Reducing marine pollution from single-use plastics (SUPs): A review

Mechanical recycling of printed flexible plastic packaging: The role of binders and pigments

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), extensively employed in flexible plastic packaging, often undergoes printing with inks. However, during the mechanical recycling of post-consumer waste, these inks act as contaminants, subsequently compromising the quality and usability of recycled material. To understand better exactly which ink components cause which effects, this study comprehensively assesses the thermal behavior of three organic pigments and two commonly utilised binders, correlated with the impact on the mechanical recycling of LDPE-based flexible plastic packaging. In this regard, the study focuses on four pivotal factors: processability, mechanical properties, aesthetic attributes, and volatile organic compound profiles. The results indicate that nitrocellulose, used as a binder, degrades during reprocessing, resulting in film discoloration and the emission of potentially odorous compounds. Conversely, pigments are found to be dispersed within droplets of polyurethane binder in LDPE recyclates, whilst reprocessing printed samples detrimentally affects film properties, notably dart drop impact resistance, strain at break, and the number of inclusions. Additionally, it is shown that both inks comprise components that emit volatile compounds during reprocessing: non-thermally stable components, nitrocellulose and pigment yellow PY13, as well as low-molecular weight molecules from polyurethane and by-products from wax, plasticisers, and additives.

From sea to sea: Edible, hydrostable, and degradable straws based on seaweed-derived insoluble cellulose fibers and soluble polysaccharides

The widespread use of disposable plastic straws has caused a long-lasting environmental problem. Potential alternatives for plastic straws are far from satisfactory due to the low utility, poor water stability, and non-ideal natural degradability. In this work, an edible, hydrostable, and degradable straw was developed from the economically significant seaweed. Seaweed-derived insoluble cellulose fibers were used as the building block of the straw, and the soluble polysaccharide extracts were explored as the natural glue through the chelation with Ca2+. Repeated freeze-thawing was introduced to strengthen the molecular interactions, which further improved its mechanical stability and hydrostability. The straw exhibited remarkable natural degradability in open environments, particularly in marine-mimicking conditions. By incorporating pH-sensitive food pigments, the straws could indicate acid-base property of a beverage or even discriminate the freshness of milk. The versatile seaweed-derived straw adhered to the biocycle concept of "from sea to sea" to alleviate the burden of white pollution on oceans.

Hydrostability, mechanical resilience, and biodegradability of paper straws fabricated through lignin-based polyurethane and chitosan binary emulsion bonding

This study focuses on enhancing the strength and water stability of paper straws through a novel approach involving a binary emulsion of lignin-based polyurethane and chitosan. Kraft lignin serves as the raw material for synthesizing a blocked waterborne polyurethane, subsequently combined with carboxylated chitosan to form a stable binary emulsion. The resulting emulsion, exhibiting remarkable stability over at least 6 months, is applied to the base paper. Following emulsion application, the paper undergoes torrefaction at 155 °C. This process deblocks isocyanate groups, enabling their reaction with hydroxyl groups on chitosan and fibers, ultimately forming ester bonds. This reaction significantly improves the mechanical strength and hydrophobicity of paper straws. The composite paper straws demonstrate exceptional mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 47.21 MPa, Young's modulus of 4.33 GPa, and flexural strength of 32.38 MPa. Notably, its water stability is greatly enhanced, with a wet tensile strength of 40.66 MPa, surpassing commercial paper straws by 8 folds. Furthermore, the composite straw achieves complete biodegradability within 120 days, outperforming conventional paper straws in terms of environmental impact. This innovative solution presents a promising and sustainable alternative to plastic straws, addressing the urgent need for eco-friendly products.

Sustainable development of three distinct starch based bio-composites reinforced with the cotton spinning waste collected from fiber preparation stage

Composites are new materials that combine two or more distinct components with diverse properties to create a new material with improved properties. The goal of this endeavor was to use fiber preparation wastes, or waste from cotton spinning mill blow room and carding, to produce bio composites based on starch. The matrix was prepared using the starches of potatoes, maize, and arrowroot, and any remaining reinforcing material was used. A hand layup technique was used to make the bio-composites. Tensile, bending, density, water absorbency, and SEM testing were among the studies used to illustrate the starch-based biodegradable materials. The maximum tensile strength of 0.49 MPa is displayed by sample AB. The resistive bending force of 3.71 MPa is greatest in Sample AB. The most uniform combination of reinforcing material (wastage cotton) and matrix is seen in PB's SEM picture. Among the samples, AB had the greatest density value, measuring 0.35 g/cm3. The sample PC had the highest absorption findings in both water and the 5 % HCl combination because carding waste had more fiber than blow room and fiber absorbs more water. The resultant bio-composites made of starch had the potential to replace Styrofoam.

ROS-dependent degeneration of human neurons induced by environmentally relevant levels of micro- and nanoplastics of diverse shapes and forms

Our study explores the pressing issue of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) inhalation and their subsequent penetration into the brain, highlighting a significant environmental health concern. We demonstrate that MNPs can indeed penetrate murine brain, warranting further investigation into their neurotoxic effects in humans. We then proceed to test the impact of MNPs at environmentally relevant concentrations, with focusing on variations in size and shape. Our findings reveal that these MNPs induce oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and neurodegeneration in human neurons, with cortical neurons being more susceptible than nociceptors. Furthermore, we examine the role of biofilms on MNPs, demonstrating that MNPs can serve as a vehicle for pathogenic biofilms that significantly exacerbate these neurotoxic effects. This sequence of investigations reveals that minimal MNPs accumulation can cause oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in human neurons, significantly risking brain health and highlights the need to understand the neurological consequences of inhaling MNPs. Overall, our developed in vitro testing battery has significance in elucidating the effects of environmental factors and their associated pathological mechanisms in human neurons.

Environmental taxation of plastic bags and substitutes: Balancing marine pollution and climate change

Several countries have imposed either a ban or a tax on single-use plastic packaging, motivated by their contribution to marine plastic pollution. This may lead consumers to opt for similar unregulated substitutes, potentially undermining or even counteracting the intended effect of the policy instrument. The purpose of this study is to theoretically and empirically compare the environmental and welfare effects of the first-best Pigouvian taxes on both plastic bags and a substitute (paper bags), with two alternative second-best policy instruments: a tax on plastic products alone, and a common uniform tax on all packaging materials. The empirical analysis accounts for two different types of environmental externalities from the use of both bag types: marine pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It also compares results for two countries, Denmark and the USA, which differ in the demand for plastic and paper bags. The theoretical analysis shows that a unilateral tax on plastic bags should equal the marginal environmental damage of plastic bags minus a fraction of the marginal environmental cost of paper bags, hence being lower than the Pigouvian tax. The optimal common tax should equal a weighted average of the marginal environmental damage of the two bag types and would be lower than the Pigouvian tax on plastics if the marginal external cost of plastic bags exceeds that for paper bags. The empirical analysis shows that for default parameters, the variation in tax level across the studied scenarios is small. It also shows that if Pigouvian taxes cannot be implemented, a common uniform tax on both bag types would result in a higher welfare gain than a tax on plastic bags alone. Sensitivity analysis reveals that the level of the second-best taxes and their associated environmental and welfare impacts are sensitive to assumptions regarding the littering rate and decay rate of plastic bags in the marine environment.

Disposable surgical/medical face masks and filtering face pieces: Source of microplastics and chemical additives in the environment

The production and consumption of disposable face masks (DFMs) increased intensely during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a high amount of them being found in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. The main goal of this research study is to conduct a comparative evaluation of the water-leachability of microplastics (MPs) and chemical additives from various types of disposable surgical/medical face masks (MM DFMs) and filtering face pieces (FFPs). Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was used for MPs analysis. Liquid Chromatography/High Resolution Mass Spectrometry was used to analyse analytes presented in the water-leachates of DFMs. FFPs released 3-4 times more microplastic particles compared to MM DFMs. The release of MPs into water from all tested DFMs without mechanical stress suggests potential MP contamination originating from the DFM production process. Our study for the first time identified bisphenol B (0.25-0.42 μg/L) and 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (163.9-115.0 μg/L) as leachables from MM DFMs. MPs in the water-leachates vary in size, with predominant particles <100 μm, and the release order from DFMs is MMIIR > MMII > FFP3>FFP2>MMI. The main type of microplastics identified in the water leachates of the investigated face masks was polypropylene, accounting for 93-97% for MM DFMs and 82-83% for FFPs. Other polymers such as polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyester/polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide/Nylon, polyvinylchloride, and ethylene-propylene copolymer were also identified, but in smaller amounts. FFPs released a wider variety and a higher percentage (17-18%) of other polymers compared to MM DFMs (3-7%). Fragments and fibres were identified in all water-leachate samples, and fragments, particularly debris of polypropylene fibres, were the most common MP morphotype. The findings in this study are important in contributing additional data to develop science-based policy recommendations on the health and environmental impacts of MPs and associated chemical additives originated from DFMs.

Co-, Ni-, and Cu-Doped Fe-Based Catalysts for the Microwave-Assisted Catalytic Pyrolysis of Polyethylene

Environmental issues caused by waste polyethylene are becoming increasingly severe. Among potential treatment processes, microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis is promising for converting waste plastics into valuable products owing to its energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Herein, a modified citric acid combustion method was used to prepare a series of metal oxide catalysts with loose porous structures. The prepared Fe-based catalysts doped with Co, Ni, or Cu were employed in the microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis of polyethylene. The bimetallic Co1Fe1Ox catalyst exhibited the best performance, yielding hydrogen at a rate of 60.7 mmol/gplastic. Further variation in the Co : Fe ratio revealed that the Co1Fe9Ox catalyst achieved the highest hydrogen production efficiency (63.64 mmol/gplastic). Similar oil-phase products were obtained over the various catalysts, as revealed by infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) identified carbon nanotubes as the major solid product of pyrolysis, which were attached to the catalyst surface. Finally, a combination of thermogravimetric analysis, SEM, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicated that the reduction in catalytic activity following recycling was caused by the accumulation of carbonaceous products on the catalyst surface. Overall, Co1Fe9Ox catalysts were favorable for obtaining H2 and carbon nanotubes by the microwave-assisted pyrolysis of polyethylene.

Assessing the impact of banning the single-use plastic carrier bags: a case study for Kenyan marine environment looking at macro, meso, and microplastics

Poor waste management and unsustainable institutional and individual behaviors, have led to the accumulation of plastic litter in many habitats worldwide. Assessment of plastic pollution in Kenyan marine environment was conducted focusing on the impact of banning the single-use plastic carrier bags in Kenya. The quantification, composition, and distribution of plastics were determined at nine (9) beaches along Kenyan coastline using standing stock method. A total of 750 plastic items were collected and categorized with only 47 pieces being single-use plastic carrier bags. A great number of plastics (n = 383), were identified by their original use, with packaging plastics being the most common (n = 155). Macroplastics were the overall dominant plastics at 76%, mesoplastics, 21% and microplastics, 3%, which were altogether dominated by low-density polyethylene (LDPE) at (46%), followed by polypropylene (PP), 30%; polyethylene tetraphthalate (PET), 9%; polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 8%; and polystyrene (PS), 7%. The absence of identifiable single-use plastic carrier bags in 6 out of 9 beaches signified the effectiveness of the ban in Kenya. Monitoring of trends and sources of plastic debris is encouraged to help enhance the science-policy linkage aimed at reducing marine plastic pollution.

Plastic waste management during and post Covid19 pandemic: Challenges and strategies towards circular economy

Global petroleum consumption suffered drastically as lockdowns were put in place to contain the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). As a result, oil costs dropped, making virgin plastics more cost-effective than recycled plastics. The usage of plastic has increased as a result of lifestyle modifications, cost-based incentives, and other factors, further obscuring the issue. The utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic had resulted in a significant surge in the quantity of plastic waste. The plastic packaging industry achieved a revenue milestone of US$ 909.2 billion in 2021, boosting a compound annual growth rate of 5.5 %. The escalating dependence on plastics imposed additional pressure on waste management systems, which were proven to be ineffective and insufficient in addressing the issue. This situation exacerbated the problem and contributed to environmental pollution. Globally, 40 % of plastic waste ended up in landfills, 25 % was incinerated, 16 % was recycled, and the remaining 19 % infiltrated within the environment. By investing in circular technologies like feedstock recycling and enhancing infrastructural and environmental conditions, it expected to become viable to manage plastic waste flows during such a period of crisis. Investing in valorization strategies that transform plastic waste into value-added goods, such as fuels and building materials, receives a compelling macroeconomic signal when both plastic waste and plastic demand are on the rise. A robust circular economy can be accomplished by finalising the life cycle of plastic waste. The concept of Plastic Waste Footprint (PWF) aims to assess the environmental impact of plastic products throughout their intended usage period. In the midst of the emerging challenges in waste management during and post pandemic period, this research study has been conducted to explore the challenges and strategies associated with plastic waste in the environment.

Setting new standards: Multiphasic analysis of microplastic mineralization by fungi

Plastic materials provide numerous benefits. However, properties such as durability and resistance to degradation that make plastic attractive for variable applications likewise foster accumulation in the environment. Fragmentation of plastics leads to the formation of potentially hazardous microplastic, of which a considerable amount derives from polystyrene. Here, we investigated the biodegradation of polystyrene by the tropical sooty mold fungus Capnodium coffeae in different experimental setups. Growth of C. coffeae was stimulated significantly when cultured in presence of plastic polymers rather than in its absence. Stable isotope tracing using 13C-enriched polystyrene particles combined with cavity ring-down spectroscopy showed that the fungus mineralized polystyrene traces. However, phospholipid fatty acid stable isotope probing indicated only marginal assimilation of polystyrene-13C by C. coffeae in liquid cultures. NMR spectroscopic analysis of residual styrene contents prior to and after incubation revealed negligible changes in concentration. Thus, this study suggests a plastiphilic life style of C. coffeae despite minor usage of plastic as a carbon source and the general capability of sooty mold fungi to stimulate polystyrene mineralization, and proposes new standards to identify and unambiguously demonstrate plastic degrading capabilities of microbes.

Reversing the damage: ecological restoration of polluted water bodies affected by pollutants due to anthropogenic activities

Aquatic ecosystems provide a large number of cultural, regulating, and supporting services to humans and play a pivotal role in sustaining freshwater-dependent ecosystems. However, an increase in human population coupled with economic growth in the last few decades has severely affected their functioning and ecological health. This has led to an increase in concentrations of pollutants originating from anthropogenic activities such as heavy metals, plastics, semi-volatile organic compounds, and endocrine disruptors. These pollutants provoke deleterious impacts on aquatic biodiversity and affect the water quality and functioning. In this paper, we discuss the sources and impacts of such pollutants as well as restoration techniques for reducing their impact on aquatic ecosystems. Several physical and chemical ecological restoration techniques, such as dredging, sediment capping, water diversion, adsorption, aeration, and flushing, can be employed to improve the water quality of water bodies. Additionally, biological techniques such as phytoremediation, phycoremediation, the use of biomembranes, and the construction of ecological floating beds can be employed to increase the population of aquatic organisms and improve the overall ecological health of aquatic ecosystems. Restoration techniques can effectively reduce the concentrations of suspended solids and dissolved phosphorus and increase the levels of dissolved oxygen. The restoration techniques for improving the ecological health of water bodies should not be limited to simply improving the water quality but should also focus on improving the biological processes and ecosystem functioning since it is essential to mitigate the adverse effects of pollutants and restore the vital ecosystem services provided by water bodies for future generations.

Applying the SOR framework to mitigate single-use plastic tableware consumption and why does it work? Solving the dissonance with an extended SOR framework

Although plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue worldwide and household consumption of single-use plastic tableware (SUPT) is a growing concern, research on the determinants of SUPT use is deficient. In light of the prevalent and frequent use of SUPT, the far-reaching nature of its consumption, and its distinctive health concerns, compounded by the lack of dedicated regulations, this article sheds light on the SUPT problem and strives to minimize SUPT consumption. The Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework has been extensively applied in various contexts but not yet in the context of household SUPT consumption. In this study, we aim to fill the lacuna by examining the motives behind SUPT consumption using two online questionnaires in two Western countries that are known for relatively high domestic SUPT consumption: Israel (Study 1, n = 408) and the USA (Study 2, n = 295). Our findings indicate that personal attitudes toward the plastic problem ("organism" in the SOR taxonomy) mediate the relation between plastic health problem awareness ("stimulus") and SUPT consumption ("response"). Moreover, we identified perceived behavioral control (PBC) as a significant predictor of behavior when behavior is not under volitional control (i.e., an action against the individual's self-interest), as in the SUPT context. Therefore, we propose expanding the SOR framework with the organism comprising attitude and PBC, thus supporting the dissonance theory (double mediation). We suggest that modifying personal attitudes toward the plastic problem by enhancing plastic health problem awareness may strengthen PBC and reduce SUPT consumption. Overall, this study deepens our understanding of SUPT consumption by highlighting the importance of attitude and PBC as mechanisms that link awareness to sustainable behavior.

The elemental fingerprint as a potential tool for tracking the fate of real-life model nanoplastics generated from plastic consumer products in environmental systems

Metals and metalloids are widely used in producing plastic materials as fillers and pigments, which can be used to track the environmental fate of real-life nanoplastics in environmental and biological systems. Therefore, this study investigated the metal and metalloids concentrations and fingerprint in real-life model nanoplastics generated from new plastic products (NPP) and from environmentally aged ocean plastic fragments (NPO) using single particle-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-TOF-MS) and transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDX). The new plastic products include polypropylene straws (PPS), polyethylene terephthalate bottles (PETEB), white low-density polyethylene bags (LDPEB), and polystyrene foam shipping material (PSF). All real-life model nanoplastics contained metal and metalloids, including Si, Al, Sr, Ti, Fe, Ba, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr, and were depleted in rare earth elements. Nanoplastics generated from the white LDPEB were rich in Ti-bearing particles, whereas those generated from PSF were rich in Cr, Ti, and Pb. The Ti/Fe in the LDPEB nanoplastics and the Cr/Fe in the PSF nanoplastics were higher than the corresponding ratios in natural soil nanoparticles (NNPs). The Si/Al ratio in the PSF nanoplastics was higher than in the NNPs, possibly due to silica-based fillers. The elemental ratio of Si/Al, Fe/Cr, and Fe/Ni in the nanoplastics derived from ocean plastic fragments was intermediate between the nanoplastics derived from real-life plastic products and NNPs, indicating a combined contribution from pigments and fillers used in plastics and from natural sources. This study provides a method to track real-life nanoplastics in controlled laboratory studies based on nanoplastic elemental fingerprints. It expands the realm of nanoplastics that can be followed based on their metallic signatures to all kinds of nanoplastics. Additionally, this study illustrates the importance of nanoplastics as a source of metals and metal-containing nanoparticles in the environment.

Interaction of climate change and marine pollution in Southern India: Implications for coastal zone management practices and policies

Climate change and marine litter are inextricably linked, and their interaction manifests differently depending on the specific environmental and biological characteristics, and other human activities taking place. The negative impacts resulting from those synergistic interactions are threatening coastal and marine ecosystems and the many goods and services they provide. This is particularly pervasive in the coastal zone of the Indian subcontinent. India is already experiencing severe climate change impacts, which are projected to worsen in the future. At the same time, the country is gripped by a litter crisis that is overwhelming authorities and communities and hindering the country's sustainable development goals. The coastal environment and communities of the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. While these state governments and authorities are stepping up efforts to improve the management of their coastal zones, the scale and severity of these issues are mounting. Here we review the combined effects of climate change and marine litter pollution in Southern India, focusing on the Gulf of Mannar Reserve in Tamil Nadu and the Malabar Coast in Kerala. Finally, we discuss effective management options that could help improve resilience and sustainability.

Characteristics and distribution of stranded plastic pollution in Bali conservation areas

Plastic pollution threatens vulnerable conservation areas such as West Bali National Park (TNBB) and Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (NPMPA), which play a crucial role in supporting marine biodiversity and the economy through tourism and fisheries activities. This study aims to investigate the characteristics, density, and distribution of marine debris in Bali's conservation areas. Surveys were conducted at 37 locations around TNBB and NPMPA, with approximately 94 % of the total samples consisting of plastic debris. Sampling effects related to substrate type, sea bottom gradient, and backshore type were significant and correlated with local debris load. Effects associated with land-based sources (such as population, distance to the nearest rivers, settlements, and tourist spots) were also significant. Statistical patterns suggest that illegal waste disposal is also an important driver. Understanding drivers of waste mismanagement, coupled with place-based approaches can help identify approaches likely to be successful in reducing plastic pollution in the environment. We suggest emphasizing citizen awareness, public policies, and their implementation as actions that can help prevent debris pollution in TNBB and NPMPA conservation areas, as well as in similar high-value areas around the world.

Anionic nanoplastic contaminants promote Parkinson's disease-associated α-synuclein aggregation

Recent studies have identified increasing levels of nanoplastic pollution in the environment. Here, we find that anionic nanoplastic contaminants potently precipitate the formation and propagation of α-synuclein protein fibrils through a high-affinity interaction with the amphipathic and non-amyloid component (NAC) domains in α-synuclein. Nanoplastics can internalize in neurons through clathrin-dependent endocytosis, causing a mild lysosomal impairment that slows the degradation of aggregated α-synuclein. In mice, nanoplastics combine with α-synuclein fibrils to exacerbate the spread of α-synuclein pathology across interconnected vulnerable brain regions, including the strong induction of α-synuclein inclusions in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. These results highlight a potential link for further exploration between nanoplastic pollution and α-synuclein aggregation associated with Parkinson's disease and related dementias.

What not to do with dog poop

This short communication paper comments on the controversial but highly unpleasant topic of littered plastic dog waste bags in the environment. Littered plastic dog waste bags are a source of plastic and microplastic pollution and dog faeces contained in these littered bags also pose human and ecological health risks. This short communication suggests that this littering may be occurring due to confusion by pet owners, who may believe that these so called 'biodegradable' bags are compositable, which in the absence of industrial composting facilities, are not. Thus, plastic dog waste bags continue to be a source of plastic and microplastic pollution in the environment long after they have been littered. All pet owners should deposit plastic dog poop bags in appropriate waste bins, not in the environment.

Assessing the impact of chronic and acute plastic pollution from construction activities and other anthropogenic sources: A case study from the coast of Antofagasta, Chile

Plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue with far-reaching and not yet fully explored consequences. This study uncovered a significant source of plastic contamination arising from improper application and management of expanded polystyrene (EPS) utilised as expansion joints at a construction site near the coast of Antofagasta, Chile. Through meticulous field observations and calculations, we estimate that a staggering 82.9 million EPS spheres have the potential to be released into the environment from the 7.62 m3 of this material used for the construction of this coastal promenade, constituting a chronic source of pollution. Despite the ongoing construction, we have already evidenced mechanical fragmentation and dispersion of EPS microplastic pollution in the surrounding natural environment. To our knowledge, this is the first study that documents misused construction materials contributing to plastic pollution. In addition to the EPS pollution, our findings reveal an alarming accumulation of litter - an acute pollution source - including plastic cups, bottles, carrier bags, and several other construction materials (e.g. plastic nets, films) that are exacerbating the pollution problems within the region and potentially endangering marine and terrestrial organisms. These observations highlight the urgent need for mitigating measures and intervention policies targeting construction-related plastic and microplastic pollution, along with a more robust regulatory framework for construction activities as well as adequate surveillance and enforcement.

Assessing marine macrolitter on the coastline of the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve: Insights from a community-based study

Even in pristine and remote environments of the Mediterranean, marine litter is building up threatening habitats and species and inhibiting sustainable development. The present study reports the findings of beach litter surveys carried out by 250 local community members in nine sites along the coastline of the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve, situated in the southernmost end of Europe. The average recorded litter density along these sites amounted to 125 items per 100 meters of coastline (range: 22-510) and to 0.05 items per square meter of beach (range: 0.01-0.13). Only two of the nine surveyed beaches were found to be in good environmental status, in compliance with the European threshold value for beach litter. The other seven studied beaches surpassed the European threshold value. The primary sources of the litter identified in the study can be attributed to unsustainable practices and inadequate waste management by individuals, communities and municipalities using the coastal and marine environment. Additionally, unsustainable waste management practices within the agricultural sector were also found to be a significant contributor to marine litter pollution.

Macro- and microplastic abundance from recreational beaches along the South Aegean Sea (Türkiye)

This study aimed to evaluate the abundance and diversity of macro- and microplastics in sand samples collected during summer and winter from eight different beaches used for recreational purposes located on the South Aegean coasts of Türkiye. According to the results, microplastic in fiber shape was dominant on all the beaches. The highest microplastic abundance was determined at Ölüdeniz Kumburnu Beach (360.00 ± 237.66 particles kg-1 dw) in summer and at Aktur Beach (358.33 ± 397.24 particles kg-1 dw) in winter. A significant positive correlation was found in the winter between microplastic amounts and wind speed. The study area is an important touristic center faraway from major cities and industrial areas. Thus, plastic pollution in this area may be the result of tourism activities in the summer, discharge waters from wastewater treatment plants or transportation by meteorological factors (like waves, wind or river flows).

Cetaceans playing with single-use plastics (SUPs): A widespread interaction with likely severe impacts

Play is a common behaviour in wild cetaceans that includes the manipulation of natural, as well as artificial objects such as marine debris. Yet, very little is known about these interactions despite the potential impacts on cetacean health. We combined a detailed review of the scientific literature and social media with 12 years of observations to examine cetacean interactions with plastic litter. A total of 11 odontocete species (Tursiops truncatus, Stenella longirostris, Delphinus delphis, Grampus griseus, Steno bredanensis, Stenella frontalis, Sotalia guianensis, Pseudorca crassidens, Orcinus orca, Globicephala melas and Physeter macrocephalus) were documented in 59 events carrying or throwing plastic litter with their head and/or flippers suggesting a form of play. Interactions occurred in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and Red Sea, with single-use plastics composing the main typology registered. While these interactions appeared harmless to the observers, they can pose a significant risk through subsequent entanglement or ingestion.

Local businesses' consumption and perception of Single-Use Plastics: A preliminary assessment for conservation and mitigation plans in the Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area

Modern society depends on plastic, especially through single-use plastic products (SUPs), which can affect ecological systems after use. Local policymakers can strategically adopt measures against SUPs pollution by setting effective local governance. This work was designed to evaluate SUPs consumption inside the Marine Protected Area of the Egadi Islands. A questionnaire mixed approach to understanding stakeholders' consumption, attitudes and perceptions about the uses and impacts of SUPs in the third sector was used. Results show a significant seasonal consumption of SUPs and uncertainty in the behaviour to discard them. These provide valuable insights to fill research gaps in estimating the use of SUPs and consumers' perceptions. The main aim of this work has been to understand the critical issues regarding the use of SUPs, considering the target area's patterns, in support of designing action plans for changing behaviour and the mitigation of critical issues in favour of environmental conservation.

Green composites based on thermoplastic starch reinforced with micro- and nano-cellulose by melt blending - A review

Starch is a biodegradable biopolymer, a sustainable material that can replace conventional petrochemical-based plastics. However, starch has some limitations, as it must be processed by heating and treated mechanically with a plasticizer to become thermoplastic starch (TPS). Different variables such as mixing speeds, amount, and kind of plasticizers play a vital role in preparing TPS by melting. Despite this, the properties of the TPS are not comparable with those of traditional plastics. To overcome this limitation, microcellulose or nanocellulose is added to TPS by melt mixing, including the extrusion and internal mixing process, which enables large-scale production. This review aims to compile several studies that evaluate the effect of plasticizers, as well as the relevance of incorporating different cellulosic fillers of different dimensions on the properties of TPS obtained by melt mixing. Potential applications of these materials in food packaging, biomedical applications, and other opportunities are also described.

Self-reported behaviours and measures related to plastic waste reduction: European citizens' perspective

Consumer attitudes and behaviour regarding consumption of plastic goods and proper waste management are of importance for reducing plastic and microplastic (MP) pollution. Therefore, based on Eurobarometer survey, this study aims to analyse European attitudes and behaviour related to plastic pollution reduction. Europeans acknowledge marine and river pollution as important environmental problems and are worried about plastics and MP environmental impacts. However, this does not translate into related plastic reduction behaviours. Regression analysis show that analysed behaviours are likely to be undertaken by women, younger, with higher incomes respondents and by those who express higher worry about plastic and MP environmental impacts. Industry and big companies are seen as having the main role in reducing plastic waste and littering, chargers for single use plastics being less important. Respondents also stress the role of education. Hence, focus on concrete steps to reduce plastic waste, highlighting the interaction of individual actions and environment should be given.

A systematic literature review of voluntary behaviour change approaches in single use plastic reduction

Plastic waste is a leading contributor to climate change due to its build up in landfill and oceans, releasing harmful greenhouse gases and causing harm to ecosystems. The past decade has seen a rise in the number of policies and legislative regulations surrounding the use of single-use plastics (SUP). Such measures are needed and have shown effectiveness in the reduction of SUP's. However, it is becoming apparent that voluntary behaviour change efforts, which preserve autonomous decision making are also needed to further reduce demand for SUP. This mixed-methods systematic review had three aims, 1) synthesise existing voluntary behavioural change interventions and approaches aimed at reducing SUP consumption, 2) assess the level of autonomy preserved in interventions, and 3) assess the extent of theory use in voluntary SUP reduction interventions. A systematic search was executed across six electronic databases. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed literature published in English between 2000 and 2022 reporting on voluntary behaviour change programs aimed at reducing the consumption of SUPs. Quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Overall, 30 articles were included. Due to the heterogenic nature of outcome data in included studies, meta-analytic analysis was not possible. However, data were extracted and narratively synthesised. Communication and informational campaigns were the most common intervention approach with most interventions taking place in community or commercial settings. There was limited theory use among included studies (27% used theory). A framework was created using the criteria outlined by Geiger et al. (2021) to evaluate level of autonomy preserved in included interventions. Overall, level of autonomy preserved in included interventions was low. This review highlights the urgent need for more research into voluntary SUP reduction strategies, increased integration of theory in intervention development, and higher levels of autonomy preservation in SUP reduction interventions.

Introducing a temporal DPSIR (tDPSIR) framework and its application to marine pollution by PET bottles

Environmental governance is highly sensitive to temporal dynamics, due to the ever-accelerating rate of technological changes, the cumulative nature of environmental impacts and the complexity of multi-level environmental policy processes. Yet, temporality is generally only implicitly included in frameworks used for describing or assessing policy response in the broad context of social-ecological systems, such as the widely used Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework. As a result, the application of such frameworks often does not give due attention to questions of temporality, with potential negative impacts on attaining environmental goals. The current work proposes to modify the DPSIR framework to explicitly incorporate temporal aspects. We suggest two extensions of the common framework to account for time lags and allow for early response through a "response shift-left" mechanism. The potential of the modified framework-temporal DPSIR (tDPSIR)-to shed light on these temporal aspects is demonstrated through analysis of the European Union's response to pollution of the marine environment by plastic bottle waste. The analysis emphasizes the pronounced time lags between the initiation of this anthropogenic pressure and effective governance capable of curbing emissions. We discuss how tDPSIR can be applied to a range of environmental issues to populate databases of time lags in environmental governance, which, in turn, can be analysed for systemic patterns and chains of causality.

What potential does the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive have for reducing plastic pollution at coastlines and riversides? An evaluation based on citizen science data

To address environmental pollution by plastic litter, the European Union adopted EU Directive 2019/904, the so called "Single-Use Plastics Directive" (SUPD), which bans several single-use plastic products and addresses additional items with measures such as extended producer responsibility and obligatory requirements for product redesign. This study assessed the potential of the SUPD to reduce litter pollution in the environment with three scenarios. The "best case" scenario assumed that all measures of the SUPD completely prevent targeted items from getting into the environment. Another scenario assumed that no measures besides bans were effective. An intermediate scenario assumed partial effectiveness of measures. Data of almost 5,000 sampling events from citizen science protocols (Plastic Pirates, International Coastal Cleanup, Marine Litter Watch) and the OSPAR protocol were used to analyse litter at riversides and coastlines in Germany and the European Union. 44 to 68% of litter items in citizen science protocols consisted of single-use plastics (cigarette butts were the most prominent items). At coastlines sampled by the OSPAR protocol, fishing gear and undefined plastics prevailed. The scenario analysis revealed that substantial litter reductions could be achieved in the "best case" scenario (upwards of 40%), while the intermediate scenario resulted in litter reductions of 13 to 25%. The marginal effect of the "only bans" scenario achieved a reduction of 2-6% in Germany and the European Union, respectively. Thus, depending on implementation and enforcement, the current SUPD can be an important first step, yet further legislative actions are needed to effectively prevent plastic waste pollution.

Spectrophotometric-Based Assay to Quantify Relative Enzyme-Mediated Degradation of Commercially Available Bioplastics

We present a spectrophotometric-based assay to identify enzymes that degrade commercially available bioplastics. Bioplastics comprise aliphatic polyesters with hydrolysis-susceptible ester bonds and are proposed as a replacement for petroleum-based plastics that accumulate in the environment. Unfortunately, many bioplastics can also persist in environments including seawater and waste centers. Our assay involves an overnight incubation of candidate enzyme(s) with plastic, followed by A610 spectrophotometry using 96-well plates to quantify both a reduction in residual plastic and the liberation of degradation by-products. We use the assay to show that Proteinase K and PLA depolymerase, two enzymes that were previously shown to degrade pure polylactic acid plastic, promote a 20-30% breakdown of commercial bioplastic during overnight incubation. We validate our assay and confirm the degradation potential of these enzymes with commercial bioplastic using established mass-loss and scanning electron microscopy methods. We show how the assay can be used to optimize parameters (temperature, co-factors, etc.) to enhance the enzyme-mediated degradation of bioplastics. The assay endpoint products can be coupled with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or other analytical methods to infer the mode of enzymatic activity. Overall, the screening capacity of the spectrophotometric-based assay was demonstrated to be an accurate method to identify bioplastic-degrading enzymes.

Potentiality of sustainable corn starch-based biocomposites reinforced with cotton filter waste of spinning mill

The textile sector is among the leading industries globally in terms of releasing pollutants and producing waste. Despite being reusable, many wastes are squandered by disposing to landfills or incineration, creating a serious environmental threat. Because the cost of raw materials makes up a significant portion of the total product cost, manufacturers can obtain significant profits by exploiting waste generated during the manufacturing process. Herein, an attempt has been taken to utilize cotton filter waste (CFW) (collected from the humidification plant of the spinning mill) as reinforcement in manufacturing biocomposites with the corn starch (CS) matrix. Starch was considered to be the most suitable matrix as it is sustainable, abundant, natural, biodegradable, and, more importantly, capable of showing thermoplastic behavior under high temperatures. Sheets of corn starch composites reinforced with different wt% of cleaned cotton filter waste were fabricated using hand layup and compression molding techniques. The 50 wt% cotton waste was found to be optimum loading in terms of tensile strength, Young's modulus, bending strength, toughness, impact strength, and thermal Conductivity of the biocomposites. SEM micrographs revealed good interfacial adhesion (bonding) in matrix and filler interfaces, with the most substantial bonding for composites containing 50% fibers that concomitantly enhanced the mechanical properties of composites. The obtained biocomposites are deemed to be a sustainable alternative to non-degradable synthetic polymeric materials like Styrofoam for packaging and insulation applications.

The degradation of single-use plastics and commercially viable bioplastics in the environment: A review

Plastics have become an integral part of human life. Single-use plastics (SUPs) are disposable plastics designed to be used once then promptly discarded or recycled. This SUPs range from packaging and takeaway containers to disposable razors and hotel toiletries. Synthetic plastics, which are made of non-renewable petroleum and natural gas resources, require decades to perpetually disintegrate in nature thus contribute to plastic pollution worldwide, especially in marine environments. In response to these problems, bioplastics or bio-based and biodegradable polymers from renewable sources has been considered as an alternative. Understanding the mechanisms behind the degradation of conventional SUPs and biodegradability of their greener counterpart, bioplastics, is crucial for appropriate material selection in the future. This review aims to provide insights into the degradation or disintegration of conventional single-use plastics and the biodegradability of the different types of greener-counterparts, bioplastics, their mechanisms, and conditions. This review highlights on the biodegradation in the environments including composting systems. Here, the various types of alternative biodegradable polymers, such as bacterially biosynthesised bioplastics, natural fibre-reinforced plastics, starch-, cellulose-, lignin-, and soy-based polymers were explored. Review of past literature revealed that although bioplastics are relatively eco-friendly, their natural compositions and properties are inconsistent. Furthermore, the global plastic market for biodegradable plastics remains relatively small and require further research and commercialization efforts, especially considering the urgency of plastic and microplastic pollution as currently critical global issue. Biodegradable plastics have potential to replace conventional plastics as they show biodegradation ability under real environments, and thus intensive research on the various biodegradable plastics is needed to inform stakeholders and policy makers on the appropriate response to the gradually emerging biodegradable plastics.

Consumer Awareness of Plastic: an Overview of Different Research Areas

Plastic makes our society more practical and safer. It is hard to consider eliminating plastic in some sectors, such as the medical field. However, after use, plastic waste becomes a global problem without precedents, and when not properly disposed of, it can cause several socio-environmental problems. Some possible solutions are recycling, the circular economy, proper waste management, and consumer awareness. Consumers play a crucial role in preventing problems caused by plastic. In this work, consumer awareness of plastic is discussed according to the point of view of the research areas-environmental science, engineering, and materials science-based on the analysis of the main authors' keywords obtained in a literature search in the Scopus database. Bibliometrix analyzed the Scopus search results. The results showed that each area presents different concerns and priorities. The current scenario, including the main hotspots, trends, emerging topics, and deficiencies, was obtained. On the contrary, the concerns from the literature and those of the daily lives of consumers do not seem to fit in, which creates a gap. By reducing this gap, the distance between consumers awareness and their behavior will be smaller.

Approaches in Sustainable, Biobased Multilayer Packaging Solutions

The depletion of fossil resources and the growing demand for plastic waste reduction has put industries and academic researchers under pressure to develop increasingly sustainable packaging solutions that are both functional and circularly designed. In this review, we provide an overview of the fundamentals and recent advances in biobased packaging materials, including new materials and techniques for their modification as well as their end-of-life scenarios. We also discuss the composition and modification of biobased films and multilayer structures, with particular attention to readily available drop-in solutions, as well as coating techniques. Moreover, we discuss end-of-life factors, including sorting systems, detection methods, composting options, and recycling and upcycling possibilities. Finally, regulatory aspects are pointed out for each application scenario and end-of-life option. Moreover, we discuss the human factor in terms of consumer perception and acceptance of upcycling.

Mangroves in the "Plasticene": High exposure of coastal mangroves to anthropogenic litter pollution along the Central-West coast of India

Anthropogenic litter is a ubiquitous stressor in the global ocean, and poses ominous threats to oceanic biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. At the terrestrial-ocean interface, tropical mangrove forests are subject to substantial exposure to mismanaged litter from inland and marine sources. While the effects of litter in different marine ecosystems are well-documented, research on the ecological consequences of litter pollution on mangroves remain nascent stage. Here, we investigated anthropogenic litter concentration, composition, probable sources, and impact on coastal mangroves along the Central West coast of India. The mean concentration of trapped litter was measured 8.5 ± 1.9 items/m² (ranged 1.4 ̶ 26.9 items/m²), and 10.6 ± 0.5 items/tree (ranged 0 ̶ 85 items/tree) on the mangrove floor and mangrove canopy, respectively. Plastic dominated 83.02 % of all litter deposited on the mangrove forest floor and 93.4 % of all entangled litter on mangrove canopy. Most litter comprised single-use plastic products across all surveyed locations. Mangrove floor cleanliness was assessed using several indices, such as Clean Coast Index, General Index, Hazardous Items Index, and Pollution Load Index, reiterating an inferior cleanliness status. The pollution load index indicates "Hazard level I" plastic pollution risk across the mangroves. Litter concentration differed markedly across all sites. However, a significantly higher concentration of stranded litter was detected in the densely populated urban agglomeration and rural areas with inadequate solid waste management. Probable sources of litter indicate land-based (local) and sea-originated (fishing). Supportive information on the transport and accumulation of marine litter is examined based on the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS) model version 2 reanalysis of surface wind and current pattern across the Arabian Sea followed by MIKE simulated tide-induced coastal current. Mangrove pneumatophores and branches were found to be damaged by entangled plastics. Hence, determining litter quantum and their probable input source is pivotal in mitigating anthropogenic litter impact on mangrove ecosystems and fostering mangrove conservation. Overall, results envisage that stringent enforcement, implementation of an integrated solid waste management framework, and general behavioral change of the public are crucial to mitigate litter/plastic pollution.

Airborne microplastics: Occurrence, sources, fate, risks and mitigation

This paper serves to enhance the current knowledge base of airborne microplastics which is significantly smaller than that of microplastics in marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. It systematically presents the prevalence, sources, fate, risks and mitigations of airborne microplastics through the review of >140 scientific papers published mainly in the last 10 years. Unlike the extant review, it places an emphasis on the indoor microplastics, the risks of airborne microplastics on animals and plants and their mitigations. The outdoor microplastics are mostly generated by the wear and tear of tires, brake pads, waste incineration and industrial activities. They have been detected in many regions worldwide at concentrations ranging from 0.3 particles/m³ to 154,000 particles/L of air even in the Pyrenees Mountains and the Arctic. As for indoor microplastics, the reported concentrations range from 1 piece/m³ to 9900 pieces/m²/day, and are frequently higher than those of the outdoor microplastics. They come from the wear and tear of walls and ceilings, synthetic textiles and furniture finishings. Airborne microplastics could be suspended and resuspended, entrapped, settle under gravity as well as interact with chemicals, microorganisms and other microplastic particles. In the outdoors, they could also interact with sunlight and be carried by the wind over long distance. Airborne microplastics could adversely affect plants, animals and humans, leading to reduced photosynthetic rate, retarded growth, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and increased cancer risks in humans. They could be mitigated indirectly through filters attached to air-conditioning system and directly through source reduction, regulation and biodegradable substitutes.

Microplastics pollution in freshwater sediments: The pollution status assessment and sustainable management measures

Microplastics (MPs) pollution in freshwater sediments has brought hidden dangers to food and drinking water supply. Implementing sustainable management measures for MPs pollution in freshwater sediments has become an inevitable trend for sustainable development of society. Existing studies still lacked sufficient discussion in sustainable management of MPs pollution in freshwater sediments. This makes it difficult to formulate sustainable management measures for MPs pollution in freshwater sediments. This study analyzed the pollution status of MPs in freshwater sediments from 84 study areas. The results showed that current studies on MPs pollution in freshwater sediments were mainly concentrated in densely populated and economically developed areas. The average abundance of MPs in freshwater sediments from collected study areas was 1290.88 items/kg, this brought a potential threat to sustainable development in surrounding areas. The pollution load level and potential ecological risk level of MPs in freshwater sediments from these study areas were low. Reducing MPs discharge and restricting the use of high-risk polymers are effective ways to prevent the deterioration of MPs pollution status in freshwater sediments. The abundance and types of MPs in freshwater sediments from these study areas were affected by human activities. Sustainable management of MPs pollution in freshwater sediments from collected study areas requires establishing a lifecycle management system for plastic products, and the industrial structures should be optimized. In addition, legislation and market regulation are effective ways to restrict the discharge of plastic wastes. Sustainable management of MPs in freshwater sediments requires the synergy of legislation and market regulation.

Effectiveness of Inexpensive Cloth Facemasks and Their Amendments to Reduce Ambient Particulate Exposures: A Case of Kathmandu, Nepal

Inexpensive cloth masks are widely used to reduce particulate exposures, but their use became ubiquitous after the outbreak of COVID-19. A custom experimental setup (semiactive at 5.1 m/s airflow rate) was fabricated to examine the efficiency of different types of commercial facemasks collected randomly from street vendors. The sample (N = 27) including (n = 16) cloth masks (CMs), (n = 7) surgical masks (SMs), and (n = 4) N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), of which SMs and N95 FFRs taken as a standard for efficiency comparison were all tested against ambient aerosols (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ μg/m³). The prototype cloth masks (PTCMs) (N = 5) design was tailored, and their performance was assessed and compared with that of standard commercial masks. The filtering efficiency tested against ambient coarse particulates (PM₁₀) ranged from (5% to 34%) for CMs with an average of 16%, (37% to 46%) for SMs with an average of 42%, (59% to 72%) for PTCMs with an average of 65%, and (70% to 75%) for N95 FFRs with an average of 71%, whereas against fine particulates (PM_2.5), efficacy ranged from (4% to 29%) for CMs with an average of 13%, (34% to 44%) for SMs with an average of 39%, (53% to 68%) for PTCMs with an average of 60%, and (68% to 73%) for N95 FFRs with an average of 70%, respectively. The efficiency followed the order N95 FFRs > PTCMs > SMs > CMs showing poor exposure reduction potential in CMs and high exposure reduction potential in N95 FFRs and PTCMs. Amendment in existing CMs using eco-friendly cotton fabric with better facial adherence can protect human health from exposure to fine particulates <2.5 μm and can reduce the risk of micro-plastic pollution caused by polypropylene (PP) facemasks.

A starch-based, crosslinked blend film with seawater-specific dissolution characteristics

Existing biodegradable plastics may not be ideal replacements of petroleum-based single-use plastics owing to their slow biodegradation in seawater. To address this issue, a starch-based blend film with different disintegration/dissolution speeds in freshwater and seawater was prepared. Poly(acrylic acid) segments were grafted onto starch; a clear and homogenous film was prepared by blending the grafted starch with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) by solution casting. After drying, the grafted starch was crosslinked with PVP by hydrogen bonds, owing to which the water stability of the film is higher than that of unmodified starch films in fresh water. In seawater, the film dissolves quickly as a result of disruption of the hydrogen bond crosslinks. This technique balances degradability in marine environment and water resistance in everyday environment, provides an alternative route to mitigate marine plastic pollution and could be potentially useful for single-use applications in different fields such as packaging, healthcare, and agriculture.

PHA-Based Bioplastic: a Potential Alternative to Address Microplastic Pollution

Petroleum-derived plastics are linked to a variety of growing environmental issues throughout their lifecycle, including emission of greenhouse gases, accumulation in terrestrial and marine habitats, pollution, among others. There has been a lot of attention over the last decade in industrial and research communities in developing and producing eco-friendly polymers to deal with the current environmental issues. Bioplastics preferably are a fast-developing family of polymeric substances that are frequently promoted as substitutes to petroleum-derived plastics. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have a number of appealing properties that make PHAs a feasible source material for bioplastics, either as a direct replacement of petroleum-derived plastics or as a blend with elements derived from natural origin, fabricated biodegradable polymers, and/or non-biodegradable polymers. Among the most promising PHAs, polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs) are the most well-known and have a significant potential to replace traditional plastics. These biodegradable plastics decompose faster after decomposing into carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic chemicals. Bioplastics have been extensively utilized in several sectors such as food-processing industry, medical, agriculture, automobile industry, etc. However, it is also associated with disadvantages like high cost, uneconomic feasibility, brittleness, and hydrophilic nature. A variety of tactics have been explored to improve the qualities of bioplastics, with the most prevalent being the development of gas and water barrier properties. The prime objective of this study is to review the current knowledge on PHAs and provide a brief introduction to PHAs, which have drawn attention as a possible potential alternative to conventional plastics due to their biological origin, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, thereby reducing the negative impact of microplastics in the environment. This review may help trigger further scientific interest to thoroughly research on PHAs as a sustainable option to greener bioplastics.

Beach litter contamination of the Turkish middle Black Sea coasts: Spatial and temporal variation, composition, and possible sources

Marine litter is one of the biggest environmental problems nowadays. Sinop, is located in the heart of Türkiye's Black Sea coast, has a small population, and is a popular fishing and tourist destination. In this study, marine litter amount, composition, and possible sources were investigated, and seasonal comparisons were made between in Sinop beaches. Marine litter amount was found as 0.29-7.67 items·m^-2 and 3.46-49.09 g·m^-2 and beaches were classified as moderate to extremely dirty. Plastics were the highest ratio (88.14-98.46 %) and "plastic pieces 2.5> <50 cm" were the major litter type. The major possible litter source was improper waste disposal (33.36 %) and litter items originated from mainly land-based sources (74.13 %). The result of this study shows that there is a significant litter problem on the coasts. The solution of this problem can be possible to take rational measures against marine litter pollution with education and management policies.

Voluntary commitments made by the world's largest companies focus on recycling and packaging over other actions to address the plastics crisis

Plastic pollution has caused significant environmental and health challenges. Corporations that contribute to the make, use, and distribution of plastics can play a vital role in addressing global plastic pollution and many are committing to voluntary pledges. However, the extent to which corporation voluntary commitments are helping solve the problem remains underexplored. Here we develop a novel typology to characterize voluntary commitments to reduce plastic pollution made between 2015-2020 by 974 companies including the top 300 of the Fortune Global. We find that 72% of these companies have made commitments to reduce plastic pollution. About 67% of companies participating in voluntary environmental programs (VEPs) and 17% of non-VEPs participants made measurable and timebound commitments. However, rather than tackle virgin plastics, most companies target general plastics and frequently emphasize end-of-life controls with a primary focus on recycling. Growing commitments on plastic pollution are made by large and important companies, but significantly more efforts beyond plastic recycling are required to effectively address plastic pollution challenges.

Cross-cultural comparison of nudging effects for environmental protection: A case-study of risk-averse attitudes toward disposable plastics

Disposable plastics are drawing considerable attention as a source of environmental risk despite their benefits in daily life. Banning the use of disposable plastics could increase other types of risks, which may damage the public good in the long run. Considering the trade-off of the risks and benefits, one way to improve social welfare is to conduct proper recycling and to continue using plastics but limit them to essential use, avoiding an unnecessary ban. A potential barrier to such a policy might be risk-averse attitudes toward actions that are perceived to threaten future generations, which is a well-known phenomenon. We previously designed a framework for information provision using messages that remind individuals about familial support, which had significant effects in multiple countries on increasing positive attitudes toward air pollution caused by industrialization. We hypothesized that this information provision could also be effective for disposable plastic use. Thus, we conducted a randomized controlled trial via online surveys in Japan, Canada, and the US to identify the effects of our designed messages about recycling on increasing positive attitudes toward disposable plastics. The intervention effects were measured by the difference-in-difference method and panel analysis based on linear regression models using the respondents’ attributes and personality traits. The effects were consistently correlated with a sense of familial support, with the effect sizes varying according to country (US > Japan > Canada). Attributes that positively contributed to the message being more effective were higher agreeableness, lower Machiavellianism, lower psychopathy, and being a woman. Although personal fear about COVID-19 moderated the message effects, concern about the threats to relatives and family boosted the effects. Although the effect sizes were influenced by external factors, the results suggested that our proposed framework for information provision has the potential to be applied to a wider variety of risk-related topics.

The face behind the Covid-19 mask - A comprehensive review

The threat of epidemic outbreaks like SARS-CoV-2 is growing owing to the exponential growth of the global population and the continual increase in human mobility. Personal protection against viral infections was enforced using ambient air filters, face masks, and other respiratory protective equipment. Available facemasks feature considerable variation in efficacy, materials usage and characteristic properties. Despite their widespread use and importance, face masks pose major potential threats due to the uncontrolled manufacture and disposal techniques. Improper solid waste management enables viral propagation and increases the volume of associated biomedical waste at an alarming rate. Polymers used in single-use face masks include a spectrum of chemical constituents: plasticisers and flame retardants leading to health-related issues over time. Despite ample research in this field, the efficacy of personal protective equipment and its impact post-disposal is yet to be explored satisfactorily. The following review assimilates information on the different forms of personal protective equipment currently in use. Proper waste management techniques pertaining to such special wastes have also been discussed. The study features a holistic overview of innovations made in face masks and their corresponding impact on human health and environment. Strategies with SDG3 and SDG12, outlining safe and proper disposal of solid waste, have also been discussed. Furthermore, employing the CFD paradigm, a 3D model of a face mask was created based on fluid flow during breathing techniques. Lastly, the review concludes with possible future advancements and promising research avenues in personal protective equipment.

Spatiotemporal variations in marine litter along the Gulf of Guinea coastline, Araromi seaside, Nigeria

This study assessed the seasonal variation in the magnitude of marine litter along the Gulf of Guinea coastline, Araromi seaside, Nigeria with a survey of twenty sampling sites. The total number of litter items collected was 29,029 comprising 7358 and 21,671 items in the dry and rainy season respectively. The average number of items per square meter was higher in the rainy season (1.80 ± 0.35) than in the dry season (0.61 ± 0.19). Plastic materials dominated the litter composition with 86 % and 91.8 % in the dry and rainy season respectively. The beach cleanliness assessed as clean coast index (CCI) depicted the beach as dirty (12.26 ± 3.74) during the dry season and extremely dirty (36.13 ± 6.91) in the rainy season. The hazardous item index (HII) also showed the coastline was littered with hazardous items. These results provide baseline data for marine litter management along the Gulf of Guinea coastlines and other coastlines in Africa.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and plastic pollution during COVID-19: strategies for a sustainable environment

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, plastic medical waste poses significant threat to our land, aquatic and atmospheric ecosystems via generation of criteria pollutants (micro/nano plastics and greenhouse gas emissions). Global strategic planning is urgently needed for environmental sustainability coupled with integrated efforts by the governments, industries and academia. Rational utilization of single-use plastic-based PPE with efficient recycling and waste disposal methods should be adopted as interim strategies till more sustainable solutions are designed and implemented. Redesigning plastic production decoupled from fossil fuels, such as Bioplastics, is a way towards sustainable plastic alternatives.

Design and Analysis of a Novel Ultraviolet-C Device for Surgical Face Mask Disinfection

This paper deals with the design of a compact sanitization device and the definition of a specific protocol for UV-C disinfection of a surgical face mask. The system was designed considering the material properties, face mask shape, and UV-C light distribution. DIALux software was used to evaluate the irradiance distribution provided by the lamps emitting in the UV-C range. The irradiance needed for UV-C-decontaminated bacteria and virus, and other contaminating pathogens, without compromising their integrity and guaranteeing inactivation of the bacteria, was evaluated. The face mask's material properties were analyzed with respect to UV-C exposure in terms of physicochemical properties, breathability, and bacterial filtration performance. Information on the effect of time-dependent passive decontamination at room temperature storage was provided. Single and multiple cycles of UV-C sanitization did not adversely affect respirator breathability and bacterial filtration efficiency. This multidisciplinal approach may provide important information on how it is possible to correctly sanitize a face mask and, in case of shortage, safely reuse the face mask.

Contaminación ambiental por plásticos durante la pandemia y sus efectos en la salud humana

La historia del plástico se remonta a mediados del siglo XIX, y se considera que se origina por el interés de cambiar la materia prima en la fabricación de las bolas de billar, hechas originalmente en marfil. Desde entonces y a lo largo de muchos años, el polietileno, cloruro de polivinilo, poliestireno, polimetilmetacrilato, polietilentereftalato (PET), las poliamidas y otras sustancias similares han formado parte del día a día de la humanidad, a tal punto que algunos expertos en el tema consideran que estamos viviendo “La era del plástico”. Todos los insumos y elementos plásticos han facilitado la vida, pero también han causado una gran contaminación ambiental que afecta la fauna, la flora y por supuesto al ser humano. La gran mayoría de los países han comprendido esta situación y han promulgado leyes o diseñado estrategias con el fin de contener el uso inadecuado y la generación de la contaminación causada por el plástico. Muchas de estas medidas han sido frenadas e incluso revertidas debido a la pandemia por COVID-19, que además de todas las afectaciones conocidas, ha causado un desmesurado incremento en el uso de materiales plásticos, como los elementos de protección personal, con el consecuente aumento de la contaminación y los riesgos que esta genera en la salud humana. Estos temas son tratados en este artículo, con el fin de concientizar al personal médico y a la población en general.

HS-GC-IMS identification of volatile aromatic compounds of freshly-cooked rice packaged with different disposable lunchboxes

The rapid development of online-to-offline food delivery service has necessitated the replacement of plastic lunchbox using biodegradable ones. In current study, a total number of fourteen panelists were firstly recruited and trained to investigate how different commercial disposable lunchboxes affect the freshly cooked rice sensory properties during heat preservation (60 °C, 60 min). The lunchboxes were made of pure polypropylene (PP), polypropylene-starch (PP-S), pure wheat-straw and sugarcane-straw (WS & SS) and Paper. The discrepancy of volatile aromatic substances was then analyzed using headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) to study the possible mechanism beneath the variations of the influences of different lunchboxes on the aromatic properties of rice. Results showed that, compared with the textural attributes, the aroma was significantly and positively correlated with panelist's acceptability, among which, the aroma of starchy, sulfur and smoky are the most important ones. The moisture absorption plays an important role in affecting the aromatic characteristics of the packaged rice. While all lunchboxes have inhibitory effects on the production of volatile flavor substances including 2,6-Dimethylpyrazine, 2-Acetylpyrazine and γ-Octalactone, pure PP and PP-S lunchboxes generated undesirable flavor substances including 2-Ethyl-1-hexanl and Camphene, and thus reduced panelist's preferences. It was also found that the panelist liked the rice packaged by Paper lunchbox the best because of its better performance in maintaining the aroma of starchy and sulfur, the two substances that are associated with the higher concentration of ethereal and fruity volatile flavor substances. This study provides important information for manufacturers to understand how different disposable lunchboxes may impact the textural and aromatic properties of packaged foods.