1
|
Wang S, Tang K, Zhang Z, Liu H, Yao Y, Liao X. PBAT/lignin-ZnO composite film for food packaging: Photo-stability, better barrier and antibacterial properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 275:133651. [PMID: 38972656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
When PBAT used as film, stability deteriorates under sunlight exposure, the poor barrier and antibacterial properties are also limiting its application. In this work, lignin-ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal method, as additives to fill the PBAT matrix. In addition, PBAT-lignin-ZnO composite films were successfully prepared by melting and hot-pressing method. It is found that lignin could well dispersed the ZnO when its implantation into PBAT films, and lignin-ZnO not only maintaining tensile strength and thermal stability, but also could prompt PBAT's crystallinity. Especially, P-L-ZnO-2 composite films have good photostability. After 60 h aging, it can still maintain good molecular weight, chemical structure and mechanical properties. Besides, these composite films have improved hydrophobicity, barrier and antibacterial properties, could prevent mildew and significantly reduce the weight loss rate, color difference and hardness changes of strawberries during storage. This work provides a potential film material for outdoor applications and food packaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoze Wang
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Kui Tang
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Haitang Liu
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China; China Light Industry Key Laboratory of Papermaking and Biorefinery, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China.
| | - Yue Yao
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Liao
- College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ferreira-Filipe DA, Paço A, Pinho B, Silva R, Silva SAM, Jesus F, Pereira JL, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos TAP, Patrício-Silva AL. Microplastics from agricultural mulch films: Biodegradation and ecotoxicity in freshwater systems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169287. [PMID: 38103621 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169287] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The application of bio-based biodegradable mulch films in agriculture has raised environmental concerns regarding their potential impacts on adjacent freshwater ecosystems. This study investigated the biodegradation of microplastics derived from a bio-based biodegradable mulch (bio-MPs) and its acute and chronic ecotoxicity considering relevant scenarios (up to 200 and 250 mg/kg of sediment, using pristine and/or UV-aged particles), using the fungus Penicillium brevicompactum and the dipteran Chironomus riparius as model organisms, respectively, due to their ecological relevance in freshwater environments. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested changes in the fungus's carbohydrate reserves and bio-MP degradation through the appearance of low molecular weight esters throughout a 28 day biodegradation test. In a short-term exposure (48 h), C. riparius larvae exposed to pristine or UV-aged bio-MPs had up to 2 particles in their gut. Exposure to pristine bio-MPs decreased larval aerobic metabolism (<20 %) and increased neurotransmission (>15 %), whereas exposure to UV-aged bio-MPs activated larval aerobic metabolism (>20 %) and increased antioxidant defences (catalase activity by >30 % and glutathione-s-transferase by >20 %) and neurotransmission (>30 %). Longer-term (28-d) exposure to UV-aged bio-MPs did not affect larval survival and growth nor the dipteran's emergence but increased male numbers (>30 %) at higher concentrations. This study suggests that the selected agricultural bio-based mulch film is prone to biodegradation by a naturally occurring fungus. However, there is a potential for endocrine disruption in the case of prolonged exposures to UV-aged microplastics. This study emphasises the importance of further research to elucidate the potential ecological effects of these plastic products, to ensure effective management practices, and to establish new regulations governing their use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diogo A Ferreira-Filipe
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Paço
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruna Pinho
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rafael Silva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sara A M Silva
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fátima Jesus
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana L Pereira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa A P Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício-Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee YF, Wu TM. Investigation on the Photodegradation Stability of Acrylic Acid-Grafted Poly(butylene carbonate-co-terephthalate)/Organically Modified Layered Zinc Phenylphosphonate Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15051276. [PMID: 36904517 PMCID: PMC10007439 DOI: 10.3390/polym15051276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The application efficiency of biodegradable polymers used in a natural environment requires improved resistance to ultraviolet (UV) photodegradation. In this report, 1,6-hexanediamine modified layered zinc phenylphosphonate (m-PPZn), utilized as a UV protection additive for acrylic acid-grafted poly(butylene carbonate-co-terephthalate) (g-PBCT), was successfully fabricated and compared to the solution mixing process. Experimental data of both wide-angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal that the g-PBCT polymer matrix was intercalated into the interlayer spacing of m-PPZn, which was approximately delaminated in the composite materials. The evolution of photodegradation behavior for g-PBCT/m-PPZn composites was identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography after being artificially irradiated by a light source. The change of carboxyl group produced via photodegradation was used to show the enhanced UV protection ability of m-PPZn in the composite materials. All results indicate that the carbonyl index of the g-PBCT/m-PPZn composite materials after photodegradation for 4 weeks was extensively lower than that of the pure g-PBCT polymer matrix. These findings were also supported by the decrease in the molecular weight of g-PBCT after photodegradation for 4 weeks, from 20.76% to 8.21%, with the loading of 5 wt% m-PPZn content. Both observations were probably owing to the better UV reflection ability of m-PPZn. This investigation shows, through typical methodology, a significant advantage of fabricating the photodegradation stabilizer to enhance the UV photodegradation behavior of the biodegradable polymer using an m-PPZn compared to other UV stabilizer particles or additives.
Collapse
|
4
|
Pinto J, Dias M, Amaral J, Ivanov M, Paixão JA, Coimbra MA, Ferreira P, Pereira E, Gonçalves I. Influence of UV degradation of bioplastics on the amplification of mercury bioavailability in aquatic environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113806. [PMID: 35696893 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113806] [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: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bioplastics have emerged to minimize the ecological footprint of non-degradable plastics. However, the effect of their degradation in aquatic systems, including the interaction with toxic metals, is still unexplored. In this work, the influence of UV-aging on structure, chemistry, wettability, rigidity, and Hg-sorption of commercially available bioplastic (BIO)- and polyethylene (PE)-based films was studied. To mimetize the materials disposal in fresh-/saltwaters, non-saline/saline aqueous solutions were used in Hg-sorption studies. ATR-FTIR spectra revealed that the BIO film was a coblended starch/polyester-based material, whose microstructure, physicochemical, and mechanical properties changed after UV-aging to a higher extent than in PE film. AFM and kinetic modelling pointed out electrostatic interactions/complexation as the mechanisms involved in the increased Hg-sorption by the UV-aged BIO film. An increased salinity did not impair its Hg-sorption. Therefore, when disposed in aquatic systems, starch/polyester-based bioplastics can play a potential vector for amplifying Hg along the food chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Pinto
- CESAM, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Mariana Dias
- CESAM, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Amaral
- CESAM, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maxim Ivanov
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José A Paixão
- CFisUC, Department of Physics, University of Coimbra, 3004-516 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel A Coimbra
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula Ferreira
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Pereira
- CESAM, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Idalina Gonçalves
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Materials and Ceramic Engineering, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ferreira-Filipe DA, Paço A, Natal-da-Luz T, Sousa JP, Saraiva JA, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T, Patrício Silva AL. Are mulch biofilms used in agriculture an environmentally friendly solution? - An insight into their biodegradability and ecotoxicity using key organisms in soil ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 828:154269. [PMID: 35276171 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biobased and biodegradable plastic mulch films (aka, mulch biofilm) have emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic mulch films in agriculture, promising to reduce soil contamination with plastic residues through in situ biodegradation. However, current standards certifying biodegradable plastics cannot predict biodegradability in natural settings. The scarce studies considering the possible biodegradation and ecotoxicity of mulch biofilms in soil systems question the environmental friendliness of these alternative options. This study assessed the biodegradation of a commercially available mulch biofilm by the soil-dwelling fungus Penicillium brevicompactum (in solid culture media and soil for 15 and 28 days, respectively), and the ecotoxicological effects of mulch biofilm microplastics on the earthworm Eisenia andrei (pristine or UV-weathered, at 0.125-0.250-0.500 g/kg). Results (from microplastics' mass loss, microscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy) suggest that the presence of P. brevicompactum promotes mulch biofilm's biodegradation. Exposure to environmental concentrations of pristine biofilm microplastics (and its ingestion) increased earthworms' sensitivity to touch, induced physiological alterations, decreased energy reserves, and decreased their reproduction (>30%). Conversely, exposure to weathered biofilm microplastics slightly increased earthworms' sensitivity, as well as carbohydrate reserves,without affecting their reproduction. The tested mulch biofilm seems to be, at first sight, an environmentally friendly alternative as it presented susceptibility for biodegradation by a widespread fungus, and the absence of ecotoxicological chronic effects on a key macroinvertebrate species in soil ecosystems when considering environmental relevant concentrations and plastics weathered conditions. Notwithstanding, the obtained results highlight the need to revise current standards, as they often neglect the role of, and their chronic effects on, naturally occurring organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Paço
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tiago Natal-da-Luz
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Paulo Sousa
- University of Coimbra, Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge A Saraiva
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wei XF, Bohlén M, Lindblad C, Hedenqvist M, Hakonen A. Microplastics generated from a biodegradable plastic in freshwater and seawater. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 198:117123. [PMID: 33865028 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable polymers have been regarded as a promising solution to tackle the pollutions caused by the wide use of conventional polymers. However, during the biodegradation process, the material fragmentation leads to microplastics. In this work, the formation of microplastics from biodegradable poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) in different aquatic environments was investigated and compared with the common non-biodegradable low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The results showed that a much larger quantity of plastic fragments/particles were formed in all aquatic environments from PBAT than from LDPE. In addition, UV-A pretreatment, simulating the exposure to sunlight, increased the rate of PBAT microplastic formation significantly. The size distribution and shapes of the formed microplastics were systematically studied, along with changes in the polymer physicochemical properties such as molecular weight, thermal stability, crystallinity, and mechanical properties, to reveal the formation process of microplastics. This study shows that the microplastic risk from biodegradable polymers is high and needs to be further evaluated with regards to longer timeframes, the biological fate of intermediate products, and final products in freshwater, estuarine and seawater natural habitats. Especially, considering that these microplastics may have good biodegradability in warmer 20 - 25° water but will most likely be highly persistent in the world's cold deep seas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Feng Wei
- Department of Polymers and Composites, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden; Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Bohlén
- Department of Polymers and Composites, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden
| | - Catrin Lindblad
- Department of Polymers and Composites, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden
| | - Mikael Hedenqvist
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Aron Hakonen
- Department of Chemistry, Biomaterials and Textiles, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, SE-501 15 Borås, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Šerá J, Kadlečková M, Fayyazbakhsh A, Kučabová V, Koutný M. Occurrence and Analysis of Thermophilic Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)-Degrading Microorganisms in Temperate Zone Soils. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217857. [PMID: 33113973 PMCID: PMC7660229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquity and character of thermophilic poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)-degrading microorganisms in soils were investigated and compared to the process in an industrial composting plant. PBAT degraders were sought in 41 temperate zone soils. No mesophilic degraders were found by the employed method, but roughly 102 colony-forming units (CFUs) of thermophilic degraders per gram of soil were found in nine soils, and after an enrichment procedure, the PBAT-degrading consortia were isolated from 30 out of 41 soils. Thermophilic actinomycetes, Thermobispora bispora in particular, together with bacilli proved to be the key constituents of the isolated and characterized PBAT-degrading consortia, with bacilli comprising from about 30% to over 90% of the retrieved sequences. It was also shown that only consortia containing both constituents were able to decompose PBAT. For comparison, a PBAT film together with two types of PBAT/starch films were subjected to biodegradation in compost and the degrading microorganisms were analyzed. Bacilli and actinobacteria were again the most common species identified on pure PBAT film, especially at the beginning of biodegradation. Later, the composition of the consortia on all three tested materials became very similar and more diverse. Since waste containing PBAT-based materials is often intended to end up in composting plants, this study increases our confidence that thermophilic PBAT degraders are rather broadly present in the environment and the degradation of the material during the composting process should not be limited by the absence of specific microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Šerá
- Department of Environmental Protection Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, T. G. Masaryka Square 5555, 760 01 Zlín, Czech Republic; (J.Š.); (V.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Markéta Kadlečková
- Department of Physics and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, T. G. Masaryka Square 5555, 760 01 Zlín, Czech Republic;
| | - Ahmad Fayyazbakhsh
- Department of Environmental Protection Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, T. G. Masaryka Square 5555, 760 01 Zlín, Czech Republic; (J.Š.); (V.K.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-776847-055
| | - Veronika Kučabová
- Department of Environmental Protection Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, T. G. Masaryka Square 5555, 760 01 Zlín, Czech Republic; (J.Š.); (V.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Marek Koutný
- Department of Environmental Protection Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, T. G. Masaryka Square 5555, 760 01 Zlín, Czech Republic; (J.Š.); (V.K.); (M.K.)
| |
Collapse
|