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He L, Ding J, Yang SS, Zang YN, Pang JW, Xing D, Zhang LY, Ren N, Wu WM. Molecular-Weight-Dependent Degradation of Plastics: Deciphering Host-Microbiome Synergy Biodegradation of High-Purity Polypropylene Microplastics by Mealworms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6647-6658. [PMID: 38563431 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The biodegradation of polypropylene (PP), a highly persistent nonhydrolyzable polymer, by Tenebrio molitor has been confirmed using commercial PP microplastics (MPs) (Mn 26.59 and Mw 187.12 kDa). This confirmation was based on the reduction of the PP mass, change in molecular weight (MW), and a positive Δδ13C in the residual PP. A MW-dependent biodegradation mechanism was investigated using five high-purity PP MPs, classified into low (0.83 and 6.20 kDa), medium (50.40 and 108.0 kDa), and high (575.0 kDa) MW categories to access the impact of MW on the depolymerization pattern and associated gene expression of gut bacteria and the larval host. The larvae can depolymerize/biodegrade PP polymers with high MW although the consumption rate and weight losses increased, and survival rates declined with increasing PP MW. This pattern is similar to observations with polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE), i.e., both Mn and Mw decreased after being fed low MW PP, while Mn and/or Mw increased after high MW PP was fed. The gut microbiota exhibited specific bacteria associations, such as Kluyvera sp. and Pediococcus sp. for high MW PP degradation, Acinetobacter sp. for medium MW PP, and Bacillus sp. alongside three other bacteria for low MW PP metabolism. In the host transcriptome, digestive enzymes and plastic degradation-related bacterial enzymes were up-regulated after feeding on PP depending on different MWs. The T. molitor host exhibited both defensive function and degradation capability during the biodegradation of plastics, with high MW PP showing a relatively negative impact on the larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei He
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jie Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Shan-Shan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Ya-Ni Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Ji-Wei Pang
- CECEP Digital Technology Co., Ltd., China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Defeng Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Lu-Yan Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224051, China
| | - Nanqi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Wei-Min Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, William & Cloy Codiga Resource Recovery Center, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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2
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Obrador‐Viel T, Zadjelovic V, Nogales B, Bosch R, Christie‐Oleza JA. Assessing microbial plastic degradation requires robust methods. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14457. [PMID: 38568802 PMCID: PMC10990042 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastics are versatile materials that have the potential to propel humanity towards circularity and ultimate societal sustainability. However, the escalating concern surrounding plastic pollution has garnered significant attention, leading to widespread negative perceptions of these materials. Here, we question the role microbes may play in plastic pollution bioremediation by (i) defining polymer biodegradability (i.e., recalcitrant, hydrolysable and biodegradable polymers) and (ii) reviewing best practices for evaluating microbial biodegradation of plastics. We establish recommendations to facilitate the implementation of rigorous methodologies in future studies on plastic biodegradation, aiming to push this field towards the use of isotopic labelling to confirm plastic biodegradation and further determine the molecular mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vinko Zadjelovic
- Centro de Bioinnovación de Antofagasta (CBIA), Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos BiológicosUniversidad de AntofagastaAntofagastaChile
- Centre for Biotechnology & Bioengineering (CeBiB)SantiagoChile
| | - Balbina Nogales
- Department of BiologyUniversity of the Balearic IslandsPalmaSpain
| | - Rafael Bosch
- Department of BiologyUniversity of the Balearic IslandsPalmaSpain
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3
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Kuznetsova OV. Current trends and challenges in the analysis of marine environmental contaminants by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:71-85. [PMID: 37979060 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of organic and inorganic pollutants are being detected in the marine environment, posing a severe threat to the ecosystem and human health, even in trace concentrations. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is one of the critical methods for determining the origin and fate of environmental pollutants and characterising their transformation processes. It has been used for a relatively long time for ecological monitoring of some well-studied industrial hydrocarbons at contaminated sites. However, the method still faces many analytical challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent technical advances concerning IRMS analysis of various contaminants and discusses typical pitfalls encountered in marine environment analysis. Particular attention is given to the study of sampling techniques and sample preparation for examination, often the keys to successful research given the complexity of marine matrices and the diverse and numerous nature of contaminants. Prospects for developing IRMS to monitor pollution sources and pollutant transformation in the marine environment are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Kuznetsova
- Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Kosygin St. 19, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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4
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Rizzarelli P, Leanza M, Rapisarda M. Investigations into the characterization, degradation, and applications of biodegradable polymers by mass spectrometry. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2023. [PMID: 38014928 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable polymers have been getting more and more attention because of their contribution to the plastic pollution environmental issues and to move towards a circular economy. Nevertheless, biodegradable materials still exhibit various disadvantages restraining a widespread use in the market. Therefore, additional research efforts are required to improve their performance. Mass spectrometry (MS) affords a relevant contribution to optimize biodegradable polymer synthesis, to confirm macromolecular structures, to examine along the time the progress of degradation processes and highlight advantages and drawbacks in the extensive applications. This review aims to provide an overview of the MS investigations carried out to support the synthesis of biodegradable polymers, with helpful information on undesirable products or polymerization mechanism, to understand deterioration pathways by the structure of degradation products and to follow drug release and pharmacokinetic. Additionally, it summarizes MS studies addressed on environmental and health issues related to the extensive use of plastic materials, that is, potential migration of additives or microplastics identification and quantification. The paper is focused on the most significant studies relating to synthetic and microbial biodegradable polymers published in the last 15 years, not including agro-polymers such as proteins and polysaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rizzarelli
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per i Polimeri Compositi e Biomateriali (IPCB), ede Secondaria di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Melania Leanza
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per i Polimeri Compositi e Biomateriali (IPCB), ede Secondaria di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Rapisarda
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto per i Polimeri Compositi e Biomateriali (IPCB), ede Secondaria di Catania, Catania, Italy
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5
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Battulga B, Atarashi-Andoh M, Matsueda M, Koarashi J. Tracking the behavior and characteristics of microplastics using a multi-analytical approach: a case study in two contrasting coastal areas of Japan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-28005-x. [PMID: 37249781 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28005-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The global survey for the presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments has attracted widespread scientific attention over the past decade. However, evaluating the composition and characteristics of these anthropogenic debris using highly sensitive techniques is still under consideration. This study demonstrates a multidimensional analytical approach, including isotopic and thermogravimetric analyses to evaluate characteristics and behavior of MPs in the environment. The MP samples were collected in two contrasting coastal areas of Japan. The stable carbon isotope (δ13C) ratios of field-collected polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) MPs ranged from -25.6‰ to -31.4‰, -23.4‰ to -30.9‰, and -27.3‰ to -28.6‰, respectively. The detected isotope signatures were similar to those of commercial products. In addition, the differences in δ13C signature were determined between MPs with different colors. Through thermal analysis, the single-step endothermic process was observed for environmental PE and PS-MPs. Patterns in the thermograms revealed dissimilarities in degradability among the PE-MPs with different colors. The results reveal that degradation (aging) may play a significant role in the behavior and characteristics of MP debris in the aquatic environment. The present study provides fundamental data of environmental MPs from the isotopic and thermogravimetric aspects and highlights the usefulness of the approach for advances in MP research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batdulam Battulga
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan.
| | - Mariko Atarashi-Andoh
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsueda
- Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Fukushima, 963-7700, Japan
| | - Jun Koarashi
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
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6
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Kuznetsova OV, Shtykov SN, Timerbaev AR. Mass Spectrometry Insight for Assessing the Destiny of Plastics in Seawater. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15061523. [PMID: 36987303 PMCID: PMC10052999 DOI: 10.3390/polym15061523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become an increasingly serious environmental issue that requires using reliable analytical tools to unravel the transformations of primary plastics exposed to the marine environment. Here, we evaluated the performance of the isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) technique for identifying the origin of polymer material contaminating seawater and monitoring the compositional alterations due to its chemical degradation. Of twenty-six plastic specimens available as consumer products or collected from the Mediterranean Sea, five plastics were shown to originate from biobased polymeric materials. Natural abundance carbon and hydrogen isotope measurements revealed that biopolymers incline to substantial chemical transformation upon a prolonged exposure to seawater and sunlight irradiation. To assess the seawater-mediated aging that leads to the release of micro/nano fragments from plastic products, we propose to use microfiltration. Using this non-destructive separation technique as a front end to IRMS, the fragmentation of plastics (at the level of up to 0.5% of the total mass for plant-derived polymers) was recorded after a 3-month exposure and the rate and extent of disintegration were found to be substantially different for the different classes of polymers. Another potential impact of plastics on the environment is that toxic metals are adsorbed on their surface from the seashore water. We addressed this issue by using inductively coupled mass spectrometry after nitric acid leaching and found that several metals occur in the range of 0.1-90 µg per g on naturally aged plastics and accumulate at even higher levels (up to 10 mg g-1) on pristine plastics laboratory-aged in contaminated seawater. This study measured the degradation degree of different polymer types in seawater, filling in the gaps in our knowledge about plastic pollution and providing a useful methodology and important reference data for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V Kuznetsova
- Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey N Shtykov
- Institute of Chemistry, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
| | - Andrei R Timerbaev
- Institute of Chemistry, Saratov State University, 410012 Saratov, Russia
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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7
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Volatile organic compounds identification and specific stable isotopic analysis (δ 13C) in microplastics by purge and trap gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (PT-GC-MS-C-IRMS). Anal Bioanal Chem 2023:10.1007/s00216-023-04595-w. [PMID: 36847794 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04595-w] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become one of the major global environmental issues in recent decades due to their ubiquity in the environment. Understanding MPs source origin and reactivity is urgently needed to better constrain their fate and budget. Despite improvements in analytical methods to characterize MPs, new tools are needed to help understand their sources and reactivity in a complex environment. In this work, we developed and applied an original Purge-&-Trap system coupled to a GC-MS-C-IRMS to explore the δ13C compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) of volatile organic compounds (VOC) embedded in MPs. The method consists of heating and purging MP samples, with VOCs being cryo-trapped on a Tenax sorbent, followed by GC-MS-C-IRMS analysis. The method was developed using a polystyrene plastic material showing that sample mass and heating temperature increased the sensitivity while not influencing VOC δ13C values. This robust, precise, and accurate methodology allows VOC identification and δ13C CSIA in plastic materials in the low nanogram concentration range. Results show that the monomer styrene displays a different δ13C value (- 22.2 ± 0.2‰), compared to the δ13C value of the bulk polymer sample (- 27.8 ± 0.2‰). This difference could be related to the synthesis procedure and/or diffusion processes. The analysis of complementary plastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate, and polylactic acid displayed unique VOC δ13C patterns, with toluene showing specific δ13C values for polystyrene (- 25.9 ± 0.1‰), polyethylene terephthalate (- 28.4 ± 0.5‰), and polylactic acid (- 38.7 ± 0.5‰). These results illustrate the potential of VOC δ13C CSIA in MP research to fingerprint plastic materials, and to improve our understanding of their source cycle. Further studies in the laboratory are needed to determine the main mechanisms responsible for MPs VOC stable isotopic fractionation.
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8
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Degradation of Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastic and Its Contribution to Soil Organic Carbon Stock. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15030660. [PMID: 36771962 PMCID: PMC9919936 DOI: 10.3390/polym15030660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Expanding the use of environmentally friendly materials to protect the environment is one of the key factors in maintaining a sustainable ecological balance. Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) is considered among the most promising bio-based and biodegradable plastics for the future with a high number of applications in soil and agriculture. Therefore, the decomposition process of PBSA and its consequences for the carbon stored in soil require careful monitoring. For the first time, the stable isotope technique was applied in the current study to partitioning plastic- and soil-originated C in the CO2 released during 80 days of PBSA decomposition in a Haplic Chernozem soil as dependent on nitrogen availability. The decomposition of the plastic was accompanied by the C loss from soil organic matter (SOM) through priming, which in turn was dependent on added N. Nitrogen facilitated PBSA decomposition and reduced the priming effect during the first 6 weeks of the experiment. During the 80 days of plastic decomposition, 30% and 49% of the released CO2 were PBSA-derived, while the amount of SOM-derived CO2 exceeded the corresponding controls by 100.2 and 132.3% in PBSA-amended soil without and with N fertilization, respectively. Finally, only 4.1% and 5.4% of the PBSA added into the soil was mineralized to CO2, in the treatments without and with N amendment, respectively.
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9
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El Hayany B, Rumpel C, Hafidi M, El Fels L. Occurrence, analysis of microplastics in sewage sludge and their fate during composting: A literature review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 317:115364. [PMID: 35617865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are ubiquitous contaminants and their presence in sewage sludge has recently received attention as they may enter agro-ecosystems if sludge is used as organic soil amendment. Indeed, plastic particles (<5 mm) can be transported from wastewater and sewage sludge to the soil environment either directly within the plastic matrix or indirectly as adsorbed substances. In this paper, articles from 18 countries reporting the MP quantity and their characteristics in sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants were reviewed and the MP concentration size and type were compared. The data show that MP abundance in sewage sludge ranged globally from 7.91 to 495 × 103 particles kg-1 with highest abundance of fiber shape and MP size of less than 500 μm. In this review, we summarized and discussed the methods most frequently used for extraction and characterization of MP in sewage sludge including organic matter removal, MP extraction; physical and morphological MP characterization and its chemical characterization for polymer identification. We also described the major factors potentially controlling the fate of MP during disposal strategies with particular focus on composting. We show that physical and microbiological factors are important for MP degradation during composting and suggest two remediation practices: (i) inoculation of the initial sludge with microbial plastic decomposers to remove MP from contaminated sewage sludge, and (ii) development of high temperature composting processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouchra El Hayany
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnologies, Agrosciences and Environment, (BioMAgE) Labeled Research Unit-CNRST N°4, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Cornelia Rumpel
- CNRS, Institute for Ecology and Environmental Sciences (IEES), UMR (Sorbonne U, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, UPEC), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Mohamed Hafidi
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnologies, Agrosciences and Environment, (BioMAgE) Labeled Research Unit-CNRST N°4, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University Marrakech, Morocco; Agrobiosciences and Fertlizers Program, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Benguerir, Morocco
| | - Loubna El Fels
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnologies, Agrosciences and Environment, (BioMAgE) Labeled Research Unit-CNRST N°4, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University Marrakech, Morocco.
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10
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Zadjelovic V, Erni-Cassola G, Obrador-Viel T, Lester D, Eley Y, Gibson MI, Dorador C, Golyshin PN, Black S, Wellington EMH, Christie-Oleza JA. A mechanistic understanding of polyethylene biodegradation by the marine bacterium Alcanivorax. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 436:129278. [PMID: 35739790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most recalcitrant carbon-based synthetic materials produced and, currently, the most ubiquitous plastic pollutant found in nature. Over time, combined abiotic and biotic processes are thought to eventually breakdown PE. Despite limited evidence of biological PE degradation and speculation that hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria found within the plastisphere is an indication of biodegradation, there is no clear mechanistic understanding of the process. Here, using high-throughput proteomics, we investigated the molecular processes that take place in the hydrocarbon-degrading marine bacterium Alcanivorax sp. 24 when grown in the presence of low density PE (LDPE). As well as efficiently utilising and assimilating the leachate of weathered LDPE, the bacterium was able to reduce the molecular weight distribution (Mw from 122 to 83 kg/mol) and overall mass of pristine LDPE films (0.9 % after 34 days of incubation). Most interestingly, Alcanivorax acquired the isotopic signature of the pristine plastic and induced an extensive array of metabolic pathways for aliphatic compound degradation. Presumably, the primary biodegradation of LDPE by Alcanivorax sp. 24 is possible via the production of extracellular reactive oxygen species as observed both by the material's surface oxidation and the measurement of superoxide in the culture with LDPE. Our findings confirm that hydrocarbon-biodegrading bacteria within the plastisphere may in fact have a role in degrading PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinko Zadjelovic
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
| | - Gabriel Erni-Cassola
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; Program Man-Society-Environment (MGU), University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Theo Obrador-Viel
- Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma 07122, Spain
| | - Daniel Lester
- Polymer Characterisation Research Technology Platform, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Yvette Eley
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, UK
| | - Matthew I Gibson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Cristina Dorador
- Laboratorio de Complejidad Microbiana y Ecología Funcional, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Chile; Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta Angamos 601, Antofagasta, Chile; Centre for Biotechnology & Bioengineering (CeBiB) Santiago, Chile
| | - Peter N Golyshin
- Centre for Environmental Biotechnology, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Stuart Black
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, UK
| | | | - Joseph A Christie-Oleza
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma 07122, Spain.
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11
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Giebel BM, Cime S, Rodgers L, Li TD, Zhang S, Wang T. Short-term exposure to soils and sludge induce changes to plastic morphology and 13C stable isotopic composition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 821:153375. [PMID: 35093377 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There is concern about the buildup of plastic waste in soil, their degradation into microplastics, and their potential to interfere with the natural processing of soil organic carbon and other nutrient cycling processes. Here we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 13C isotope ratio mass spectrometry to determine if precut consumer plastics comprised of either high density polyethylene (HDPE), a blend of linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene (L/LDPE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) would degrade or transform during a short-term, 32 day, exposure to soil or sludge in laboratory microcosms. SEM confirmed morphological changes occurred to all plastics, but the attachment of biofilm and presence of microorganisms mostly favored PETE and HDPE surfaces. These observations support the idea that abiotic and/or biotic processes may degrade plastics in soil; however distinguishable and significant changes in mean stable isotopic values (Δδ13C) of ~0.2-0.7‰ were only observed for exposed PETE and HDPE. This indicates that each plastic's degradation in soil may be dependent on their physical and chemical properties, with L/LDPE being more resistant and less prone to degradation compared to the others, and less dependent on the environmental conditions or properties of the soil or sludge. Our experiments were short-term and while the mechanisms of degradation are not clear, the results provide strong motivation for further studies of plastic fate and processing in soil systems. Direct mechanistic studies using stable isotopic approaches in combination with other characterizations and techniques are clearly warranted and may lead to a significant enhancement in our present understanding of the interactions and dynamics of plastics in the soil environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Giebel
- Environmental Sciences Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA.
| | - Schidza Cime
- Chemical Engineering Department, The City College of New York, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Lauren Rodgers
- Environmental Sciences Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Tai-De Li
- Nanoscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Nanoscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Tong Wang
- Nanoscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
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12
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Synthesis and characterization of pyromellitic dianhydride based sulfonated polyimide: Survey of structure properties with DFT and QTAIM. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-021-02872-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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13
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Rist S, Hartmann NB, Welden NAC. How fast, how far: Diversification and adoption of novel methods in aquatic microplastic monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 291:118174. [PMID: 34583265 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Since 2004, there has been a marked diversification in the methods used to determine aquatic microplastic (MP) concentrations. Despite calls for a unified approach to MP sampling, the proliferation of new methods has accelerated in recent years. Both minor method adaptations and entirely novel approaches have been introduced to overcome barriers to reliable MP sampling, extraction and quantification, resulting in a variety of complimentary but also competing approaches. However, there is little clarity regarding the extent to which new methods are acknowledged and adopted, or of the apparent drivers of, as well as barriers to, said adoption. To explore these issues, the rate of method diversification was examined in a systematic review. The rate and degree of diversification were determined by scoring each method by its "degree of novelty": highly novel methods, secondary adaptations of existing methods and smaller, tertiary adaptations of existing methods. This analysis revealed that the rate of method diversification has been greatest since 2011. Our results indicate limited use of these novel methods and adaptations in the subsequent literature, with many researchers falling back on methods that are well established in the existing literature. Importantly, there is little consistency in the units used when reporting MP concentrations. However, these differences are seldom driven by method selection and are rather the result of discrepancies between researchers. Thus, in understanding the requirements of comparability and consistent reporting for monitoring purposes, we can apply a diverse approach to sampling whilst maintaining the applicability and usefulness of the resulting data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinja Rist
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Nanna B Hartmann
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Natalie A C Welden
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, Great Britain, United Kingdom.
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Matjašič T, Simčič T, Kanduč T, Samardžija Z, Mori N. Presence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers in hyporheic zone alters colonization patterns and seasonal dynamics of biofilm metabolic functioning. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 203:117455. [PMID: 34375931 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, the production of plastics is increasing, and plastic pollution in aquatic environments is a major global concern. Under natural conditions, plastic weathers to smaller pieces called microplastics (MP), which come in various shapes, with fibers often being the most common in freshwater sediments. The hyporheic zone, an ecotone between surface and groundwater, is important for the transport and fate of all MP particles. The main metabolic pathways in rivers take place in the hyporheic zone and are driven by a diverse microbial community. The objective of this study was to investigate in situ whether the presence of PET fibers in riverbed sediments affects patterns of colonization and the seasonal dynamics of microbial metabolic activities in the hyporheic zone. The effects of the presence of PET on microbial metabolism were evaluated in situ over a month (colonization study) and over a year (seasonal study) by measuring total protein content (TPC), and microbial respiration as respiratory electron transport system activity (ETSA) and by community-level physiological profiling (CLPP). Additionally, PET fibers were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and isotopic analysis (δ13C) of PET was performed after one year of exposure to field conditions. The findings demonstrated that during colonization and biofilm formation, and also over the seasons, the date had a large and significant impact on biofilm growth and activity, while PET presence slightly suppressed microbial biomass (TPC) and respiratory activity (ETSA). Overall microbial activity was repressed in the presence of PET fibers but there was a higher capacity for the utilization of complex synthetic polymer substrates (i.e., Tween 40) which have previously been linked to polluted environments. SEM micrographs showed diverse microbial communities adhering to PET fibers but little surface deterioration. Similarly, isotopic analysis suggested little deterioration of PET fibers after one year of in situ conditions. The study indicated that PET fibers present in riverbed sediments could have impacts on the metabolic functioning in rivers and thus affect their self-cleaning ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjaša Matjašič
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
| | - Tatjana Simčič
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Kanduč
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Zoran Samardžija
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Mori
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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15
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Alomar C, Sanz-Martín M, Compa M, Rios-Fuster B, Álvarez E, Ripolles V, Valencia JM, Deudero S. Microplastic ingestion in reared aquaculture fish: Biological responses to low-density polyethylene controlled diets in Sparus aurata. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 280:116960. [PMID: 33780838 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
During the last years, ingestion of microplastics (MPs) has been quantified in marine species both with an ecological and commercial interest at sea and under experimental conditions, highlighting the importance to assess MP ingestion in commercially and aquaculture important species such as gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fish. In order to study the ingestion of MPs in a commercially valuable species, gilthead seabreams were exposed to an enriched diet with virgin and weathered low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pellets for three months followed by a detoxification period of one month of no exposure to MP enriched diets. Our results indicate that MP ingestion in these fishes increased with exposure time, and differences were found between treatments, showing the highest ingestion values after three months of exposure to MP enriched diets and in the weathered treatment. However, after one month of detoxification, no MPs were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of fish, reflecting no long-term retention of MPs in Sparus aurata digestive system. According to results from this study, exposure of fish to MP enriched diets does not affect fish size neither the Fulton's condition index as both parameters increased with time in all treatments (control, virgin and weathered). Both carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures decreased with fish size in all treatments which could be related to an increase of nitrogen deposition efficiency in fish muscle with a high protein assimilation during the first months of Sparus aurata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carme Alomar
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
| | - Marina Sanz-Martín
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Montserrat Compa
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Beatriz Rios-Fuster
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Elvira Álvarez
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Vincent Ripolles
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - José María Valencia
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Marinas y Acuicultura, LIMIA-Govern de Les Illes Balears, Port d'Andratx, Balearic Islands, Spain; INAGEA (INIA-CAIB-UIB), Carr. de Valldemossa, Km 7.5, 07122, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Salud Deudero
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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16
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Rogers KM, Turnbull JC, Dahl J, Phillips A, Bridson JH, Raymond LG, Liu Z, Yuan Y, Hill SJ. Authenticating bioplastics using carbon and hydrogen stable isotopes - An alternative analytical approach. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e9051. [PMID: 33474806 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE A combination of stable carbon (δ13 C) and hydrogen (δ2 H) isotope ratios and carbon content (% C) was evaluated as a rapid, low-cost analytical approach to authenticate bioplastics, complementing existing radiocarbon (14 C) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analytical methods. METHODS Petroleum- and bio-based precursor materials and in-market plastics were analysed and their δ13 C, δ2 H and % C values were used to establish isotope criteria to evaluate plastic claims, and the source and biocontent of the samples. 14 C was used to confirm the findings of the isotope approach and FTIR analysis was used to vertify the plastic type of the in-market plastics. RESULTS Distinctive carbon and hydrogen stable isotope ratios were found for authentic bio-based and petroleum-based precursor plastics, and it was possible to classify in-market plastics according to their source materials (petroleum, C3, C4, and mixed sources). An estimation of C4 biocontent was possible from a C4-petroleum isotope mixing model using δ13 C which was well correlated (R2 = 0.98) to 14 C. It was not possible to establish a C3-petroleum isotope mixing model due to δ13 C isotopic overlap with petroleum plastics; however, the addition of δ2 H and % C was useful to evaluate if petroleum-bioplastic mixes contained C3 bioplastics, and PLS-DA modelling reliably clustered each plastic type. CONCLUSIONS A combined dual stable isotope and carbon content approach was found to rapidly and accurately identify C3 and C4 bio-based products from their petroleum counterparts, and identify instances of petroleum and bio-based mixes frequently found in mislabelled bioplastics. Out of 37 in-market products labelled as bioplastic, 19 were found to contain varying amounts of petroleum-based plastic and did not meet their bio-based claims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyne M Rogers
- National Isotope Centre, GNS Science, Box 30-368, Lower Hutt, PO, New Zealand
- Institute of Quality and Standard of Agricultural Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Jocelyn C Turnbull
- National Isotope Centre, GNS Science, Box 30-368, Lower Hutt, PO, New Zealand
- CIRES, University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Jenny Dahl
- National Isotope Centre, GNS Science, Box 30-368, Lower Hutt, PO, New Zealand
| | - Andy Phillips
- National Isotope Centre, GNS Science, Box 30-368, Lower Hutt, PO, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Zhi Liu
- Institute of Quality and Standard of Agricultural Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
| | - Yuwei Yuan
- Institute of Quality and Standard of Agricultural Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, China
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17
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Birch QT, Potter PM, Pinto PX, Dionysiou DD, Al-Abed SR. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry and spectroscopic techniques for microplastics characterization. Talanta 2021; 224:121743. [PMID: 33379004 PMCID: PMC7879947 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Micro- and nano-scale plastic particles in the environment result from their direct release and degradation of larger plastic debris. Relative to macro-sized plastics, these small particles are of special concern due to their potential impact on marine, freshwater, and terrestrial systems. While microplastic (MP) pollution has been widely studied in geographic regions globally, many questions remain about its origins. It is assumed that urban environments are the main contributors but systematic studies are lacking. The absence of standard methods to characterize and quantify MPs and smaller particles in environmental and biological matrices has hindered progress in understanding their geographic origins and sources, distribution, and impact. Hence, the development and standardization of methods is needed to establish the potential environmental and human health risks. In this study, we investigated stable carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), attenuated total reflectance - Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman) as complementary techniques for characterization of common plastics. Plastic items selected for comparative analysis included food packaging, containers, straws, and polymer pellets. The ability of IRMS to distinguish weathered samples was also investigated using the simulated weathering conditions of ultraviolet (UV) light and heat. Our IRMS results show a difference between the δ13C values for plant-derived and petroleum-based polymers. We also found differences between plastic items composed of the same polymer but from different countries, and between some recycled and nonrecycled plastics. Furthermore, increasing δ13C values were observed after exposure to UV light. The results of the three techniques, and their advantages and limitations, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinn T Birch
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | | | | | - Dionysios D Dionysiou
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Souhail R Al-Abed
- Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Cincinnati, OH, 45220, USA.
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18
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Plakunov VK, Gannesen AV, Mart’yanov SV, Zhurina MV. Biocorrosion of Synthetic Plastics: Degradation Mechanisms and Methods of Protection. Microbiology (Reading) 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026261720060144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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19
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Raddadi N, Fava F. Biodegradation of oil-based plastics in the environment: Existing knowledge and needs of research and innovation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 679:148-158. [PMID: 31082589 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The production of synthetic oil-based plastics has led to the accumulation of huge amounts of the plastic waste in the environment, especially in the marine system, very often the final sink for many types of conventional wasted plastics. In particular, (micro)plastics account for the majority of litter items in the marine environment and a high percentage of such litter is originating from land sources. Attempts to mitigate the harmful effects of conventional plastics such as the development of novel management strategies together with the gradual substitution of them with biodegradable (bio)plastics are representing future solutions. However, high amounts of conventional plastics have been accumulating in the environment since several years. Although many studies reported on their potential biodegradation by microbes in and from terrestrial environments, very little is known about the biodegradability of these plastics in freshwater systems and only recently more reports on their biodegradation by marine microorganisms/in marine environment were made available. In this review, we first provide a summary of the approaches applied for monitoring and assessing conventional plastics biodegradation under defined conditions. Then, we reviewed historical and recent findings related to biodegradation of four major plastics produced in European Union (EU), i.e. Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polypropylene and Polystyrene, in terrestrial and aquatic environments and by pure and mixed microbial cultures obtained from them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Raddadi
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering; Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Fabio Fava
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering; Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Italy
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Use of Statistical Design Strategies to Produce Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly Films from Cashew Gum Polysaccharide and Polyvinyl Alcohol. MATERIALS 2019; 12:ma12071149. [PMID: 30970591 PMCID: PMC6479310 DOI: 10.3390/ma12071149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This work reports the production and characterization of biodegradable and eco-friendly films based on cashew gum polysaccharide (CGP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), using the statistical design strategy. Results show that CGP/PVA films are pH stimuli-responsive, allowing their use in a magnitude of biotechnological applications. The morphological and dimensional characterization evidences a positive influence of polymers in the dimensional properties. In addition, the microstructural analysis shows that films have different morphologies depending on the content of polymers and oxidant agent. On the other hand, the thickness and light transmission values are positively influenced by CGP and PVA and negatively influenced by NaIO₄. Results from mechanical properties show that the traction force is positively influenced by NaIO₄, while the elongation is only affected by the PVA concentration. In summary, considering the morphological, optical and mechanical properties of the CGP/PVA films it is possible to suggest their utilization in different fields as promising packaging materials or matrices for immobilization and/or encapsulation of biomolecules.
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21
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Rodrigues PR, Nunes JMN, Lordelo LN, Druzian JI. ASSESSMENT OF POLYHYDROXYALKANOATE SYNTHESIS IN SUBMERGED CULTIVATION OF Cupriavidus necator AND Burkholderia cepacia STRAINS USING SOYBEAN AS SUBSTRATE. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/0104-6632.20190361s20170267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Properties of polyamide 612/poly(vinyl alcohol) blends and their impact on free volume and oxygen barrier properties. JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10965-018-1587-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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