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Dos Santos Silva J, Cidade MJA, Panero FDS, Ribeiro LB, Campos da Rocha FO. Microplastic pollution in the Amazon Basin: Current scenario, advances and perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174150. [PMID: 38909819 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) has been reported in ecosystems in the most different regions of the world and rivers have been identified as one of the main means of transporting this debris to oceans. Recent research shows microplastic deposition and accumulation in the Amazon Basin and, despite being scarce, microplastic pollution is ubiquitous in the region. Of the 9 countries that make up the Amazon Basin, only Brazil, Guyana, Ecuador and Peru have published on the topic, with the main focus on biota (58 %). Several Amazon regions such as Northern Amazon in the Far North of Brazil still have no evidence of microplastic pollution with published data. MP abundance ranges from 5 to 74,500 MPs m-3 for waters, 0 to 8178 MPs kg-1 for sediment and 0.34 to 38.3 MPs individual-1 for biota, with nanoplastic scale (<100 μm) in the sediment. Blue and colorless are the predominant colors, mainly from secondary sources (fibers and fragments). The most commonly found polymers are polyamide, polyethyleneterephthalate and polypropylene. Microplastic abundance in aquatic systems is higher than that found in other rivers, such as the Guayas in Ecuador, the Magdalena, in Colombia and the Surabaya in Indonesia and are similar to regions with intense anthropogenic activity such as the Guanabara Bay - Brazil and the Yellow River in China. The precarious basic sanitation structure, urban planning, waste management, combined with the extensive network of navigable waters, are aggravating factors for the increase in plastic pollution in the region. It is necessary to increase research investment on the topic, considering MP quantification, impacts and the relationship with the hydrosedimentological dynamics of the Amazon Basin. The creation and enforcement of laws that minimize the accumulation of these materials is emerging, besides the development of the bioeconomy and sustainable proposals to minimize plastic pollution in the Amazon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackiely Dos Santos Silva
- Universidade Federal de Roraima, UFRR, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PRONAT), 69301-160 Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Mirla Janaina Augusta Cidade
- Universidade Federal de Roraima, UFRR, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PRONAT), 69301-160 Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Francisco Dos Santos Panero
- Universidade Federal de Roraima, UFRR, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PRONAT), 69301-160 Boa Vista, RR, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Roraima, UFRR, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologia, Departamento de Química, 69301-160 Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Leila Braga Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal de Roraima, UFRR, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PRONAT), 69301-160 Boa Vista, RR, Brazil
| | - Franciele Oliveira Campos da Rocha
- Universidade Federal de Roraima, UFRR, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Recursos Naturais (PRONAT), 69301-160 Boa Vista, RR, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Roraima, UFRR, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologia, Departamento de Química, 69301-160 Boa Vista, RR, Brazil.
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Vélez-Terreros PY, Romero-Estévez D, Yánez-Jácome GS. Microplastics in Ecuador: A review of environmental and health-risk assessment challenges. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23232. [PMID: 38163182 PMCID: PMC10754870 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Pollution from plastic debris and microplastics (MPs) is a worldwide issue. Classified as emerging contaminants, MPs have become widespread and have been found not only in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems but also within the food chain, which affects both the environment and human health. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the consumption of single-use plastics has drastically increased, intensifying mismanaged plastic waste in countries such as Ecuador. Therefore, the aim of this review is to 1) summarize the state of MP-related knowledge, focusing on studies conducted with environmental matrices, biota, and food, and 2) analyze the efforts by different national authorities and entities in Ecuador to control MP contamination. Results showed a limited number of studies have been done in Ecuador, which have mainly focused on the surface water of coastal areas, followed by studies on sediment and food. MPs were identified in all samples, indicating the lack of wastewater management policies, deficient management of solid wastes, and the contribution of anthropogenic activities such as artisanal fishing and aquaculture to water ecosystem pollution, which affects food webs. Moreover, studies have shown that food contamination can occur through atmospheric deposition of MPs; however, ingredients and inputs from food production, processing, and packaging, as well as food containers, contribute to MP occurrence in food. Further research is needed to develop more sensitive, precise, and reliable detection methods and assess MPs' impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, biota, and human health. In Ecuador specifically, implementing wastewater treatment plants in major cities, continuously monitoring MP coastal contamination, and establishing environmental and food safety regulations are crucial. Additionally, national authorities need to develop programs to raise public awareness of plastic use and its environmental effects, as well as MP exposure's effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Y. Vélez-Terreros
- Centro de Estudios Aplicados en Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Quito, Pichincha, 170525, Ecuador
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Garello NA, Blettler MCM, Espínola LA, Rodrigues S, Rimondino GN, Wantzen KM, Rabuffetti AP, Girard P, Malanca FE. Microplastics distribution in river side bars: The combined effects of water level and wind intensity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165406. [PMID: 37423280 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are the main pathway for microplastics (MP) transport toward the ocean. However, the understanding of the processes involved in the deposition and mobilization of MP in rivers, specifically in sediment side bars (SB), remains very limited. The objectives of this study were: (i) to examine the effect of hydrometric fluctuations and wind intensity on the distribution of microplastics (MP < 5 mm) in the SB of large river (the Paraná River), (ii) to determine the characteristics of MP to infer their origin and fate, and (iii) to discuss potential similarities or differences between MP suspended in the water column and MP found in sediment. The SB and water column were sampled during the autumn, winter, and spring of 2018, and the summer of 2019 at different river discharges and wind intensities. >90 % of the MP items found were fiber of polyethylene terephthalate (PET; FT-IR analysis), the most common MP color was blue, and most were in the 0.5-2 mm size range. The concentration/composition of MP varied according to the river discharge and wind intensity. During the falling limb of the hydrograph when discharge is decreasing and sediments are exposed for short periods (13-30 days), MP particles transported by the flow were deposited on temporarily exposed SB, accumulating there in high densities (309-373 items/kg). However, during the drought, when sediments remained exposed for a long time (259 days), MP were mobilized and transported by the wind. During this period (no influence of the flow), MP densities significantly decreased on SB (39-47 items/kg). In conclusion, both hydrological fluctuations and wind intensity played a significant role in MP distribution in SB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás A Garello
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Martín C M Blettler
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Luis A Espínola
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Stephane Rodrigues
- CNRS UMR 7324 CITERES and Graduate School of Engineering Polytech Tours, University of Tours, France.
| | - Guido N Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Karl M Wantzen
- CNRS UMR 7324 CITERES and Graduate School of Engineering Polytech Tours, University of Tours, France; UNESCO Chair River Culture, CNRS UMR 7324 CITERES, University of Tours, CNRS UMR 7362 LIVE, Strasbourg University, France.
| | - Ana Pia Rabuffetti
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Pierre Girard
- Departamento de Botânica e Ecologia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT 78060-900, Brazil; Centro de Pesquisa do Pantanal, Cuiabá, MT 78.068-360, Brazil
| | - Fabio E Malanca
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria X5000HUA, Córdoba, Argentina.
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Rullander G, Lorenz C, Herbert RB, Strömvall AM, Vollertsen J, Dalahmeh SS. How effective is the retention of microplastics in horizontal flow sand filters treating stormwater? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 344:118690. [PMID: 37586166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics accumulate in stormwater and can ultimately enter freshwater recipients, and pose a serious risk to aquatic life. This study investigated the effectiveness of lab-scale horizontal flow sand filters of differing lengths (25, 50 and 100 cm) in retaining four types of thermoplastic microplastics commonly occurring in stormwater runoff (polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate). Despite the differences in particle shape, size and density, the study revealed that more than 98% of the spiked microplastics were retained in all filters, with a slightly increased removal with increased filter length. At a flow rate of 1 mL/min and after one week of operation, 62-84% of the added microplastics agglomerated in the first 2 cm of the filters. The agglomerated microplastics included 96% of high-density fibers. Larger-sized particles were retained in the sand media, while microplastics smaller than 50 μm were more often detected in the effluent. Microplastics were quantified and identified using imaging based micro Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The efficient retention of microplastics in low-flow horizontal sand filters, demonstrated by the results, highlights their potential importance for stormwater management. This retention is facilitated by various factors, including microplastic agglomeration, particle sedimentation of heavy fibers and favorable particle-to-media size ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Rullander
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, SE-752 36, Sweden.
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Aalborg University, Department of The Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Roger B Herbert
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, SE-752 36, Sweden
| | - Ann-Margret Strömvall
- Water Environment Technology, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jes Vollertsen
- Aalborg University, Department of The Built Environment, Thomas Manns Vej 23, 9220, Aalborg Øst, Denmark
| | - Sahar S Dalahmeh
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Villavägen 16, SE-752 36, Sweden
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Mazumder D, Quader MFB, Saha S, Islam MA, Sarker RH, Chowdhury AM. An investigation on the prevalence of microplastic in commercial and open pan salts obtained from Cox's Bazar and Maheshkhali region of Bay of Bengal (Bangladesh). Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:5283-5295. [PMID: 37701207 PMCID: PMC10494635 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3486] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Unrestrained utilization of plastic has reached an intemperate state, menacing environment and human lives. The preliminary focus of this research was to investigate and divulge the contemporary status of microplastics (MPs) in commercialized and open pan salts from Cox's Bazar and Maheshkhali channels. A total of 27 samples were obtained. The samples were analyzed for the prevalence of MPs by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy (RS); the prevailing amount, color, size, and shapes were analyzed by stereomicroscope and SEM. The abundance of high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were detected by FTIR, meanwhile exuberance of cellulose acetate, polypropylene, PET, LDPE, and Nylon 6 were identified by RS. The average quantifications of MPs in Cox's Bazar, Maheshkhali, and packaged salts were found to be 6851.11 ± 538.18, 5638.89 ± 1001.18, and 3405.56 ± 638.57 per kg, respectively. ANOVA resulted in highly significant association between MPs and sampling sites (p = .001*). Post hoc Tukey's test revealed prominent link between commercialized and open pan salts based on the amount of MPs (p = .001*). The most prevalent colors were purple (28%) and blue (27%). The most frequent shapes were fibrous (79%) and fragmented (19.9%) MPs. The smallest MP was detected in commercial salt (1.55 μm), nearly identical and closer to the size of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debapriya Mazumder
- Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical TechnologyChattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityChattogramBangladesh
| | - Md. Fahad Bin Quader
- Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical TechnologyChattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityChattogramBangladesh
| | - Suvanker Saha
- Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical TechnologyChattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityChattogramBangladesh
| | - Md. Ashraful Islam
- Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical TechnologyChattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityChattogramBangladesh
| | | | - Arpan Mitra Chowdhury
- One Health InstituteChattogram veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityChattogramBangladesh
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6
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Kaur M, Ghosh D, Guleria S, Arya SK, Puri S, Khatri M. Microplastics/nanoplastics released from facemasks as contaminants of emerging concern. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114954. [PMID: 37121188 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Facemasks have become a global medical necessity and are a key preventive measure against COVID-19. Typically, facemasks (FMs) are fabricated from non-renewable polymers, particularly polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), which release secondary microplastic (MPs) due to the chemical, physical, and biological processes. In light of the widespread usage and improper disposal of single-use facemasks, there is concern about their environmental impact since they contribute to plastic pollution during and after pandemics. The repercussions of this have led to millions of tons of plastic waste being dumped into the environment. Due to lack of awareness and improper disposal, the occurrence of micro/nanoplastics released from facemasks in wastewater treatment plants and landfills poses a concern. Infiltration of wastewater treatment processes by micro/nanoplastics at various levels can be problematic because of their chemical nature and broad but small size. Thus, operational and process stability issues can arise during wastewater treatment processes. In addition, landfilling and illegal waste disposal are being used to dispose of potentially infectious COVID-19 waste, leading to an environmental threat to animal and human health and exacerbating plastic pollution. This paper reviews the fate of facemasks in the environment and the repercussions of improper waste management of facemasks in wastewater treatment plants, landfills, and ultimately the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehakdeep Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering Technology (UIET), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Debopriya Ghosh
- Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering Technology (UIET), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shikha Guleria
- Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering Technology (UIET), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shailendra Kumar Arya
- Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering Technology (UIET), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sanjeev Puri
- Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering Technology (UIET), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Madhu Khatri
- Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering Technology (UIET), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
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7
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Gündoğdu S, Kutlu B, Özcan T, Büyükdeveci F, Blettler MCM. Microplastic pollution in two remote rivers of Türkiye. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:791. [PMID: 37261625 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11426-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems presents an emerging environmental threat that can have adverse effects on ecology, endanger aquatic species, and result in economic damage. Despite the numerous studies reporting the presence of microplastics in marine environments, research into their presence in freshwater systems or inland waters remains limited. This study aimed to assess the level of microplastic pollution transported by the Munzur and Pülümür Rivers and some small rivers that flow into the Uzunçayır dam lake, which is the confluence of the Munzur and Pülümür Rivers in Türkiye. Samples were collected from 23 stations, with the concentration of microplastics ranging from 0.01 MP/m3 at P-4 station to 28.21 MP/m3 at P-10, a station located near a city. Microplastics comprise four types: fiber, film, fragment, and glitter. The average size of microplastics was 1.46 ± 0.05 mm, with the average size of fibers, films, fragments, and glitter-type microplastics being 1.58 ± 0.07 mm, 1.23 ± 0.10 mm, 1.21 ± 0.11 mm, and 0.78 ± 0.16 mm, respectively. The most frequent polymers were polyethylene (31.8%), polystyrene (21.1%), and polypropylene (10.5%). Despite being considered remote and less populated rivers compared to other river systems in Türkiye, all sampling sites showed varying concentrations of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Gündoğdu
- Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Basic Sciences, Cukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey.
| | - Banu Kutlu
- Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Basic Sciences, Munzur University, 62000, Tunceli, Turkey
| | - Tahir Özcan
- Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, Iskenderun Technical University, TR-31200, Iskenderun, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Ferhat Büyükdeveci
- Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey
- Adana Directorate of Provincial Food, Agriculture and Livestock, 01330, Adana, Turkey
| | - Martin C M Blettler
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
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Ma J, Xu M, Wu J, Yang G, Zhang X, Song C, Long L, Chen C, Xu C, Wang Y. Effects of variable-sized polyethylene microplastics on soil chemical properties and functions and microbial communities in purple soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 868:161642. [PMID: 36652965 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination of soil has drawn increased attention due to the ecological harm it poses to the soil ecosystem. However, little is known about how microplastic particle sizes affect soil chemical properties and microbial communities, particularly in purple soil. In this study, a four-week incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of polyethylene microplastics (PE MPs) with different particle sizes (i.e., 300 and 600 μm) on soil properties, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), enzyme activities, and microbial communities in purple soil. When compared to 600 μm-PE MPs, 300 μm-PE MPs reduced contents of dissolved organic matter (DOM), EPS, and β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) activity, but increased the cation exchange capacity (CEC). High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the 300 μm-PE MPs resulted in an increase in the phylum Nitrospirae, which is associated with microplastic degradation. The data implied that smaller PE MPs improved the growth of polyethylene-degrading bacteria by adsorbing more EPS and DOM, resulting in the degradation of microplastics. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that smaller PE MPs had lower toxicity to microbial populations than larger PE MPs, increasing the stability of the network. CEC and β-1,4-glucosidase (BG) were found to be the two major factors affecting the microbial communities by redundancy analysis (RDA). The study highlighted how microplastic particle sizes affect soil bacterial communities and soil functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ma
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Min Xu
- College of Environmental Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jun Wu
- College of Environmental Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Gang Yang
- College of Environmental Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Chun Song
- College of Environmental Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lulu Long
- College of Environmental Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Chao Chen
- College of Environmental Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Changlian Xu
- College of Environmental Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
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Dey TK, Rasel M, Roy T, Uddin ME, Pramanik BK, Jamal M. Post-pandemic micro/nanoplastic pollution: Toward a sustainable management. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161390. [PMID: 36621482 PMCID: PMC9814273 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161390] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in massive plastic pollution from the use of personal protection equipment (PPE), with polypropylene (PP) being a major component. Owing to the weathering of exposed PPEs, such contamination causes microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP) pollution and is extremely likely to act as a vector for the transportation of COVID-19 from one area to another. Thus, a post-pandemic scenario can forecast with certainty that a significant amount of plastic garbage combined with MP/NP formation has an adverse effect on the ecosystem. Therefore, updating traditional waste management practices, such as landfilling and incineration, is essential for making plastic waste management sustainable to avert this looming catastrophe. This study investigates the post-pandemic scenario of MP/NP pollution and provides an outlook on an integrated approach to the recycling of PP-based plastic wastes. The recovery of crude oil, solid char, hydrocarbon gases, and construction materials by approximately 75, 33, 55, and 2 %, respectively, could be achieved in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, the development of biodegradable and self-sanitizing smart PPEs has been identified as a promising alternative for drastically reducing plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuhin K Dey
- Department of Leather Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh; Microplastics Solution Ltd., Incubation Centre, KUET Business Park, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rasel
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh; Microplastics Solution Ltd., Incubation Centre, KUET Business Park, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Tapati Roy
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna, Bangladesh; Microplastics Solution Ltd., Incubation Centre, KUET Business Park, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md Elias Uddin
- Department of Leather Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh; Microplastics Solution Ltd., Incubation Centre, KUET Business Park, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Biplob K Pramanik
- Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, RMIT University, Australia
| | - Mamun Jamal
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh; Microplastics Solution Ltd., Incubation Centre, KUET Business Park, Khulna, Bangladesh.
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10
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Pinlova B, Nowack B. Characterization of fiber fragments released from polyester textiles during UV weathering. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 322:121012. [PMID: 36623791 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic textiles are considered a prime source of microplastics fibers which are a prevalent shape of microplastic pollution. Whilst the release mechanisms and formation of such microplastic fibers have been so far mainly studied in connection with laundry washing, there are some studies emerging that describe also other release pathways for microplastic fibers such as abrasion during wearing. The aim of this study was to consider weathering as another process contributing to the formation of microplastic fibers and their presence in the environment. Four types of polyester fabrics were selected and exposed to artificial weathering by UV-light for two months. The fabrics were extracted every 15 days to quantify and characterize the formed microplastics. Microplastic fibers with the diameter matching the size of the fibers in the textiles were observed. However, additional microplastic fibers of different shapes were also formed. These included partially broken fibers, thin fibers with a diameter below the size of the fiber in the fabrics, fibers flattened into a ribbon, and non-fibrous microplastics. The released microplastics evinced physical alterations on their surface in the form of pits and cracks. The released microplastics exhibited a steep increase in number with progressing weathering; from hundreds of fibers per gram of textile from unaged fabrics, to hundred thousands fibers (150,000-450,000 MPF/g) after 2 months of weathering. Additional 10,000-52,000 unfibrous microplastics/g were released from the weathered fabrics. While plain fabrics showed higher releases than interlock and fleece, further research is needed to evaluate the importance of the textile architecture on the weathering process in comparison with the production history of the fabrics. Based on a comparison with washing studies with the same textiles, we can estimate that the potential of weathered fabrics to be a source of microplastic fibers can be 20-40 times larger than washing only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Pinlova
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Technology and Society Laboratory, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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11
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Khan MT, Shah IA, Hossain MF, Akther N, Zhou Y, Khan MS, Al-Shaeli M, Bacha MS, Ihsanullah I. Personal protective equipment (PPE) disposal during COVID-19: An emerging source of microplastic and microfiber pollution in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160322. [PMID: 36414071 PMCID: PMC9675081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160322] [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: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Waste generated by healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic has become a new source of pollution, particularly with the widespread use of single-use personal protective equipment (PPE). Releasing microplastics (MPs) and microfibers (MFs) from discarded PPE becomes an emerging threat to environmental sustainability. MPs/MFs have recently been reported in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including water, deep-sea sediments, air, and soil. As COVID-19 spreads, the use of plastic-made PPE in healthcare facilities has increased significantly worldwide, resulting in massive amounts of plastic waste entering the terrestrial and marine environments. High loads of MPs/MFs emitted into the environment due to excessive PPE consumption are easily consumed by aquatic organisms, disrupting the food chain, and potentially causing chronic health problems in humans. Thus, proper management of PPE waste is critical for ensuring a post-COVID sustainable environment, which has recently attracted the attention of the scientific community. The current study aims to review the global consumption and sustainable management of discarded PPE in the context of COVID-19. The severe impacts of PPE-emitted MPs/MFs on human health and other environmental segments are briefly addressed. Despite extensive research progress in the area, many questions about MP/MF contamination in the context of COVID-19 remain unanswered. Therefore, in response to the post-COVID environmental remediation concerns, future research directions and recommendations are highlighted considering the current MP/MF research progress from COVID-related PPE waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tariq Khan
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai po New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Izaz Ali Shah
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Md Faysal Hossain
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai po New Territories, Hong Kong; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, No. 130, Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Nasrin Akther
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, No. 130, Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China; Department of Soil Science, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Yanbo Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, No. 130, Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, China
| | | | - Muayad Al-Shaeli
- Institute for Micro Process Engineering (IMVT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | | | - Ihsanullah Ihsanullah
- Center for Environment and Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
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12
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Jiang JJ, Hanun JN, Chen KY, Hassan F, Liu KT, Hung YH, Chang TW. Current levels and composition profiles of microplastics in irrigation water. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120858. [PMID: 36521719 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120858] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Land-based sources have been considered the most important sources of microplastic pollution to the coastal and marine environment. The number of research studies examining microplastic pollution in freshwater and inland water systems is increasing, but most research focuses on rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. This study investigated the spatial-temporal distribution, characteristics, sources, and risks of microplastics in irrigation water in Taiwan. The results showed that microplastics were widely and unevenly distributed along the irrigation system and were abundant at sites surrounded by a dense population and sites that received lateral canal and urban runoff input. The abundance of microplastics ranged from 1.88 items/L to 141 items/L, and samples collected in May had the highest microplastic concentrations. Polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene were identified as the predominant polymers. Fibers (36-64%) were the most typical and abundant shape, and 333-1000 μm size (49-63%) and white/transparent (45-51%) were the dominant size and colors among all samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used to assess the impact of the rainy season and typhoons and addressed the dramatic changes in distinct population densities. The polymer risk index was calculated to evaluate the environmental risk of microplastics in irrigation water, and the results revealed a high microplastic risk throughout the year except in November and January. This study provided a valuable reference and impetus for a better understanding of the microplastic profile and source apportionment in irrigation water, which was important for environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jheng-Jie Jiang
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan; Center for Environmental Risk Management (CERM), Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan.
| | - Jihan Nabillah Hanun
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yu Chen
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Fahir Hassan
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan; Department of Civil Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Ke-Ting Liu
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsieh Hung
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wei Chang
- Advanced Environmental Ultra Research Laboratory (ADVENTURE) & Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 320314, Taiwan
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13
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Haque MR, Ali MM, Ahmed W, Siddique MAB, Akbor MA, Islam MS, Rahman MM. Assessment of microplastics pollution in aquatic species (fish, crab, and snail), water, and sediment from the Buriganga River, Bangladesh: An ecological risk appraisals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159344. [PMID: 36240925 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159344] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Current work focus on microplastic (MPs) occurrence in the water, sediment, and aquatic species (fish, crab, and snail) of the Buriganga River, Bangladesh, with an ecological risk assessment perspective. It also includes the distribution of MPs in different river ecosystem segments and the presence of heavy metal (loid)s (HMs) in water, sediments, and MPs surface. The MPs were inspected by stereomicroscope to identify the shapes, color, and size, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize polymer types. The samples concentration of four HMs viz., As, Cd, Cr, and Pb were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The possible MPs content in water, sediment, fish, crab, and snail were varied from 0.250 to 0.117 MPs/mL, 3.5-8.17 MPs/g, 0.65-3.82 MPs/g, 3.75-4.28 MPs/g, and 0.84-1.12 MPs/g, respectively. Fibers and fragments were the most dominant shape, less than 0.5 mm was dominant in size, and blue was the dominant color. In the evaluation of the chemical composition of MPs in water, sediment, fish, snail, and crab samples, Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Cellulose acetate (CA), and Nylon were identified. Regarding HMs load, the river demonstrated a highly polluted environment following the abundance pattern Cr > Pb > As>Cd. SEM-EDAX of MPs was conducted to investigate the surface MP's surface and elemental composition. It reveals that the MPs surface has characteristic flakes, cracks, and adhering particles along with Si, K, Au, C, and O on the surface studied MPs. There is no significant relationship found among the ecosystem segments. However, Ompok bimaculatus species show a negative relationship of MPs distribution with water and sediment. Moreover, according to the ecological risk of MPs pollution in the Buriganga River, it was in category-I, indicating considerable pollution load due to the presence of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rashedul Haque
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Mir Mohammad Ali
- Department of Aquaculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Wahida Ahmed
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Bakar Siddique
- Institute of National Analytical Research and Service (INARS), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ahedul Akbor
- Institute of National Analytical Research and Service (INARS), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh.
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14
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Characterization of the Morphological and Chemical Profile of Different Families of Microplastics in Samples of Breathable Air. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031042. [PMID: 36770708 PMCID: PMC9919819 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a problem of great interest to the community at large. The detection of these particles in different ecosystems and foods has been the subject of study. However, the focus of these investigations has been on the identification and quantification of PM by DSC and Pyr-GC/MS and not on how they are transported to reach the air we breathe. In this study, the values of morphological parameters for plastic particles in a range between 1 and 2000 µm, present in the breathable air of 20 neighborhoods in the city of Cartagena, Colombia, were obtained to determine the characteristics that make these particles airborne. The values of parameters were obtained, such as roundness, sphericity, curvature, and the convexity of the particle, as well as its compactness and size, which influence its transport through the air and its ability to be ingested and inhaled. The data obtained in this study allows for simulations and the analysis of the behavior of microplastics once in the environment to predict future settlements. The DSC showed us the melting temperatures of PP, PE, PET, and PS, the Pyr-GC/MS showed the fragmentation patterns, and the presence of these MPs in the samples was confirmed.
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15
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Masud RI, Suman KH, Tasnim S, Begum MS, Sikder MH, Uddin MJ, Haque MN. A review on enhanced microplastics derived from biomedical waste during the COVID-19 pandemic with its toxicity, health risks, and biomarkers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114434. [PMID: 36209789 PMCID: PMC9536876 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114434] [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: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the explosion of biomedical waste, a global challenge to public health and the environment. Biomedical waste comprising plastic can convert into microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm) by sunlight, wave, oxidative and thermal processes, and biodegradation. MPs with additives and contaminants such as metals are also hazardous to many aquatic and terrestrial organisms, including humans. Bioaccumulation of MPs in organisms often transfers across the trophic level in the global food web. Thus, this article aims to provide a literature review on the source, quantity, and fate of biomedical waste, along with the recent surge of MPs and their adverse impact on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. MPs intake (ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact) in humans causing various chronic diseases involving multiple organs in digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems are surveyed, which have been reviewed barely. There is an urgent need to control and manage biomedical waste to shrink MPs pollution for reducing environmental and human health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rony Ibne Masud
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka, 1230, Bangladesh; Department of Pharmacology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Kamrul Hassan Suman
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka, 1230, Bangladesh; Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries & Livestock, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Shadia Tasnim
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka, 1230, Bangladesh; Department of Pharmacology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Most Shirina Begum
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Mahmudul Hasan Sikder
- Department of Pharmacology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md Jamal Uddin
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka, 1230, Bangladesh; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Niamul Haque
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka, 1230, Bangladesh; Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences & Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon, 22012, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Kara Y, Molnár K. Decomposition Behavior of Stereocomplex PLA Melt-Blown Fine Fiber Mats in Water and in Compost. JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT 2022; 31:1398-1414. [PMID: 36465497 PMCID: PMC9703430 DOI: 10.1007/s10924-022-02694-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study introduces systematic and comparative investigations of various PLA fine fiber mats prepared by melt blowing. A series of PLLA and PDLA melt-blown fibers from various L and D enantiomers blends were produced. Their morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties were studied, and their decomposition in water and compost was investigated. It was found that the 1:1 ratio blend with stereocomplex crystals had an 80% lower average fiber diameter, 60% higher specific strength and better thermal stability than the PLLA and PDLA fiber mats. In the case of composting, the crystalline peak melting temperature, crystallinity, and thermogravimetric decomposition temperatures marginally decreased after 14 days. The high surface of the fine fiber mats played a crucial role in fast decomposition, as they entirely disintegrated in less than only 40 days. In the case of water, the homocrystalline domains were more susceptible to hydrolysis than the stereocomplex ones. All the PLA fiber mats underwent decomposition and extensive disintegration for 70 days in water. Hydrolysis reduced the amorphous and crystalline fraction of the fibers via surface and bulk erosion, while the decomposition of stereocomplex-crystalline-rich domains mainly exhibited surface erosion. Findings revealed that high porosity and the high surface area of PLA melt-blown fine fiber mats undergo fast decomposition in compost and in water. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10924-022-02694-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya Kara
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Polymer Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3, Budapest, H-1111 Hungary
| | - Kolos Molnár
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Polymer Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3, Budapest, H-1111 Hungary
- MTA–BME Research Group for Composite Science and Technology, Műegyetem rkp. 3, Budapest, H- 1111 Hungary
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17
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Bian Y, Zhang C, Wang H, Cao Q. Degradable Nanofiber for Eco-friendly Air Filtration: Progress and Perspectives. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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18
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Belkhiri AH, Carre F, Quiot F. State of knowledge and future research needs on microplastics in groundwater. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:1479-1496. [PMID: 36308493 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in aquatic and soil environments. This study targets the issue of MPs' transfer from soil to groundwater. Scientific papers were collected and analyzed using a text-mining approach that classifies text segments. This allowed the identification of four research topics and the organization of the results into a summarizing table. Those four topics are sources of groundwater MPs, main types of MPs (physico-chemical properties, polymer units, shapes, and size), human exposure (mainly drinking water), and potential environmental and human effects. Compared to the research of MP on aquatic or soil compartments, scientific data on MP in groundwater are less substantial. Current results show a divergence due to differences in context (alluvial aquifer, fractured rock aquifer, karst aquifer, etc), collecting, sampling, and analytical methods. This divergence requires further research with standardized analytic protocols and reference materials. The associated research gaps were identified by using the same approach. The following five topics emerged: (1) the transfer of MPs from soil to underground, (2) the contribution of groundwater to drinking water microplastic pollution, (3) the interaction with other contaminants, (4) the human and environmental effects, and (5) the protective and remediation solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Hoarau Belkhiri
- INERIS (Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques), BP 2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France E-mail:
| | - Florence Carre
- INERIS (Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques), BP 2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France E-mail:
| | - Fabrice Quiot
- INERIS (Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques), BP 2, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France E-mail:
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19
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Kwon S, Zambrano MC, Venditti RA, Frazier R, Zambrano F, Gonzalez RW, Pawlak JJ. Microfiber shedding from nonwoven materials including wipes and meltblown nonwovens in air and water environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:60584-60599. [PMID: 35420340 PMCID: PMC9008397 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20053-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nonwoven products are widely used in disposable products, such as wipes, diapers, and masks. Microfibers shed from these products in the aquatic and air environment have not been fully described. In the present study, 15 commercial single-use nonwoven products (wipes) and 16 meltblown nonwoven materials produced in a pilot plant were investigated regarding their microfiber generation in aquatic and air environments and compared to selected textile materials and paper tissue materials. Microfibers shed in water were studied using a Launder Ometer equipment (1-65 mg of microfibers per gram material), and microfibers shed in air were evaluated using a dusting testing machine that shakes a piece of the nonwoven back and forth (~ 4 mg of microfibers per gram material). The raw materials and bonding technologies affected the microfiber generation both in water and air conditions. When the commercial nonwovens contained less natural cellulosic fibers, less microfibers were generated. Bonding with hydroentangling and/or double bonding by two different bonding methods could improve the resistance to microfiber generation. Meltblown nonwoven fabrics generated fewer microfibers compared to the other commercial nonwovens studied here, and the manufacturing factors, such as DCD (die-to-collector distance) and air flow rate, affected the tendency of microfiber generation. The results suggest that it is possible to control the tendency of microfiber shedding through the choice of operating parameters during nonwoven manufacturing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soojin Kwon
- Department of Forest Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Marielis C Zambrano
- Department of Forest Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Richard A Venditti
- Department of Forest Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ryen Frazier
- Department of Forest Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Franklin Zambrano
- Department of Forest Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Ronalds W Gonzalez
- Department of Forest Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Joel J Pawlak
- Department of Forest Biomaterials, College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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20
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Schell T, Martinez‐Perez S, Dafouz R, Hurley R, Vighi M, Rico A. Effects of Polyester Fibers and Car Tire Particles on Freshwater Invertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:1555-1567. [PMID: 35353397 PMCID: PMC9324906 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic ingestion has been shown for various organisms, but knowledge of the potential adverse effects on freshwater invertebrates remains limited. We assessed the ingestion capacity and the associated effects of polyester fibers (26-5761 µm) and car tire particles (25-75 µm) on freshwater invertebrates under acute and chronic exposure conditions. A range of microplastic concentrations was tested on Daphnia magna, Hyalella azteca, Asellus aquaticus, and Lumbriculus variegatus using water only (up to 0.15 g/L) or spiked sediment (up to 2 g/kg dry wt), depending on the habitat of the species. Daphnia magna did not ingest any fibers, but low levels of fibers were ingested by all tested benthic invertebrate species. Car tire particle ingestion rose with increasing exposure concentration for all tested invertebrates and was highest in D. magna and L. variegatus. In most cases, no statistically significant effects on mobility, survival, or reproductive output were observed after acute and chronic exposure at the tested concentrations. However, fibers affected the reproduction and survival of D. magna (no-observed-effect concentration [NOEC]: 0.15 mg/L) due to entanglement and limited mobility under chronic conditions. Car tire particles affected the reproduction (NOEC: 1.5 mg/L) and survival (NOEC: 0.15 mg/L) of D. magna after chronic exposure at concentrations in the same order of magnitude as modeled river water concentrations, suggesting that refined exposure and effect studies should be performed with these microplastics. Our results confirm that microplastic ingestion by freshwater invertebrates depends on particle shape and size and that ingestion quantity depends on the exposure pathway and the feeding strategy of the test organism. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1555-1567. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Schell
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical EngineeringUniversity of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | - Sara Martinez‐Perez
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical EngineeringUniversity of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | - Raquel Dafouz
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | | | - Marco Vighi
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water InstituteScience and Technology Campus of the University of AlcaláAlcalá de HenaresSpain
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ValenciaPaternaSpain
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21
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Barnes PW, Robson TM, Neale PJ, Williamson CE, Zepp RG, Madronich S, Wilson SR, Andrady AL, Heikkilä AM, Bernhard GH, Bais AF, Neale RE, Bornman JF, Jansen MAK, Klekociuk AR, Martinez-Abaigar J, Robinson SA, Wang QW, Banaszak AT, Häder DP, Hylander S, Rose KC, Wängberg SÅ, Foereid B, Hou WC, Ossola R, Paul ND, Ukpebor JE, Andersen MPS, Longstreth J, Schikowski T, Solomon KR, Sulzberger B, Bruckman LS, Pandey KK, White CC, Zhu L, Zhu M, Aucamp PJ, Liley JB, McKenzie RL, Berwick M, Byrne SN, Hollestein LM, Lucas RM, Olsen CM, Rhodes LE, Yazar S, Young AR. Environmental effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation, and interactions with climate change: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2021. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2022; 21:275-301. [PMID: 35191005 PMCID: PMC8860140 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-022-00176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The Environmental Effects Assessment Panel of the Montreal Protocol under the United Nations Environment Programme evaluates effects on the environment and human health that arise from changes in the stratospheric ozone layer and concomitant variations in ultraviolet (UV) radiation at the Earth’s surface. The current update is based on scientific advances that have accumulated since our last assessment (Photochem and Photobiol Sci 20(1):1–67, 2021). We also discuss how climate change affects stratospheric ozone depletion and ultraviolet radiation, and how stratospheric ozone depletion affects climate change. The resulting interlinking effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation, and climate change are assessed in terms of air quality, carbon sinks, ecosystems, human health, and natural and synthetic materials. We further highlight potential impacts on the biosphere from extreme climate events that are occurring with increasing frequency as a consequence of climate change. These and other interactive effects are examined with respect to the benefits that the Montreal Protocol and its Amendments are providing to life on Earth by controlling the production of various substances that contribute to both stratospheric ozone depletion and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- P W Barnes
- Biological Sciences and Environment Program, Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, USA
| | - T M Robson
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology (OEB), Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - P J Neale
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, USA
| | | | - R G Zepp
- ORD/CEMM, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, USA
| | - S Madronich
- Atmospheric Chemistry Observations and Modeling Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, USA
| | - S R Wilson
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - A L Andrady
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Apex, USA
| | - A M Heikkilä
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - A F Bais
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, Department of Physics, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - R E Neale
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - J F Bornman
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
| | | | - A R Klekociuk
- Antarctic Climate Program, Australian Antarctic Division, Kingston, Australia
| | - J Martinez-Abaigar
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of La Rioja, La Rioja, Logroño, Spain
| | - S A Robinson
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, Global Challenges Program and School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Q-W Wang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenyang, China
| | - A T Banaszak
- Unidad Académica De Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma De México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - D-P Häder
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Möhrendorf, Germany
| | - S Hylander
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems-EEMiS, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.
| | - K C Rose
- Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, USA
| | - S-Å Wängberg
- Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - B Foereid
- Environment and Natural Resources, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway
| | - W-C Hou
- Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - R Ossola
- Environmental System Science (D-USYS), ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - N D Paul
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - J E Ukpebor
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - M P S Andersen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Northridge, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Longstreth
- The Institute for Global Risk Research, LLC, Bethesda, USA
| | - T Schikowski
- Research Group of Environmental Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute of Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - K R Solomon
- Centre for Toxicology, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - B Sulzberger
- Academic Guest, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - L S Bruckman
- Materials Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
| | - K K Pandey
- Wood Processing Division, Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bangalore, India
| | - C C White
- Polymer Science and Materials Chemistry (PSMC), Exponent, Bethesda, USA
| | - L Zhu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - M Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - P J Aucamp
- Ptersa Environmental Consultants, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - J B Liley
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Alexandra, New Zealand
| | - R L McKenzie
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Alexandra, New Zealand
| | - M Berwick
- Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA
| | - S N Byrne
- Applied Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - L M Hollestein
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R M Lucas
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - C M Olsen
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - L E Rhodes
- Photobiology Unit, Dermatology Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - S Yazar
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - A R Young
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London (KCL), London, UK
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22
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Facemask Global Challenges: The Case of Effective Synthesis, Utilization, and Environmental Sustainability. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14020737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a rapidly spreading pandemic and is severely threatening public health globally. The human-to-human transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 is now well established. The reported clinical observations and symptoms of this infection in humans appear in the range between being asymptomatic and severe pneumonia. The virus can be transmitted through aerosols and droplets that are released into the air by a carrier, especially when the person coughs, sneezes, or talks forcefully in a closed environment. As the disease progresses, the use and handling of contaminated personal protective equipment and facemasks have become major issues with significant environmental risks. Therefore, providing an effective method for treating used/contaminated facemasks is crucial. In this paper, we review the environmental challenges and risks associated with the surge in facemask production. We also discuss facemasks and their materials as sources of microplastics and how disposal procedures can potentially lead to the contamination of water resources. We herein review the potential of developing nanomaterial-based antiviral and self-cleaning facemasks. This review discusses these challenges and concludes that the use of sustainable and alternative facemask materials is a promising and viable solution. In this context, it has become essential to address the emerging challenges by developing a new class of facemasks that are effective against the virus, while being biodegradable and sustainable. This paper represents the potentials of natural and/or biodegradable polymers for manufacturing facemasks, such as wood-based polymers, chitosan, and other biodegradable synthetic polymers for achieving sustainability goals during and after pandemics.
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23
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Limon MR, Vallente JPC, Cajigal ARV, Aquino MU, Aragon JA, Acosta RL. Unmasking emerging issues in solid waste management: Knowledge and self-reported practices on the discarded disposable masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 6:100435. [PMID: 36632241 PMCID: PMC8743242 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2021.100435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 global health crisis has resulted in the emergence of a new type of solid waste-inappropriately discarded disposable masks (DMs)-posing serious risks to the public health and to the environment. This study assessed the knowledge-("K") and self-reported practices-("P") of the general public in DM waste management. A researcher-developed instrument was utilized to gather data with a reliability coefficient index of 0.94. The survey was participated in by 13,116 online users. Pearson r and multiple linear regression were performed to test the relationship between the participants' demographic characteristics and their K and P. Results revealed that the participants obtained a weighted mean and standard deviation of 1.15±0.10, which shows that 11,597 or 88.41% are knowledgeable on solid waste disposal and management. The self-reported practices of the participants obtained weighted mean and standard deviation rating of 2.16±0.10, which is interpreted as "Always Practiced". This signifies that the participants adequately practiced the essentials in disposing DMs. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between K and P with their demographic characteristics on disposing DMs like age, sex, level of education, annual income, and type of residence. The obtained Pearson r=-0.178 (p<.01) indicates that the level of knowledge of the participants is significantly related to the practices they apply in disposing used DMs. As a recommendation, campaigns and interventions on the proper disposal of DMs should be put forward and implemented, utilizing various social media resources and platforms that are conveniently accessible to the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Limon
- Technical-Vocational and Livelihood Education Department, College of Teacher Education, Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2900 Philippines
| | - John Paul C Vallente
- Secondary Education Department, College of Teacher Education, Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2900 Philippines
| | - Aris Reynold V Cajigal
- Secondary Education Department, College of Teacher Education, Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2900 Philippines
| | - Marlowe U Aquino
- Science and Technology Park, Mariano Marcos State University, Batac City, Ilocos Norte 2906 Philippines
| | - Jovenita A Aragon
- Early Childhood and Special Needs Education Department, Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2900 Philippines
| | - Rosabel L Acosta
- Secondary Education Department, College of Teacher Education, Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2900 Philippines
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24
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Nirmal LA, Jacob S. The impact of COVID-19 in curbing the goals of ensuring sustainable development of life on land (SDG 15) and below water (SDG 14). COVID-19 AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 2022. [PMCID: PMC9335019 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91307-2.00012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The widespread coronavirus pandemic has halted the progress of the sustainable development goals (SDG) proposed by the United Nations. This pandemic has already shattered the economy of not only the developing countries but also the developed nations. During this period, the primary focus was on the healthcare sector, while other developmental progress wasn’t considered essential. Since the duration of the pandemic couldn’t be predicted, the SDGs are now the second priority. This chapter emphasizes on the impacts which may have caused by COVID-19 on two specific SDGs, which involve the sustainable development of marine, coastal, terrestrial, and inland aquatic ecosystem. The improper disposal of COVID-19-associated wastes, such as medical equipment, plastics, masks, and gloves, is a threat to both the lives on land and below water. Complete lockdown led to improper treatment of wastewaters before being discharged into water bodies, and waterlog caused by COVID-19 wastes in beaches resulted in the damage of aquatic ecosystem. On the contrary, the revival of the marine ecosystem closer to the coastline due to the world’s reduced economic activity is considered as an advantage. This pandemic provided a short-term success in preventing deforestation and reduced poaching, promoting the forest ecosystem. But in the long run, lack of jobs and unemployment might lead to increased cutting of trees to earn the living. Thus COVID-19 may have influenced bringing both positives and negatives to the SDGs, and these provide us with the challenges and opportunities to accomplish these goals.
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25
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Mallick SK, Pramanik M, Maity B, Das P, Sahana M. Plastic waste footprint in the context of COVID-19: Reduction challenges and policy recommendations towards sustainable development goals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148951. [PMID: 34271381 PMCID: PMC8487300 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The sudden surge in demand to use plastic products due to COVID-19 pandemic has increased plastic pollution. It has resulted into degradation of a broad range of habitats and ecosystems by destroying natural functions, water quality, and environmental sustainability. However, the government agencies, scientific communities, and the public, have started to give attention to this issue. So, in the present study, we used the correlation methods to check the relationship between COVID-19 affected population with the medical plastic waste (MPW) that has developed a conceptual model of the inter-linkages between the preventive measures of COVID-19 pandemic problems and the reduction challenges of plastic waste during and after pandemic scenarios. Emerging issues in the waste management during and after the COVID-19 are established by reviewing the literature, reports, policy briefs, and information from the website concerning COVID-19. Considering MPW management issues, we selected India as a case study to analyse the plastic waste footprint (PWF) due to COVID-19 pandemic. The correlation results showed COVID-19 affected population and MPW; COVID-19 affected population and PWF have a significant relationship (R2 = 0.60; Area under ROC curve 81.4%). It suggests an urgent need for plastic waste management initiatives. Moreover, substantial plastic products, human awareness, strict government regulations, and inclusive research can check plastic waste footprints in India and worldwide. Then discuss the specific pathways through which the immediate and long-term impacts operate and highlight the issues of hampering the sustainable development goals (SDGs) progress in India and beyond. Finally, call for coordinated assessment, support and appropriate short- and long-term mitigation and the policy measures of plastic waste problems during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj K Mallick
- Department of Geography, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal 721102, India.
| | - Malay Pramanik
- Department of Development and Sustainability, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), P O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand; Centre for Geoinformatics, Jamsetji Tata School of Disaster Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deonar, Mumbai 400088, India
| | - Biswajit Maity
- Department of Geography, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal 721102, India
| | - Pritiranjan Das
- Department of Geography, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal 721102, India
| | - Mehebub Sahana
- School of Environment, Education & Development, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
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26
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Mouneyrac C, Barcelò D, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Risks of Covid-19 face masks to wildlife: Present and future research needs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148505. [PMID: 34465061 PMCID: PMC8217904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The use of disposable face masks became essential to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented rise in their production and, unfortunately, to a new form of environmental contamination due to improper disposal. Recent publications reported the abundance of COVID-19-related litter in several environments, wildlife interaction with such items, and the contaminants that can be released from such protective equipment that has the potential to induce ecotoxicological effects. This paper provides a critical review of COVID-19 face mask occurrence in diverse environments and their adverse physiological and ecotoxicological effects on wildlife. It also outlines potential remediation strategies to mitigate the environmental challenge impose by COVID-19-related litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Catherine Mouneyrac
- Mer Molécules Sante (MMS), Université Catholique de l'Ouest, 3 place André Leroy, BP10808, 49008 Angers CEDEX 01, France
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water research (ICRA-CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101,17003 Girona, Spain; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - 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
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27
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Kothari R, Sahab S, Singh HM, Singh RP, Singh B, Pathania D, Singh A, Yadav S, Allen T, Singh S, Tyagi VV. COVID-19 and waste management in Indian scenario: challenges and possible solutions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:52702-52723. [PMID: 34462854 PMCID: PMC8404760 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15028-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has created havoc all across the globe causing exponential casualties and tremendous health and economic loss. With increasing COVID-19 cases, the amount of biomedical waste has increased manifolds making more people vulnerable to the pandemic. The developing and underdeveloped countries are already facing the challenges of waste management, and the waste generated during the pandemic scenario has added to the already existing challenges. The improper waste management practices need to be corrected; otherwise, the world will be facing a new disaster that could be termed as 'waste disaster'. The increase in COVID-19-associated waste (CAW) quantity and their availability in the environment will result in their easy approach to other organisms, which will possibly increase the potential risk of food chain contamination. Some of the countries have already started to make backup plans and are struggling to overcome the 'waste disaster'. In light of the limited knowledge available on the mutational properties and possible hosts of this newly emerged COVID-19, there is a great demand to have an efficient strategy to prevent the environment from further contamination in India. The necessity of the prevailing time is to create a more efficient, automatic, mechanized, and well-modified waste management system for handling the present situation and delaying the projected waste disaster in the near future in the era of COVID-19. The article aims to address the issues that originated from waste discharges, their potential sources along with possible sustainable solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Kothari
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jammu, Samba, 181143, J&K, India.
| | - Sinha Sahab
- Institute of Environment & Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, UP, India
| | - Har Mohan Singh
- School of Energy Management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Jammu, 182320, J&K, India
| | - Rajeev Pratap Singh
- Institute of Environment & Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, UP, India
| | - Bhaskar Singh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, 835205, Jharkhand, India
| | - Deepak Pathania
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jammu, Samba, 181143, J&K, India
- Department of Chemistry, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Cluster University, Mandi, 175001, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Anita Singh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jammu, Samba, 181143, J&K, India
| | - Shweta Yadav
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jammu, Samba, 181143, J&K, India
| | - Tanu Allen
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Sector-125, Noida, UP, India
| | - Sohini Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Sector-125, Noida, UP, India
| | - Vineet Veer Tyagi
- School of Energy Management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Jammu, 182320, J&K, India
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28
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Liu Q, Chen Z, Chen Y, Yang F, Yao W, Xie Y. Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Emerging Contaminants in Food. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:10450-10468. [PMID: 34473500 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c04199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
As current concerns about food safety issues around the world are still relatively serious, more and more food safety issues have become the focus of people's attention. What's more serious is that environmental pollution and changes in human lifestyles have also led to the emergence of contaminants in food, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) being typical representatives. MPs and NPs (M/NPs) in food are gradually becoming recognized by regulatory authorities and the public. Most published reviews on M/NPs have been focused on the environmental ecosystems. In those papers, it is only sporadically mentioned that M/NPs can also appear in food. As far as we know, there has not been a systematic review of the pollution and existing status of M/NPs in food. This Review focuses on the harmfulness of M/NPs, the ways in which M/NPs contaminate food, the residual amount of M/NPs in food, and the current analysis and detection methods for M/NPs in food. Current analysis and detection methods have problems such as being time-consuming, involving cumbersome operation, and giving poor accuracy. In the future, it will be necessary to increase the research on methods for efficient and sensitive separation and detection of M/NPs in food. Finally, it is hoped that this Review will arouse more people's awareness of and attention to the seriousness of M/NPs in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingrun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yulun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Engineering Research Center of Dairy Quality and Safety Control Technology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fangwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Engineering Research Center of Dairy Quality and Safety Control Technology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Weirong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yunfei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Engineering Research Center of Dairy Quality and Safety Control Technology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
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29
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Prata JC, Godoy V, da Costa JP, Calero M, Martín-Lara MA, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Microplastics and fibers from three areas under different anthropogenic pressures in Douro river. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 776:145999. [PMID: 33647658 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Sources contributing to specific concentration of microplastics and fibers are still not completely understood. This study aimed at assessing the concentrations of microplastics (2-5000 μm) and fibers (18-5667 μm) in three areas of distinct influences in the Douro river, Porto, Portugal: (i) a countryside area; (ii) a wastewater treatment effluent release zone; and (iii) an area in proximity to a boat dock and maintenance station. Nile Red staining coupled with microscopy allowed the identification of small microplastics (≥2 μm) with a median concentration of the three areas of 231 MP L-1. Most were fragments (69%). Sizes <40 μm were the most abundant (84%). Highest concentrations of microplastics were found near the boat dock/maintenance and lowest in the countryside area. Fibers were mostly natural (non-synthetic, 63%). Highest concentrations of fibers were found in the area influenced by the wastewater effluent, especially of synthetic fibers, and lowest in the countryside area. Concentration of all fibers and synthetic fibers was 46 F L-1 and 6 F L-1, respectively. High concentrations of microplastics and fiber contamination suggest that the wastewater treatment plant effluent and boat dock/maintenance are the likely sources originating hotspot areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Veronica Godoy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Monica Calero
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - M A Martín-Lara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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30
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Razeghi N, Hamidian AH, Wu C, Zhang Y, Yang M. Microplastic sampling techniques in freshwaters and sediments: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2021; 19:4225-4252. [PMID: 34025333 PMCID: PMC8130988 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01227-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Pollution by microplastics is of increasing concern due to their ubiquitous presence in most biological and environmental media, their potential toxicity and their ability to carry other contaminants. Knowledge on microplastics in freshwaters is still in its infancy. Here we reviewed 150 investigations to identify the common methods and tools for sampling microplastics, waters and sediments in freshwater ecosystems. Manta trawls are the main sampling tool for microplastic separation from surface water, whereas shovel, trowel, spade, scoop and spatula are the most frequently used devices in microplastic studies of sediments. Van Veen grab is common for deep sediment sampling. There is a need to develop optimal methods for reducing identification time and effort and to detect smaller-sized plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Razeghi
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj, 31587-77878 Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Hamidian
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj, 31587-77878 Iran
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 PR China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 4314, Karaj, 31587-77878 Iran
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 PR China
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31
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Assessment of Microplastics in a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant with Tertiary Treatment: Removal Efficiencies and Loading per Day into the Environment. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13101339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the removal of microplastics from wastewater in an urban wastewater treatment plant located in Southeast Spain, including an oxidation ditch, rapid sand filtration, and ultraviolet disinfection. A total of 146.73 L of wastewater samples from influent and effluent were processed, following a density separation methodology, visual classification under a stereomicroscope, and FTIR analysis for polymer identification. Microplastics proved to be 72.41% of total microparticles collected, with a global removal rate of 64.26% after the tertiary treatment and within the average retention for European WWTPs. Three different shapes were identified: i.e., microfiber (79.65%), film (11.26%), and fragment (9.09%), without the identification of microbeads despite the proximity to a plastic compounding factory. Fibers were less efficiently removed (56.16%) than particulate microplastics (90.03%), suggesting that tertiary treatments clearly discriminate between forms, and reporting a daily emission of 1.6 × 107 microplastics to the environment. Year variability in microplastic burden was cushioned at the effluent, reporting a stable performance of the sewage plant. Eight different polymer families were identified, LDPE film being the most abundant form, with 10 different colors and sizes mainly between 1–2 mm. Future efforts should be dedicated to source control, plastic waste management, improvement of legislation, and specific microplastic-targeted treatment units, especially for microfiber removal.
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Thind PS, Sareen A, Singh DD, Singh S, John S. Compromising situation of India's bio-medical waste incineration units during pandemic outbreak of COVID-19: Associated environmental-health impacts and mitigation measures. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 276:116621. [PMID: 33592442 PMCID: PMC7869633 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 induced pandemic situations have put the bio-medical waste (BMW) management system, of the world, to test. Sudden influx, of COVID-infected patients, in health-care facilities, has increased the generation of yellow category BMW (Y-BMW) and put substantial burden on the BMW-incineration units of India. This study presents the compromising situation of the BMW-incineration units of India, in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, from 21st March 2020 to 31st August 2020. This analysis revealed that on an average each COVID-infected patient in India generates approximately 3.41 kg/d of BMW and average proportion of Y-BMW in it is 50.44%. Further, it was observed that on 13th July 2020, the total Y-BMW, generated by both the normal and COVID-infected patients, fully utilized the BMW-incineration capacity of India. Also, it was made evident that, during the study period, BMW-incineration emitted several pollutants and their concentration was in the order: NOx > CO > SOx > PM > HCl > Cd > Pb > Hg > PCBs > Ni > Cr > Be > As. Subsequently, life time cancer risk assessment depicted that with hazard quotient >10-6, Cd may induce carcinogenic health impacts on both the adults and children of India. Therefore, to mitigate the environmental-health impacts associated with the incineration of BMW, evaluation of various options, viz., alternative technologies, substitution of raw materials and separate treatment of specific wastes, was also done. It is expected that the findings of this study may encourage the global auditory comprising scientific community and authorities to adopt alternate BMW-management strategies during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parteek Singh Thind
- Department of Civil Engineering, Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Arjun Sareen
- Assistant Project Officer, State Project Management Unit, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Patiala, 147001, India
| | - Dapinder Deep Singh
- Department of Civil Engineering, Shaheed Bhagat Singh State Technical Campus, Ferozepur, 152004, India
| | - Sandeep Singh
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, 140413, India
| | - Siby John
- Department of Civil Engineering, Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
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Ardusso M, Forero-López AD, Buzzi NS, Spetter CV, Fernández-Severini MD. COVID-19 pandemic repercussions on plastic and antiviral polymeric textile causing pollution on beaches and coasts of South America. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 763:144365. [PMID: 33360513 PMCID: PMC7726578 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
The propagation of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide has been alarming in the last months. According to recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of face masks is essential for slowing down the transmission rate of COVID-19 in human beings. This pandemic has generated a substantial increase in the use, as well as in the production, of face masks and other elements (gloves, face protectors, protective suits, safety shoes) manufactured with polymeric materials, including antiviral textiles most of which will end as microplastic pools. Focusing on South America, the use and mismanagement of this type of personal protective equipment (PPE) represents an environmental problem. Added to this issue are the increase in the use of single-use plastic, and the reduction of plastic recycling due to the curfew generated by the pandemic, further aggravating plastic pollution on coasts and beaches. Recently, researchers have developed antiviral polymeric textile technology composed of Ag and Cu nanoparticles for PPE to reduce the contagion and spread of COVID-19. Antiviral polymeric textile wastes could also have long-term negative repercussions on aquatic environments, as they are an important emerging class of contaminants. For this reason, this work provides reflections and perspectives on how the COVID-19 pandemic can aggravate plastic pollution on beaches and coastal environments, consequently increasing the damage to marine species in the coming years. In addition, the potential impact of the pandemic on waste management systems is discussed here, as well as future research directions to improve integrated coastal management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ardusso
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - A D Forero-López
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - N S Buzzi
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - C V Spetter
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - M D Fernández-Severini
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
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Martinez-Tavera E, Duarte-Moro AM, Sujitha SB, Rodriguez-Espinosa PF, Rosano-Ortega G, Expósito N. Microplastics and metal burdens in freshwater Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) of a metropolitan reservoir in Central Mexico: Potential threats for human health. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 266:128968. [PMID: 33246699 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, microplastics (MPs) and metal concentrations were studied in the widely consumed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fishes (n = 15) collected from a metropolitan reservoir of the Atoyac River basin, Mexico. Nearly 139 fibers were extracted from the gastrointestinal tracts and assessed using optical microscopy to evaluate their physical characteristics. The colour distribution of the fibers was mainly black (40%), blue (19%), red and white (14%). SEM images represented the surface morphology, while the elemental composition of the fibers was studied using EDX spectra. Polymer characterization using μFTIR aided in confirming the fibers as plastics (polyamide, polyester, and synthetic cellulose) and non-plastics (natural cellulose). Henceforth, ∼33% of the fibers, provisionally thought to be plastics, were natural fibers. The total metal concentrations were higher in the liver (259.24 mg kg-1) than the muscle (122.56 mg kg-1) due to diverse metabolic functions in the hepatic tissues. Human health risk assessment in terms of Hazard Index (HI) presented Pb and Zn values above unity in both adults and children, prompting regulatory measures. Statistical tests between MPs and fish biometry did not present any substantial correlations. The present study also affirmed that the presence of MPs and metals in fishes of a highly contaminated region is not only governed by their bioavailabilities, but also on the physiological characteristics of the individual organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Martinez-Tavera
- UPAEP Universidad, 21 Sur No. 1103, Barrio de Santiago, Puebla, C.P. 72410, Mexico.
| | - A M Duarte-Moro
- UPAEP Universidad, 21 Sur No. 1103, Barrio de Santiago, Puebla, C.P. 72410, Mexico
| | - S B Sujitha
- Centro Mexicano para La Producción Más Limpia (CMP+L), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Av. Acueducto S/n, Col. Barrio La Laguna Ticomán, Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, Ciudad de México (CDMX), Mexico
| | - P F Rodriguez-Espinosa
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios Sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio La Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, Ciudad de México (CDMX), Mexico
| | - G Rosano-Ortega
- UPAEP Universidad, 21 Sur No. 1103, Barrio de Santiago, Puebla, C.P. 72410, Mexico
| | - Nora Expósito
- Chemical Engineering School, Rovira I Virgili University, Carrer de L'Escorxador, S/n, 43003, Tarragona, Spain
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Walker TR, Duarte AC, Ouyang W, Barcelò D, Rocha-Santos T. Increased plastic pollution due to COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and recommendations. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2021; 405:126683. [PMID: 32834764 PMCID: PMC7430241 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.126683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 326] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have become a severe transboundary threat to natural ecosystems and human health, with studies predicting a twofold increase in the number of plastic debris (including micro and nano-sized plastics) by 2030. However, such predictions will likely be aggravated by the excessive use and consumption of single-use plastics (including personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves) due to COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on the effects of COVID-19 on macroplastic pollution and its potential implications on the environment and human health considering short- and long-term scenarios; addressing the main challenges and discussing potential strategies to overcome them. It emphasises that future measures, involved in an emergent health crisis or not, should reflect a balance between public health and environmental safety as they are both undoubtedly connected. Although the use and consumption of plastics significantly improved our quality of life, it is crucial to shift towards sustainable alternatives, such as bio-based plastics. Plastics should remain in the top of the political agenda in Europe and across the world, not only to minimise plastic leakage and pollution, but to promote sustainable growth and to stimulate both green and blue- economies. Discussions on this topic, particularly considering the excessive use of plastic, should start soon with the involvement of the scientific community, plastic producers and politicians in order to be prepared for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Wei Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Kutralam-Muniasamy G, Pérez-Guevara F, Elizalde-Martínez I, Shruti VC. Review of current trends, advances and analytical challenges for microplastics contamination in Latin America. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115463. [PMID: 32866877 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics accumulation is an emerging environmental issue and a threat to marine life and human health. There is a growing number of investigations on the abundance and distribution of microplastics in different water bodies and biota worldwide, with relatively few studies conducted in Latin America, however, the current knowledge of microplastics sources, occurrence, transport, fate and potential impacts remains largely unexplored. This review presents the current trends and advances of microplastics on a lesser known region of the world by compiling the research performed to date in different environmental compartments. The sampling techniques and methods for microplastics extraction in the existing literature data are also summarized. Among 78 published studies reviewed, 34% of studies were from Brazil and 46% of studies have mainly focused on biota. The main findings showed that microplastics are not negligible across Latin America significantly varying in their distribution, with the prevalence of fibers comprising 62% of the total. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene have been identified as the most common polymer types, accounting for 80% of the total. Limited studies and lack of standardized methodologies render difficulties to establish fundamental information on microplastics abundance and types in most countries of this region. Therefore, this review will primarily serve as a baseline when evaluating the environmental relevance of microplastics in Latin America and would stimulate discussions focusing on this topic, calling for more research in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - I Elizalde-Martínez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Mexicano para La Producción Más Limpia (CMP+L), Av. Acueducto S/n, Col. Barrio La Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, México, D.F., Mexico
| | - V C Shruti
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Mexicano para La Producción Más Limpia (CMP+L), Av. Acueducto S/n, Col. Barrio La Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, México, D.F., Mexico.
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Patrício Silva AL, Prata JC, Walker TR, Campos D, Duarte AC, Soares AMVM, Barcelò D, Rocha-Santos T. Rethinking and optimising plastic waste management under COVID-19 pandemic: Policy solutions based on redesign and reduction of single-use plastics and personal protective equipment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 742:140565. [PMID: 32622168 PMCID: PMC7324921 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have been on top of the political agenda in Europe and across the world to reduce plastic leakage and pollution. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted plastic reduction policies at the regional and national levels and induced significant changes in plastic waste management with potential for negative impacts in the environment and human health. This paper provides an overview of plastic policies and discusses the readjustments of these policies during the COVID-19 pandemic along with their potential environmental implications. The sudden increase in plastic waste and composition due to the COVID-19 pandemic underlines the crucial need to reinforce plastic reduction policies (and to implement them into action without delays), to scale up in innovation for sustainable and green plastics solutions, and to develop dynamic and responsive waste management systems immediately. Policy recommendations and future research directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Diana Campos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, 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
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Damià Barcelò
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Microplastic in marine environment: reworking and optimisation of two analytical protocols for the extraction of microplastics from sediments and oysters. MethodsX 2020; 7:101116. [PMID: 33145188 PMCID: PMC7596290 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2020.101116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine sediments and sessile biota (i.e. oysters) are nowadays recognised to be affected by microplastic (MP) pollution. NOAA proposes two distinct MP extraction protocols for sandy and bed sediments, which, however, were already demonstrated to suffer from many limitations. Conversely, to what concern oysters, works already published are usually time consuming, requiring a KOH 24–48 h oxidation step. The aim of this study is to show how iterative adaptation of the NOAA protocol allows to extract MPs, included PET, from marine sediments, regardless their characteristics. The method tested on PE-LD/PET/PA/PE-HD is based on density separation and oxidation treatments which were both carefully tuned, obtaining final recoveries higher than 85% for all the micropolymers (100% for PE and PA). Furthermore, a new protocol for the extraction of MPs from oysters was assessed, highlighting its efficacy (recoveries higher than 84% for all the plastics) and time-saving peculiarity. Finally, both protocols were successfully applied in the MPs extraction from real samples from Atlantic Ocean.The extraction of PE-LD/PET/PA/PE-HD was optimised in sediments (regardless their characteristics) and oysters. For sediments, density separation and oxidation procedures were carefully optimised. For oysters, oxidation times were reduced from 24 to 48 h to 1 h.
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