130 N95 masks). Most studies (63%) showed alarming results with high micro- and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) release and exceedances could also be evidenced for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), xylene, acrolein, per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates (including di(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate, DEHP) and for Pb, Cd, Co, Cu, Sb and TiO2. DISCUSSION Of course, masks filter larger dirt and plastic particles and fibers from the air we breathe and have specific indications, but according to our data they also carry risks. Depending on the application, a risk-benefit analysis is necessary. CONCLUSION Undoubtedly, mask mandates during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have been generating an additional source of potentially harmful exposition to toxins with health threatening and carcinogenic properties at population level with almost zero distance to the airways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Kisielinski
- Social Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Clinical Medicine (Surgery), Private Practice, 40212 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Stefan Hockertz
- Toxicology, Pharmacology, Immunology, tpi consult AG, Haldenstr. 1, CH 6340 Baar, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Hirsch
- Department of Psychology, FOM University of Applied Sciences, 57078 Siegen, Germany
| | - Stephan Korupp
- Surgeon, Emergency Medicine, Private Practice, 52070 Aachen, Germany
| | - Bernd Klosterhalfen
- Institute of Pathology, Dueren Hospital, Roonstrasse 30, 52351 Dueren, Germany
| | - Andreas Schnepf
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gerald Dyker
- Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ahmad MF, Fauzi MA, Ahmad MH, Wider W, Lee CK. Are we eating plastic? Science mapping of microplastic pollution in the aquatic food chain. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024. [PMID: 38593234 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluates the knowledge structure of microplastic pollution and its effects on the aquatic food chain. The presence of microplastics has seriously harmed the ecosystem. Through bibliometric analysis, 216 journal publications were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) from 2008 to 2023 (April), with no restriction in the time frame. Applying bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis, the emerging, current, and future themes of microplastic pollution are presented. Three research streams are derived from bibliographic coupling, centralized on the source of microplastic pollution and its impact. At the same time, research streams from co-word analysis are associated with overcoming the issue of microplastics in the ecosystem. This study's implications suggest three main principles to mitigate microplastic issues: (1) educating the public on the impact of microplastic pollution, (2) implementing holistic regulations and policies, and (3) developing treatment strategies through conventional, innovative, and hybrid approaches. Microplastic pollution is a global concern, requiring a holistic and comprehensive approach to overcome it. This review is the first to present a scientific mapping of the microplastics literature, which is a fundamental basis for future research on microplastic pollution and its impact on the ecosystem. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-12. © 2024 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Faizal Ahmad
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Ashraf Fauzi
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Walton Wider
- Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Chia Kuang Lee
- Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vellore Mohan A, Kuttykattil A, Toshiaki I, Sudhakaran R. Assessment of microplastic contamination in commercially available fishes. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 196:106412. [PMID: 38428316 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106412] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Plastics have widespread applications for human use, but their disposal poses a significant threat to living organisms and these plastics end up in the marine environment. They will be fragmented into small pieces as a result of ultraviolet exposure, climatic changes, and temperature changes; Microplastics (MPs) are plastics that are less than 5 mm in size. The level of MP (Microplastic) pollution in commercially harvested fish from different habitant in Vellore, India is currently unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence and characteristics of ingested or inhaled MPs in marine and freshwater fishes highly consumed by the local population. Fish gills and gastrointestinal tracts were aseptically dissected and digested (30% hydrogen peroxide), then filtered and examined under a microscope for the presence of MPs. Further analysis was performed on the samples using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDAX). Of the samples analysed, a total of 875 MPs were recovered from 32 fishes, with 478 from marine fishes and 397 from freshwater fishes. The most common colours of the MPs were blue and black, while stereo microscopy analysis revealed that the majority of MPs were fibers (91%), followed by fragments (8%) and a small number of films. The ATR-FTIR analysis identified polyvinyl alcohol (39.76%), polyethylene (16.51%), methylcellulose (12.84%) and styrene (9.07%), as the predominant types of MPs in the fish samples. This study highlights the significant impact of MP pollution on marine ecosystems. The research provides insight into the nature and extent of MPs in fish from both marine and freshwater habitats, with an aim for policies and interventions aimed to reduce plastic pollution in the locality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amrutha Vellore Mohan
- Aquaculture Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aswin Kuttykattil
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Itami Toshiaki
- Faculty of Agriculture, Fukuyama University, Fukuyama, Japan
| | - Raja Sudhakaran
- Aquaculture Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Aranda DA, Sindou P, Cauich Rodriguez JV, Saldaña GM, Coronado RFV, González WDN, Díaz ME, Escalante VC. A non-invasive method of microplastics pollution quantification in green sea turtle Chelonia mydas of the Mexican Caribbean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116092. [PMID: 38359479 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116092] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Due to the amply exposure of marine turtles to marine plastic pollution, this is a reason that the green sea turtle Chelonia mydas makes a good candidate species as a bioindicator for plastic pollution. Turtle feces were collected at Isla Blanca on the northeast Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Microplastic extraction was done following Hidalgo-Ruz et al. (2012) and Masura et al. (2015) methods. After organic matter degradation of the feces samples, microplastics were identified and quantified by stereomicroscope. Their morphostructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, while their composition was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Microplastics (MP) abundance ranged from 10 ± 2 MP·g-1 to 89 ± 3 MP·g-1. Kruskal Wallis test (KW = 70.31, p < 0.001) showed a significant difference between 22 green turtles analyzed. Most of the microplastics were fiber type. Blue, purple, and transparent fibers were the most abundant. The identified microplastics were nylon (polyamide), PVC, polypropylene, polyester, and viscose (cellulose). The non-invasive method used here allowed the detection of microplastic pollution and is promising for long-term microplastic pollution monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Aldana Aranda
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico.
| | - Pauline Sindou
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico; Université des Antilles, Campus Fouillole, BP 250, 97157 Pointe-á-Pitre, Guadeloupe
| | - Juan V Cauich Rodriguez
- Unidad de Materiales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | | | - Rossana Faride Vargas Coronado
- Unidad de Materiales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Col. Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | | | - Martha Enríquez Díaz
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Víctor Castillo Escalante
- Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav IPN Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso Km. 6, 97310 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ani LS, Budovich L, Klunko NS, Jumanazarova GU, Nasurova K, Asatullaev K. Reduction of cost and emissions by using recycling and waste management system. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 83:e279565. [PMID: 38422257 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.279565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In order to evaluate the level of sustainability of an integrated waste management system (IWMS), it is necessary to analyze the impact criteria. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide a model for IWMS optimization with the two goals of minimizing the cost and the emission of greenhouse gases of the entire system. Environmental and health problems caused by the lack of proper waste management include the increase in disease, increase in stray animals, pollution of air, water, land, etc. Therefore, it is very important to identify the indicators and improve the efficiency of the waste management system. In the present research, with descriptive-analytical approach, it has been tried to clarify and evaluate the effective indicators in two dimensions of production-segregation and collection-transportation, and find ways to improve the efficiency of the system. In this article, five waste management systems including, incineration, landfill without gas extraction system, plasma incineration, recycling and aerobic decomposition are introduced and their performance in energy production and emission reduction are compared. The results of the evaluation of the basic waste management system (b) show that the amount of pollution is equivalent to 850 kg CO2 per ton of waste. While the amount of emission in the fifth comprehensive management system is reduced to 450 kg CO2 per ton of waste. According to the results obtained in this study, in all the management systems presented, the process of burying waste in sanitary landfills has the greatest effect in increasing pollution. This means that the pollution caused by burying the waste in the sanitary landfill will be reduced with the construction of the gas extraction system and the plasma method and use in electricity production. Despite the increase in initial costs, using the right technology and using the right waste system based on the type of waste and waste recycling has an effect on the efficiency of the system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L S Ani
- Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Udayana, Departemen Kesehatan Masyarakat dan Kedokteran Pencegahan, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
| | - L Budovich
- Russian Technological University - MIREA, Moscow, Russia
| | - N S Klunko
- Russian New University, Department of Philosophy, Moscow, Russia
| | - G U Jumanazarova
- Jizzakh State Pedagogical University, Faculty of Elementary Education, Jizzakh, Uzbeksitan
| | - K Nasurova
- Tashkent Institute of Finance, Department of Scientific Research, Innovation and Training of Scientific and Pedagogical Personnel, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - K Asatullaev
- Tashkent Institute of Finance, Department of Economics, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Thacharodi A, Hassan S, Meenatchi R, Bhat MA, Hussain N, Arockiaraj J, Ngo HH, Sharma A, Nguyen HT, Pugazhendhi A. Mitigating microplastic pollution: A critical review on the effects, remediation, and utilization strategies of microplastics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119988. [PMID: 38181686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119988] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are found ubiquitous in the natural environment and are an increasing source of worry for global health. Rapid industrialization and inappropriate plastic waste management in our daily lives have resulted in an increase in the amount of microplastics in the ecosystem. Microplastics that are <150 μm in size could be easily ingested by living beings and cause considerable toxicity. Microplastics can aggregate in living organisms and cause acute, chronic, carcinogenic, developmental, and genotoxic damage. As a result, a sustainable approach to reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste is required to manage microplastic pollution in the environment. However, there is still a significant lack of effective methods for managing these pollutants. As a result, the purpose of this review is to convey information on microplastic toxicity and management practices that may aid in the reduction of microplastic pollution. This review further insights on how plastic trash could be converted as value-added products, reducing the load of accumulating plastic wastes in the environment, and leading to a beneficial endeavor for humanity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Thacharodi
- Dr. Thacharodi's Laboratories, Department of Research and Development, Puducherry, 605005, India
| | - Saqib Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Ramu Meenatchi
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Mansoor Ahmad Bhat
- Eskişehir Technical University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 26555, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Naseer Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600048, India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603 203, India
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Ashutosh Sharma
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centre of Bioengineering, NatProLab, Plant Innovation Lab, School of Engineering and Sciences, Queretaro, 76130, Mexico
| | - H T Nguyen
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam; School of Engineering & Technology, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jiao H, Ali SS, Alsharbaty MHM, Elsamahy T, Abdelkarim E, Schagerl M, Al-Tohamy R, Sun J. A critical review on plastic waste life cycle assessment and management: Challenges, research gaps, and future perspectives. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115942. [PMID: 38218104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115942] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The global production and consumption of plastics, as well as their deposition in the environment, are experiencing exponential growth. In addition, mismanaged plastic waste (PW) losses into drainage channels are a growing source of microplastic (MP) pollution concern. However, the complete understanding of their environmental implications throughout their life cycle is yet to be fully understood. Determining the potential extent to which MPs contribute to overall ecotoxicity is possible through the monitoring of PW release and MP removal during remediation. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) have been extensively utilized in many comparative analyses, such as comparing petroleum-based plastics with biomass and single-use plastics with multi-use alternatives. These assessments typically yield unexpected or paradoxical results. Nevertheless, there is still a paucity of reliable data and tools for conducting LCAs on plastics. On the other hand, the release and impact of MP have so far not been considered in LCA studies. This is due to the absence of inventory-related data regarding MP releases and the characterization factors necessary to quantify the effects of MP. Therefore, this review paper conducts a comprehensive literature review in order to assess the current state of knowledge and data regarding the environmental impacts that occur throughout the life cycle of plastics, along with strategies for plastic management through LCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Jiao
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Sameh S Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed Husssein M Alsharbaty
- Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq; Branch of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Al-Ameed, Karbala, Iraq.
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Esraa Abdelkarim
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Michael Schagerl
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, Vienna A-1030, Austria.
| | - Rania Al-Tohamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Waqas M, Wong MS, Stocchino A, Abbas S, Hafeez S, Zhu R. Marine plastic pollution detection and identification by using remote sensing-meta analysis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115746. [PMID: 37951122 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115746] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
The persistent plastic litter, originating from different sources and transported from rivers to oceans, has posed serious biological, ecological, and chemical effects on the marine ecosystem, and is considered a global issue. In the past decade, many studies have identified, monitored, and tracked marine plastic debris in coastal and open ocean areas using remote sensing technologies. Compared to traditional surveying methods, high-resolution (spatial and temporal) multispectral or hyperspectral remote sensing data have been substantially used to monitor floating marine macro litter (FMML). In this systematic review, we present an overview of remote sensing data and techniques for detecting FMML, as well as their challenges and opportunities. We reviewed the studies based on different sensors and platforms, spatial and spectral resolution, ground sampling data, plastic detection methods, and accuracy obtained in detecting marine litter. In addition, this study elaborates the usefulness of high-resolution remote sensing data in Visible (VIS), Near-infrared (NIR), and Short-Wave InfraRed (SWIR) range, along with spectral signatures of plastic, in-situ samples, and spectral indices for automatic detection of FMML. Moreover, the Thermal Infrared (TIR), Synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data were introduced and these were demonstrated that could be used as a supplement dataset for the identification and quantification of FMML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Waqas
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man Sing Wong
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Research Institute of Land and Space, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Alessandro Stocchino
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sawaid Abbas
- Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab (RSGCRL), National Center of GIS and Space Applications, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Sidrah Hafeez
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Research Institute of Land and Space, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cofano V, Mele D, Lacalamita M, Di Leo P, Scardino G, Bravo B, Cammarota F, Capolongo D. Microplastics in inland and offshore sediments in the Apulo-Lucanian region (Southern Italy). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115775. [PMID: 37979531 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115775] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Inland and offshore sediments from Southern Italy were studied in order to evaluate the occurrence and nature of microplastics (MPs). Inland sediments were collected in the Bradano and Basento rivers (Apulo-Lucanian region, Southern Italy), while offshore sediments were collected on the continental shelf near Bari (Adriatic Sea) and Metaponto (Ionian Sea). MPs were detected and characterized using optical microscopy, micro-Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR) and micro-Raman analyses. The number of MPs present varied between 144 and 1246 kg-1 of dry sediment (468.8 ± 410,7 MPs kg-1) with a predominance of black fibers; no correlation emerged between MPs and sediment grain size. In river sediments, the occurrence of MPs is associated with local pollution, whereas the offshore occurrence of MPs depends on seasonal river flow and submarine canyons. Compositional analyses suggest that the main source of MPs in the studied sediments is sewage discharge from residential areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vito Cofano
- Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, Campus Universitario, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Daniela Mele
- Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, Campus Universitario, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Lacalamita
- Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, Campus Universitario, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Di Leo
- CNR-IMAA, Tito Scalo, Potenza I-85050, Italy; School of Specialization in Archaeological Heritage, SSBA DiCEM - Department of European and Mediterranean Cultures, University of Basilicata, Matera, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scardino
- Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, Campus Universitario, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara Bravo
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Str. Rivoltana, Km 4, 20090 Rodano, MI, Italy
| | - Francesca Cammarota
- ARPAB, Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Basilicata, Matera, Italy
| | - Domenico Capolongo
- Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences, Campus Universitario, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Priya AK, Muruganandam M, Imran M, Gill R, Vasudeva Reddy MR, Shkir M, Sayed MA, AlAbdulaal TH, Algarni H, Arif M, Jha NK, Sehgal SS. A study on managing plastic waste to tackle the worldwide plastic contamination and environmental remediation. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:139979. [PMID: 37659517 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139979] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 50 years, the emergence of plastic waste as one of the most urgent environmental problems in the world has given rise to several proposals to address the rising levels of contaminants associated with plastic debris. Worldwide plastic production has increased significantly over the last 70 years, reaching a record high of 359 million tonnes in 2020. China is currently the world's largest plastic producer, with a share of 17.5%. Of the total marine waste, microplastics account for 75%, while land-based pollution accounts for responsible for 80-90%, and ocean-based pollution 10-20% only in overall pollution problems. Even at small dosages (10 μg/mL), microplastics have been found to cause toxic effects on human and animal health. This review examines the sources of microplastic contamination, the prevalent reaches of microplastics, their impacts, and the remediation methods for microplastic contamination. This review explains the relationship between the community composition and the presence of microplastic particulate matter in aquatic ecosystems. The interaction between microplastics and emerging pollutants, including heavy metals, has been linked to enhanced toxicity. The review article provided a comprehensive overview of microplastic, including its fate, environmental toxicity, and possible remediation strategies. The results of our study are of great value as they illustrate a current perspective and provide an in-depth analysis of the current status of microplastics in development, their test requirements, and remediation technologies suitable for various environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A K Priya
- Department of Chemical Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Tamilnadu, India; Project Prioritization, Monitoring & Evaluation and Knowledge Management Unit, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil & Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Dehradun, India.
| | - M Muruganandam
- Project Prioritization, Monitoring & Evaluation and Knowledge Management Unit, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil & Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Dehradun, India
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) Technology and Innovation Center, Riyadh 11551, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rana Gill
- University Centre for Research & Development, Electronics & Communication Department Chandigarh University Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | | | - Mohd Shkir
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia.
| | - M A Sayed
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - T H AlAbdulaal
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - H Algarni
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Arif
- Applied Science and Humanities Section, University Polytechnic, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110025, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India.
| | - Satbir S Sehgal
- Division of Research Innovation, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Davtalab M, Byčenkienė S, Uogintė I. Global research hotspots and trends on microplastics: a bibliometric analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:107403-107418. [PMID: 37199843 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27647-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, microplastics have become an integral part of the terrestrial and aquatic environments, which is one of the major concerns of communities around the world. Therefore, it is necessary to know the current status of studies and feasible potentials in the future. This study, conducted an in-depth bibliometric analysis of publications from 1990 to 2022 to present the influential countries, authors, institutes, papers, and journals on microplastics. Findings reveal that there has been a steady increase in microplastic publications and citations in recent years. And, the number of publications and citations has increased 19 and 35 times since 2015. Besides, we performed a comprehensive keyword analysis to show the significant keywords and clusters in this field. In particular, this study used the TF-IDF method as a text-mining analysis to extract the new keywords used in recent years (i.e., 2020-2022). New keywords can draw the attention of scholars to important issues and provide a basis for future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehri Davtalab
- Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Saulėtekio ave. 3, LT-10257, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Steigvilė Byčenkienė
- Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Saulėtekio ave. 3, LT-10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ieva Uogintė
- Centre for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Saulėtekio ave. 3, LT-10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
De Filippis F, Bonelli M, Bruno D, Sequino G, Montali A, Reguzzoni M, Pasolli E, Savy D, Cangemi S, Cozzolino V, Tettamanti G, Ercolini D, Casartelli M, Caccia S. Plastics shape the black soldier fly larvae gut microbiome and select for biodegrading functions. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:205. [PMID: 37705113 PMCID: PMC10500907 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01649-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last few years, considerable attention has been focused on the plastic-degrading capability of insects and their gut microbiota in order to develop novel, effective, and green strategies for plastic waste management. Although many analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing are available, an in-depth analysis of the insect gut microbiome to identify genes with plastic-degrading potential is still lacking. RESULTS In the present work, we aim to fill this gap using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) as insect model. BSF larvae have proven capability to efficiently bioconvert a wide variety of organic wastes but, surprisingly, have never been considered for plastic degradation. BSF larvae were reared on two widely used plastic polymers and shotgun metagenomics was exploited to evaluate if and how plastic-containing diets affect composition and functions of the gut microbial community. The high-definition picture of the BSF gut microbiome gave access for the first time to the genomes of culturable and unculturable microorganisms in the gut of insects reared on plastics and revealed that (i) plastics significantly shaped bacterial composition at species and strain level, and (ii) functions that trigger the degradation of the polymer chains, i.e., DyP-type peroxidases, multicopper oxidases, and alkane monooxygenases, were highly enriched in the metagenomes upon exposure to plastics, consistently with the evidences obtained by scanning electron microscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance analyses on plastics. CONCLUSIONS In addition to highlighting that the astonishing plasticity of the microbiota composition of BSF larvae is associated with functional shifts in the insect microbiome, the present work sets the stage for exploiting BSF larvae as "bioincubators" to isolate microbial strains and enzymes for the development of innovative plastic biodegradation strategies. However, most importantly, the larvae constitute a source of enzymes to be evolved and valorized by pioneering synthetic biology approaches. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Filippis
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Bonelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Bruno
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Sequino
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Aurora Montali
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marcella Reguzzoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pasolli
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Savy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance for the Environment, Agri-Food and New Materials (CERMANU), University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Silvana Cangemi
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance for the Environment, Agri-Food and New Materials (CERMANU), University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Vincenza Cozzolino
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance for the Environment, Agri-Food and New Materials (CERMANU), University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Danilo Ercolini
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy.
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Morena Casartelli
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy.
| | - Silvia Caccia
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nukusheva A, Abdizhami A, Rustembekova D, Zhaxybekova F, Kabzhanov A. Regulation of biomedical waste management in Kazakhstan during the pandemic in the context of best practices. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1179. [PMID: 37690106 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11794-6] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic actualized questions about the proper management of biomedical waste while creating several regulatory challenges and requiring countries to look for an appropriate response. These issues have become particularly relevant for Kazakhstan, where waste management issues traditionally face inefficient legal regulation and are particularly acute. This study aims to answer the question of what regulatory problems Kazakhstan currently face in the area of proper biomedical waste management, and how existing foreign experience can help solve them. The present study highlights several pertinent challenges within the context of medical waste management. These include issues concerning the licencing activities associated with waste management, the absence of well-defined regional plans for the management of medical waste and the lack of effective strategies to address the proper handling and disposal of this specific category of waste. At the same time, there are reasons to say that the country requires additional technical and expert support in the field of medical waste management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aigul Nukusheva
- Department of Civil and Labour Law, Karaganda University Named After Academician E.A. Buketov, Karaganda, Kazakhstan.
| | - Aitugan Abdizhami
- Department of Civil and Labour Law, Karaganda University Named After Academician E.A. Buketov, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
| | - Dinara Rustembekova
- Department of Civil and Labour Law, Karaganda University Named After Academician E.A. Buketov, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
| | - Farida Zhaxybekova
- Department of Criminal Justice, M. Narikbayev KAZGUU University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Akylbek Kabzhanov
- Department of Legal Disciplines, Academy Bolashaq, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hasan M, Islam ARMT, Jion MMMF, Rahman MN, Peu SD, Das A, Bari ABMM, Islam MS, Pal SC, Islam A, Choudhury TR, Rakib MRJ, Idris AM, Malafaia G. Personal protective equipment-derived pollution during Covid-19 era: A critical review of ecotoxicology impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 887:164164. [PMID: 37187394 PMCID: PMC10182863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people used personal protective equipment (PPE) to lessen the spread of the virus. The release of microplastics (MPs) from discarded PPE is a new threat to the long-term health of the environment and poses challenges that are not yet clear. PPE-derived MPs have been found in multi-environmental compartments, e.g., water, sediments, air, and soil across the Bay of Bengal (BoB). As COVID-19 spreads, healthcare facilities use more plastic PPE, polluting aquatic ecosystems. Excessive PPE use releases MPs into the ecosystem, which aquatic organisms ingest, distressing the food chain and possibly causing ongoing health problems in humans. Thus, post-COVID-19 sustainability depends on proper intervention strategies for PPE waste, which have received scholarly interest. Although many studies have investigated PPE-induced MPs pollution in the BoB countries (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar), the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges of PPE-derived waste have largely gone unnoticed. Our study presents a critical literature review covering the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges across the BoB countries (e.g., India (162,034.45 tons), Bangladesh (67,996 tons), Sri Lanka (35,707.95 tons), and Myanmar (22,593.5 tons). The ecotoxicity impacts of PPE-derived MPs on human health and other environmental compartments are critically addressed. The review's findings infer a gap in the 5R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redesign, and Restructure) Strategy's implementation in the BoB coastal regions, hindering the achievement of UN SDG-12. Despite widespread research advancements in the BoB, many questions about PPE-derived MPs pollution from the perspective of the COVID-19 era still need to be answered. In response to the post-COVID-19 environmental remediation concerns, this study highlights the present research gaps and suggests new research directions considering the current MPs' research advancements on COVID-related PPE waste. Finally, the review suggests a framework for proper intervention strategies for reducing and monitoring PPE-derived MPs pollution in the BoB countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Md Naimur Rahman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Susmita Datta Peu
- Department of Agriculture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Arnob Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, 6 Rajshahi 6204, Bangladesh
| | - A B M Mainul Bari
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Subodh Chandra Pal
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Aznarul Islam
- Department of Geography, Aliah University, 17 Gorachand Road, Kolkata 700 014, West Bengal, India.
| | - Tasrina Rabia Choudhury
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre Dhaka (AECD), Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cai Z, Li M, Zhu Z, Wang X, Huang Y, Li T, Gong H, Yan M. Biological Degradation of Plastics and Microplastics: A Recent Perspective on Associated Mechanisms and Influencing Factors. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1661. [PMID: 37512834 PMCID: PMC10386651 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic and microplastic pollution has caused a great deal of ecological problems because of its persistence and potential adverse effects on human health. The degradation of plastics through biological processes is of great significance for ecological health, therefore, the feasibility of plastic degradation by microorganisms has attracted a lot of attention. This study comprises a preliminary discussion on the biodegradation mechanism and the advantages and roles of different bacterial enzymes, such as PET hydrolase and PCL-cutinase, in the degradation of different polymers, such as PET and PCL, respectively. With a particular focus on their modes of action and potential enzymatic mechanisms, this review sums up studies on the biological degradation of plastics and microplastics related to mechanisms and influencing factors, along with their enzymes in enhancing the degradation of synthetic plastics in the process. In addition, biodegradation of plastic is also affected by plastic additives and plasticizers. Plasticizers and additives in the composition of plastics can cause harmful impacts. To further improve the degradation efficiency of polymers, various pretreatments to improve the efficiency of biodegradation, which can cause a significant reduction in toxic plastic pollution, were also preliminarily discussed here. The existing research and data show a large number of microorganisms involved in plastic biodegradation, though their specific mechanisms have not been thoroughly explored yet. Therefore, there is a significant potential for employing various bacterial strains for efficient degradation of plastics to improve human health and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeming Cai
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Minqian Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Ziying Zhu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Xiaocui Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Yuanyin Huang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Tianmu Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Han Gong
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Muting Yan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hocherman T, Trop T, Ghermandi A. Introducing a temporal DPSIR (tDPSIR) framework and its application to marine pollution by PET bottles. AMBIO 2023; 52:1125-1136. [PMID: 36547855 PMCID: PMC10160259 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01823-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Environmental governance is highly sensitive to temporal dynamics, due to the ever-accelerating rate of technological changes, the cumulative nature of environmental impacts and the complexity of multi-level environmental policy processes. Yet, temporality is generally only implicitly included in frameworks used for describing or assessing policy response in the broad context of social-ecological systems, such as the widely used Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework. As a result, the application of such frameworks often does not give due attention to questions of temporality, with potential negative impacts on attaining environmental goals. The current work proposes to modify the DPSIR framework to explicitly incorporate temporal aspects. We suggest two extensions of the common framework to account for time lags and allow for early response through a "response shift-left" mechanism. The potential of the modified framework-temporal DPSIR (tDPSIR)-to shed light on these temporal aspects is demonstrated through analysis of the European Union's response to pollution of the marine environment by plastic bottle waste. The analysis emphasizes the pronounced time lags between the initiation of this anthropogenic pressure and effective governance capable of curbing emissions. We discuss how tDPSIR can be applied to a range of environmental issues to populate databases of time lags in environmental governance, which, in turn, can be analysed for systemic patterns and chains of causality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tal Hocherman
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khushy, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
| | - Tamar Trop
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khushy, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
| | - Andrea Ghermandi
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khushy, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kurniawan TA, Haider A, Ahmad HM, Mohyuddin A, Umer Aslam HM, Nadeem S, Javed M, Othman MHD, Goh HH, Chew KW. Source, occurrence, distribution, fate, and implications of microplastic pollutants in freshwater on environment: A critical review and way forward. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 325:138367. [PMID: 36907482 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The generation of microplastics (MPs) has increased recently and become an emerging issue globally. Due to their long-term durability and capability of traveling between different habitats in air, water, and soil, MPs presence in freshwater ecosystem threatens the environment with respect to its quality, biotic life, and sustainability. Although many previous works have been undertaken on the MPs pollution in the marine system recently, none of the study has covered the scope of MPs pollution in the freshwater. To consolidate scattered knowledge in the literature body into one place, this work identifies the sources, fate, occurrence, transport pathways, and distribution of MPs pollution in the aquatic system with respect to their impacts on biotic life, degradation, and detection techniques. This article also discusses the environmental implications of MPs pollution in the freshwater ecosystems. Certain techniques for identifying MPs and their limitations in applications are presented. Through a literature survey of over 276 published articles (2000-2023), this study presents an overview of solutions to the MP pollution, while identifying research gaps in the body of knowledge for further work. It is conclusive from this review that the MPs exist in the freshwater due to an improper littering of plastic waste and its degradation into smaller particles. Approximately 15-51 trillion MP particles have accumulated in the oceans with their weight ranging between 93,000 and 236,000 metric ton (Mt), while about 19-23 Mt of plastic waste was released into rivers in 2016, which was projected to increase up to 53 Mt by 2030. A subsequent degradation of MPs in the aquatic environment results in the generation of NPs with size ranging from 1 to 1000 nm. It is expected that this work facilitates stakeholders to understand the multi-aspects of MPs pollution in the freshwater and recommends policy actions to implement sustainable solutions to this environmental problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahtisham Haider
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Mohyuddin
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan.
| | - Hafiz Muhammad Umer Aslam
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Sohail Nadeem
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Mohsin Javed
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, 54770, Pakistan
| | - Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Hui Hwang Goh
- School of Electrical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, PR China
| | - Kit Wayne Chew
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 637459, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Blettler MCM, Agustini E, Abrial E, Piacentini R, Garello N, Wantzen KM, Vega MG, Espinola LA. The challenge of reducing macroplastic pollution: Testing the effectiveness of a river boom under real environmental conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161941. [PMID: 36737012 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Improving collection technologies is crucial to develop effective and economically feasible solutions for catching plastic from riverine environments. However, floating booms are being constructed and deployed in river around the world without rigorously testing its effectiveness. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of a boom under realistic conditions for several configurations and treatments (including "C-shape" and "Slash-shape" configurations). For this, we used the same macroplastics that leak out of waste management channels in order to be as realistic as possible. In total we used 52 plastic articles of 13 different polymers. The global effectiveness of the tested C-shape boom was lower than expected under such conditions (around 37 % of retention). The effectiveness of the Slash-shape boom was considerably worst (<10 %). However, the effectiveness varies greatly according to the particular characteristics of the plastic articles (i.e., shape and polymer composition), ranged from 0 to 100 %. For example, the boom could be 100 % effective retaining plastics such as Stylofoam trays and cups, 40-20 % for food-wrappers but 0 % for disposable plates and spoons, straws, monofilament fishing lines, packaging straps, hoses, pipes, elastic bands, etc. It seems that to have a reasonable catch-effectiveness and be cost-efficient, boom designs need to be improved and tested under different environmental conditions before to reach the market. In addition, it is unrealistic to select only high buoyancy plastics for testing them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martín C M Blettler
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Ever Agustini
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences (FBCB), The National University of Littoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Elie Abrial
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Rubén Piacentini
- Institute of Physics Rosario, CONICET, National University of Rosario, Institute for Technological Design and Innovation, (FCEIA), National University of Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Garello
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Karl M Wantzen
- Chair River Culture, UMR CNRS 7324 CITERES, University of Tours, CNRS UMR LIVE, Strasbourg University, France
| | - Marcelo G Vega
- Institute of Applied Mechanics and Structures (IMAE), Rosario National University (UNR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Luis A Espinola
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Meegoda JN, Hettiarachchi MC. A Path to a Reduction in Micro and Nanoplastics Pollution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085555. [PMID: 37107837 PMCID: PMC10139116 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085555] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. There are two categories of MP: primary and secondary. Primary or microscopic-sized MP are intentionally produced material. Fragmentation of large plastic debris through physical, chemical, and oxidative processes creates secondary MP, the most abundant type in the environment. Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental problem due to their abundance, poor biodegradability, toxicological properties, and negative impact on aquatic and terrestrial organisms including humans. Plastic debris enters the aquatic environment via direct dumping or uncontrolled land-based sources. While plastic debris slowly degrades into MP, wastewater and stormwater outlets discharge a large amount of MP directly into water bodies. Additionally, stormwater carries MP from sources such as tire wear, artificial turf, fertilizers, and land-applied biosolids. To protect the environment and human health, the entry of MP into the environment must be reduced or eliminated. Source control is one of the best methods available. The existing and growing abundance of MP in the environment requires the use of multiple strategies to combat pollution. These strategies include reducing the usage, public outreach to eliminate littering, reevaluation and use of new wastewater treatment and sludge disposal methods, regulations on macro and MP sources, and a wide implementation of appropriate stormwater management practices such as filtration, bioretention, and wetlands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jay N. Meegoda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-973-596-2464
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Li Z, Wang J, Gao X, Du J, Sui H, Wu J, Zhong Y, Liang B, Huang Y, Ye R, Deng Y, Yang X, Huang Z. Investigation of Microplastics (≥10 μm) in Meconium by Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy. TOXICS 2023; 11:310. [PMID: 37112537 PMCID: PMC10143218 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are prevalent emerging pollutants with widespread distribution in air, land and water. They have been detected in human stool, blood, lungs, and placentas. However, human fetal microplastic exposure remains largely under-studied. To assess fetal microplastic exposure, we investigated microplastics using 16 meconium samples. We used hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric acid (HNO3) and a combination of Fenton's reagent and HNO3 pretreatment methods respectively to digest the meconium sample. We analyzed 16 pretreated meconium samples with an ultra-depth three-dimensional microscope and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. The result showed that H2O2, HNO3 and Fenton's reagent combined with HNO3 pretreatment methods could not digest our meconium samples completely. Alternatively, we developed a novel approach with high digestion efficiency using petroleum ether and alcohol (4:1, v/v), HNO3 and H2O2. This pretreatment method had good recovery and non-destructive advantages. We found no microplastics (≥10 μm) in our meconium samples, indicating that microplastic pollution levels in the fetal living environment are miniscule. Different results between previous studies' and ours underscore that comprehensive and strict quality control are necessary for further studies on microplastic exposure using human bio-samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Li
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiamin Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Organic Materials Testing Technology & Quality Evaluation, Institute of Analysis and Testing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology (Beijing Center for Physical and Chemical Analysis), Beijing 100089, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Organic Materials Testing Technology & Quality Evaluation, Institute of Analysis and Testing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology (Beijing Center for Physical and Chemical Analysis), Beijing 100089, China
| | - Jiaxin Du
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Haixia Sui
- Division III of Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100022, China
| | - Jieling Wu
- Department of Healthcare, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou 511442, China
| | - Yizhou Zhong
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Boxuan Liang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuji Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Rongyi Ye
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yanhong Deng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xingfen Yang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhenlie Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Merz CR, Arora N, Welch M, Lo E, Philippidis GP. Microalgal cultivation characteristics using commercially available air-cushion packaging material as a photobioreactor. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3792. [PMID: 36882465 PMCID: PMC9992509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30080-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Air-cushion (AC) packaging has become widely used worldwide. ACs are air-filled, dual plastic packaging solutions commonly found surrounding and protecting items of value within shipping enclosures during transit. Herein, we report on a laboratory assessment employing ACs as a microalgal photobioreactor (PBR). Such a PBR inherently addresses many of the operational issues typically encountered with open raceway ponds and closed photobioreactors, such as evaporative water loss, external contamination, and predation. Using half-filled ACs, the performance of microalgal species Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis oculata, and Cyclotella cryptica (diatom) was examined and the ash-free dry cell weight and overall biomass productivity determined to be 2.39 g/L and 298.55 mg/L/day for N. oculata, 0.85 g/L and 141.36 mg/L/day for C. vulgaris, and 0.67 g/L and 96.08 mg/L/day for C. cryptica. Furthermore, maximum lipid productivity of 25.54 mg/L/day AFDCW and carbohydrate productivity of 53.69 mg/L/day AFDCW were achieved by C. cryptica, while maximum protein productivity of 247.42 mg/L/day AFDCW was attained by N. oculata. Data from this work will be useful in determining the applicability and life-cycle profile of repurposed and reused ACs as potential microalgal photobioreactors depending upon the end product of interest, scale utilized, and production costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clifford R Merz
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA.
| | - Neha Arora
- Department of Cell, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Michael Welch
- Patel College of Global Sustainability, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Enlin Lo
- Patel College of Global Sustainability, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - George P Philippidis
- Patel College of Global Sustainability, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhuang J, Pan M, Zhang Y, Liu F, Xu Z. Rapid adsorption of directional cellulose nanofibers/3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane/polyethyleneimine aerogels on microplastics in water. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 235:123884. [PMID: 36870642 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Currently, cellulose-based aerogel materials are a hot topic owing to their high specific surface area and high porosity, as well as the green, degradable and biocompatible characteristics of cellulosic materials. Modification of cellulose to enhance the adsorption properties of cellulose-based aerogels has important research significance in solving the problem of water body pollution. In this paper, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were modified with polyethyleneimine (PEI), and modified aerogels with directional structures were prepared by a simple reaction and freeze-drying method. The adsorption behavior of the aerogel followed the adsorption kinetic models and isotherm models. More significantly, the aerogel could rapidly adsorb microplastics, reaching equilibrium within 20 min. Furthermore, the fluorescence displayed directly expresses the occurrence of the adsorption behavior of the aerogels. Therefore, the modified cellulose nanofiber aerogels were of reference significance for microplastic removal from water bodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhuang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Mingzhu Pan
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yuhui Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zhaoyang Xu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mao Q, Xu L, Wu R. Evolutionary game of stakeholders' behavioral strategies in wetland ecosystems from the vulnerability perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:43419-43439. [PMID: 36658314 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25300-5] [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: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Wetland ecosystems have been seriously degraded by human activities and natural factors, and its restoration and coordinated development depend on long-term effective cooperation between the government and investors and providers. From the perspective of vulnerability of wetland ecosystem construction, this paper takes the government and investors, providers as the research object and propose a wetland ecosystem cooperation network, the article considers the "Matthew effect" of network connection and relationship cost, and uses the method of the evolutionary game on complex networks to construct the cooperative game model of wetland ecosystems. This research finds that (1) the vulnerability of wetland ecosystem varies greatly in different development stages, especially when the government subsidy coefficient for providers is reduced to 0.3, the vulnerability index is instead smaller.(2) The cooperative strategy adopted by investors can produce synergistic effect, which plays a major role in the healthy function of wetland ecosystem. (3) When the government subsidy coefficient for investors reaches 0.8, wetland ecosystem vulnerability shows a significant downward trend; when the provider loss coefficient reaches 0.8, wetland ecosystem vulnerability is significantly reduced and system stability is significantly enhanced. Thus, when the government actively promotes cooperation by adopting appropriate subsidies and regulation for investors and providers, the willingness of investors and providers to cooperate rapidly converges to 1, wetland ecosystem in vulnerability is at the lowest level. Finally, the findings combined with the numerical simulation analysis indicates that the importance of investors cooperating with the government in taking cooperative strategies actively, showing that stakeholder behavioral strategies can improve wetland ecosystem vulnerability. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the cooperation of wetland ecosystem stakeholders and a new direction for effectively reducing the vulnerability of wetland ecosystems and building efficient and benign wetland ecosystems in practice, which is of far-reaching significance for promoting wetland conservation management and an important reference value for wetland conservation planning, governance and improving the level of wetland conservation management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Mao
- School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Linyao Xu
- School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Runwei Wu
- School of Economics and Management, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lee J, Kim Y, Choi J. Recycling Microplastics to Fabricate Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries: From Removal of Environmental Troubles via Electrocoagulation to Useful Resources. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205675. [PMID: 36646506 PMCID: PMC10015874 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Electrocoagulation is an evolving technology for the abatement of a broad range of pollutants in wastewater owing to its flexibility, easy setup, and eco-friendly nature. Here, environment-friendly strategies for the separation, retreatment, and utilization of microplastics via electrocoagulation are investigated. The findings show that the flocs generated by forming Fe3 O4 on the surface of polyethylene (PE) particles are easily separated using a magnetic force with high efficiency of 98.4%. In the photodegradation of the obtained flocs, it is confirmed that Fe3 O4 shall be removed for the efficient generation of free radicals, leading to the highly efficient photolysis of PE. The removed Fe3 O4 can be recycled into iron-oxalate compounds, which can be used in battery applications. In addition, it is suggested that heat treatment of Fe3 O4 -PE flocs in an Ar atmosphere leads to forming Fe3 O4 core-carbon shell nanoparticles, which show excellent performance as anodes in lithium-ion batteries. The proposed composite exhibits an excellent capacity of 1123 mAh g-1 at the current density of 0.5 A g-1 after 600 cycles with a negative fading phenomenon. This study offers insight into a new paradigm of recyclable processes, from environmental issues such as microplastics to using energy materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhee Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringInha UniversityIncheon22212Republic of Korea
| | - Yong‐Tae Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringInha UniversityIncheon22212Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsub Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringInha UniversityIncheon22212Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Gupta KK, Chandra H, Sagar K, Sharma KK, Devi D. Degradation of high density polyethylene (HDPE) through bacterial strain from Cow faeces. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2023.102646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
|
34
|
Zhou Y, Ashokkumar V, Amobonye A, Bhattacharjee G, Sirohi R, Singh V, Flora G, Kumar V, Pillai S, Zhang Z, Awasthi MK. Current research trends on cosmetic microplastic pollution and its impacts on the ecosystem: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:121106. [PMID: 36681374 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Since the advent of microplastics, it has become a vital component, directly or indirectly, in our daily lives. With advancements in their use, microplastics have become an integral part of personal care, cosmetics, and cleaning products (PCCPs) and emerged as a domestic source of environmental pollution. Over the years, researchers have ascertained the harmful effects of microplastics on the environment. In this context, the assessment and monitoring of microplastics in PCCPs require considerable attention. In addition, it raises concern regarding the need to develop innovative, sustainable, and environmentally safe technologies to combat microplastic pollution. Therefore, this review is an endeavor to uncover the fate, route and degradation mechanism of cosmetic microplastics. In addition, the major technological advancement in cosmetic microplastic removal and the steps directed toward mitigating cosmetic microplastic pollution are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Zhou
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
| | - Veeramuthu Ashokkumar
- Biorefineries for Biofuels & Bioproducts Laboratory, Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Ayodeji Amobonye
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Gargi Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, 382715, Gujarat, India
| | - Ranjna Sirohi
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, 248001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vijai Singh
- Department of Biosciences, School of Science, Indrashil University, Rajpur, Mehsana, 382715, Gujarat, India
| | - G Flora
- Department of Botany, St. Mary's College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Ecotoxicity and Bioconversion Laboratory, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Nagar, Thandalam, Chennai, 602105, India
| | - Santhosh Pillai
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China
| | - Mukesh Kumar Awasthi
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Microplastics in Terrestrial Domestic Animals and Human Health: Implications for Food Security and Food Safety and Their Role as Sentinels. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040661. [PMID: 36830448 PMCID: PMC9951732 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Terrestrial domestic animals are exposed to microplastics, therefore, contaminating the food chain, in the case of livestock, or acting as sentinels for human exposure, in the case of companion animals. The aim of this review was to address the importance of terrestrial domestic animals on human exposure to microplastics. Animal products may already show some microplastics contamination, which may occur during their lifetime, possibly also compromising productivity, and during processing, originating from equipment and packaging. Moreover, release of microplastics in animal feces (or manure) leads to the contamination of agricultural fields, with possible impacts and internalization in plants. Therefore, microplastics pose a threat to food security, compromising food productivity, and food safety, by being a foreign material found in animal products. Conversely, in urban environments, companion animals (cats and dogs) may be relevant sentinels for human exposure. While oral exposure may vary in pets compared to humans, due to indiscriminate ingestion and chewing or licking behaviors, airborne exposure is likely to be a good indicator for human exposure. Therefore, future studies should address the importance of terrestrial domestic animals for human exposure of microplastics, both in the food chain and as sentinels for environmental exposure.
Collapse
|
36
|
Iheanacho S, Ogbu M, Bhuyan MS, Ogunji J. Microplastic pollution: An emerging contaminant in aquaculture. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
|
37
|
Current trends of unsustainable plastic production and micro(nano)plastic pollution. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.116984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
|
38
|
Mohana AA, Islam MM, Rahman M, Pramanik SK, Haque N, Gao L, Pramanik BK. Generation and consequence of nano/microplastics from medical waste and household plastic during the COVID-19 pandemic. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:137014. [PMID: 36328315 PMCID: PMC9619086 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Since the end of 2019, the world has faced a major crisis because of the outbreak of COVID-19 disease which has created a severe threat to humanity. To control this pandemic, the World Health Organization gave some guidelines like wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) (e.g., face masks, overshoes, gloves), social distancing, hand hygiene and shutting down all modes of public transport services. During this pandemic, plastic products (e.g., household plastics, PPE and sanitizer bottles) have substantially prevented the spread of this virus. Since the outbreak, approximately 1.6 million tons of plastic waste have been generated daily. However, single-use PPE like face masks (N95), surgical masks and hand gloves contain many non-biodegradable plastics materials. These abandoned products have created a huge number of plastic debris which ended up as microplastics (MPs) followed by nanoplastics (NPs) in nature that are hazardous to the eco-system. These MPs and NPs also act as vectors for the various pathogenic contaminants. The goal of this review is to offer an extensive discussion on the formation of NPs and MPs from all of these abandoned plastics and their long-term impact on the environment as well as human health. This review paper also attempts to assess the present global scenario and the main challenge of waste management to reduce the potential NP/MPs pollution to improve the eco-systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anika Amir Mohana
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Md Monjurul Islam
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, South Korea
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Sagor Kumar Pramanik
- Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nawshad Haque
- CSIRO Mineral Resources, Clayton South, Melbourne, VIC, 3169, Australia
| | - Li Gao
- South East Water, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Angnunavuri PN, Attiogbe F, Mensah B. Particulate plastics in drinking water and potential human health effects: Current knowledge for management of freshwater plastic materials in Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120714. [PMID: 36423889 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120714] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic materials have contributed to the release of environmentally relevant particulate plastics which can be found almost everywhere and may be present in drinking water. Human exposure to these materials is diverse and our understanding of their internalization in the human body is incipient. This review discusses the state of knowledge of particulate plastics exposure in drinking water and the potential risks of adverse health in the human body. Particulate plastics have problematized water systems worldwide, and about 4,000,000 fine plastics may be ingested from drinking water annually by an individual. Testing methods for these materials in environmental media are presently inconsistent and standard protocols do not exist. Their potential ecotoxicological consequences are recognised to be linked to their physicochemical diversity, biological transpositions, and cytological tolerance in living organisms. It is observed that toxicological endpoints are varied and lack properly defined modes of action. In particular, fine particulate plastics have been observed to translocate into body tissues and cells where they are capable of provoking endocrine disruption, genetic mutations, and cancer responses. We propose a reclassification of particulate plastics to cater for their biological deposition and attributable risks of adverse health. Environmental management of particulate plastics in many developing countries is weak and their potential releases into drinking water have received limited research. Given that large populations are exposed to fresh surface water and plastic packaged drinking water worldwide, and that the risk assessment pathways are unvalidated at the moment, we argue for developing countries to increase their capacity for the environmental monitoring and circular management of plastic materials. Large-scale epidemiological cohort studies and surrogate assessment pathways are also recommended to provide a better understanding of the hazard characterization of particulate plastics exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prosper Naah Angnunavuri
- School of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana.
| | - Francis Attiogbe
- School of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Bismark Mensah
- School of Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Acharjee SA, Bharali P, Gogoi B, Sorhie V, Walling B. PHA-Based Bioplastic: a Potential Alternative to Address Microplastic Pollution. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2022; 234:21. [PMID: 36593989 PMCID: PMC9797907 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-022-06029-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Petroleum-derived plastics are linked to a variety of growing environmental issues throughout their lifecycle, including emission of greenhouse gases, accumulation in terrestrial and marine habitats, pollution, among others. There has been a lot of attention over the last decade in industrial and research communities in developing and producing eco-friendly polymers to deal with the current environmental issues. Bioplastics preferably are a fast-developing family of polymeric substances that are frequently promoted as substitutes to petroleum-derived plastics. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have a number of appealing properties that make PHAs a feasible source material for bioplastics, either as a direct replacement of petroleum-derived plastics or as a blend with elements derived from natural origin, fabricated biodegradable polymers, and/or non-biodegradable polymers. Among the most promising PHAs, polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs) are the most well-known and have a significant potential to replace traditional plastics. These biodegradable plastics decompose faster after decomposing into carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic chemicals. Bioplastics have been extensively utilized in several sectors such as food-processing industry, medical, agriculture, automobile industry, etc. However, it is also associated with disadvantages like high cost, uneconomic feasibility, brittleness, and hydrophilic nature. A variety of tactics have been explored to improve the qualities of bioplastics, with the most prevalent being the development of gas and water barrier properties. The prime objective of this study is to review the current knowledge on PHAs and provide a brief introduction to PHAs, which have drawn attention as a possible potential alternative to conventional plastics due to their biological origin, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, thereby reducing the negative impact of microplastics in the environment. This review may help trigger further scientific interest to thoroughly research on PHAs as a sustainable option to greener bioplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Aley Acharjee
- Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, Hq- Lumami, Zunheboto-798627, Nagaland, India
| | - Pranjal Bharali
- Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, Hq- Lumami, Zunheboto-798627, Nagaland, India
| | - Bhagyudoy Gogoi
- Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, Hq- Lumami, Zunheboto-798627, Nagaland, India
| | - Viphrezolie Sorhie
- Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, Hq- Lumami, Zunheboto-798627, Nagaland, India
| | - Bendangtula Walling
- Applied Environmental Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University, Hq- Lumami, Zunheboto-798627, Nagaland, India
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Al Qahtani S, Al Wuhayb F, Manaa H, Younis A, Sehar S. Environmental impact assessment of plastic waste during the outbreak of COVID-19 and integrated strategies for its control and mitigation. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:585-596. [PMID: 34592070 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many positive shifts have been observed in the ecosystem, with a significant decrease in the greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. On the other hand, there were unavoidable negative shifts due to a surge in demand for plastic products such as food and groceries' delivery packaging, single-use plastics, medical and personal protective equipment to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Plastic pollution can be considered as a key environmental issue in world due to the huge footprints of plastics on natural ecosystems and public health. Herein, we presented an overview on the rise of plastic pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential sources of plastic waste during COVID-19 with its negative effects on the environment such as marine ecosystems and the global economics are highlighted. We also suggested some strategies and recommendations to tackle plastic leakages by applying feedstock recycling, sterilization, and with the use of biodegradable plastics that have become a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel plastics. Also, the importance of elevating public awareness and some recommendations to mitigate plastic generated during the pandemic has been addressed as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatimah Al Wuhayb
- College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Hacene Manaa
- Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Adnan Younis
- Department of Physics, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Shama Sehar
- College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir, Kingdom of Bahrain
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Cholewinski A, Dadzie E, Sherlock C, Anderson WA, Charles TC, Habib K, Young SB, Zhao B. A critical review of microplastic degradation and material flow analysis towards a circular economy. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120334. [PMID: 36216183 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The resilience and low cost of plastics has made their usage ubiquitous, but is also the cause of their prevalence and longevity as waste. Plastic pollution has become a great concern to the health and wellbeing of ecosystems around the world; microplastics are a particular threat, due to their high mobility, ease of ingestion by wildlife, and ability to adsorb and carry toxic contaminants. Material flow analysis has been widely applied to examine stocks and flows of materials in other industries, and has more recently been applied to plastics to examine areas where waste can reach the environment. However, while much research has gone into the environmental fate of microplastics, degradation strategies have been a lesser focus, and material flow analysis of microplastics has suffered from lack of data. Furthermore, the variety of plastics, their additives, and any contaminants pose a significant challenge in degrading (and not merely fragmenting) microplastic particles. This review discusses the current degradation strategies and solutions for dealing with existing and newly-generated microplastic waste along with examining the status of microplastics-based material flow analysis, which are critical for evaluating the possibility of incorporating microplastic waste into a circular economy. The degradation strategies are critically examined, identifying challenges and current trends, as well as important considerations that are frequently under-reported. An emphasis is placed on identifying missing data or information in both material flow analysis and degradation methods that could prove crucial in improving understanding of microplastic flows, as well as optimizing degradation strategies and minimizing any negative environmental impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Cholewinski
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, Institute for Polymer Research, Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eugenia Dadzie
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cassandra Sherlock
- School of Environment, Enterprise, and Development (SEED), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - William A Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor C Charles
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Komal Habib
- School of Environment, Enterprise, and Development (SEED), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven B Young
- School of Environment, Enterprise, and Development (SEED), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Boxin Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, Institute for Polymer Research, Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Almanzor E, Anvo NR, Thuruthel TG, Iida F. Autonomous detection and sorting of litter using deep learning and soft robotic grippers. Front Robot AI 2022; 9:1064853. [DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2022.1064853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Road infrastructure is one of the most vital assets of any country. Keeping the road infrastructure clean and unpolluted is important for ensuring road safety and reducing environmental risk. However, roadside litter picking is an extremely laborious, expensive, monotonous and hazardous task. Automating the process would save taxpayers money and reduce the risk for road users and the maintenance crew. This work presents LitterBot, an autonomous robotic system capable of detecting, localizing and classifying common roadside litter. We use a learning-based object detection and segmentation algorithm trained on the TACO dataset for identifying and classifying garbage. We develop a robust modular manipulation framework by using soft robotic grippers and a real-time visual-servoing strategy. This enables the manipulator to pick up objects of variable sizes and shapes even in dynamic environments. The robot achieves greater than 80% classified picking and binning success rates for all experiments; which was validated on a wide variety of test litter objects in static single and cluttered configurations and with dynamically moving test objects. Our results showcase how a deep model trained on an online dataset can be deployed in real-world applications with high accuracy by the appropriate design of a control framework around it.
Collapse
|
44
|
Microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems: Un-ignorable impacts on soil characterises, nutrient storage and its cycling. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
|
45
|
A Survey on Detection of Plastic-Related Chemicals in Beer Packaged in PET Using FT-IR Technology. BEVERAGES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/beverages8040073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The emerging consciousness on nano- and microplastics in our environment raises questions on how to reduce and minimize its influence on human health. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) packaging is gaining popularity, and many traditional products end up in such packaging (vinegar, wine, beer). Currently, it is very hard to quantify the number of particles and their exact composition, but semi-quantitative techniques such as FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry) can give us an insight into the chemical composition of plastic bits in foods and beverages. Nowadays, beer is packed in PET packaging, since it provides a cheaper packaging material compared to glass and since it is safe to use at public manifestations, contrary to glass bottles, while providing a reasonable barrier for gas permeation (O2 and CO2). The aim of this paper was to provide a short overview of FT-IR-detected compounds in PET-packaged beer samples. The results indicate that many compounds can be found in beer, but those that were most commonly found in our research were β-cyclodextrin and L(-)-glyceraldehyde unnatural forms, two compounds designated as plastic-related compounds.
Collapse
|
46
|
Prieto-Ortiz RG. Contaminación ambiental por plásticos durante la pandemia y sus efectos en la salud humana. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE CIRUGÍA 2022. [DOI: 10.30944/20117582.2203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
La historia del plástico se remonta a mediados del siglo XIX, y se considera que se origina por el interés de cambiar la materia prima en la fabricación de las bolas de billar, hechas originalmente en marfil. Desde entonces y a lo largo de muchos años, el polietileno, cloruro de polivinilo, poliestireno, polimetilmetacrilato, polietilentereftalato (PET), las poliamidas y otras sustancias similares han formado parte del día a día de la humanidad, a tal punto que algunos expertos en el tema consideran que estamos viviendo “La era del plástico”.
Todos los insumos y elementos plásticos han facilitado la vida, pero también han causado una gran contaminación ambiental que afecta la fauna, la flora y por supuesto al ser humano. La gran mayoría de los países han comprendido esta situación y han promulgado leyes o diseñado estrategias con el fin de contener el uso inadecuado y la generación de la contaminación causada por el plástico.
Muchas de estas medidas han sido frenadas e incluso revertidas debido a la pandemia por COVID-19, que además de todas las afectaciones conocidas, ha causado un desmesurado incremento en el uso de materiales plásticos, como los elementos de protección personal, con el consecuente aumento de la contaminación y los riesgos que esta genera en la salud humana. Estos temas son tratados en este artículo, con el fin de concientizar al personal médico y a la población en general.
Collapse
|
47
|
Occurrence and exposure to microplastics in salt for human consumption, present on the Lebanese market. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
48
|
Kolenda K, Kuśmierek N, Kujawa K, Smolis A, Wiśniewski K, Salata S, Maltz TK, Stachowiak M, Kadej M. Bottled & canned - Anthropogenic debris as an understudied ecological trap for small animals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155616. [PMID: 35504387 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155616] [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: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, littering is one of the biggest challenges that environmental conservation is facing. Although beverage containers, such as bottles and cans, belong to the most common threats in this context, their effect on animals has been poorly studied. The aim of this study was to assess the diversity and mortality level of the animal taxa entering discarded containers and to investigate which container features influence the number and functional composition of the trapped animals. The study was conducted in 10 urban woodlands in the city of Wrocław, Poland. In total, 939 open containers were collected. In 56% of them, a total number of 10,162 dead individuals (10,139 invertebrates and 23 vertebrates) was found. The most common amongst them were insects (orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera), malacostracans (Isopoda), arachnids (Opiliones, Sarcoptiformes) and gastropods (Stylommatophora). The number of dead animals was affected positively by the container capacity and was significantly higher in glass and plastic bottles when compared to aluminium cans. At the same time, the presence of a neck negatively affected the number of dead animals. Container capacity was also positively correlated with the abundance of the most common functional groups: predators, phytophages and saprophages. Moreover, colourless and green, but not brown, containers were a significant predictor for the abundance of the latter two groups. Our study revealed that discarded containers constitute an ecological trap for many groups of animals. There is an urgent need to reduce the amount of rubbish in the environment by, for example, the implementation of regional and international regulations addressing the problem of littering, or organising repeated clean-up and educational activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kolenda
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Vertebrates, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, PL-50-335 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Natalia Kuśmierek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, PL-51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kujawa
- Statistical Analysis Centre, Wrocław Medical University, Marcinkowskiego 2-6, PL-50-368 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Adrian Smolis
- Department of Invertebrate Biology, Evolution and Conservation, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 65, PL-51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Konrad Wiśniewski
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Arciszewskiego 22a, PL-76-200 Słupsk, Poland
| | - Sebastian Salata
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Taxonomy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 65, PL-51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tomasz K Maltz
- Museum of Natural History, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Sienkiewicza 21, PL-50-335 Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Marcin Kadej
- Department of Invertebrate Biology, Evolution and Conservation, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 65, PL-51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Aman J, Shahi NC, Lohani UC, Balodhi D, Singh R, Kumar N, Bhat MI, Kumar AP. Process Optimization for Development of Guar Gum-Based Biodegradable Hydrogel Film Using Response Surface Methodology. Bioinorg Chem Appl 2022; 2022:9180000. [PMID: 36016764 PMCID: PMC9398876 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9180000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the current study, a guar-gum-based biodegradable hydrogel film was prepared using an initiator (potassium persulfate), crosslinker (N-N methyl bis acrylamide), and plasticizer (glycerol) for packaging of fruits and vegetables. The effect of independent variables (initiator, crosslinker, and plasticizer) on the biodegradation (% wt. loss), color difference (ΔE), hardness (N), swelling index (%), and transparency (%) of the film was studied using Box-Behnken design, random surface methodology (RSM). The results showed significant effects on all the abovementioned parameters, and it was observed that the developed model was accurate, with a prediction error of only -3.19 to 2.99%. The optimized formulation for the preparation of hydrogel film was 0.15% initiator, 0.02% crosslinker, and 2.88% plasticizer exhibiting satisfactory biodegradability, color difference, hardness, swelling index, and transparency. Results showed that a guar-gum-based biodegradable hydrogel film has adequate physical, optical, and biodegradable properties and can be successfully utilized in the food packaging industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Aman
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
- G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pant Nagar (US-Nagar) 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Navin Chandra Shahi
- G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pant Nagar (US-Nagar) 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Umesh Chandra Lohani
- G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pant Nagar (US-Nagar) 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Divya Balodhi
- Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Rohini, Delhi 110042, India
| | - Rajat Singh
- Department of Food Technology, Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib 173101, HP, India
| | - Naveen Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Rajasthan, Jaipur 303002, India
| | - Mohd Ishfaq Bhat
- G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pant Nagar (US-Nagar) 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Avvaru Praveen Kumar
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Applied Natural Science, Adama Science and Technology University, P O Box 1888, Adama, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Willis B, Fytianos G. Towards Microplastic Reduction Within Institutions. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2022; 233:337. [PMID: 35965691 PMCID: PMC9361896 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-022-05790-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Globally, universities, institutions, and companies are aiming to reduce the use of single-use plastics as plastic litter, and plastic degradation generates secondary microplastics, all of which cause negative impacts on the environment. In this study the authors conducted a questionnaire-based survey to assess the willingness and motivation of stakeholders within academic settings to change daily habits to minimize plastic and microplastic pollution. The questionnaire, which was answered by 276 individuals with affiliation to the American Farm School or collaborating academic institutions, but primarily the American Farm School, was used to draw conclusions. Results showed that most stakeholders are ready to adapt to eliminate the use of single-use plastic within their institution and showed a high level of willingness to participate in cleaning campaigns. It is crucial to combine any new measures or policies with the proper education around why these measures are being enforced, so as to raise awareness and receptivity to those that are not familiar with microplastics and microplastic pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Willis
- Department of Environmental Science, Perrotis College, American Farm School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Fytianos
- Department of Environmental Science, Perrotis College, American Farm School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|