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Ferrari M, Laranjeiro F, Sugrañes M, Oliva J, Beiras R. Weathering increases the acute toxicity of plastic pellets leachates to sea-urchin larvae-a case study with environmental samples. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11784. [PMID: 38782918 PMCID: PMC11116416 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60886-x] [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] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics, particles under 5 mm, pervade aquatic environments, notably in Tarragona's coastal region (NE Iberian Peninsula), hosting a major plastic production complex. To investigate weathering and yellowness impact on plastic pellets toxicity, sea-urchin embryo tests were conducted with pellets from three locations-near the source and at increasing distances. Strikingly, distant samples showed toxicity to invertebrate early stages, contrasting with innocuous results near the production site. Follow-up experiments highlighted the significance of weathering and yellowing in elevated pellet toxicity, with more weathered and colored pellets exhibiting toxicity. This research underscores the overlooked realm of plastic leachate impact on marine organisms while proposes that prolonged exposure of plastic pellets in the environment may lead to toxicity. Despite shedding light on potential chemical sorption as a toxicity source, further investigations are imperative to comprehend weathering, yellowing, and chemical accumulation in plastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Ferrari
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331, Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Filipe Laranjeiro
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331, Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Marta Sugrañes
- Associació Good Karma Projects, Manila 49 Àtic 2, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Oliva
- Associació Good Karma Projects, Manila 49 Àtic 2, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricardo Beiras
- ECIMAT, Centro de Investigación Mariña (CIM), Universidade de Vigo, 36331, Vigo, Galicia, Spain.
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2
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Gholizadeh M, Shadi A, Abadi A, Nemati M, Senapathi V, Karthikeyan S, Kulandaisamy P. Exploring the microplastic pollution: Unveiling origins and varieties in coastal sediments and waters of the Bushehr Province, Persian Gulf, Iran. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115939. [PMID: 38128339 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115939] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In this study, microplastic (MP) pollution in the coastal sediments and tidal waters of Bushehr province in the Persian Gulf was comprehensively investigated. The sampling stations were selected based on their proximity to various human activities in January and February 2022, such as tourism, fishing, urban development and industry. The results showed that the abundance of MP associated with different human activities varied. The highest concentrations were observed near the petrochemical industry in Asaluyeh, followed by the densely populated Bushehr and the fishing port of Dayyer. Other areas such as Ganaveh, Deylam and Mand also showed varying levels of MP contamination. The average MP concentration was 1.67 × 104 particles/km2 in surface water and 1346.67 ± 601.69 particles/kg in dry sediment. Fiber particles were in the majority in both sediment and water samples, mainly black. The sediment samples had a size range of 100-500 μm (41.34 %), while the water samples were between 500 and 1000 μm (33.44 %). The main polymers found were polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). This assessment highlights the widespread problem of microplastic pollution in the coastal and intertidal zones of Bushehr province in the Persian Gulf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Gholizadeh
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran.
| | - Ahmed Shadi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Nano and Biological Sciences and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
| | | | - Mahnaz Nemati
- Department of Food Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Venkatramanan Senapathi
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Sivakumar Karthikeyan
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prabakaran Kulandaisamy
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
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3
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García-Pimentel MM, Fernández B, Campillo JA, Castaño-Ortiz JM, Gil-Solsona R, Fernández-González V, Muniategui-Lorenzo S, Rodríguez-Mozaz S, León VM. Floating plastics as integrative samplers of organic contaminants of legacy and emerging concern from Western Mediterranean coastal areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:166828. [PMID: 37690766 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166828] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the role of floating plastics as integrative samplers of organic contaminants. To this end, plastics items were collected in two Western Mediterranean coastal areas: the Mar Menor lagoon, and the last transect of Ebro river. Floating plastics were identified and characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry. Then, organic contaminants were extracted from plastic items by ultrasonic extraction with methanol, and the concentrations of 168 regulated and emerging contaminants were analysed. These compounds were analysed by stir bar sorptive extraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), except for bisphenol analogues, which were analysed with a ultraperformance liquid chromatography pump coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS), and pharmaceutical compounds, determined by UPLC coupled to hybrid triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). All the contaminants groups considered were detected in the samples, being particularly relevant the contribution of plastic additives. The most frequently detected contaminants were UV-filters, PAHs, pharmaceuticals and synthetic musks. Apart from plasticizers, the individual contaminants octocrylene, homosalate, galaxolide, salycilic acid and ketoprofen were frequently detected in plastics items. The results pointed out to urban and touristic activities as the main sources of pollution in the coastal areas investigated. The utility of floating plastics as integrative samplers for the detection of organic contaminants in aquatic ecosystems has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M García-Pimentel
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Apdo. 22, C/ Varadero 1, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain.
| | - B Fernández
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Apdo. 22, C/ Varadero 1, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - J A Campillo
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Apdo. 22, C/ Varadero 1, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain
| | - J M Castaño-Ortiz
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), 17003 Girona, Spain; University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - R Gil-Solsona
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), 17003 Girona, Spain; University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) Severo Ochoa Excellence Centre, Department of Environmental Chemistry, C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - V Fernández-González
- Grupo de Química Analítica Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, Campus A Coruña, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - S Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Grupo de Química Analítica Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, Campus A Coruña, E-15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - S Rodríguez-Mozaz
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), 17003 Girona, Spain; University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - V M León
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Apdo. 22, C/ Varadero 1, 30740 San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain.
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4
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Siddiqui SA, Sundarsingh A, Bahmid NA, Nirmal N, Denayer JFM, Karimi K. A critical review on biodegradable food packaging for meat: Materials, sustainability, regulations, and perspectives in the EU. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2023; 22:4147-4185. [PMID: 37350102 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13202] [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] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The development of biodegradable packaging is a challenge, as conventional plastics have many advantages in terms of high flexibility, transparency, low cost, strong mechanical characteristics, and high resistance to heat compared with most biodegradable plastics. The quality of biodegradable materials and the research needed for their improvement for meat packaging were critically evaluated in this study. In terms of sustainability, biodegradable packagings are more sustainable than conventional plastics; however, most of them contain unsustainable chemical additives. Cellulose showed a high potential for meat preservation due to high moisture control. Polyhydroxyalkanoates and polylactic acid (PLA) are renewable materials that have been recently introduced to the market, but their application in meat products is still limited. To be classified as an edible film, the mechanical properties and acceptable control over gas and moisture exchange need to be improved. PLA and cellulose-based films possess the advantage of protection against oxygen and water permeation; however, the addition of functional substances plays an important role in their effects on the foods. Furthermore, the use of packaging materials is increasing due to consumer demand for natural high-quality food packaging that serves functions such as extended shelf-life and contamination protection. To support the importance moving toward biodegradable packaging for meat, this review presented novel perspectives regarding ecological impacts, commercial status, and consumer perspectives. Those aspects are then evaluated with the specific consideration of regulations and perspective in the European Union (EU) for employing renewable and ecological meat packaging materials. This review also helps to highlight the situation regarding biodegradable food packaging for meat in the EU specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Technical University of Munich, Department for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Straubing, Germany
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), Quakenbrück, Germany
| | | | - Nur Alim Bahmid
- Research Center for Food Technology and Processing, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nilesh Nirmal
- Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Joeri F M Denayer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Keikhosro Karimi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
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5
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Ellrich JA, Furukuma S, Ehlers SM. Plasticrust generation and degeneration in rocky intertidal habitats contribute to microplastic pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 876:162787. [PMID: 36914124 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plasticrusts are a plastic form that consists of plastic encrusting intertidal rocks. To date, plasticrusts have been reported on Madeira island (Atlantic Ocean), Giglio island (Mediterranean Sea) and in Peru (Pacific Ocean) but information on plasticrust sources, generation, degeneration and fate is largely missing. To address these knowledge gaps, we combined plasticrust field surveys, experiments and monitorings along the Yamaguchi Prefecture (Honshu, Japan) coastline (Sea of Japan) with macro-, micro- and spectroscopic analyses in Koblenz, Germany. Our surveys detected polyethylene (PE) plasticrusts that derived from very common PE containers and polyester (PEST) plasticrusts that resulted from PEST-based paint. We also confirmed that plasticrust abundance, cover and distribution were positively related to wave exposure and tidal amplitude. Our experiments showed that plasticrusts are generated by cobbles scratching across plastic containers, plastic containers being dragged across cobbles during beach clean-ups, and waves abrading plastic containers on intertidal rocks. Our monitorings found that plasticrust abundance and cover decreased over time and the macro- and microscopic examinations indicated that detached plasticrusts contribute to microplastic pollution. The monitorings also suggested that hydrodynamics (wave occurrence, tidal height) and precipitation drive plasticrust degeneration. Finally, floating tests revealed that low density (PE) plasticrusts float whereas high density (PEST) plasticrusts sink suggesting that polymer type floatability influences the fate of plasticrusts. By tracking the entire lifespan of plasticrusts for the first time, our study contributes fundamental knowledge of plasticrust generation and degeneration in the rocky intertidal zone and identified plasticrusts as novel microplastic sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius A Ellrich
- Shelf Sea System Ecology, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | | | - Sonja M Ehlers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany.
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6
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Dos Anjos Guimarães G, de Moraes BR, Ando RA, Sant'Anna BS, Perotti GF, Hattori GY. Microplastic contamination in the freshwater shrimp Macrobrachium amazonicum in Itacoatiara, Amazonas, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:434. [PMID: 36856928 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11019-w] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The present study analyzed the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the shrimp Macrobrachium amazonicum, which is an economically important food that is consumed in several regions of the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 600 specimens of M. amazonicum were captured at two sampling sites (urban and rural area). A total of 2597 MP particles were recorded in the shrimps, with a significant difference between the two sites. The presence of MPs in the body parts also differed significantly. No significant difference was found between MPs abundance and sex of the shrimps. The size of the MPs did not differ significantly between the collection sites and between the body parts. Dark blue fiber-type MPs were the most abundant. A positive correlation was observed between the abundance of MPs and the total weight of shrimps. Raman spectroscopy identified the dark blue fibers as polypropylene and the FTIR technique identified the light blue fragments as nylon. The results indicate that the presence of MPs in the M. amazonicum shrimp is associated with the capture sites near the urban area and is present in the diet of the Amazonian population that regularly consumes this crustacean in traditional dishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Dos Anjos Guimarães
- Institute of Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Amazonas, Rua Nossa Senhora do Rosário, 3863, Tiradentes, Itacoatiara, Amazonas, 69103-128, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Rocha de Moraes
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes, 748 - B4T, São Paulo, Butantã, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Augusto Ando
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Professor Lineu Prestes, 748 - B4T, São Paulo, Butantã, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Bruno Sampaio Sant'Anna
- Institute of Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Amazonas, Rua Nossa Senhora do Rosário, 3863, Tiradentes, Itacoatiara, Amazonas, 69103-128, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Frigi Perotti
- Institute of Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Amazonas, Rua Nossa Senhora do Rosário, 3863, Tiradentes, Itacoatiara, Amazonas, 69103-128, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Yomar Hattori
- Institute of Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Amazonas, Rua Nossa Senhora do Rosário, 3863, Tiradentes, Itacoatiara, Amazonas, 69103-128, Brazil.
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7
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Ziani K, Ioniță-Mîndrican CB, Mititelu M, Neacșu SM, Negrei C, Moroșan E, Drăgănescu D, Preda OT. Microplastics: A Real Global Threat for Environment and Food Safety: A State of the Art Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:617. [PMID: 36771324 PMCID: PMC9920460 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are small plastic particles that come from the degradation of plastics, ubiquitous in nature and therefore affect both wildlife and humans. They have been detected in many marine species, but also in drinking water and in numerous foods, such as salt, honey and marine organisms. Exposure to microplastics can also occur through inhaled air. Data from animal studies have shown that once absorbed, plastic micro- and nanoparticles can distribute to the liver, spleen, heart, lungs, thymus, reproductive organs, kidneys and even the brain (crosses the blood-brain barrier). In addition, microplastics are transport operators of persistent organic pollutants or heavy metals from invertebrate organisms to other higher trophic levels. After ingestion, the additives and monomers in their composition can interfere with important biological processes in the human body and can cause disruption of the endocrine, immune system; can have a negative impact on mobility, reproduction and development; and can cause carcinogenesis. The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has affected not only human health and national economies but also the environment, due to the large volume of waste in the form of discarded personal protective equipment. The remarkable increase in global use of face masks, which mainly contain polypropylene, and poor waste management have led to worsening microplastic pollution, and the long-term consequences can be extremely devastating if urgent action is not taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Ziani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina-Bianca Ioniță-Mîndrican
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Magdalena Mititelu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Carolina Negrei
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Moroșan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Doina Drăgănescu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Physics and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Olivia-Teodora Preda
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
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8
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Wang Q, Huang R, Li R. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on research on marine plastic pollution - A bibliometric-based assessment. MARINE POLICY 2022; 146:105285. [PMID: 36120086 PMCID: PMC9464599 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in plastic waste, which has had a huge impact on the environment, including the marine environment. This work aims to evaluate the pattern of national research cooperation, research hotspots, and research evolution before and during the epidemic by systematically reviewing the publications on marine plastic pollution during 2015-2019 (before the pandemic) 2020-2022 (during the pandemic) using the systematic literature review and latent semantic analysis. The results show (i) Compared to pre-pandemic, publications on marine pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic declined briefly and then increased sharply. (ii) Compared with before the pandemic, the national cooperation model has changed during the pandemic, and four major research centers have been formed: Central European countries centered on Italy; Nordic countries centered on United Kingdom; South Korea, India and other developing countries in Asia and Africa and a Pacific Rim country centered on United States and China. (iii) The knowledge map of keyword clustering does not change significantly before and during the COVID-19: ecosystem, spatial distribution, environmental governance and biodegradation. However, there are differences in the sub-category research of the four types of keywords. (iv) The impact of marine plastic on organisms and the governance of marine plastic pollution have become a branch of knowledge that have evolved rapidly during the pandemic. The governance of marine plastic pollution and microplastics are expected to become an important research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
- School of Economics and Management, Xinjiang University, Wulumuqi, Xinjiang, 830046, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Huang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongrong Li
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
- School of Economics and Management, Xinjiang University, Wulumuqi, Xinjiang, 830046, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, People's Republic of China
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Fadare OO, Akinbile AA, Makinde OW, Ogundele KT, Ajagbe EF, Ilechukwu I. Spatiotemporal variations in marine litter along the Gulf of Guinea coastline, Araromi seaside, Nigeria. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 183:114048. [PMID: 35998524 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114048] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluniyi O Fadare
- Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5892, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA; Microplastics Research Group (MRG), Division of Environmental and Earth Sciences, Center for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220001, Nigeria; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, PO Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Adewale A Akinbile
- Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Dagbolu-Akanran Ibadan Road, Ijebu-Igbo 120105, Nigeria
| | - Oladotun Wasiu Makinde
- Microplastics Research Group (MRG), Division of Environmental and Earth Sciences, Center for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220001, Nigeria
| | - K T Ogundele
- Microplastics Research Group (MRG), Division of Environmental and Earth Sciences, Center for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220001, Nigeria
| | - Eyitayo F Ajagbe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos 101212, Nigeria
| | - Ifenna Ilechukwu
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, Department of Marine and Environmental Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan; Environmental Chemistry Unit, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria.
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10
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Alagha DI, Hahladakis JN, Sayadi S, Al-Ghouti MA. Material flow analysis of plastic waste in the gulf co-operation countries (GCC) and the Arabian gulf: Focusing on Qatar. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 830:154745. [PMID: 35339553 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154745] [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: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Global plastic waste production has increased dramatically in recent years, both globally and regionally, having a multitude of adverse effects on the environment and human health. However, little attention has been directed to this problem in the Arabian Gulf region. This study aims to delineate and map the status of the plastic waste problem in the Gulf Co-operation Countries (GCC), with a focus on Qatar. The study focuses on the plastic waste in the marine environment, depicting the different types, sizes and shapes of plastic particles found in the Arabian Gulf. To depict the flow of plastic waste, a generic material flow diagram was built using a material flow analysis software named STAN, in which transfer coefficients were assigned based on existing scientific literature and estimations built on data from local industries and recycling facilities. The recovery and recycling efforts that have been made by the different GCC countries, in efforts to reduce plastic waste and minimize the risk of plastic on the environment are analyzed, too. Our analyses indicate that approximately 11.9 Mt ± 595.395 Kt of plastic waste is produced annually in the GCC region, of which only 23 ± 15% is recycled, indicating that improvements are yet to be made in the recovery, recycling and treatment of plastics in the region. However, in Qatar, a higher percentage of plastics (40 ± 10%) is recovered-recycled with efforts to treat plastics and reuse it to generate energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danah I Alagha
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Science, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - John N Hahladakis
- Waste Management (FEWS) Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Sami Sayadi
- Biotechnology Program, Center for Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad A Al-Ghouti
- Environmental Sciences Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Science, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar
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11
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Melting Temperature Depression of Polymer Single Crystals: Application to the Eco-Design of Tie-Layers in Polyolefinic-Based Multilayered Films. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14081622. [PMID: 35458372 PMCID: PMC9025291 DOI: 10.3390/polym14081622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we describe a method for determining polymer compatibility, which will aid in establishing the requirements of polyolefinic materials for the eco-design of multilayer films for mechanical recycling while avoiding the use of reactive tie layers. Our ultimate goal is to define the molecular characteristics of the polyolefinic structural layer that improve compatibility with the tie layer during mechanical recycling. We have investigated the melting temperature depression of single crystals of various polyethylenes embedded in commercial polymeric matrices with various functionalities (ester, acrylate, acetate and methacrylic acid sodium ionomer), which can be potentially used as tie layers. We demonstrate how the concentration and molecular architecture of the matrices affect the melting temperature of the embedded single crystals differently depending on the latter's molecular architecture. The main finding indicates that the tie layers are more compatible with linear polyethylene than with branched polyethylenes. Indeed, our results show that the heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta linear low-density polyethylene is incompatible with all of the tie layers tested. The depression of melting temperatures observed are in excellent agreement with the results obtained by investigating the rheological behaviour and morphological features of solution-mixed blends in which segmental interactions between polymeric chains have been, in theory, maximized. Because Ziegler-Natta linear density polyethylene is one of the most commonly used polymers as a structural layer in multi-layer applications, the findings of this study are useful as they clearly show the unsuitability of this type of polyethylene for recycling from an eco-design standpoint. The specific molecular requirements for polyethylene layers (branching content less than 0.5/100 carbon atoms) can be specified for use in packaging, guiding the eco-design and valorisation of recycled multi-layered films containing this material.
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Walker TR, McGuinty E, Hickman D. Marine debris database development using international best practices: A case study in Vietnam. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112948. [PMID: 34536709 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris, particularly plastic debris is a ubiquitous global pervasive problem. The international community recognizes that a reduction in plastic debris density is central to sustainable ocean use based on reduction performance metrics. Although many national databases already exist or are being developed, an internationally accepted index of plastic debris density does not currently exist. Standardized methods for monitoring marine debris can help inform policy decisions to reduce sources marine debris and support mitigation effectiveness. Vietnam recently committed to addressing marine debris nationally and internationally and developed ambitious targets to manage and reduce ocean plastic debris, yet Vietnam does not currently have a national marine debris monitoring database. This study identified international best practices and standards; developed a marine plastic database for accurate, efficient information gathering, management, and reporting; and developed a centralized database platform for future marine plastic debris management in Vietnam that can be adapted for other jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
| | - Eamonn McGuinty
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Doug Hickman
- PHA Consulting Associates, Canning, Nova Scotia, Canada
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