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Groß M, Mail M, Wrigley O, Debastiani R, Scherer T, Amelung W, Braun M. Plastic Fruit Stickers in Industrial Composting─Surface and Structural Alterations Revealed by Electron Microscopy and Computed Tomography. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7124-7132. [PMID: 38599582 PMCID: PMC11044595 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Often large quantities of plastics are found in compost, with price look-up stickers being a major but little-explored component in the contamination path. Stickers glued to fruit or vegetable peels usually remain attached to the organic material despite sorting processes in the composting plant. Here, we investigated the effects of industrial composting on the structural alterations of these stickers. Commercial polypropylene (PP) stickers on banana peels were added to a typical organic material mixture for processing in an industrial composting plant and successfully resampled after a prerotting (11 days) and main rotting step (25 days). Afterward, both composted and original stickers were analyzed for surface and structural changes via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and micro- and nano-X-ray computed tomography (CT) combined with deep learning approaches. The composting resulted in substantial surface changes and degradation in the form of microbial colonization, deformation, and occurrence of cracks in all stickers. Their pore volumes increased from 16.7% in the original sticker to 26.3% at the end of the compost process. In a similar way, the carbonyl index of the stickers increased. Micro-CT images additionally revealed structural changes in the form of large adhesions that penetrated the surface of the sticker. These changes were accompanied by delamination after 25 days of composting, thus overall hinting at the degradation of the stickers and the subsequent formation of smaller microplastic pieces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Groß
- Institute
of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Soil Science and
Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Mail
- Institute
of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Karlsruhe
Nano Micro Facility (KNMFi), Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Olivia Wrigley
- Institute
of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Soil Science and
Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Rafaela Debastiani
- Institute
of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Karlsruhe
Nano Micro Facility (KNMFi), Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Torsten Scherer
- Institute
of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Karlsruhe
Nano Micro Facility (KNMFi), Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Wulf Amelung
- Institute
of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Soil Science and
Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Melanie Braun
- Institute
of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), Soil Science and
Soil Ecology, University of Bonn, Nussallee 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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Shah MZ, Quraishi M, Sreejith A, Pandit S, Roy A, Khandaker MU. Sustainable degradation of synthetic plastics: A solution to rising environmental concerns. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141451. [PMID: 38368957 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Plastics have a significant role in various sectors of the global economy since they are widely utilized in agriculture, architecture, and construction, as well as health and consumer goods. They play a crucial role in several industries as they are utilized in the production of diverse things such as defense materials, sanitary wares, tiles, plastic bottles, artificial leather, and various other household goods. Plastics are utilized in the packaging of food items, medications, detergents, and cosmetics. The overconsumption of plastics presents a significant peril to both the ecosystem and human existence on Earth. The accumulation of plastics on land and in the sea has sparked interest in finding ways to breakdown these polymers. It is necessary to employ suitable biodegradable techniques to decrease the accumulation of plastics in the environment. To address the environmental issues related to plastics, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between microorganisms and polymers. A wide range of creatures, particularly microbes, have developed techniques to survive and break down plastics. This review specifically examines the categorization of plastics based on their thermal and biodegradable properties, as well as the many types of degradation and biodegradation. It also discusses the various types of degradable plastics, the characterization of biodegradation, and the factors that influence the process of biodegradation. The plastic breakdown and bioremediation capabilities of these microbes make them ideal for green chemistry applications aimed at removing hazardous polymers from the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masirah Zahid Shah
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410206, India
| | - Marzuqa Quraishi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410206, India
| | - Anushree Sreejith
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410206, India
| | - Soumya Pandit
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, 201306, India.
| | - Arpita Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Sharda School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India.
| | - Mayeen Uddin Khandaker
- Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies Group, CCDCU, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia; Faculty of Graduate Studies, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
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Menicagli V, Balestri E, Fulignati S, Raspolli Galletti AM, Lardicci C. Plastic litter in coastal sand dunes: Degradation behavior and impact on native and non-native invasive plants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120738. [PMID: 36435282 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pollution associated to marine plastic litter is raising increasing concerns due to its potential harmful effects on human health, biota, and coastal ecosystems. However, limited information is available on the degradation behavior of plastics, especially biodegradable ones, in dune habitats. Moreover, the effects of plastics on dune plant growth and ability to withstand environmental stresses and invasion by non-native plants have been largely neglected. This is a particularly relevant issue since biological invasions are major threats to dune ecosystems. In this 18-month study, we examined the degradation behavior of two plastic bags, non-biodegradable (NBP) or biodegradable/compostable (BP), in the dune environment by visual observations and analytical techniques. Concomitantly, we investigated the individual and combined effects of bag type and sand burial (no burial vs. partial burial) on the performance of a native dune plant (Thinopyrum junceum) and an invasive plant (Carpobrotus sp.) and on their interaction. NBP did not show relevant degradation signs over the experimental period as expected. BP exhibited gradual surface modifications and changes in chemical functionality and were almost disintegrated after 18 months. Bags and burial reduced independently T. junceum survival and growth, and most plants died within 8 months of plastic exposure. Bags and burial did not affect Carpobrotus survival. However, burial decreased Carpobrotus growth while NBP increased it. Both plastics increased Carpobrotus competitive ability, and no T. junceum plants survived to co-occurrent Carpobrotus, BP, and burial. These findings indicate that removing all littered plastics from beach-dune systems not only is critical to reduce plastic pollution but also to prevent further spread of invasive species in coastal dunes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Menicagli
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Balestri
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, via Derna 1, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Sara Fulignati
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Lardicci
- Center for Instrument Sharing University of Pisa (CISUP), University of Pisa, via S. Maria 53, Pisa, Italy; Center for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via Del Borghetto 80, Pisa, Italy; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, via S. Maria 53, Pisa, Italy
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Vieyra H, Molina-Romero JM, Calderón-Nájera JDD, Santana-Díaz A. Engineering, Recyclable, and Biodegradable Plastics in the Automotive Industry: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14163412. [PMID: 36015669 PMCID: PMC9414523 DOI: 10.3390/polym14163412] [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: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The automotive industry has used plastics almost since the beginning. The lightness, flexibility, and many qualities of plastics make them ideal for the automotive industry, reducing cars' overall weight and fuel consumption. Engineering plastics in this industry belong to the high-performance segment of non-renewable resources. These plastics exhibit higher properties than commodity plastics. Fortunately, unlike recycled commodity plastics, the super properties and high-performance characteristics make engineering plastics effectively reused after recycling. The substitution of these fossil-fuel-derived plastics adds to the solution of lightweighting, a much-needed solution to waste management, and solves industrial and ecological issues surrounding plastic disposal. All major vehicle manufacturers worldwide use bioplastics and bio-based plastics, including natural-fiber composites and engineering plastics reinforced with natural fibers. Changing the source of plastics to raw materials from renewable resources is the logical approach to sustainability. Thus, high-quality plastics, recycled plastics, bio-based plastics, and biodegradable plastics could be exploited from design, making sustainability an integral concept of mobility development. This review analyzes that switching from fossil-fuel- to renewable-sources-derived plastics is a step toward meeting the current environmental goals for the automotive industry, including electric cars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horacio Vieyra
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Eduardo Monroy Cárdenas 2000, San Antonio Buenavista, Toluca de Lerdo 50110, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-722-279-99-90 (ext. 2120)
| | - Joan Manuel Molina-Romero
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Eduardo Monroy Cárdenas 2000, San Antonio Buenavista, Toluca de Lerdo 50110, Mexico
| | | | - Alfredo Santana-Díaz
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Eduardo Monroy Cárdenas 2000, San Antonio Buenavista, Toluca de Lerdo 50110, Mexico
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Mamba FB, Ndlovu T, Mbizana S, Khan W, Gule NP. Antimicrobial and biodegradable materials based on ε‐caprolactone derivatives. J Appl Polym Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/app.49903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Feziwe Bathabile Mamba
- Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Faculty of Science Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Thando Ndlovu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Siyasanga Mbizana
- Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Faculty of Science Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Wesaal Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - Nonjabulo Prudence Gule
- Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Faculty of Science Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch South Africa
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6
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Thermal Behavior of Green Cellulose-Filled Thermoplastic Elastomer Polymer Blends. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061279. [PMID: 32178229 PMCID: PMC7143982 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A recently developed cellulose hybrid chemical treatment consists of two steps: solvent exchange (with ethanol or hexane) and chemical grafting of maleic anhydride (MA) on the surface of fibers. It induces a significant decrease in cellulose moisture content and causes some changes in the thermal resistance of analyzed blend samples, as well as surface properties. The thermal characteristics of ethylene-norbornene copolymer (TOPAS) blends filled with hybrid chemically modified cellulose fibers (UFC100) have been widely described on the basis of differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Higher thermal stability is observed for the materials filled with the fibers which were dried before any of the treatments carried out. Dried cellulose filled samples start to degrade at approximately 330 °C while undried UFC100 specimens begin to degrade around 320 °C. Interestingly, the most elevated thermal resistance was detected for samples filled with cellulose altered only with solvents (both ethanol and hexane). In order to support the supposed thermal resistance trends of prepared blend materials, apparent activation energies assigned to cellulose degradation (EA1) and polymer matrix decomposition (EA2) have been calculated and presented in the article. It may be evidenced that apparent activation energies assigned to the first decomposition step are higher in case of the systems filled with UFC100 dried prior to the modification process. Moreover, the results have been enriched using surface free energy analysis of the polymer blends. The surface free energy polar part (Ep) raises considering samples filled with not dried UFC100. On the other hand, when cellulose fibers are dried prior to the modification process, then the blend sample’s dispersive part of surface free energy is increased with respect to that containing unmodified fiber. As polymer blend Ep exhibits higher values reflecting enhanced material degradation potential, the cellulose fibers employment leads to more eco-friendly production and responsible waste management. This is in accordance with the rules of sustainable development.
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Wu WC, Hsiao PY, Huang YC. Effects of amylose content on starch-chitosan composite film and its application as a wound dressing. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-019-1770-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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8
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Reinforcement effect of poly (methyl methacrylate)-g-cellulose nanofibers on LDPE/thermoplastic starch composites: preparation and characterization. IRANIAN POLYMER JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13726-017-0558-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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Effect of crosslinking of alginate / pva and chitosan / pva, reinforced with cellulose nanoparticles obtained from agave Atrovirens karw. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2017.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Lambert S, Wagner M. Environmental performance of bio-based and biodegradable plastics: the road ahead. Chem Soc Rev 2017; 46:6855-6871. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cs00149e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This review provides a critical discussion as to the future direction of plastic materials, including balancing factors such as biodegradability and longevity, effects of additive compounds, feedstock developments, and environmental considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Lambert
- Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13
- Frankfurt
- Germany
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13
- Frankfurt
- Germany
- Department of Biology
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
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11
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Vieyra H, San Martín-Martínez E, Juárez E, Figueroa-López U, Aguilar-Méndez MA. Biodegradation process of a blend of thermoplastic unripe banana flour-polyethylene under composting: Identification of the biodegrading agent. J Appl Polym Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/app.42258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Horacio Vieyra
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada; Legaria 694, Colonia Irrigación C.P. 11500 México D. F
- Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Carretera Lago de Guadalupe Km.3.5; Colonia Margarita Maza de Juárez, C.P. 52926 Atizapán de Zaragoza México
| | - Eduardo San Martín-Martínez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada; Legaria 694, Colonia Irrigación C.P. 11500 México D. F
| | - Esmeralda Juárez
- Departamento de investigación en Microbiología; Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias; Calzada de Tlalpan No. 4502, Col. Sección XVI C.P. 14080 México, D.F
| | - Ulises Figueroa-López
- Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Carretera Lago de Guadalupe Km.3.5; Colonia Margarita Maza de Juárez, C.P. 52926 Atizapán de Zaragoza México
| | - Miguel A. Aguilar-Méndez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada; Legaria 694, Colonia Irrigación C.P. 11500 México D. F
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12
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Martín Martínez ES, Aguilar Méndez MA, Sánchez Solís A, Vieyra H. Thermoplastic biodegradable material elaborated from unripe banana flour reinforced with metallocene catalyzed polyethylene. POLYM ENG SCI 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/pen.23954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. San Martín Martínez
- Laboratorio de Biomateriales, Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Colonia Irrigación; C.P. 11500 México DF
| | - M. A. Aguilar Méndez
- Laboratorio de Biomateriales, Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Colonia Irrigación; C.P. 11500 México DF
| | - A. Sánchez Solís
- Departamento de Reología y Mecánica de Materiales; Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria; Coyoacán 04510 México DF
| | - H. Vieyra
- Laboratorio de Biomateriales, Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Colonia Irrigación; C.P. 11500 México DF
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Júnior AV, Fronza N, Foralosso FB, Dezen D, Huber E, dos Santos JHZ, Machado RAF, Quadri MGN. Biodegradable Duo-functional Active Film: Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Actions for the Conservation of Beef. FOOD BIOPROCESS TECH 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11947-014-1376-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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14
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Liu X, Gao C, Sangwan P, Yu L, Tong Z. Accelerating the degradation of polyolefins through additives and blending. J Appl Polym Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/app.40750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xingxun Liu
- Center for Polymers from Renewable Resources; South China University of Technology; Guangzhou China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; South China University of Technology; Guangzhou China
| | - Chengcheng Gao
- Center for Polymers from Renewable Resources; South China University of Technology; Guangzhou China
- Materials Science and Engineering; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; Melbourne Australia
| | - Parveen Sangwan
- Materials Science and Engineering; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; Melbourne Australia
| | - Long Yu
- Center for Polymers from Renewable Resources; South China University of Technology; Guangzhou China
- Materials Science and Engineering; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; Melbourne Australia
| | - Zhen Tong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering; South China University of Technology; Guangzhou China
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15
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Lambert S, Sinclair C, Boxall A. Occurrence, degradation, and effect of polymer-based materials in the environment. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2014; 227:1-53. [PMID: 24158578 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-01327-5_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
There is now a plethora of polymer-based materials (PBMs) on the market, because of the increasing demand for cheaper consumable goods, and light-weight industrial materials. Each PBM constitutes a mixture of their representative polymer/sand their various chemical additives. The major polymer types are polyethylene, polypropylene,and polyvinyl chloride, with natural rubber and biodegradable polymers becoming increasingly more important. The most important additives are those that are biologically active, because to be effective such chemicals often have properties that make them resistant to photo-degradation and biodegradation. During their lifecycle,PBMs can be released into the environment form a variety of sources. The principal introduction routes being general littering, dumping of unwanted waste materials,migration from landfills and emission during refuse collection. Once in the environment,PBMs are primarily broken down by photo-degradation processes, but due to the complex chemical makeup of PBMs, receiving environments are potentially exposed to a mixture of macro-, meso-, and micro-size polymer fragments, leached additives, and subsequent degradation products. In environments where sunlight is absent (i.e., soils and the deep sea) degradation for most PBMs is minimal .The majority of literature to date that has addressed the environmental contamination or disposition of PBMs has focused on the marine environment. This is because the oceans are identified as the major sink for macro PBMs, where they are known to present a hazard to wildlife via entanglement and ingestion. The published literature has established the occurrence of microplastics in marine environment and beach sediments, but is inadequate as regards contamination of soils and freshwater sediments. The uptake of microplastics for a limited range of aquatic organisms has also been established, but there is a lack of information regarding soil organisms, and the long-term effects of microplastic uptake are also less well understood.There is currently a need to establish appropriate degradation test strategies consistent with realistic environmental conditions, because the complexity of environmental systems is lost when only one process (e.g., hydrolysis) is assessed in isolation. Enhanced methodologies are also needed to evaluate the impact of PBMs to soil and freshwater environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Lambert
- The University of York, Heslington Road, York, YO10 5DD, UK,
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16
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Estimation of the biobased carbon content of polypropylene resin in composites on the basis of the carbon 14 concentration. J Appl Polym Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/app.39978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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