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Cao Z, Kim C, Li Z, Jung J. Comparing environmental fate and ecotoxicity of conventional and biodegradable plastics: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175735. [PMID: 39187074 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a consequential problem worldwide, prompting the widespread use of biodegradable plastics (BPs). However, not all BPs are completely degradable under natural conditions, but instead produce biodegradable microplastics (BMPs), release chemical additives, and absorb micropollutants, thus causing toxicity to living organisms in similar manners to conventional plastics (CPs). The new problems caused by biodegradable plastics cannot be ignored and requires a thorough comparison of the differences between conventional and biodegradable plastics and microplastics. This review comprehensively compares their environmental fates, such as biodegradation and micropollutant sorption, and ecotoxicity in soil and water environments. The results showed that it is difficult to determine the natural conditions required for the complete biodegradation of BPs. Some chemical additives in BPs differ from those in CPs and may pose new threats to ecosystems. Because of functional group differences, most BMPs had higher micropollutant sorption capacities than conventional microplastics (CMPs). The ecotoxicity comparison showed that BMPs had similar or even greater adverse effects than CMPs. This review highlights several knowledge gaps in this new field and suggests directions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Cao
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Changhae Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhihua Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, China
| | - Jinho Jung
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Pinaeva LG, Noskov AS. Biodegradable biopolymers: Real impact to environment pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174445. [PMID: 38981547 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174445] [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: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Biobased biodegradable polymers (BBP) derived from different renewable resources are commonly considered as attractive alternative to petroleum-based polymers, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. It is because they can address the issues of serious environmental problems resulted from accumulation of plastic wastes. In the review current methods of obtaining of most abundant BBP, polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), have been studied with an emphasis on the toxicity of compounds used for their production and additives improving consumer characteristics of PLA and PHB based market products. Substantial part of additives was the same used for traditional polymers. Analysis of the data on the response of different organisms and plants on exposure to these materials and their degradation products confirmed the doubts about real safety of BBP. Studies of safer additives are scarce and are of vital importance. Meanwhile, technologies of recycling of traditional petroleum-based polymers were shown to be well-developed, which cannot be said about PLA or PHB based polymers, and their blends with petroleum-based polymers. Therefore, development of more environmentally friendly components and sustainable technologies of production are necessary before following market expansion of biobased biodegradable products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa G Pinaeva
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS, Pr. Akad. Lavrentieva, 5, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Aleksandr S Noskov
- Boreskov Institute of Catalysis SB RAS, Pr. Akad. Lavrentieva, 5, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
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3
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Piyathilake U, Lin C, Bolan N, Bundschuh J, Rinklebe J, Herath I. Exploring the hidden environmental pollution of microplastics derived from bioplastics: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141773. [PMID: 38548076 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141773] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Bioplastics might be an ecofriendly alternative to traditional plastics. However, recent studies have emphasized that even bioplastics can end up becoming micro- and nano-plastics due to their degradation under ambient environmental conditions. Hence, there is an urgent need to assess the hidden environmental pollution caused by bioplastics. However, little is known about the evolutionary trends of bibliographic data, degradation pathways, formation, and toxicity of micro- and nano-scaled bioplastics originating from biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and starch-based plastics. Therefore, the prime objective of the current review was to investigate evolutionary trends and the latest advancements in the field of micro-bioplastic pollution. Additionally, it aims to confront the limitations of existing research on microplastic pollution derived from the degradation of bioplastic wastes, and to understand what is needed in future research. The literature survey revealed that research focusing on micro- and nano-bioplastics has begun since 2012. This review identifies novel insights into microbioplastics formation through diverse degradation pathways, including photo-oxidation, ozone-induced degradation, mechanochemical degradation, biodegradation, thermal, and catalytic degradation. Critical research gaps are identified, including defining optimal environmental conditions for complete degradation of diverse bioplastics, exploring micro- and nano-bioplastics formation in natural environments, investigating the global occurrence and distribution of these particles in diverse ecosystems, assessing toxic substances released during bioplastics degradation, and bridging the disparity between laboratory studies and real-world applications. By identifying new trends and knowledge gaps, this study lays the groundwork for future investigations and sustainable solutions in the realm of sustainable management of bioplastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udara Piyathilake
- Environmental Science Division, National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Kandy, 2000, Sri Lanka
| | - Chuxia Lin
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia; The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Jochen Bundschuh
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, The University of Southern Queensland, West Street, 4350, QLD, Australia
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Indika Herath
- Centre for Regional and Rural Futures, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia.
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Enyoh CE, Wang Q. Combined experimental and molecular dynamics removal processes of contaminant phenol from simulated wastewater by polyethylene terephthalate microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2024; 45:1183-1202. [PMID: 36269120 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2022.2139636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and phenolics are pollutants found ubiquitously in freshwater systems. MPs oftentimes serve as a vector for pollutants across ecosystems and are now being explored as alternative adsorbents for pollutant removal. This strategy would reflect the 'reuse' of an existing waste stream into a potentially useful product while at the same time helping to minimize plastic waste in the marine environment. In this study, the adsorption of phenol onto pristine (Pr-PET), modified (Mod-PET), and aged (Ag-PET) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) microplastics was examined experimentally and theoretically. Kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics models were used to investigate the adsorption process while Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to investigate molecular level alterations. The result showed that the Ag-PET MPs had the best removal efficiency due larger surface area and the adsorption occurred in a pseudo-second-order manner, showing that the rate of phenol adsorption is directly proportional to the number of surface-active sites on the surface of PET MPs while the intraparticle diffusion defined rate-limiting step. However, the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity followed Mod-PET (38.02 mg/g) > Ag-PET (8.08 mg/g) > Pr-PET (6.84 mg/g). The adsorption process proceeded spontaneously and thermodynamically favourable. GCMC-MD simulations revealed that PET MPs are capable of successfully adsorbing the phenol molecule through Van der Waals and electrostatic interactions and can be adopted as novel adsorbents for phenol removal in aqueous solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qingyue Wang
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama City, Japan
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5
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Pedroza RHP, David C, Lodeiro P, Rey-Castro C. Interactions of humic acid with pristine poly (lactic acid) microplastics in aqueous solution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168366. [PMID: 37939936 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and natural organic matter are present in the aquatic environment and their reciprocal interaction plays important roles in the transport and behavior of nutrients and contaminants. Nevertheless, we lack mechanistic understanding on these interactions, especially in the case of biodegradable plastics. Here we investigate the adsorption of a commercial humic acid onto poly (lactic acid) (PLA) microplastics in aqueous solution. While the pseudo-second order kinetic model provided a more accurate representation of the adsorption kinetics, the Elovich model also produced a good fit, suggesting that chemisorption may be the rate-limiting step. The equilibrium data was better fit by the Langmuir model, that provided a maximum adsorption capacity of 0.118 ± 0.006 mg·g-1. The obtained values for the separation factor (RL) and free energy (E) suggest that adsorption of humic acid onto PLA is controlled by physisorption. We studied the effects of pH, ionic strength, and PLA concentration on the adsorption of humic acid onto PLA and demonstrated that electrostatic interactions and aggregation are important. The humic acid was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy, and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), before and after interacting with PLA. This set of analyses demonstrated that PLA caused alterations in the molecular structure of humic acid, primarily attributed to modifications in hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Therefore, we hypothesize that the carboxylic groups of humic acid formed dimers in contact with PLA. This study provides new insights into the interactions between organic matter and a biodegradable microplastic in aqueous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo H P Pedroza
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, Environmental and Soil Sciences, University of Lleida - AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Calin David
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, Environmental and Soil Sciences, University of Lleida - AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Pablo Lodeiro
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, Environmental and Soil Sciences, University of Lleida - AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
| | - Carlos Rey-Castro
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, Environmental and Soil Sciences, University of Lleida - AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
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6
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Graca B, Rychter A, Staniszewska M, Pryputniewicz-Flis D. The seasonality of the concentration of endocrine phenolic compounds in the matter attached to the surface of microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168400. [PMID: 37939964 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Rapid biofilm formation on microplastic (MP) surfaces in marine environments and the tendency of hydrophobic pollutants to bioaccumulate may increase the exposure of organisms to ingested plastics and transport pollutants far from their sources. The role of the matter attached to MPs (MaM) in the interactions between MPs and other pollutants in marine environments is poorly understood. This paper studies pollutant sorption in MaM for three phenolic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs): bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP), and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP). Polypropylene (PP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and polylactide (PLA) MPs were exposed to an environment conducive to biofouling (Vistula Lagoon, Baltic Sea) for four weeks in summer, spring, and winter. The concentrations of EDCs in MaM and the suspended particulate matter (SPM) were similar and were 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than those in water and sediment. The type and morphology of the polymers were less significant for determining the concentrations of EDCs in MaM than the season. The concentrations were higher in the growing season than in winter. EDCs increased linearly with the increase in particulate organic carbon. The relationships between organic carbon partition coefficients and octanol/water partition coefficients indicate that hydrophobic partitioning into organic matter was the dominant mechanism of 4-t-OP and 4-NP binding in MaM and in SPM. For BPA, additional sorption mechanisms seem to be significant. In addition to the direct sorption from ambient water, the binding of phytoplankton-derived particles, most probably via attachment to extracellular polymeric substances, appears to be a source of EDCs in MPs. Rough estimates showed that the largest load of particulate matter and EDCs was attached to expanded polystyrene. This study suggests that the potential negative impacts of MPs on the environment are seasonal and that low-density porous plastics can be particularly effective carriers of large EDC loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bożena Graca
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Agata Rychter
- University of Applied Sciences in Elbląg, Ul. Wojska Polskiego 1, 82-300 Elbląg, Poland
| | - Marta Staniszewska
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Dorota Pryputniewicz-Flis
- University of Gdansk, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
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7
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Dai W, Inumbra B, Wong PY, Sarmiento A, Yau Y, Han J, Mao G, Peng YK, Chen JL. A Dye-Assisted Paper-Based Assay to Rapidly Differentiate the Stress of Chlorophenols and Heavy Metals on Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13050523. [PMID: 37232884 DOI: 10.3390/bios13050523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Biological toxicity testing plays an essential role in identifying the possible negative effects induced by substances such as organic pollutants or heavy metals. As an alternative to conventional methods of toxicity detection, paper-based analytical device (PAD) offers advantages in terms of convenience, quick results, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. However, detecting the toxicity of both organic pollutants and heavy metals is challenging for a PAD. Here, we show the evaluation of biotoxicity testing for chlorophenols (pentachlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and 4-chlorophenol) and heavy metals (Cu2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+) by a resazurin-integrated PAD. The results were achieved by observing the colourimetric response of bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli) to resazurin reduction on the PAD. The toxicity responses of E. faecalis-PAD and E. coli-PAD to chlorophenols and heavy metals can be read within 10 min and 40 min, respectively. Compared to the traditional growth inhibition experiments for toxicity measuring which takes at least 3 h, the resazurin-integrated PAD can recognize toxicity differences between studied chlorophenols and between studied heavy metals within 40 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqing Dai
- Department of Applied Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bibi Inumbra
- Department of Applied Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Po Yu Wong
- Department of Applied Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alma Sarmiento
- Department of Applied Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying Yau
- Department of Applied Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jie Han
- Department of Applied Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Guozhu Mao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yung-Kang Peng
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jian Lin Chen
- Department of Applied Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Good Shepherd Street, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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8
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Ni N, Shi R, Meng J, Guo X, Shi M, Zhang X, Yao S, Nkoh JN, Wang F, Song Y, Wang N. Comparative analysis of the sorption behaviors and mechanisms of amide herbicides on biodegradable and nondegradable microplastics derived from agricultural plastic products. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120865. [PMID: 36521718 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Coexisting of microplastics (MPs) and residual herbicides has received substantial attention due to concerns about the pollutant vector effect. Here, the widely used amide herbicides were examined for their sorption behaviors on the priority biodegradable and nondegradable MPs identified in intensive agriculture. The fitting results indicated that the interactions between napropamide (Nap)/acetochlor (Ace) and the MPs, i.e., poly (butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate) microplastic (PBATM), polyethylene microplastic (PEM), and polypropylene microplastic (PPM), may be dominated by hydrophobic absorptive partitioning on the heterogeneous surfaces. Additionally, chemisorption cannot be ignored for the sorption of Nap/Ace on the biodegradable MPs. The sorption capacities of Nap/Ace on the MPs followed the order of PBATM > PEM > PPM. The differences in sorption capacity which varied by the MP colors were not significant. The hydrophobicity of the herbicides and the MPs, the rubber regions, surface O-functional groups, benzene ring structures and large specific surface area of the biodegradable MPs played key roles in the better performance in sorbing amide herbicides. Moreover, MPs, especially biodegradable MPs, might lead to a higher vector effect for residual amide herbicides than some other common environmental media. This study may provide baseline insights into the great potential of biodegradable MPs to serve as carriers of residual amide herbicides in intensive agrosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Ni
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, PR China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, PR China
| | - Renyong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Jie Meng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Odor Pollution Control, Tianjin Academy of Environmental Sciences, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Xinyan Guo
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, PR China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, PR China
| | - Mali Shi
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, PR China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, PR China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, PR China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, PR China
| | - Shi Yao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Jackson Nkoh Nkoh
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Fenghe Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Cycling and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Yang Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Nanjing 210008, PR China
| | - Na Wang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, PR China; Key Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing 210042, PR China.
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9
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Deng Z, Zhang N, Jiang L, Liu H, Hu S, Zhang D, Chen B, Liu Q, Sun Y, Chen J, Zhang C. Influence of microplastics on microbial anaerobic detoxification of chlorophenols. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120707. [PMID: 36427829 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can absorb halogenated organic compounds and transport them into marine anaerobic zones. Microbial reductive dehalogenation is a major process that naturally attenuates organohalide pollutants in anaerobic environments. Here, we aimed to determine the mechanisms through which MPs affect the microbe-mediated marine halogen cycle by incubating 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) dechlorinating cultures with various types of MPs. We found that TCP was dechlorinated to 4-chlorophenol in biotic control and polypropylene (PP) cultures, but essentially terminated at 2,4-dichlorophenol in polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) cultures after incubation for 20 days. Oxygen-containing functional groups such as peroxide and aldehyde were enriched on PE and PET after incubation and corresponded to elevated levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the microorganisms. Adding PE or PET to the cultures exerted limited effects on hydrogenase and ATPase activities, but delayed the expression of the gene encoding reductive dehalogenase (RDase). Considering the limited changes in the microbial composition of the enriched cultures, these findings suggested that microbial dechlorination is probably affected by MPs through the ROS-induced inhibition of RDase synthesis and/or activity. Overall, our findings showed that extensive MP pollution is unfavorable to environmental xenobiotic detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaochao Deng
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Pharmacy, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, Henan, China
| | - Lijia Jiang
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Shengzhou Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shaoxing, 312400, Zhejiang, China
| | - Songtao Hu
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bairu Chen
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qing Liu
- The Guangxi Key Laboratory of Theory and Technology for Environmental Pollution Control, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, 541006, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuxia Sun
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiawang Chen
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunfang Zhang
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316021, Zhejiang, China.
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10
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Miranda MN, Lado Ribeiro AR, Silva AMT, Pereira MFR. Can aged microplastics be transport vectors for organic micropollutants? - Sorption and phytotoxicity tests. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:158073. [PMID: 35981591 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been investigated over the last decade as potential transport vectors for other pollutants. However, the specific role of plastic aging, in which plastics change their characteristics over time when exposed to environmental agents, has been overlooked. Therefore, sorption experiments were herein conducted using virgin and aged (by ozone treatment or rooftop weathering) microplastic particles of LDPE - low-density polyethylene, PET - poly(ethylene terephthalate), or uPVC - unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride). The organic micropollutants (OMPs) selected as sorbates comprise a diversified group of priority substances and contaminants of emerging concern, including pharmaceutical substances (florfenicol, trimethoprim, diclofenac, tramadol, citalopram, venlafaxine) and pesticides (alachlor, clofibric acid, diuron, pentachlorophenol), analyzed at trace concentrations (each ≤100 μg L-1). Sorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms were obtained, as well as the confirmation that the aging degree of microplastics plays a major role in their sorption capacities. The results show an increased sorption of several OMPs on aged microplastics when compared to pristine samples, i.e. the sorption capacity increasing from one or two sorbed substances (maximum 3 μg g-1 per sorbate) up to nine after aging (maximum 10 μg g-1 per sorbate). The extent of sorption depends on the OMP, polymer and the effectiveness of the aging treatment. The modifications (e.g. in the chemical structure) between virgin and aged microplastics were linked to the increased sorption capacity of certain OMPs, allowing to better understand the different affinities observed. Additionally, phytotoxicity tests were performed to evaluate the mobility of the OMPs sorbed on the microplastics and the potential effects (on germination and early growth) of the combo on two species of plants (Lepidium sativum and Sinapis alba). These tests suggest low or no phytotoxicity effect under the conditions tested but indicate a need for further research on the behavior of microplastics on soil-plant systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana N Miranda
- LSRE-LCM - Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana R Lado Ribeiro
- LSRE-LCM - Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Adrián M T Silva
- LSRE-LCM - Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - M Fernando R Pereira
- LSRE-LCM - Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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11
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Mansha M, Ilyas M, Rao D, Ullah N, Nazal MK. Synthesis of melamine-isocyanurate-based hyper-cross-linked resin for ultrahigh removal of chlorophenols from aqueous solutions. Polym Bull (Berl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00289-022-04543-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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12
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Baruah K, Ahmed A, Dutta R, Ahmed S, Lahkar S, Dolui SK. Removal of organic solvents from contaminated water surface through a fatty acid grafted polyvinyl alcohol based organogel. J Appl Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/app.53123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kankana Baruah
- Department of Chemical Sciences Tezpur University Napaam Assam India
| | - Asfi Ahmed
- Department of Chemical Sciences Tezpur University Napaam Assam India
| | - Riku Dutta
- Department of Chemical Engineering Jadavpur University Kolkata West Bengal India
| | - Shahnaz Ahmed
- Department of Chemical Sciences Tezpur University Napaam Assam India
| | - Suman Lahkar
- Department of Chemical Sciences Tezpur University Napaam Assam India
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13
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Maruthapandi M, Saravanan A, Luong JHT, Gedanken A. Polydopamine decorated carbon dots nanocomposite as an effective adsorbent for phenolic compounds. J Appl Polym Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/app.51769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Moorthy Maruthapandi
- Department of Chemistry, Bar‐Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Bar‐Ilan University Ramat‐Gan Israel
| | - Arumugam Saravanan
- Department of Chemistry, Bar‐Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Bar‐Ilan University Ramat‐Gan Israel
| | | | - Aharon Gedanken
- Department of Chemistry, Bar‐Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials Bar‐Ilan University Ramat‐Gan Israel
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14
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Tang Q, Wu M, Zhang Y, Li J, Liang J, Zhou H, Qu Y, Zhang X. Performance and bacterial community profiles of sequencing batch reactors during long-term exposure to polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene microplastics. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 347:126393. [PMID: 34826561 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), but much remains to be learned about their roles in WWTPs. Herein, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE) particles were added into sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), and the sole impacts and co-impacts of MPs with other pollutants (phenol and Cu2+) on wastewater treatment processes were evaluated. Results indicated that MPs did not significantly affect SBR performance, either alone or co-occurrence with phenol, but the co-exposure to MPs and Cu2+ severely suppressed COD removal efficiency by 37.02%-64.70%. The functional groups of activated sludge had no changes after receiving MPs, but the MPs-Cu2+ co-exposure could greatly promote the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances. Furthermore, MPs had no negative impacts on diversity, richness and structure of bacterial communities, and PET and PE showed different preferences for enrichment of bacterial populations. Moreover, the MPs-Cu2+ co-exposure obviously reduced the overall abundances of Cu-related genes in SBRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qidong Tang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Minghuo Wu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Yuelin Zhang
- Panjin QIZHENG Environmental Water Co., Ltd., Panjin 124211, China
| | - Jingzhe Li
- Panjin QIZHENG Environmental Water Co., Ltd., Panjin 124211, China
| | - Jinxuan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xuwang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Ocean Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China.
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15
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Tubić A, Lončarski M, Apostolović T, Kragulj Isakovski M, Tričković J, Molnar Jazić J, Agbaba J. Adsorption mechanisms of chlorobenzenes and trifluralin on primary polyethylene microplastics in the aquatic environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:59416-59429. [PMID: 33415621 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11875-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in aqueous media, and the importance of considering their impact on the behaviour of other compounds in water has often been highlighted. This work thus investigates the adsorption mechanism of six priority substances (as defined by European Union legislation: trichlorobenzenes (1,2,3-TeCB, 1,3,5-TeCB, 1,2,4-TeCB), pentachlorobenzene (PeCB), hexachlorobenzene (HeCB), and trifluralin (TFL)) on primary polyethylene (PE) microplastics (polyethylene standard and polyethylene microparticles isolated from two personal care products) in Danube river water and a synthetic matrix. The maximum adsorbed amounts of the compounds investigated on PEs ranged from 227 μg/g for 1,2,3-TeCB to 333 μg/g for TFL. Equilibrium data was analysed using five isotherm models, with the best fit being described by the Langmuir model and the Dubinin-Radushkevich model indicating chemisorption as the likely sorption mechanism. In general, the Langmuir model showed that the investigated compounds will be better adsorbed on PEs in real river water, with the exception of 1,3,5-TeCB on all studied PEs, where the model predicts better sorption in the synthetic matrix. Compound characteristics and the polymer properties were the most important factors affecting the sorption process, while a significant matrix effect was also observed on PE behaviour. The fact that polyethylene particles derived from personal care products showed greater adsorption capacities than virgin PE demonstrates the necessity of investigating real-world PE samples when assessing the potential impact of MPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Tubić
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3,, 21000, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia
| | - Maja Lončarski
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3,, 21000, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia.
| | - Tamara Apostolović
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3,, 21000, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia
| | - Marijana Kragulj Isakovski
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3,, 21000, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia
| | - Jelena Tričković
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3,, 21000, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia
| | - Jelena Molnar Jazić
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3,, 21000, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia
| | - Jasmina Agbaba
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3,, 21000, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia
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16
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Curto M, Le Gall M, Catarino AI, Niu Z, Davies P, Everaert G, Dhakal HN. Long-term durability and ecotoxicity of biocomposites in marine environments: a review. RSC Adv 2021; 11:32917-32941. [PMID: 35493549 PMCID: PMC9042189 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra03023j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in replacing fossil-based polymers and composites with more sustainable and renewable fully biobased composite materials in automotive, aerospace and marine applications. There is an effort to develop components with a reduced carbon footprint and environmental impact, and materials based on biocomposites could provide such solutions. Structural components can be subjected to different marine conditions, therefore assessment of their long-term durability according to their marine applications is necessary, highlighting related degradation mechanisms. Through an up-to-date review, this work critically discusses relevant literature on the long-term durability of biocomposites specific for marine environments. Importantly, in this review we report the effects of abiotic parameters, such as the influence of hygrothermal exposures (temperatures and UV radiation) on physical, mechanical and thermal characteristics of biocomposites. Furthermore, we identify and discuss the potential ecotoxicological effects of leaching substances and microplastics derived from biocomposites, as well as the change in mechanical, physical and thermal behaviours correlated to degradation in the fibre matrix interface, surface defects and overall deterioration of the composite's properties. Finally, the combined effects of various environmental exposures on the long-term durability of the biocomposites are critically reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Curto
- School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth PO1 3DJ Portsmouth UK
| | - Maelenn Le Gall
- Marine Structures Laboratory, IFREMER Centre Bretagne, Technopole Iroise 29280 Plouzane France
| | | | - Zhiyue Niu
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) Wandelaarkaai 7 8400 Oostende Belgium
| | - Peter Davies
- Marine Structures Laboratory, IFREMER Centre Bretagne, Technopole Iroise 29280 Plouzane France
| | - Gert Everaert
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) Wandelaarkaai 7 8400 Oostende Belgium
| | - Hom N Dhakal
- School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, University of Portsmouth PO1 3DJ Portsmouth UK
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Torres FG, Dioses-Salinas DC, Pizarro-Ortega CI, De-la-Torre GE. Sorption of chemical contaminants on degradable and non-degradable microplastics: Recent progress and research trends. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 757:143875. [PMID: 33310573 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (<5 mm) are ubiquitous contaminants of growing concern. These have been found in multiple environmental compartments, including remote sites where anthropogenic activity is null. Once released, microplastics interact with multiple chemicals in the environment, many of which are classified as organic contaminants or heavy metals. Some contaminants have an affinity for microplastics, attributed to certain sorption mechanisms, and thus become vectors of hazardous chemicals. Here, we focused on the sorption behavior of degradable and non-degradable microplastics, including field and laboratory experiments. We reviewed the sorption mechanisms, namely hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, pore-filling, Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions, and the factors strengthening or weakening these mechanisms. Then, we analyzed the literature investigating the sorption behavior of a wide range of chemicals contaminants on microplastics, and the current knowledge regarding the occurrence of organic contaminants and heavy metals on microplastics extracted from the environment. The future perspectives and research priorities were discussed. It is apparent that degradable microplastics, such as polylactic acid or polybutylene succinate, have a greater affinity for hydrophobic contaminants than conventional synthetic non-degradable microplastics according to recent studies. However, studies assessing degradable microplastics are scarce and much research is required to further prove this point. We stated several knowledge gaps in this new line of research and suggest the future studies to follow an integrative approach, allowing to comprehend the multiple factors involved, such as ecotoxicity, bioaccumulation, and fate of the chemical contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando G Torres
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Av. Universitaria 1801, 15088 Lima, Peru.
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Hassan MN, Kuzukami A, Nakai S, Nishijima W, Gotoh T. Effect of Plastics on the Photodegradation Behavior of Chlorophenols. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING OF JAPAN 2020. [DOI: 10.1252/jcej.20we018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Satoshi Nakai
- Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University
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