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Xue W, Bhandari R, Tutor J, Siengpairou N, Tabucanon AS. Spatial and temporal variations of microplastics in the lower Chao Phraya River, Thailand: an investigation during the COVID-19 pandemic period. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2025; 32:6970-6983. [PMID: 40021554 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-025-36161-5] [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: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/03/2025]
Abstract
This study systematically investigated the abundance, characteristics, and spatial and temporal variations of microplastics (MPs) in the lower Chao Phraya River, Thailand, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed an average MP abundance of 8.3 ± 5.8 particles/m3, mainly composed of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) with fibers and fragments being the predominant shapes. Spatially, MP concentrations exhibited a notable increase downstream, particularly in highly urbanized areas. Temporally, MP concentrations showed slight elevation during the wet season, with clear seasonal variations in MP size and shape distributions attributed to the influence of urban storm runoff. Despite expectations of heightened MP pollution due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study suggests a potential reduction in MP abundance, likely attributed to decreased socio-economic activities. Nonetheless, the long-term effects remain uncertain, underscoring the imperative for continuous monitoring and effective environmental management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Xue
- Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, 12120, Pathumthani, Thailand.
| | - Roshan Bhandari
- Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, 12120, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Jasmin Tutor
- Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, 12120, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Nitcharat Siengpairou
- Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, 12120, Pathumthani, Thailand
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2
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Rezania S, Miri S, Cho J, Hur J, Kamyab H, Darajeh N, Mohammadi AA, Molani F, Taghavijeloudar M. Microplastic pollution in the marine environment: Distribution factors and mitigation strategies in different oceans. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2025; 269:104496. [PMID: 39793407 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2025.104496] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 12/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/01/2025] [Indexed: 01/13/2025]
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, plastic usage spiked, and microplastic (MP) generation has increased dramatically. It is documented that MP can transfer from the source to the ocean environment where they accumulate as the destination. Therefore, it is essential to understand their transferring pathways and effective environmental factors to determine the distribution of MPs in the marine environment. This article reviews the environmental factors that affect MP distribution in the oceans including abiotic such as ocean currents and wind direction, physical/chemical and biological reactions of MPs, natural sinking, particle size and settling velocity, and biotic including biofouling, and incorporation in fecal material. It was found that velocity and physical shearing are the most important parameters for MP accumulation in the deep ocean. Besides, this review proposes different research-based, national-level, and global-level strategies for the mitigation of MPs after the pandemic. Based on the findings, the level of MP pollution in the oceans is directly correlated to coastal areas with high populations, particularly in African and Asian countries. Future studies should focus on establishing predictive models based on the movement and distribution of MPs to mitigate the levels of pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahabaldin Rezania
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, South Korea.
| | - Saba Miri
- Department of Civil Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University, North York, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Jinwoo Cho
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, South Korea
| | - Jin Hur
- Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, South Korea
| | - Hesam Kamyab
- Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 600077, India; The KU-KIST Graduate School of Energy and Environment, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Negisa Darajeh
- Aurecon Group, 110 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Ali Akbar Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran; Workplace Health Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Farzad Molani
- Department of Chemistry, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Mohsen Taghavijeloudar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, 151-744 Seoul, South Korea
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3
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Ocloo D, Agyemang FO, Dzikunu P, Koomson B, Ohemeng-Boahen G, Akoto EH, Martey AK. Waste PET bottle-derived carbon for defluorination of fluoride-polluted water. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2025:1-24. [PMID: 39756053 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2024.2447960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 11/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2025]
Abstract
This study synthesises expanded graphite (EG) from graphitised carbon from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The adsorbent material was characterised using FTIR, XRF, XRD, SEM, Raman Spectroscopy, and BET surface area analysis. The synthesised EG defluorinated wastewater, utilising response surface methodology (RSM) for experimental design and optimisation. XRD patterns confirmed the successful synthesis of graphite and EG, demonstrating structural modifications. Raman spectra indicated higher crystalline order in EG, with D and G band shifts and an increased ID/IG intensity ratio from 0.89-1.04. BET analysis revealed a specific surface area of 247.1 m²/g. . FTIR analysis showed abundant functional groups, particularly hydroxyl (-OH) and alkene (C = C). Batch adsorption experiments revealed that fluoride adsorption onto EG depended on pH, time, and initial fluoride concentration. Optimal conditions for fluoride removal, determined using RSM with central composite design (CCD), demonstrated a maximum fluoride removal rate of 97%. Isotherm data fitted both Langmuir and Freundlich model, and kinetics data aligned well with the pseudo-first-order model. ANOVA showed significant effects of contact time, pH, adsorbent dose, and initial fluoride concentration on removal efficiency. The model's R² value of 0.98 and lack of fit value of 0.1554 confirmed the quality of the second-order polynomial model. Optimal conditions for maximum fluoride removal efficiency of 97% were validated at 5 mg/L fluoride concentration, pH 4, adsorbent dose of 5 g/L, and a contact time of 30 min. Therefore, the present study demonstrated efficient fluoride-polluted water treatment using waste-derived EG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ocloo
- Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Frank Ofori Agyemang
- Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Perseverance Dzikunu
- Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Bennetta Koomson
- Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Godfred Ohemeng-Boahen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Elizabeth Henewaa Akoto
- Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Anthony Kwesi Martey
- Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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4
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Qualhato G, Cirqueira Dias F, Rocha TL. Hazardous effects of plastic microfibres from facial masks to aquatic animal health: Insights from zebrafish model. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175555. [PMID: 39168327 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175555] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Facial masks are a source of plastic microfibres (PMFs) in the aquatic environment, an emerging risk factor for aquatic organisms. However, little is known concerning its impact during the early developmental stages of fish. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the potential interaction and developmental toxicity of PMFs derived from leachate of surgical masks (SC-Msk) and N-95 facial masks (N95-Msk) using a multi-biomarker approach in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio). PMFs from both facial masks were obtained and characterized by multiple techniques. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of PMFs from both facial masks (1000, 10,000, and 100,000 particle L-1), and the toxicity was analysed in terms of mortality, hatching rate, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, morphological changes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, cell viability, and behavioural impairments. The results showed that both facial masks can release PMFs, but the N95-Msk produced a higher concentration of PMFs than SC-Msk. Both PMFs can interact with zebrafish chorion and don't cause effects on embryo mortality and hatching; however, zebrafish embryos showed cardiotoxic effects, and larvae showed increased agitation, average speed, and distance travelled, indicating the behavioural impairments induced by PMFs derived from facial masks. Overall, results showed the risk of PMFs to the health of freshwater fish, indicating the need for greater attention to the disposal and ecotoxicological effects of facial masks on aquatic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Qualhato
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Felipe Cirqueira Dias
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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Xia X, Mu H, Li Y, Hou Y, Li J, Zhao Z, Zhao Q, You S, Wei L. Which emerging micropollutants deserve more attention in wastewater in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period? Based on distribution, risk, and exposure analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175511. [PMID: 39147043 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175511] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Aggravated accumulation of emerging micropollutants (EMs) in aquatic environments, especially after COVID-19, raised significant attention throughout the world for safety concerns. This article reviews the sources and occurrence of 25 anti-COVID-19 related EMs in wastewater. It should be pointed out that the concentration of anti-COVID-19 related EMs, such as antivirals, plasticizers, antimicrobials, and psychotropic drugs in wastewater increased notably after the pandemic. Furthermore, the ecotoxicity, ecological, and health risks of typical EMs before and after COVID-19 were emphatically compared and analyzed. Based on the environmental health prioritization index method, the priority control sequence of typical EMs related to anti-COVID-19 was identified. Lopinavir (LPV), venlafaxine (VLX), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), benzalkonium chloride (BAC), triclocarban (TCC), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), citalopram (CIT), diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), and triclosan (TCS) were identified as the top-priority control EMs in the post-pandemic period. Besides, some insights into the toxicity and risk assessment of EMs were also provided. This review provides direction for proper understanding and controlling the EMs pollution after COVID-19, and is of significance to evaluate objectively the environmental and health impacts induced by COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhui Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Huizhi Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Yaqun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Yanlong Hou
- The 404 Company Limited, CNNC, Lanzhou 732850, China
| | - Jianju Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Zixuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Qingliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Shijie You
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
| | - Liangliang Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China.
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Kwon JH, Advani SD, Branch-Elliman W, Braun BI, Cheng VCC, Chiotos K, Douglas P, Gohil SK, Keller SC, Klein EY, Krein SL, Lofgren ET, Merrill K, Moehring RW, Monsees E, Perri L, Scaggs Huang F, Shelly MA, Skelton F, Spivak ES, Sreeramoju PV, Suda KJ, Ting JY, Weston GD, Yassin MH, Ziegler MJ, Mody L. A call to action: the SHEA research agenda to combat healthcare-associated infections. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024; 45:1-18. [PMID: 39448369 PMCID: PMC11518679 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2024.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennie H. Kwon
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MI, USA
| | | | - Westyn Branch-Elliman
- VA Boston Healthcare System, VA National Artificial Intelligence Institute (NAII), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Kathleen Chiotos
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peggy Douglas
- Washington State Department of Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shruti K. Gohil
- University of California Irvine School of Medicine, UCI Irvine Health, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sara C. Keller
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eili Y. Klein
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah L. Krein
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Eric T. Lofgren
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Monsees
- Children’s Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MI, USA
| | - Luci Perri
- Infection Control Results, Wingate, NC, USA
| | - Felicia Scaggs Huang
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mark A. Shelly
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Felicia Skelton
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Emily S. Spivak
- University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Katie J. Suda
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Mohamed H. Yassin
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Matthew J. Ziegler
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lona Mody
- University of Michigan, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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7
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Zhang L, Ma Y, Wei Z, Li Q. Toxicological Comparison between Gold Nanoparticles in Different Shapes: Nanospheres Exhibit Less Hepatotoxicity and Lipid Dysfunction and Nanotriangles Show Lower Neurotoxicity. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:42990-43004. [PMID: 39464457 PMCID: PMC11500156 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c05961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/29/2024]
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in different shapes have been developed and investigated for the treatment of various diseases. However, the potential toxicological vulnerability of different organs to morphologies of AuNPs and the complication of the toxicological profile of AuNPs by other health risk factors (e.g., plastic particles) have rarely been investigated systematically. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the toxicological differences between the spherical and triangular AuNPs (denoted as AuS and AuT, respectively) and the toxicological modulations by micro- or nanosized polystyrene plastic particles (denoted as mPS and nPS, respectively) in mice. Systemic biochemical characterizations were performed after a 90 day oral gavage feeding to obtain toxicological comparisons in different organs. In the case of single exposure to gold nanoparticles, AuT was associated with significantly higher aspartate amino-transferase (168.2%, P < 0.05), superoxide dismutase (183.6%, P < 0.001), catalase (136.9%, P < 0.01), total cholesterol (132.6%, P < 0.01), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (131.3%, P < 0.05), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (204.6%, P < 0.01) levels than AuS. In contrast, AuS was associated with a significantly higher nitric oxide level (355.1%, P < 0.01) than AuT. Considering the overall toxicological profiles in single exposure and coexposure with multiscale plastics, it has been found that AuS is associated with lower hepatotoxicity and lipid metabolism malfunction, and AuT is associated with lower neurotoxicity than AuS. This finding may facilitate the future therapeutic design by considering the priority in protections of different organs and utilizing appropriate material morphologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- College
of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuyang Ma
- College
of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- School
of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Zhiliang Wei
- Department
of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205-2105, United
States
| | - Qian Li
- College
of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University
of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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8
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Dike S, Apte SD. Impact of microplastics on strength parameters of clayey, Sandy, silty soil: A comparative assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174161. [PMID: 38909809 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The comparative assessment of a variety of microplastic contamination on various soil types hasn't been extensively explored in existing literature. The present study focuses on the comparative analysis of the impact of environmentally relevant concentrations of LDPE, HDPE, and PVC microplastic contamination (2 %, 4 %, and 6 %) on index properties and strength parameters of sandy, silty and clayey soil types at varying observation days 5,10,15,20,25, and 30 days. Extensive experimental investigations are carried out to understand the effect of contamination on moisture content, specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, optimum moisture content, maximum dry density, and shear strength parameters of the respective soil type. It is observed that the depletion in Atterberg's limits is found more in the case of clayey soil as compared to silty soil because clayey soils consist of large specific surface areas leading to van der Waals force of attraction being the predominant force between particles, compared with silty soil which is affected by microplastic addition leading to decrease in net attractive forces. In the case of clayey soil maximum depletion of liquid limit up to 168 %, plastic limit up to 33 %, plasticity index (136 %), and optimum moisture content (9.04 %) is observed for PVC microplastic. The deduction in maximum dry density values is observed more for sandy soil (0.59 g/cc) followed by silty soil (0.21 g/cc) and clayey soil (0.12 g/cc). The maximum depletion of moisture content(delta-8 %), shear strength (delta-0.89 kg/cm2), and maximum dry density (delta-0.44 g/cc) is observed in the case of sandy soil for PVC and LDPE microplastic contamination. Significant depletion in optimum moisture content is observed in the case of clayey soil (9.57 %) compared to sandy (5.62 %) and silty soil (5.3 %). An increase in cohesion is observed for sandy soil (0.09 kg/cm2) and a decrease for clayey (0.19 kg/cm2) and silty soil (0.19 kg/cm2). The angle of internal friction is reduced in the case of clayey soil (∆-14.380) followed by silty soil (∆-11.230) and sandy soil (∆-11.020). For silty soil maximum depletion of specific gravity(delta-1.06) and cohesion (0.192 kg/cm2) is observed for LDPE and HDPE microplastic. The sandy soil type is most affected due to microplastic contamination irrespective of the type of microplastic contamination followed by clayey soil and the silty soil type is least affected. The maximum overall shear strength is reduced due to microplastic contamination in all the soil types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangita Dike
- Department of Civil Engineering, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), Pune, India
| | - Sayali D Apte
- Department of Civil Engineering, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), Pune, India.
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9
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Kwon Y, Bui-Vinh D, Lee SH, Baek SH, Lee HW, Yun J, Cho I, Lee J, Lee MH, Lee H, Jeong DW. A New Paradigm on Waste-to-Energy Applying Hydrovoltaic Energy Harvesting Technology to Face Masks. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2515. [PMID: 39274147 PMCID: PMC11398234 DOI: 10.3390/polym16172515] [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: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of single-use face masks during the recent epidemic has led to significant environmental challenges due to waste pollution. This study explores an innovative approach to address this issue by repurposing discarded face masks for hydrovoltaic energy harvesting. By coating the face masks with carbon black (CB) to enhance their hydrophilic properties, we developed mask-based hydrovoltaic power generators (MHPGs). These MHPGs were evaluated for their hydrovoltaic performance, revealing that different mask configurations and sizes affect their efficiency. The study found that MHPGs with smaller, more structured areas exhibited better energy output, with maximum open-circuit voltages (VOC) reaching up to 0.39 V and short-circuit currents (ISC) up to 65.6 μA. The integration of CB improved water absorption and transport, enhancing the hydrovoltaic performance. More specifically, MHPG-1 to MHPG-4, which represented different sizes and features, presented mean VOC values of 0.32, 0.17, 0.19 and 0.05 V, as well as mean ISC values of 16.57, 15.59, 47.43 and 3.02 μA, respectively. The findings highlight the feasibility of utilizing discarded masks in energy harvesting systems, offering both environmental benefits and a novel method for renewable energy generation. Therefore, this work provides a new paradigm for waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies and inspires further research into the use of unconventional waste materials for energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongbum Kwon
- Korea National Institute of Rare Metals, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Incheon 21655, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Dai Bui-Vinh
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hwan Lee
- Korea National Institute of Rare Metals, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Incheon 21655, Republic of Korea
| | - So Hyun Baek
- Korea National Institute of Rare Metals, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Incheon 21655, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Lee
- Korea National Institute of Rare Metals, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Incheon 21655, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeungjai Yun
- Korea National Institute of Rare Metals, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Incheon 21655, Republic of Korea
| | - Inhee Cho
- Korea National Institute of Rare Metals, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Incheon 21655, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonghoon Lee
- Manufacturing AI Research Center, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Hye Lee
- Korea National Institute of Rare Metals, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Incheon 21655, Republic of Korea
| | - Handol Lee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Program in Environmental and Polymer Engineering, Graduate School of Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
- Particle Pollution Research and Management Center, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Woon Jeong
- Korea National Institute of Rare Metals, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Incheon 21655, Republic of Korea
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10
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Marcharla E, Vinayagam S, Gnanasekaran L, Soto-Moscoso M, Chen WH, Thanigaivel S, Ganesan S. Microplastics in marine ecosystems: A comprehensive review of biological and ecological implications and its mitigation approach using nanotechnology for the sustainable environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 256:119181. [PMID: 38768884 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119181] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination has rapidly become a serious environmental issue, threatening marine ecosystems and human health. This review aims to not only understand the distribution, impacts, and transfer mechanisms of microplastic contamination but also to explore potential solutions for mitigating its widespread impact. This review encompasses the categorisation, origins, and worldwide prevalence of microplastics and methodically navigates the complicated structure of microplastics. Understanding the sources of minute plastic particles infiltrating water bodies worldwide is critical for successful removal. The presence and accumulation of microplastics has far reaching negative impacts on various marine creatures, eventually extending its implications to human health. Microplastics are known to affect the metabolic activities and the survival of microbial communities, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fauna present in marine environments. Moreover, these microplastics cause developmental abnormalities, endocrine disruption, and several metabolic disorders in humans. These microplastics accumulates in aquatic environments through trophic transfer mechanisms and biomagnification, thereby disrupting the delicate balance of these ecosystems. The review also addresses the tactics for minimising the widespread impact of microplastics by suggesting practical alternatives. These include increasing public awareness, fostering international cooperation, developing novel cleanup solutions, and encouraging the use of environment-friendly materials. In conclusion, this review examines the sources and prevalence of microplastic contamination in marine environment, its impacts on living organisms and ecosystems. It also proposes various sustainable strategies to mitigate the problem of microplastics pollution. Also, the current challenges associated with the mitigation of these pollutants have been discussed and addressing these challenges require immediate and collective action for restoring the balance in marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eswar Marcharla
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Saranya Vinayagam
- Department of Biosciences, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602 105, India
| | - Lalitha Gnanasekaran
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, 1000000, Chile.
| | | | - Wei-Hsin Chen
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; Research Center for Smart Sustainable Circular Economy, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan; Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung 411, Taiwan
| | - Sundaram Thanigaivel
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
| | - Swamynathan Ganesan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu 603203, India.
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11
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Zhang L, Ma Y, Wei Z, Wang L. Toxicity of gold nanoparticles complicated by the co-existence multiscale plastics. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1447046. [PMID: 39268536 PMCID: PMC11392435 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1447046] [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: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been developed as treatment materials for various diseases and shown magnificent potential. By contrast to the broad toxicological studies on the single exposure (AuNPs), how the other health risks modulate the toxicological profile of AuNPs remains to be investigated. Plastics are among the most common health risks in daily life due to the broad utilization of plastic products. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to reveal the toxicological effects induced by co-exposure of gold nanorod (AuR) and polystyrene micro- and nano-plastics (hereinafter, referred to as AuRmPS and AuRnPS, respectively) in mice. Methods Systematic biochemical characterizations were performed to investigate the hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, inflammatory responses, alterations in gut microbiota induced by co-exposure, and to analyze the toxicological phenomena from the roles of reactive oxygen species and gut-organ axis. Results It has been found that hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and inflammation were exacerbated in AuRnPS and AuRmPS, and gut microbiota composition was more severely altered in AuRnPS exposure. These results suggest the necessity of reducing plastics exposure in AuNPs-based therapies. Moreover, protection against the nano-sized plastic particles holds higher priority. Conclusion These findings will facilitate the explorations of methods to reduce therapeutic toxicity and improve biosafety for specific treatments by referring to the orders of importance in protecting different organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuyang Ma
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Zhiliang Wei
- Department of Radiology & Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Maryland, MD, United States
| | - Luyang Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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12
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Zhang Y, Jiang F, Li F, Lu S, Liu Z, Wang Y, Chi Y, Jiang C, Zhang L, Chen Q, He Z, Zhao X, Qiao J, Xu X, Leung KMY, Liu X, Wu F. Global daily mask use estimation in the pandemic and its post environmental health risks: Analysis based on a validated dynamic mathematical model. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 473:134572. [PMID: 38772106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134572] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp increase in disposable surgical mask usage. Discarded masks can release microplastic and cause environmental pollution. Since masks have become a daily necessity for protection against virus infections, it is necessary to review the usage and disposal of masks during the pandemic for future management. In this study, we constructed a dynamic model by introducing related parameters to estimate daily mask usage in 214 countries from January 22, 2020 to July 31, 2022. And we validated the accuracy of our model by establishing a dataset based on published survey data. Our results show that the cumulative mask usage has reached 800 billion worldwide, and the microplastics released from discarded masks due to mismanagement account for 3.27% of global marine microplastic emissions in this period. Furthermore, we illustrated the response relationship between mask usage and the infection rates. We found a marginally significant negative correlation existing between the mean daily per capita mask usage and the rate of cumulative confirmed cases within the range of 25% to 50%. This indicates that if the rate reaches the specified threshold, the preventive effect of masks may become evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Fei Jiang
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Fengmin Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zihao Liu
- School of information science and engineering, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Yuwen Wang
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Yiming Chi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Chenchen Jiang
- First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Zhipeng He
- Shandong Freshwater Fisheries Research Institude, Jinan 250013, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jianmin Qiao
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Xiaoya Xu
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Kenneth Mei Yee Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education and College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
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13
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Rizvi NB, Sarwar A, Waheed S, Iqbal ZF, Imran M, Javaid A, Kim TH, Khan MS. Nano-based remediation strategies for micro and nanoplastic pollution. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 265:104380. [PMID: 38875891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104380] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Due to rapid urbanization, there have been continuous environmental threats from different pollutants, especially from microplastics. Plastic products rapidly proliferate significantly contributing to the occurrence of micro-plastics, which poses a significant environmental risk. These microplastics originated from diverse sources and are characterized by their persistent and widespread occurrence; human health and the entire ecosystem are adversely affected by them. The removal of microplastics not only requires innovative technologies but also efficient materials capable of effectively eliminating them from our environment. The progress made so far has highlighted the advantages of utilizing the dimensional and structural properties of nanomaterials to increase the effectiveness of existing methods for micro-plastic treatment, aiming for a more sustainable approach to their removal. In the current review, we demonstrate a thorough overview of the sources, occurrences, and potential harmful effects of microplastics, followed by a further discussion of promising technologies used for their removal. An in-depth examination of both advantages and a few limitations of all these given technologies, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches, has been discussed. Additionally, the review explores the use of nanomaterials as an effective means to overcome obstacles and improve the efficiency of microplastic elimination methods. n conclusion, this review addresses, current challenges in this field and outlines the future perspectives for further research in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayab Batool Rizvi
- Centre for Clinical and Nutritional Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Sarwar
- Centre for Clinical and Nutritional Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Saba Waheed
- Centre for Clinical and Nutritional Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Zeenat Fatima Iqbal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore-54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Centre for Inorganic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Ayesha Javaid
- Centre for Inorganic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Tak H Kim
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Muhammad Shahzeb Khan
- Sulaiman Bin Abdullah Aba Al-Khail Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences (SA-CIRBS), Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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14
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Greenhalgh T, MacIntyre CR, Baker MG, Bhattacharjee S, Chughtai AA, Fisman D, Kunasekaran M, Kvalsvig A, Lupton D, Oliver M, Tawfiq E, Ungrin M, Vipond J. Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a state of the science review. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0012423. [PMID: 38775460 PMCID: PMC11326136 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00124-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThis narrative review and meta-analysis summarizes a broad evidence base on the benefits-and also the practicalities, disbenefits, harms and personal, sociocultural and environmental impacts-of masks and masking. Our synthesis of evidence from over 100 published reviews and selected primary studies, including re-analyzing contested meta-analyses of key clinical trials, produced seven key findings. First, there is strong and consistent evidence for airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory pathogens. Second, masks are, if correctly and consistently worn, effective in reducing transmission of respiratory diseases and show a dose-response effect. Third, respirators are significantly more effective than medical or cloth masks. Fourth, mask mandates are, overall, effective in reducing community transmission of respiratory pathogens. Fifth, masks are important sociocultural symbols; non-adherence to masking is sometimes linked to political and ideological beliefs and to widely circulated mis- or disinformation. Sixth, while there is much evidence that masks are not generally harmful to the general population, masking may be relatively contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions, who may require exemption. Furthermore, certain groups (notably D/deaf people) are disadvantaged when others are masked. Finally, there are risks to the environment from single-use masks and respirators. We propose an agenda for future research, including improved characterization of the situations in which masking should be recommended or mandated; attention to comfort and acceptability; generalized and disability-focused communication support in settings where masks are worn; and development and testing of novel materials and designs for improved filtration, breathability, and environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - C Raina MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael G Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Shovon Bhattacharjee
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Abrar A Chughtai
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Fisman
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohana Kunasekaran
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amanda Kvalsvig
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Lupton
- Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Research Centre, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matt Oliver
- Professional Standards Advocate, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Essa Tawfiq
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Ungrin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joe Vipond
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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15
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Nizzetto L, Binda G, Hurley R, Baann C, Selonen S, Velmala S, van Gestel CAM. Comments to "Degli-Innocenti, F. The pathology of hype, hyperbole and publication bias is creating an unwarranted concern towards biodegradable mulch films" [J. Hazard. Mater. 463 (2024) 132923]. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:133690. [PMID: 38336580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Some narratives present biodegradable plastic use for soil mulching practices in agriculture as "environmentally friendly" and "sustainable" alternatives to conventional plastics. To verify these narratives, environmental research recently started focusing on their potential impact on soil health, highlighting some concerns. The paper by Degli-Innocenti criticizes this unfolding knowledge arguing that it is affected by communication hypes, alarmistic writing and a focus on exposure scenarios purposedly crafted to yield negative effects. The quest of scientists for increased impact - the paper concludes - is the driver of such behavior. As scholars devoted to the safeguarding of scientific integrity, we set to verify whether this serious claim is grounded in evidence. Through a bibliometric analysis (using number of paper reads, citations and mentions on social media to measure the impact of publications) we found that: i) the papers pointed out by Degli-Innocenti as examples of biased works do not score higher than the median of similar publications; ii) the methodology used to support the conclusion is non-scientific; and iii) the paper does not fulfil the requirements concerning disclosure of conflicts of interests. We conclude that this paper represents a non-scientific opinion, potentially biased by a conflict of interest. We ask the paper to be clearly tagged as such, after the necessary corrections on the ethic section have been made. That being said, the paper does offer some useful insights for the definition of exposure scenarios in risk assessment. We comment and elaborate on these proposed models, hoping that this can help to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Nizzetto
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway; Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Gilberto Binda
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway; DISAT Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Rachel Hurley
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Cecilie Baann
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Salla Selonen
- Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Mustialankatu 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sannakajsa Velmala
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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16
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Edis Z, Bloukh SH. Thymol, a Monoterpenoid within Polymeric Iodophor Formulations and Their Antimicrobial Activities. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4949. [PMID: 38732168 PMCID: PMC11084924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an emanating threat to humanity's future. The effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics against microbial infections is declining at an alarming rate. As a result, morbidity and mortality rates are soaring, particularly among immunocompromised populations. Exploring alternative solutions, such as medicinal plants and iodine, shows promise in combating resistant pathogens. Such antimicrobials could effectively inhibit microbial proliferation through synergistic combinations. In our study, we prepared a formulation consisting of Aloe barbadensis Miller (AV), Thymol, iodine (I2), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Various analytical methods including SEM/EDS, UV-vis, Raman, FTIR, and XRD were carried out to verify the purity, composition, and morphology of AV-PVP-Thymol-I2. We evaluated the inhibitory effects of this formulation against 10 selected reference strains using impregnated sterile discs, surgical sutures, gauze bandages, surgical face masks, and KN95 masks. The antimicrobial properties of AV-PVP-Thymol-I2 were assessed through disc diffusion methods against 10 reference strains in comparison with two common antibiotics. The 25-month-old formulation exhibited slightly lower inhibitory zones, indicating changes in the sustained-iodine-release reservoir. Our findings confirm AV-PVP-Thymol-I2 as a potent antifungal and antibacterial agent against the reference strains, demonstrating particularly strong inhibitory action on surgical sutures, cotton bandages, and face masks. These results enable the potential use of the formulation AV-PVP-Thymol-I2 as a promising antimicrobial agent against wound infections and as a spray-on contact-killing agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Edis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Samir Haj Bloukh
- Center of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates;
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
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17
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Fan Y, Zheng J, Xu W, Zhang Q, Chen N, Wang H, Qian X, Wang G. Spatiotemporal occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in the urban road dust in a megacity, eastern China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133733. [PMID: 38367435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The pervasive issue of microplastics pollution has garnered public attention, yet urban residents remain unaware of the threat within their living spaces. Urban road dust, as primary reservoirs for environmental microplastics, offers an insightful perspective into their occurrence and characteristics. This study investigated microplastics in the urban road dust in Nanjing, a megacity in eastern China, to reveal their spatiotemporal pattern. The abundance of microplastics in the road dust measured 143.3 ± 40.8 particles/m2, with predominant fragments and suspected tire wear particles, particularly those below 100 µm. Significant spatial variations were observed across urban functional zones (P < 0.05), with commercial and heavy industrial areas experiencing the highest microplastic pollution (up to 223.5 particles/m2). Infrared spectroscopy analysis identified 29 polymer types, with polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) prevailing. Light industrial zones exhibited slight contamination (mean = 93.4 particles/m2) but with diverse polymer components (24 types). Redundancy analysis and variation partitioning revealed that urban functional zoning, 7-day accumulated precipitation, and monthly PM2.5 primarily influenced the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in urban road dust (P = 0.001). This study deepened our understanding of microplastics pollution in urban environments, providing novel insights for effective urban environmental management and improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jinglan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; SinoCarbon Innovation & Investment (SCII) Co., Ltd., Beijing 100000, China
| | - Wanlu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Qiji Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Nianhao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xin Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CICAEET), Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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18
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Nohara NML, Ariza-Tarazona MC, Triboni ER, Nohara EL, Villarreal-Chiu JF, Cedillo-González EI. Are you drowned in microplastic pollution? A brief insight on the current knowledge for early career researchers developing novel remediation strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170382. [PMID: 38307272 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170382] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) composed of different polymers with various shapes, within a vast granulometric distribution (1 μm - 5 mm) and with a wide variety of physicochemical surface and bulk characteristics spiral around the globe, with different atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric, and terrestrial residence times, while interacting with other pollutants and biota. The challenges of microplastic pollution are related to the complex relationships between the microplastic generation mechanisms (physical, chemical, and biological), their physicochemical properties, their interactions with other pollutants and microorganisms, the changes in their properties with aging, and their small sizes that facilitate their diffusion and transportation between the air, water, land, and biota, thereby promoting their ubiquity. Early career researchers (ERCs) constitute an essential part of the scientific community committed to overcoming the challenges of microplastic pollution with their new ideas and innovative scientific perspectives for the development of remediation technologies. However, because of the enormous amount of scientific information available, it may be difficult for ERCs to determine the complexity of this environmental issue. This mini-review aims to provide a quick and updated overview of the essential insights of microplastic pollution to ERCs to help them acquire the background needed to develop highly innovative physical, chemical, and biological remediation technologies, as well as valorization proposals and environmental education and awareness campaigns. Moreover, the recommendations for the development of holistic microplastic pollution remediation strategies presented here can help ERCs propose technologies considering the environmental, social, and practical dimensions of microplastic pollution while fulfilling the current government policies to manage this plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoly Milhardo Lourenço Nohara
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, no number, Lorena, Brazil
| | - Maria Camila Ariza-Tarazona
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Eduardo Rezende Triboni
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering of Lorena, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, no number, Lorena, Brazil
| | - Evandro Luís Nohara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Taubaté, R. Daniel Daneli, no number, Taubaté, Brazil
| | - Juan Francisco Villarreal-Chiu
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Universidad S/N Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza 66455, Nuevo León, Mexico; Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología (CIByN), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Km. 10 autopista al Aeropuerto Internacional Mariano Escobedo, Apodaca 66628, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Erika Iveth Cedillo-González
- Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Vivarelli 10/1, Modena 41125, Italy; National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via Giusti, Florence 50121, Italy.
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19
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Soo JC, Wei CH, Chen JK, Dong GC, Liu ZS, Chou HC, Perez RL, Adhikari A, Chen YC. Assessment of inhalation exposure to microplastic particles when disposable masks are repeatedly used. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169428. [PMID: 38104815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Wearing masks to prevent infectious diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, is common. However, concerns arise about inhalation exposure to microplastics (MPs) when disposable masks are improperly reused. In this study, we assessed whether disposable masks release inhalable MPs when reused in simulated wearing conditions. All experiments were conducted using a controlled test chamber setup with a constant inspiratory flow. Commercially available medical masks with a three-layer material, composition comprising polypropylene (PP in the outer and middle layers) and polyethylene (PE in the inner layer), were used as the test material. Brand-new masks with and without hand rubbing, as well as reused medical masks, were tested. Physical properties (number, size, and shape) and chemical composition (polymers) were identified using various analytical techniques such as fluorescence staining, fluorescence microscopy, and micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μFTIR). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to scrutinize the surface structure of reused masks across different layers, elucidating the mechanism behind the MP generation. The findings revealed that brand-new masks subjected to hand rubbing exhibited a higher cumulative count of MPs, averaging approximately 1.5 times more than those without hand rubbing. Fragments remained the predominant shape across all selected size classes among the released MPs from reused masks, primarily through a physical abrasion mechanism, accounting for >90 % of the total MPs. The numbers of PE particles were higher than PP particles, indicating that the inner layer of the mask contributed more inhalable MPs than the middle and outer layers combined. The released MPs from reused masks reached their peak after 8 h of wearing. This implies that regularly replacing masks serves as a preventive measure and mitigates associated health risks of inhalation exposure to MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhy-Charm Soo
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
| | - Chun-Hsuan Wei
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Kun Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Chung Dong
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Zhen-Shu Liu
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chuan Chou
- Institute of Analytical and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Rocio L Perez
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, College of Science and Mathematics, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
| | - Atin Adhikari
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
| | - Yu-Cheng Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Department of Occupational Safety and Health, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National United University, Miaoli, Taiwan.
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20
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Nam H, Gil D, Lee JJ, Kim C. Dual-channel fluorescence dye: Fluorescent color-dependent visual detection of microplastics and selective polyurethane. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169219. [PMID: 38097083 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we developed a dual-channel fluorescent dye ((E)-N'-(4-(diphenylamino)benzylidene)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide) DPC for visual detection of 8 types of microplastics (MPs; HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, PET, PU, PVC, PS, and PP) and selective PU. The intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties of DPC were demonstrated by the spectroscopic analysis, DFT calculations, and Tyndall effect. MPs and nonplastics (cellulose, chitin, sand, shell, and wood) were stained with DPC in water and their respective fluorescence signals in the blue and green channels were analyzed. The staining procedure using DPC was optimized with the concentration of DPC and staining time as parameters. DPC was able to effectively stain 8 types of MPs and only PU in blue and green fluorescence signals, respectively. Furthermore, false positive detections of DPC were minimized through additional ethanol treatment after staining. Moreover, the effects of temperature, pH, and salinity on the staining ability of DPC were investigated. Surprisingly, DPC was able to selectively detect PU through the green fluorescence signal even in a single environment where various MPs existed. Most importantly, DPC is the first fluorescent dye capable of selectively monitoring PU in the green channel as well as staining 8 types of MPs in the blue channel. DPC showed promising potential to be used for MP monitoring on real environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejin Nam
- Department of Fine Chem., Seoul National Univ. of Sci. and Tech. (SNUT), Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongkyun Gil
- Department of Fine Chem., Seoul National Univ. of Sci. and Tech. (SNUT), Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jun Lee
- Department of Fine Chem., Seoul National Univ. of Sci. and Tech. (SNUT), Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheal Kim
- Department of Fine Chem., Seoul National Univ. of Sci. and Tech. (SNUT), Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Rafa N, Ahmed B, Zohora F, Bakya J, Ahmed S, Ahmed SF, Mofijur M, Chowdhury AA, Almomani F. Microplastics as carriers of toxic pollutants: Source, transport, and toxicological effects. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123190. [PMID: 38142809 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a new environmental concern due to our reliance on plastic. Recent years have seen an upward trend in scholarly interest in the topic of microplastics carrying contaminants; however, the available review studies have largely focused on specific aspects of this issue, such as sorption, transport, and toxicological effects. Consequently, this review synthesizes the state-of-the-art knowledge on these topics by presenting key findings to guide better policy action toward microplastic management. Microplastics have been reported to absorb pollutants such as persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and antibiotics, leading to their bioaccumulation in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Hydrophobic interactions are found to be the predominant sorption mechanism, especially for organic pollutants, although electrostatic forces, van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, and pi-pi interactions are also noteworthy. This review reveals that physicochemical properties of microplastics, such as size, structure, and functional groups, and environmental compartment properties, such as pH, temperature, and salinity, influence the sorption of pollutants by microplastic. It has been found that microplastics influence the growth and metabolism of organisms. Inadequate methods for collection and analysis of environmental samples, lack of replication of real-world settings in laboratories, and a lack of understanding of the sorption mechanism and toxicity of microplastics impede current microplastic research. Therefore, future research should focus on filling in these knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazifa Rafa
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge, CB2 3EN, United Kingdom
| | - Bushra Ahmed
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Fatema Zohora
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Jannatul Bakya
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Samiya Ahmed
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Department, College of Health and Life sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shams Forruque Ahmed
- Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - M Mofijur
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ashfaque Ahmed Chowdhury
- School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia; Centre for Intelligent Systems, Clean Energy Academy, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia
| | - Fares Almomani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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22
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Sanito RC, Mujiyanti DR, You SJ, Wang YF. A review on medical waste treatment in COVID-19 pandemics: Technologies, managements and future strategies. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2024; 74:72-99. [PMID: 37955449 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2023.2282011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 few years ago, the increasing of the number of medical waste has become a huge issue because of their harmful impact to environment. A major concern associated to the limitation of technologies for dealing with medical waste, especially conventional technologies, are overcapacities since pandemic occurs. Moreover, the outbreak of new viruses from post COVID-19 should become a serious attention to be prevented not only environmental issues but also the spreading of viruses to new pandemic near the future. The high possibility of an outbreak of new viruses and mutation near the future should be prevented based on the experience associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the last 3 yr. This review presented information and strategies for handling medical waste during the outbreak of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19, and also information on the current issues related to technologies, such as incineration, pyrolysis/gasification, autoclaves and microwave treatment for the dealing with high numbers of medical waste in COVID-19 to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus, their advantages and disadvantages. Plasma technology can be considered to be implemented as an alternative technology to deal with medical waste since incinerator is usually over capacities during the pandemic situation. Proper treatment of specific medical waste in pandemics, namely face masks, vaccine vials, syringes, and dead bodies, are necessary because those medical wastes are mediums for transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Furthermore, emission controls from incinerator and plasma are necessary to be implemented to reduce the high concentration of CO2, NOx, and VOCs during the treatment. Finally, future strategies of medical waste treatment in the perspective of potential outbreak pandemic from new mutation viruses are discussed in this review paper.Implications: Journal of the air and waste management association may consider our review paper to be published. In this review, we give important information related to the technologies, managements and strategies for handling the medical waste and control the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus, starting from proper technology to control the high number of medical waste, their pollutants and many strategies for controlling the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Moreover, this review also describes some strategies associated with control the transmission not only the SARS-CoV-2 virus but also the outbreak of new viruses near the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raynard Christianson Sanito
- Surface Engineering Laboratory, Advanced Materials Research Center, Department of Mineral, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Laval University, Pavillon Adrien-Pouliot, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- CHU de Quebec, Hospital Saint-François d'Assise, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dwi Rasy Mujiyanti
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
| | - Sheng-Jie You
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Risk Management, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Fen Wang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Risk Management, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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23
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Edis Z, Bloukh SH, Sara HA, Bloukh IH. Green Synthesized Polymeric Iodophors with Thyme as Antimicrobial Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1133. [PMID: 38256211 PMCID: PMC10815993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern for the future of mankind. Common antibiotics fail in the treatment of microbial infections at an alarming rate. Morbidity and mortality rates increase, especially among immune-compromised populations. Medicinal plants and their essential oils, as well as iodine could be potential solutions against resistant pathogens. These natural antimicrobials abate microbial proliferation, especially in synergistic combinations. We performed a simple, one-pot synthesis to prepare our formulation with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-complexed iodine (I2), Thymus Vulgaris L. (Thyme), and Aloe Barbadensis Miller (AV). SEM/EDS, UV-vis, Raman, FTIR, and XRD analyses verified the purity, composition, and morphology of AV-PVP-Thyme-I2. We investigated the inhibitory action of the bio-formulation AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 against 10 selected reference pathogens on impregnated sterile discs, surgical sutures, cotton gauze bandages, surgical face masks, and KN95 masks. The antimicrobial properties of AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 were studied by disc diffusion methods and compared with those of the antibiotics gentamycin and nystatin. The results confirm AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 as a strong antifungal and antibacterial agent against the majority of the tested microorganisms with excellent results on cotton bandages and face masks. After storing AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 for 18 months, the inhibitory action was augmented compared to the fresh formulation. Consequently, we suggest AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 as an antimicrobial agent against wound infections and a spray-on contact killing agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Edis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates; (S.H.B.); (H.A.S.)
| | - Samir Haj Bloukh
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates; (S.H.B.); (H.A.S.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamed Abu Sara
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates; (S.H.B.); (H.A.S.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Iman Haj Bloukh
- College of Dentistry, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates;
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24
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Lyu L, Bagchi M, Markoglou N, An C, Peng H, Bi H, Yang X, Sun H. Towards environmentally sustainable management: A review on the generation, degradation, and recycling of polypropylene face mask waste. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132566. [PMID: 37742382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
There has been a considerable increase in the use of face masks in the past years. Managing face mask waste has become a global concern, as the current waste management system is insufficient to deal with such a large quantity of solid waste. The drastic increase in quantity, along with the material's inability to degrade plastic components such as polypropylene, has led to a large accumulation of plastic waste, causing a series of environmental and ecological challenges. In addition, the growing use also imposes pressure on waste management methods such as landfill and incineration, raising concerns about high energy consumption, low value-added utilization, and the release of additional pollutants during the process. This article initially reviews the impact of mask-related plastic waste generation and degradation behavior in the natural environment. It then provides an overview of various recently developed methods for recycling face mask plastic waste. The article also offers forward-looking strategies and recommendations on face mask plastic waste management. The review aims to provide guidance on harnessing the complexities of mask waste and other medical plastic pollution issues, as well as improving the current waste management system's deficiencies and inefficiencies in tackling the growing plastic waste problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiang Lyu
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Monisha Bagchi
- Department Research and Development, Meltech Innovation Canada Inc., Medicom Group, Pointe-Claire, QC H9P 2Z2, Canada
| | - Nektaria Markoglou
- Department Research and Development, Meltech Innovation Canada Inc., Medicom Group, Pointe-Claire, QC H9P 2Z2, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - He Peng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Huifang Bi
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Xiaohan Yang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Huijuan Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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25
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Kumar M, Mazumder P, Silori R, Manna S, Panday DP, Das N, Sethy SK, Kuroda K, Mahapatra DM, Mahlknecht J, Tyagi VK, Singh R, Zang J, Barceló D. Prevalence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, microplastics and co-infecting microbes in the post-COVID-19 era and its implications on antimicrobial resistance and potential endocrine disruptive effects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166419. [PMID: 37625721 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic's steady condition coupled with predominance of emerging contaminants in the environment and its synergistic implications in recent times has stoked interest in combating medical emergencies in this dynamic environment. In this context, high concentrations of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), microplastics (MPs), antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and soaring coinfecting microbes, tied with potential endocrine disruptive (ED) are critical environmental concerns that requires a detailed documentation and analysis. During the pandemic, the identification, enumeration, and assessment of potential hazards of PPCPs and MPs and (used as anti-COVID-19 agents/applications) in aquatic habitats have been attempted globally. Albeit receding threats in the magnitude of COVID-19 infections, both these pollutants have still posed serious consequences to aquatic ecosystems and the very health and hygiene of the population in the vicinity. The surge in the contaminants post-COVID also renders them to be potent vectors to harbor and amplify AMR. Pertinently, the present work attempts to critically review such instances to understand the underlying mechanism, interactions swaying the current health of our environment during this post-COVID-19 era. During this juncture, although prevention of diseases, patient care, and self-hygiene have taken precedence, nevertheless antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) efforts have been overlooked. Unnecessary usage of PPCPs and plastics during the pandemic has resulted in increased emerging contaminants (i.e., active pharmaceutical ingredients and MPs) in various environmental matrices. It was also noticed that among COVID-19 patients, while the bacterial co-infection prevalence was 0.2-51%, the fungi, viral, protozoan and helminth were 0.3-49, 1-22, 2-15, 0.4-15% respectively, rendering them resistant to residual PPCPs. There are inevitable chances of ED effects from PPCPs and MPs applied previously, that could pose far-reaching health concerns. Furthermore, clinical and other experimental evidence for many newer compounds is very scarce and demands further research. Pro-active measures targeting effective waste management, evolved environmental policies aiding strict regulatory measures, and scientific research would be crucial in minimizing the impact and creating better preparedness towards such events among the masses fostering sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India; Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
| | - Payal Mazumder
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Rahul Silori
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Suvendu Manna
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Durga Prasad Panday
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Nilotpal Das
- ENCORE Insoltech Pvt. Ltd, Randesan, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382421, India
| | - Susanta Kumar Sethy
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Keisuke Kuroda
- Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, Imizu 939 0398, Japan
| | - Durga Madhab Mahapatra
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India; Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Jürgen Mahlknecht
- Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Monterrey 64849, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Vinay Kumar Tyagi
- Wastewater Division, National Institute of Hydrology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttranchal, India
| | - Rajesh Singh
- Wastewater Division, National Institute of Hydrology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttranchal, India
| | - Jian Zang
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, China
| | - Damià Barceló
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India; Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 1826, Barcelona 08034, Spain
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26
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Nciri N, Kim N. Infrastructure in the Age of Pandemics: Utilizing Polypropylene-Based Mask Waste for Durable and Sustainable Road Pavements. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4624. [PMID: 38139876 PMCID: PMC10747566 DOI: 10.3390/polym15244624] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
When navigating the environmental exigencies precipitated by global pandemics, the escalation of mask waste presents a multifaceted dilemma. In this avant-garde research, we unveil a novel approach: harnessing the sterilized shredded mask residues (SMRs), predominantly composed of 100 wt. % polypropylene, as pioneering modifiers for asphalt. Distinct proportions of SMR (e.g., 3, 6, and 9 wt. %) were judiciously integrated with fresh-virgin base AP-5 asphalt and subjected to an extensive suite of state-of-the-art examinations, encompassing thin-layer chromatography-flame ionization detection (TLC-FID), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and specific rheological metrics. The TLC-FID diagnostic trajectories highlighted the nuanced rejuvenating influence of SMR on the binder, a facet reinforced by a pronounced elevation in the thermodynamic stability index (IC). The FT-IR spectra elucidated SMR's preeminent role as a filler, negating notions of chemical reactivity. The TGA analyses unveiled an elevated thermal onset of degradation, signposting enhanced thermal resilience, whereas the DSC readings illuminated a superior thermal comportment at lower extremities. The SEM evaluations rendered a clearer panorama: there was heightened textural perturbation at escalated SMR incorporations, yet the 3 wt. % concoction showcased an optimal, coherent microtexture symbiosis with asphalt. The rheological scrutinies revealed a systematic trajectory: a diminishing penetration and ductility countered by ascending softening points and viscosity metrics. The coup de maître stemmed from the DSR analyses, unequivocally validating SMR's unparalleled prowess in curtailing rutting distress. This seminal inquiry not only posits a blueprint for refined pavement longevity but also champions a sustainable countermeasure to pandemic-propelled waste, epitomizing the confluence of environmental prudence an d infrastructural fortitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Nciri
- School of Industrial Design & Architectural Engineering, Korea University of Technology & Education, 1600 Chungjeol-ro, Byeongcheon-myeon, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan 31253, Chungnam, Republic of Korea;
- School of Energy, Materials & Chemical Engineering, Korea University of Technology & Education, 1600 Chungjeol-ro, Byeongcheon-myeon, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan 31253, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Namho Kim
- School of Industrial Design & Architectural Engineering, Korea University of Technology & Education, 1600 Chungjeol-ro, Byeongcheon-myeon, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan 31253, Chungnam, Republic of Korea;
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27
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Araña KND, Dimaongon NG, Mauyag ND, Hadji Morad NM, Manupac SRR, Bacosa HP. Personal protective equipment (PPE) litter in terrestrial urban areas of Iligan City, Philippines. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1486. [PMID: 37973642 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many countries have relied on the massive use of personal protective equipment (PPE) following the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These PPEs include facemasks, face shields, disinfectant wipes, and disposable gloves. While PPE serves as protection, it can also be a source of pollution. This study is the first to establish a baseline monitoring and assessment of the spatial distribution of COVID-19-related PPE litter approaching the post-pandemic from the urban areas in Iligan City, Philippines. A total of 1632 COVID-19 PPE litter were gathered in all surveyed locations, predominantly facemasks (90.7%) and disinfectant wipes (8.8%). Among the surveyed areas, the location that recorded the highest count and density of PPE litter is in a residential zone (52.14%; n = 851; 0.0317 item m-2); the lowest was determined in recreational parks (2.57%; n = 42; 0.0016 item m-2). The significant difference in the total count of PPE items in each location could be traced to the varying land uses and ecosystems as well as the human behavior and activities. FTIR results reveal that all types of facemasks sampled are principally made of polypropylene, a material that threatens environmental sustainability and low recyclability. As the country is embracing the new normal and somewhat returning to pre-pandemic activities, this study calls for the prioritization of the government agendas on ecological solid waste management in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent Naiah D Araña
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines
| | - Noralyn G Dimaongon
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines
| | - Noronimah D Mauyag
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines
| | - Nisriah M Hadji Morad
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines
| | - Shekinah Ruth R Manupac
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines
| | - Hernando P Bacosa
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines.
- Center for Sustainable Polymers, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines.
- Main Campus Bataraza Extension (MCBE), Mindanao State University-Main Campus, Lanao del Sur, 9700, Marawi, Philippines.
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28
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Pastukhov A, Paliienko K, Pozdnyakova N, Krisanova N, Dudarenko M, Kalynovska L, Tarasenko A, Gnatyuk O, Dovbeshko G, Borisova T. Disposable facemask waste combustion emits neuroactive smoke particulate matter. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17771. [PMID: 37853141 PMCID: PMC10584905 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44972-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Tremendous deposits of disposable medical facemask waste after the COVID-19 pandemic require improvement of waste management practice according to WHO report 2022, moreover facemasks are still in use around the world to protect against numerous airborne infections. Here, water-suspended smoke preparations from the combustion of disposable medical facemasks (polypropylene fibers) were collected; size, zeta potential, surface groups of smoke particulate matter were determined by dynamic light scattering, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, and their optical properties were characterized. Neurochemical study using nerve terminals isolated from rat cortex revealed a significant decrease in the initial rate of the uptake/accumulation of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, L-[14C]glutamate and [3H]GABA, and exocytotic release, and also an increase in the extracellular level of these neurotransmitters. Fluorescent measurements revealed that ROS generation induced by hydrogen peroxide and glutamate receptor agonist kainate decreased in nerve terminals. A decrease in the membrane potential of nerve terminals and isolated neurons, the mitochondrial potential and synaptic vesicle acidification was also shown. Therefore, accidental or intentional utilization of disposable medical facemask waste by combustion results in the release of neuroactive ultrafine particulate matter to the environment, thereby contributing to plastic-associated pollution of air and water resources and neuropathology development and expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Pastukhov
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Str, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Konstantin Paliienko
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Str, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine.
| | - Natalia Pozdnyakova
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Str, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Natalia Krisanova
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Str, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Marina Dudarenko
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Str, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Lilia Kalynovska
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Str, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Alla Tarasenko
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Str, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Olena Gnatyuk
- Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Prospect Nauky 46, Kyiv, 03028, Ukraine
| | - Galina Dovbeshko
- Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Prospect Nauky 46, Kyiv, 03028, Ukraine
| | - Tatiana Borisova
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 9 Leontovicha Str, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine
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Yang H, Sun F, Liao H, Guo Y, Pan T, Wu F. The pollution of microplastics in sediments of the Yangtze River Basin: Occurrence, distribution characteristics, and basin-scale multilevel ecological risk assessment. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120322. [PMID: 37451127 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) of China has grown to be a serious issue, yet there is a lack of understanding of the environmental risks of MPs in the sediment of the entire basin. This work revealed the spatial distribution characteristics of MPs in YRB sediments, and it methodically assessed the ecological risks of MPs by taking into consideration their abundance, toxic effects, and polymer types. The results showed a high heterogeneity in the abundance of MPs in YRB sediments, with an average of 611 particles/kg dry weight (DW) sediment. Small-sized MPs (<1 mm), fibrous, transparent-colored and polypropylene (PP) accounted for the majority with 71.6%, 68%, 37% and 30.8%, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated significant influences of human activities such as population, industrial structure, and urban wastewater discharge on the abundance and morphological types of MPs in sediments. Based on chronic toxicity data exposed to sediments, a predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) of 539 particles/kg DW was calculated using the species susceptibility distribution (SSD). Multiple deterministic risk assessment indices indicated that MPs in YRB sediments exhibited primarily low pollution load levels, moderate-to-low potential ecological risk levels, and high levels of polymer pollution. However, probabilistic risk assessment revealed an overall low risk of MPs in YRB sediments. Monte Carlo simulation results demonstrated that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polycarbonate (PC) made a great contribution to ecological risk and should be considered as priority control pollutants in MPs. In addition, various assessments showed that the ecological risk of MPs in river sediments was higher than that in lake reservoir sediments. This is the first study to comprehensively assess the ecological risk of MPs in sediments of the YRB, which improves the understanding of the basin-wide occurrence characteristics and environmental risks of MPs in freshwater systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Fuhong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
| | - Haiqing Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China.
| | - Yiding Guo
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Ting Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, PR China
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Dey S, Samanta P, Dutta D, Kundu D, Ghosh AR, Kumar S. Face masks: a COVID-19 protector or environmental contaminant? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:93363-93387. [PMID: 37548785 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29063-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Face masks, a prime component of personal protective equipment (PPE) items, have become an integral part of human beings to survive under the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation. The global population requires an estimated 130 billion face masks and 64 billion gloves/month, while the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the daily disposal of approximately 3.5 billion single-use face masks, resulting in a staggering 14,245,230.63 kg of face mask waste. The improper disposal of face mask wastes followed by its mismanagement is a challenge to the scientists as the wastes create pollution leading to environmental degradation, especially plastic pollution (macro/meso/micro/nano). Each year, an estimated 0.15-0.39 million tons of COVID-19 face mask waste, along with 173,000 microfibers released daily from discarded surgical masks, could enter the marine environment, while used masks have a significantly higher microplastic release capacity (1246.62 ± 403.50 particles/piece) compared to new masks (183.00 ± 78.42 particles/piece). Surgical face masks emit around 59 g CO2-eq greenhouse gas emissions per single use, cloth face masks emit approximately 60 g CO2-eq/single mask, and inhaling or ingesting microplastics (MPs) caused adverse health problems including chronic inflammation, granulomas or fibrosis, DNA damage, cellular damage, oxidative stress, and cytokine secretion. The present review critically addresses the role of face masks in reducing COVID-19 infections, their distribution pattern in diverse environments, the volume of waste produced, degradation in the natural environment, and adverse impacts on different environmental segments, and proposes sustainable remediation options to tackle environmental challenges posed by disposable COVID-19 face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhendu Dey
- Department of Environmental Science, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, 713 104, West Bengal, India
| | - Palas Samanta
- Department of Environmental Science, Sukanta Mahavidyalaya, University of North Bengal, Dhupguri, 735 210, West Bengal, India
| | - Deblina Dutta
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, 522 240, India
| | - Debajyoti Kundu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, 522 240, India
| | - Apurba Ratan Ghosh
- Department of Environmental Science, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, 713 104, West Bengal, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, Maharashtra, India.
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Lin YD, Huang PH, Chen YW, Hsieh CW, Tain YL, Lee BH, Hou CY, Shih MK. Sources, Degradation, Ingestion and Effects of Microplastics on Humans: A Review. TOXICS 2023; 11:747. [PMID: 37755757 PMCID: PMC10534390 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Celluloid, the predecessor to plastic, was synthesized in 1869, and due to technological advancements, plastic products appear to be ubiquitous in daily life. The massive production, rampant usage, and inadequate disposal of plastic products have led to severe environmental pollution. Consequently, reducing the employment of plastic has emerged as a pressing concern for governments globally. This review explores microplastics, including their origins, absorption, and harmful effects on the environment and humans. Several methods exist for breaking down plastics, including thermal, mechanical, light, catalytic, and biological processes. Despite these methods, microplastics (MPs, between 1 and 5 mm in size) continue to be produced during degradation. Acknowledging the significant threat that MPs pose to the environment and human health is imperative. This form of pollution is pervasive in the air and food and infiltrates our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. It is essential to assess the potential hazards that MPs can introduce. There is evidence suggesting that MPs may have negative impacts on different areas of human health. These include the respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune, nervous, and reproductive systems, the liver and organs, the skin, and even the placenta and placental barrier. It is encouraging to see that most of the countries have taken steps to regulate plastic particles. These measures aim to reduce plastic usage, which is essential today. At the same time, this review summarizes the degradation mechanism of plastics, their impact on human health, and plastic reduction policies worldwide. It provides valuable information for future research on MPs and regulatory development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Duan Lin
- Department of Seafood Science, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; (Y.-D.L.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Ping-Hsiu Huang
- School of Food, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College, No.4, Meicheng Road, Higher Education Park, Huai’an 223003, China;
| | - Yu-Wei Chen
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; (Y.-W.C.); (C.-W.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Chang-Wei Hsieh
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; (Y.-W.C.); (C.-W.H.)
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - You-Lin Tain
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Bao-Hong Lee
- Department of Horticulture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 60004, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Yao Hou
- Department of Seafood Science, College of Hydrosphere, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan; (Y.-D.L.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Ming-Kuei Shih
- Graduate Institute of Food Culture and Innovation, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Kaohsiung 812301, Taiwan
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Hasan M, Islam ARMT, Jion MMMF, Rahman MN, Peu SD, Das A, Bari ABMM, Islam MS, Pal SC, Islam A, Choudhury TR, Rakib MRJ, Idris AM, Malafaia G. Personal protective equipment-derived pollution during Covid-19 era: A critical review of ecotoxicology impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 887:164164. [PMID: 37187394 PMCID: PMC10182863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people used personal protective equipment (PPE) to lessen the spread of the virus. The release of microplastics (MPs) from discarded PPE is a new threat to the long-term health of the environment and poses challenges that are not yet clear. PPE-derived MPs have been found in multi-environmental compartments, e.g., water, sediments, air, and soil across the Bay of Bengal (BoB). As COVID-19 spreads, healthcare facilities use more plastic PPE, polluting aquatic ecosystems. Excessive PPE use releases MPs into the ecosystem, which aquatic organisms ingest, distressing the food chain and possibly causing ongoing health problems in humans. Thus, post-COVID-19 sustainability depends on proper intervention strategies for PPE waste, which have received scholarly interest. Although many studies have investigated PPE-induced MPs pollution in the BoB countries (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar), the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges of PPE-derived waste have largely gone unnoticed. Our study presents a critical literature review covering the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges across the BoB countries (e.g., India (162,034.45 tons), Bangladesh (67,996 tons), Sri Lanka (35,707.95 tons), and Myanmar (22,593.5 tons). The ecotoxicity impacts of PPE-derived MPs on human health and other environmental compartments are critically addressed. The review's findings infer a gap in the 5R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redesign, and Restructure) Strategy's implementation in the BoB coastal regions, hindering the achievement of UN SDG-12. Despite widespread research advancements in the BoB, many questions about PPE-derived MPs pollution from the perspective of the COVID-19 era still need to be answered. In response to the post-COVID-19 environmental remediation concerns, this study highlights the present research gaps and suggests new research directions considering the current MPs' research advancements on COVID-related PPE waste. Finally, the review suggests a framework for proper intervention strategies for reducing and monitoring PPE-derived MPs pollution in the BoB countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Md Naimur Rahman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Susmita Datta Peu
- Department of Agriculture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Arnob Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, 6 Rajshahi 6204, Bangladesh
| | - A B M Mainul Bari
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Subodh Chandra Pal
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Aznarul Islam
- Department of Geography, Aliah University, 17 Gorachand Road, Kolkata 700 014, West Bengal, India.
| | - Tasrina Rabia Choudhury
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre Dhaka (AECD), Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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33
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Wang L, Li S, Ahmad IM, Zhang G, Sun Y, Wang Y, Sun C, Jiang C, Cui P, Li D. Global face mask pollution: threats to the environment and wildlife, and potential solutions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 887:164055. [PMID: 37178835 PMCID: PMC10174332 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Face masks are an indispensable low-cost public healthcare necessity for containing viral transmission. After the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) became a pandemic, there was an unprecedented demand for, and subsequent increase in face mask production and use, leading to global ecological challenges, including excessive resource consumption and significant environmental pollution. Here, we review the global demand volume for face masks and the associated energy consumption and pollution potential throughout their life cycle. First, the production and distribution processes consume petroleum-based raw materials and other energy sources and release greenhouse gases. Second, most methods of mask waste disposal result in secondary microplastic pollution and the release of toxic gases and organic substances. Third, face masks discarded in outdoor environments represent a new plastic pollutant and pose significant challenges to the environment and wildlife in various ecosystems. Therefore, the long-term impacts on environmental and wildlife health aspects related to the production, use, and disposal of face masks should be considered and urgently investigated. Here, we propose five reasonable countermeasures to alleviate these global-scale ecological crises induced by mask use during and following the COVID-19 pandemic era: increasing public awareness; improving mask waste management; innovating waste disposal methods; developing biodegradable masks; and formulating relevant policies and regulations. Implementation of these measures will help address the pollution caused by face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Shengxuan Li
- School of Languages and Culture, Hebei GEO University; Shijiazhuang 050031, China
| | - Ibrahim M Ahmad
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Guiying Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Yanfeng Sun
- Ocean College of Hebei Agricultural University, Qinhuangdao 066003, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Congnan Sun
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Peng Cui
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Dongming Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University; Shijiazhuang 050024, China; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China..
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Su X, Jia C, Xiang H, Zhu M. Research progress in preparation, properties, and applications of medical protective fiber materials. APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY 2023; 32:101792. [PMID: 36937335 PMCID: PMC10001160 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmt.2023.101792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
A variety of public health events seriously threaten human life and health, especially the outbreak of COVID-19 at the end of 2019 has caused a serious impact on human production and life. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection and stop the spread of the virus. Medical protective fiber materials have become the first choice for PPE because of their excellent barrier properties and breathability. In this article, we systematically review the latest progress in preparation technologies, properties, and applications of medical protective fiber materials. We first summarize the technological characteristics of different fiber preparation methods and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Then the barrier properties, comfort, and mechanical properties of the medical protective fiber materials used in PPE are discussed. After that, the applications of medical protective fibers in PPE are introduced, and protective clothing and masks are discussed in detail. Finally, the current status, future development trend, and existing challenges of medical protective fiber materials are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Su
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Chao Jia
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Hengxue Xiang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Meifang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
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Reethu M, Biswajit R, Aravind GH, Rafaz AK, Sandeep K, Sijinkumar AV, Warrier AK. A first report on the spatial and temporal variability of microplastics in coastal soils of an urban town in south-western India: Pre- and post-COVID scenario. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114888. [PMID: 37031557 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
We present a first study on the temporal changes (2019-2021) in the microplastic abundance in the coastal soils of an urban town in the south-western part of India. All sampling stations exhibited higher abundances of microplastics in soils collected during 2021 (959.7 ± 277.7 particles/kg) compared to those collected in 2019 (515.1 ± 182.7 particles/kg). Morphologically, flakes, fibres, and films are the most abundant types documented in the soil environment. The microplastics of 0.3-5 mm size are relatively more abundant (60.6 %) compared to those of 0.03-0.3 mm size (39.4 %) in 2021. The three main types of polymers (polypropylene and high- and low-density polyethylene) in the soil exhibited an increase in abundance during an interval of 15 months (October 2019 to March 2021). In addition to packaging materials, the enhanced use of surgical masks during the COVID-19 period might have acted as a source of microplastic contamination in the soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Reethu
- Department of Geology, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (P.O.), Kasaragod, India
| | - R Biswajit
- Department of Geology, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (P.O.), Kasaragod, India
| | - G H Aravind
- Department of Geology, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (P.O.), Kasaragod, India
| | - A K Rafaz
- Department of Geology, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (P.O.), Kasaragod, India
| | - K Sandeep
- Department of Geology, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (P.O.), Kasaragod, India.
| | - A V Sijinkumar
- Department of Geology, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (P.O.), Kasaragod, India
| | - Anish Kumar Warrier
- Centre for Climate Studies, Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
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de Oliveira CRS, da Silva Júnior AH, Mulinari J, Ferreira AJS, da Silva A. Fibrous microplastics released from textiles: Occurrence, fate, and remediation strategies. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2023; 256:104169. [PMID: 36893526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP), i.e., particles measuring less than 5 mm in size, are considered emerging pollutants. The ubiquity of MP is causing great concern among environmental and public health agencies. Anthropogenic activities are responsible for the extensive dispersal of MP in nature. Adverse effects on living organisms, interactions with other contaminants occurring in the environment, and the lack of effective degradation/removal techniques are significant issues related to MP. Most MP found in nature are fibrous (FMP). FMP originate from textile products, mainly synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester). Synthetic fibers are intensively used to produce countless goods due to beneficial characteristics such as high mechanical resistance and economic feasibility. FMP are ubiquitous on the planet and impart lasting adverse effects on biodiversity. Data on the consequences of long-term exposure to these pollutants are scarce in the literature. In addition, few studies address the main types of synthetic microfibers released from textiles, their occurrence, adverse effects on organisms, and remediation strategies. This review discusses the relevant topics about FMP and alerts the dangers to the planet. Furthermore, future perspectives and technological highlights for the FMP mitigation/degradation are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Rafael Silva de Oliveira
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Textile Engineering, João Pessoa street - 2514, 89036-004, Blumenau Campus, Blumenau, SC, Brazil; Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, PO Box 476, 88040-900, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Afonso Henrique da Silva Júnior
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, PO Box 476, 88040-900, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Mulinari
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, PO Box 476, 88040-900, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Alexandre José Sousa Ferreira
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Textile Engineering, João Pessoa street - 2514, 89036-004, Blumenau Campus, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Adriano da Silva
- Federal University of Santa Catarina, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, PO Box 476, 88040-900, Trindade Campus, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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Choi Y, Choi HJ, Rhee SW. Generation of waste personal protective equipment (PPE) related to COVID-19 using quantitative forecasting technique. JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT 2023; 25:1-10. [PMID: 37360947 PMCID: PMC10122196 DOI: 10.1007/s10163-023-01672-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
With the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, lifestyles have totally changed and the characteristics of waste generation have also changed accordingly. Among the various wastes related to COVID-19, waste personal protective equipment (PPE), which was used to prevent infection of COVID-19, can be an indirect route for the infection of COVID-19. Hence, it requires proper management with estimating waste PPE generation. In this study, the estimation of generation amount of waste PPE in consideration of lifestyle and medical practice is proposed by quantitative forecasting technique. In the quantitative forecasting technique, the generation source of waste PPE consisted of household and test/treatment of COVID-19. For case study in Korea, the amount of waste PPE generated from household is evaluated by applying the quantitative forecasting technique reflecting the population and measures in lifestyle due to COVID-19. Also, the estimated amount of waste PPE generation from test and treatment of COVID-19 was evaluated to have a meaningful reliability compared with other observed values. This quantitative forecasting technique can estimate the amount of waste PPE generation related to COVID-19 and develop safe management measures for waste PPE in many other countries by modifying country-specific lifestyles and medical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Choi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyonggi University, 154-42, Gwanggyosan-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16227 Gyeonggi-do Korea
| | - Hyeong-Jin Choi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyonggi University, 154-42, Gwanggyosan-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16227 Gyeonggi-do Korea
| | - Seung-Whee Rhee
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyonggi University, 154-42, Gwanggyosan-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16227 Gyeonggi-do Korea
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Ivanoska-Dacikj A, Oguz-Gouillart Y, Hossain G, Kaplan M, Sivri Ç, Ros-Lis JV, Mikucioniene D, Munir MU, Kizildag N, Unal S, Safarik I, Akgül E, Yıldırım N, Bedeloğlu AÇ, Ünsal ÖF, Herwig G, Rossi RM, Wick P, Clement P, Sarac AS. Advanced and Smart Textiles during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: Issues, Challenges, and Innovations. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1115. [PMID: 37107948 PMCID: PMC10137734 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081115] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has hugely affected the textile and apparel industry. Besides the negative impact due to supply chain disruptions, drop in demand, liquidity problems, and overstocking, this pandemic was found to be a window of opportunity since it accelerated the ongoing digitalization trends and the use of functional materials in the textile industry. This review paper covers the development of smart and advanced textiles that emerged as a response to the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. We extensively cover the advancements in developing smart textiles that enable monitoring and sensing through electrospun nanofibers and nanogenerators. Additionally, we focus on improving medical textiles mainly through enhanced antiviral capabilities, which play a crucial role in pandemic prevention, protection, and control. We summarize the challenges that arise from personal protective equipment (PPE) disposal and finally give an overview of new smart textile-based products that emerged in the markets related to the control and spread reduction of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Ivanoska-Dacikj
- Research Centre for Environment and Materials, Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Krste Misirkov 2, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Yesim Oguz-Gouillart
- Department of Building and Urban Environment, Innovative Textile Material, JUNIA, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Gaffar Hossain
- V-Trion GmbH Textile Research, Millennium Park 15, 6890 Lustenau, Austria
| | - Müslüm Kaplan
- Department of Textile Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Design, Bartin University, Bartin 74110, Turkey
| | - Çağlar Sivri
- Management Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bahcesehir University, İstanbul 34349, Turkey
| | - José Vicente Ros-Lis
- Centro de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnologico (IDM), Unidad Mixta Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Universitat de Valencia, Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Universitat de València, Doctor Moliner 56, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Daiva Mikucioniene
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentu Str. 56, 50404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Muhammad Usman Munir
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentu Str. 56, 50404 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Nuray Kizildag
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Gebze Technical University, Gebze, Kocaeli 41400, Turkey
- Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Pendik, Istanbul 34906, Turkey
| | - Serkan Unal
- Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Pendik, Istanbul 34906, Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Material Science and Nanoengineering, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Ivo Safarik
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Biology Centre, ISBB, CAS, Na Sadkach 7, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University, Slechtitelu 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Esra Akgül
- Department of Industrial Design Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
| | - Nida Yıldırım
- Trabzon Vocational School, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon 61080, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Çelik Bedeloğlu
- Department of Polymer Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bursa Technical University, Bursa 16310, Turkey
| | - Ömer Faruk Ünsal
- Department of Polymer Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bursa Technical University, Bursa 16310, Turkey
| | - Gordon Herwig
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - René M. Rossi
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Peter Wick
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particle-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Clement
- Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Particle-Biology Interactions, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - A. Sezai Sarac
- Department of Chemistry, Polymer Science and Technology, Faculty of Sciences and Letters, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
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Hazrol M, Sapuan S, Ilyas R, Zainudin E, Zuhri M, Abdul N. Effect of corn husk fibre loading on thermal and biodegradable properties of kenaf/cornhusk fibre reinforced corn starch-based hybrid composites. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15153. [PMID: 37095902 PMCID: PMC10121401 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper documents the thermal and biodegradation behaviour of kenaf/cornhusk fiber reinforced corn starch-based hybrid composites film (CS/K-CH) produced by solution casting method. To develop both components as biodegradable hybrid composite, this research used corn starch as matrix, kenaf fiber and cornhusk fibre as a filler. Changes in physical structure and weight from the soil burial test were measured using Mettler Toledo digital balance ME. Films produced from physically blended corn starch reinforced kenaf biocomposites films (CS/K) biocomposite film had faster biodegradation and lost 96.18% of weight within 10 days compared with corn starch hybrid composites that only lost 83.82% of total weight. It was observed that the control film, CS/K biocomposite film was completely degraded after 10 days, meanwhile it took 12 days for hybrid composite films to be fully degrade. The thermal properties such as TGA and DTG were also measured. Addition of corn husk fiber significantly improve the film's thermal properties. Glass transition temperatures of corn starch hybrid films were significantly lowered when cornhusk compositions were increased from 0.2% wt to 0.8% wt. Importantly, the current work has demonstrated that hybrid films made of corn starch can be a suitable biodegradable material for substitute synthetic plastic.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.D. Hazrol
- Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites Research Centre, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - S.M. Sapuan
- Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites Research Centre, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - R.A. Ilyas
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
- Centre for Advance Composite Materials (CACM), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
- Institute of Tropical Forest and Forest Products, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - E.S. Zainudin
- Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites Research Centre, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Institute of Tropical Forest and Forest Products, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - M.Y.M. Zuhri
- Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites Research Centre, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Institute of Tropical Forest and Forest Products, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - N.I. Abdul
- Advanced Lightning Power and Energy Research (ALPER), Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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40
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Snigdha, Hiloidhari M, Bandyopadhyay S. Environmental footprints of disposable and reusable personal protective equipment ‒ a product life cycle approach for body coveralls. JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION 2023; 394:136166. [PMID: 36721728 PMCID: PMC9880867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.136166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Body coveralls, often made of single-use plastics, are essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and, along with masks, are widely used in healthcare facilities and public spaces in the wake of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The widespread use of these body coveralls poses a significant threat to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, given their polluting nature and disposal frequency. Therefore, it is necessary to promote the adoption of alternatives that increase the safe reusability of PPE clothing and reduce environmental and health hazards. This study presents a comparative Cradle-to-Grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of disposable and reusable PPE body coveralls from a product life cycle perspective. A comprehensive life cycle inventory and LCA framework specific to Indian conditions have been developed through this study. The LCA is performed as per standard protocols using SimaPro software under recipe 2016 (H) impact assessment method. Six midpoint impact categories viz. Global Warming Potential, Terrestrial Acidification, Freshwater Eutrophication, Terrestrial Ecotoxicity, Human Carcinogenic Toxicity, and Water Consumption are assessed, along with Cumulative Energy Demand. Results suggest that reusable PPE improves environmental and human health performance in all the impact categories except water consumption. Sensitivity analysis reveals that replacing conventional electricity with solar energy for PPE manufacturing and disposal will provide additional environmental benefits. The findings can help the medical textile industries, healthcare workers, and policymakers to make environmentally informed choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snigdha
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, 803116, Bihar, India
| | - Moonmoon Hiloidhari
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, 803116, Bihar, India
| | - Somnath Bandyopadhyay
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, 803116, Bihar, India
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41
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Microplastics (MPs) in marine food chains: Is it a food safety issue? ADVANCES IN FOOD AND NUTRITION RESEARCH 2023; 103:101-140. [PMID: 36863833 DOI: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The enormous usage of plastic over the last seven decades has resulted in a massive quantity of plastic waste, much of it eventually breaking down into microplastic (MP) and nano plastic (NP). The MPs and NPs are regarded as emerging pollutants of serious concern. Both MPs and NPs can have a primary or secondary origin. Their ubiquitous presence and ability to sorb, desorb, and leach chemicals have raised concern over their presence in the aquatic environment and, particularly, the marine food chain. MPs and NPs are also considered vectors for pollutant transfer along with the marine food chain, and people who consume seafood have began significant concerns about the toxicity of seafood. The exact consequences and risk of MP exposure to marine foods are largely unknown and should be a priority research area. Although several studies have documented an effective clearance mechanism by defecation, significant aspect has been less emphasized for MPs and NPs and their capability to translocate in organs and clearance is not well established. The technological limitations to study these ultra-fine MPs are another challenge to be addressed. Therefore, this chapter discusses the recent findings of MPs in different marine food chains, their translocation and accumulations potential, MPs as a critical vector for pollutant transfer, toxicology impact, cycling in the marine environment and seafood safety. Besides, the concerns and challenges that are overshadowed by findings for the significance of MPs were covered.
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42
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Morales IDG, Macusi ED, Jondonero MAP, Guihawan JQ, Bacosa HP, Amparado RF. Facemask: Protection or threat? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114681. [PMID: 36758311 PMCID: PMC9902895 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114681] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Facemasks were widely used as a protection against SARS-COV-2, which significantly reduced COVID-19 transmission during the pandemic. However, concerns have been raised regarding its adverse impacts on human health due to intense use and mismanagement. Although rampant plastic littering was the norm before the pandemic, the magnitude of the problem is worsening as potentially COVID-19-infected facemasks are thrown along the shoreline. This study assessed the discarded facemasks on the most popular beach destinations in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines. A total of N = 284 discarded facemasks were found in a cumulative area of 22,500 m2, with an average density of 8.4 × 10-4 items/m2. The surgical facemask (82 %; n = 234) was the most abundant type of facemask found in the areas, followed by KF94 (16 %; n = 45) and KN95 (2 %; n = 5). The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in the visual counts of facemasks on the three beaches (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilah Dianne G Morales
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines.
| | - Edison D Macusi
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences (IALS), Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | | | - Jaime Q Guihawan
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
| | - Hernando P Bacosa
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
| | - Ruben F Amparado
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
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43
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Rai PK, Sonne C, Song H, Kim KH. Plastic wastes in the time of COVID-19: Their environmental hazards and implications for sustainable energy resilience and circular bio-economies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159880. [PMID: 36328266 PMCID: PMC9618453 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The global scope of pollution from plastic waste is a well-known phenomenon associated with trade, mass consumption, and disposal of plastic products (e.g., personal protective equipment (PPE), viral test kits, and vacuum-packaged food). Recently, the scale of the problem has been exacerbated by increases in indoor livelihood activities during lockdowns imposed in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present study describes the effects of increased plastic waste on environmental footprint and human health. Further, the technological/regulatory options and life cycle assessment (LCA) approach for sustainable plastic waste management are critically dealt in terms of their implications on energy resilience and circular economy. The abrupt increase in health-care waste during pandemic has been worsening environmental quality to undermine the sustainability in general. In addition, weathered plastic particles from PPE along with microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) can all adsorb chemical and microbial contaminants to pose a risk to ecosystems, biota, occupational safety, and human health. PPE-derived plastic pollution during the pandemic also jeopardizes sustainable development goals, energy resilience, and climate control measures. However, it is revealed that the pandemic can be regarded as an opportunity for explicit LCA to better address the problems associated with environmental footprints of plastic waste and to focus on sustainable management technologies such as circular bio-economies, biorefineries, and thermal gasification. Future researches in the energy-efficient clean technologies and circular bio-economies (or biorefineries) in concert with a "nexus" framework are expected to help reduce plastic waste into desirable directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Kumar Rai
- Phyto-Technologies and Plant Invasion Lab, Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, India
| | - C Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - H Song
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
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44
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Ray SS, Soni R, Huyen DTT, Ravi S, Myung S, Lee CY, Kwon Y. Chemical engineering of electrospun
nanofibrous‐based three‐layered
nonwoven polymeric protective mask for enhanced performance. J Appl Polym Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/app.53584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Sinha Ray
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Ulsan South Korea
| | - Ritesh Soni
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Ulsan South Korea
| | - Dao Thi Thanh Huyen
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Ulsan South Korea
| | - Srinath Ravi
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Ulsan South Korea
| | - Suwan Myung
- Research Center for Bio‐based Chemistry Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) Ulsan South Korea
| | - Chang Young Lee
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Ulsan South Korea
| | - Young‐Nam Kwon
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Ulsan South Korea
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45
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Martins A, da Silva DD, Silva R, Carvalho F, Guilhermino L. Warmer water, high light intensity, lithium and microplastics: Dangerous environmental combinations to zooplankton and Global Health? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158649. [PMID: 36089038 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays there is a high concern about the combined effects of global warming and emerging environmental contaminants with significant increasing trends of use, such as lithium (Li) and microplastics (MPs), both on wildlife and human health. Therefore, the effects of high light intensity (26,000 lx) or warmer water temperature (25 °C) on the long-term toxicity of Li and mixtures of Li and MPs (Li-MPs mixtures) were investigated using model populations of the freshwater zooplankton species Daphnia magna. Three 21-day bioassays were done in the laboratory at the following water temperatures and light intensities: (i) 20 °C/10830 lx; (ii) 20 °C/26000 lx (high light intensity); (iii) 25 °C/10830 lx (warmer temperature). Based on the 21-day EC50s on reproduction, high light intensity increased the reproductive toxicity of Li and Li-MPs mixtures by ~1.3 fold; warmer temperature increased the toxicity of Li by ~1.2 fold, and the toxicity of Li-MPs mixtures by ~1.4 fold based on the concentration of Li, and by ~2 fold based on the concentrations of MPs. At high light intensity, Li (0.04 mg/L) and Li-MPs mixtures (0.04 Li + 0.09 MPs mg/L) reduced the population fitness by 32 % and 41 %, respectively. Warmer temperature, Li (0.05 mg/L) and Li-MPs mixtures (0.05 Li + 0.09 MPs mg/L) reduced it by 63 % and 71 %, respectively. At warmer temperature or high light intensity, higher concentrations of Li and Li-MPs mixtures lead to population extinction. Based on the population growth rate and using data of bioassays with MPs alone done simultaneously, Li and MPs interactions were antagonistic or synergistic depending on the scenario. High light intensity and chemical stress generally acted synergistically. Warmer temperature and chemical stress always acted synergistically. These findings highlight the threats of long-term exposure to Li and Li-MPs mixtures to freshwater zooplankton and Global Health in a warmer world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Martins
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Population Studies, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Diana Dias da Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU CRL, Rua Central de Gandra, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Renata Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lúcia Guilhermino
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Department of Population Studies, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Ecology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Team of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
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46
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Jiang H, Luo D, Wang L, Zhang Y, Wang H, Wang C. A review of disposable facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic: A focus on microplastics release. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137178. [PMID: 36368541 PMCID: PMC9640709 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic seriously threats the human society and provokes the panic of the public. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are widely utilized for frontline health workers to face the ongoing epidemic, especially disposable face masks (DFMs) to prevent airborne transmission of coronavirus. The overproduction and massive utilization of DFMs seriously challenge the management of plastic wastes. A huge amount of DFMs are discharged into environment, potentially induced the generation of microplastics (MPs) owing to physicochemical destruction. The MPs release will pose severe contamination burden on environment and human. In this review, environmental threats of DFMs regarding to DFMs fate in environment and DFMs threats to aquatic and terrestrial species were surveyed. A full summary of recent studies on MPs release from DFMs was provided. The knowledge of extraction and characterizations of MPs, the release behavior, and potential threats of MPs derived from DFMs was discussed. To confront the problem, feasible strategies for control DFMs pollution were analyzed from the perspective of source control and waste management. This review provides a better understanding the threats, fate, and management of DFMs linked to COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Jiang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yingshuang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan, China
| | - Chongqing Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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47
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Landi D, Marconi M, Bocci E, Gianvincenzi M, Spreafico C. Reuse of end-of-life personal protective equipment in hot asphalt mixtures: an environmental evaluation. PROCEDIA CIRP 2023; 116:420-425. [PMID: 37091128 PMCID: PMC10110393 DOI: 10.1016/j.procir.2023.02.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
In the present global health emergency, face masks, gowns, caps, gloves play a key role in limiting the diffusion of the COVID-19 pandemic, by acting as physical barriers to avoid droplets and filtrate exhalations coming from infected subjects. Since the most widespread devices are disposable products made of plastic or rubber materials, this means that relevant quantities of fossil resources are consumed, and huge amounts of wastes are generated. Currently the end of life of personal protective equipment (PPE) represents a problem in environmental, economic, and social terms. The market considers two possible disposal scenarios: incineration with energy recovery or landfill. In both cases, significant impacts are achieved both on the environment and on human health. This study aims to propose and validate a new scenario for PPE based on material reuse for bituminous conglomerates. The Life Cycle Assessment methodology and the experimental tests has been used to assess the environmental impacts in terms of both ReCiPe midpoints and endpoints and for demonstrate the technical feasibility of this new scenario. From an environmental point of view, relevant benefits were observed in comparison with the standard incineration for energy recovery or disposal in landfill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Landi
- Department of Management, Information and Production Engineering, Università degli Studi di Bergamo, Via Pasubio 7/b, 24044 Dalmine (BG), Italy
| | - Marco Marconi
- Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Largo dell'Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Edoardo Bocci
- Faculty of Engineering, eCampus University, Novedrate, 22060, Como, Italy
| | - Mattia Gianvincenzi
- Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Largo dell'Università, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Christian Spreafico
- Department of Management, Information and Production Engineering, Università degli Studi di Bergamo, Via Pasubio 7/b, 24044 Dalmine (BG), Italy
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48
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Song G, Cao H, Liu L, Jin M. Analysis of Marine Microplastic Pollution of Disposable Masks under COVID-19 Epidemic-A DPSIR Framework. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16299. [PMID: 36498372 PMCID: PMC9735856 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine microplastic pollution (MMP) is becoming one of the most pressing environmental problems facing humanity today. The novel coronavirus epidemic has raised the issue of environmental contamination caused by large-scale improper disposal of medical waste such as disposable masks (DMs). To assess the impact of MMP caused by DMs and to seek solutions for the prevention and control of MMP, this study uses the Driving force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework to establish a causal chain of MMP caused by DMs. The conclusion shows that the novel coronavirus epidemic has led to a surge in the use of DMs, which has brought pressure on resource constraints and environmental pollution at the same time. Improperly DMs enter the environment and eventually transform into MMP, which not only endangers the marine ecological system but also poses potential human health risks as well as economic and social hazards. In addition, further research on environmentally friendly masks (cloth masks and biodegradable masks) is essential to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the large-scale global use of DMs. This study provides a scientific and theoretical basis for the assessment of MMP from discarded DMs, and the findings of this study will provide a reference for the formulation of relevant policies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Min Jin
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, No. 59 Zhongguancun Street, Beijing 100872, China
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Rex M C, Mukherjee A. Prospects of TiO2-based photocatalytic degradation of microplastic leachates related disposable facemask, a major COVID-19 waste. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2022.1072227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is one of the serious catastrophes that have a substantial influence on human health and the environment. Diverse preventive actions were implemented globally to limit its spread and transmission. Personnel protective equipment (PPE) was an important part of these control approaches. But unfortunately, these types of PPE mainly comprise plastics, which sparked challenges in the management of plastic waste. Disposable face masks (DFM) are one of the efficient strategies used across the world to ward off disease transmission. DFMs can contribute to micro and nano plastic pollution as the plastic present in the mask may degrade when exposed to certain environmental conditions. Microplastics (MPs) can enter the food chain and devastate human health. Recognizing the possible environmental risks associated with the inappropriate disposal of masks, it is crucial to avert it from becoming the next plastic crisis. To address this environmental threat, titanium dioxide (TiO2)-based photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of MPs is one of the promising approaches. TiO2-based photocatalysts exhibit excellent plastic degradation potential due to their outstanding photocatalytic ability, cost efficiency, chemical, and thermal stability. In this review, we have discussed the reports on COVID-19 waste generation, the limitation of current waste management techniques, and the environmental impact of MPs leachates from DFMs. Mainly, the prominence of TiO2 in the PCD and the applications of TiO2-based photocatalysts in MPs degradation are the prime highlights of this review. Additionally, various synthesis methods to enhance the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 and the mechanism of PCD are also discussed. Furthermore, current challenges and the future research perspective on the improvement of this approach have been proposed.
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50
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Joo K, Lee J(J, Hwang J. NAM and TPB Approach to Consumers' Decision-Making Framework in the Context of Indoor Smart Farm Restaurants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14604. [PMID: 36361490 PMCID: PMC9654818 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114604] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The movement toward smart farming, which has productivity and eco-friendly roles, is emerging in the foodservice industry in the form of indoor smart farm restaurants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the consumer decision-making processes in the context of indoor smart farm restaurants. The investigational framework was designed around the norm activation model (NAM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB), with the moderating role of age. In particular, this study merged NAM and TPB to assess the effect of awareness of consumption consequences on consumers' attitudes as well as the role played by subjective norms in the formation of personal norms. Data were collected from 304 respondents in South Korea. As a result of structural equation modeling, the proposed hypotheses of causal relationships were generally supported, excluding only the relationship between subjective norm and behavioral intention. The moderating role of age was identified in the relationships between (1) subjective norm and attitude, and (2) personal norm and behavioral intention. This study presents not only theoretical contributions as the first empirical study on consumer behavior in the context of indoor smart farm restaurants but also presents practical suggestions from the perspective of green marketing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyuhyeon Joo
- The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, Seoul 143747, Korea
| | - Junghoon (Jay) Lee
- School of Hospitality Leadership, East Carolina University, 306 Rivers Building, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA
| | - Jinsoo Hwang
- The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Sejong University, Seoul 143747, Korea
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