1
|
Khounani Z, Abdul Razak NN, Hosseinzadeh-Bandbafha H, Madadi M, Sun F, Mohammadi P, Mahlia TMI, Aghbashlo M, Tabatabaei M. Biphasic pretreatment excels over conventional sulfuric acid in pinewood biorefinery: An environmental analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118286. [PMID: 38280524 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118286] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
This study assesses the environmental impact of pine chip-based biorefinery processes, focusing on bioethanol, xylonic acid, and lignin production. A cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is employed, comparing a novel biphasic pretreatment method (p-toluenesulfonic acid (TsOH)/pentanol, Sc-1) with conventional sulfuric acid pretreatment (H2SO4, Sc-2). The analysis spans biomass handling, pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, yeast fermentation, and distillation. Sc-1 yielded an environmental impact of 1.45E+01 kPt, predominantly affecting human health (96.55%), followed by ecosystems (3.07%) and resources (0.38%). Bioethanol, xylonic acid, and lignin contributed 32.61%, 29.28%, and 38.11% to the total environmental burdens, respectively. Sc-2 resulted in an environmental burden of 1.64E+01 kPt, with a primary impact on human health (96.56%) and smaller roles for ecosystems (3.07%) and resources (0.38%). Bioethanol, xylonic acid, and lignin contributed differently at 22.59%, 12.5%, and 64.91%, respectively. Electricity generation was predominant in both scenarios, accounting for 99.05% of the environmental impact, primarily driven by its extensive usage in biomass handling and pretreatment processes. Sc-1 demonstrated a 13.05% lower environmental impact than Sc-2 due to decreased electricity consumption and increased bioethanol and xylonic acid outputs. This study highlights the pivotal role of pretreatment methods in wood-based biorefineries and underscores the urgency of sustainable alternatives like TsOH/pentanol. Additionally, adopting greener electricity generation, advanced technologies, and process optimization are crucial for reducing the environmental footprint of waste-based biorefineries while preserving valuable bioproduct production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Khounani
- Department Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering (CoE), Institute of Energy Infrastructure (IEI), Universiti Tenega Nasional (UNITEN), Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Normy Norfiza Abdul Razak
- Department Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering (CoE), Institute of Energy Infrastructure (IEI), Universiti Tenega Nasional (UNITEN), Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | | | - Meysam Madadi
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Fubao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Pouya Mohammadi
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - T M Indra Mahlia
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2220, Australia
| | - Mortaza Aghbashlo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering of Agricultural Machinery, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Meisam Tabatabaei
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600 077, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
da Silva BSF, Ferreira NR, Alamar PD, de Melo e Silva T, Pinheiro WBDS, dos Santos LN, Alves CN. FT-MIR-ATR Associated with Chemometrics Methods: A Preliminary Analysis of Deterioration State of Brazil Nut Oil. Molecules 2023; 28:6878. [PMID: 37836721 PMCID: PMC10574611 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196878] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Brazil nut oil is highly valued in the food, cosmetic, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as other sectors of the economy. This work aims to use the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique associated with partial least squares regression (PLSR) and principal component analysis (PCA) to demonstrate that these methods can be used in a prior and rapid analysis in quality control. Natural oils were extracted and stored for chemical analysis. PCA presented two groups regarding the state of degradation, subdivided into super-degraded and partially degraded groups in 99.88% of the explained variance. The applied PLS reported an acidity index (AI) prediction model with root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) = 1.8564, root mean square error of cross-validation (REMSECV) = 4.2641, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) = 2.1491, R2cal (calibration correlation coefficient) equal to 0.9679, R2val (validation correlation coefficient) equal to 0.8474, and R2pred (prediction correlation coefficient) equal to 0, 8468. The peroxide index (PI) prediction model showed RMSEC = 0.0005, REMSECV = 0.0016, RMSEP = 0.00079, calibration R2 equal to 0.9670, cross-validation R2 equal to 0.7149, and R2 of prediction equal to 0.9099. The physical-chemical analyses identified that five samples fit in the food sector and the others fit in other sectors of the economy. In this way, the preliminary monitoring of the state of degradation was reported, and the prediction models of the peroxide and acidity indexes in Brazil nut oil for quality control were determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Braian Saimon Frota da Silva
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Federal University of Pará (PPGQ), Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (T.d.M.e.S.); (W.B.d.S.P.); (C.N.A.)
| | - Nelson Rosa Ferreira
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Biotechnological Processes (LABIOTEC), Graduate Program in Food Science and Technology (PPGCTA), Institute of Technology (ITEC), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (P.D.A.); (L.N.d.S.)
| | - Priscila Domingues Alamar
- Laboratory of Biotechnological Processes (LABIOTEC), Graduate Program in Food Science and Technology (PPGCTA), Institute of Technology (ITEC), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (P.D.A.); (L.N.d.S.)
| | - Thiago de Melo e Silva
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Federal University of Pará (PPGQ), Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (T.d.M.e.S.); (W.B.d.S.P.); (C.N.A.)
| | | | - Lucely Nogueira dos Santos
- Laboratory of Biotechnological Processes (LABIOTEC), Graduate Program in Food Science and Technology (PPGCTA), Institute of Technology (ITEC), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (P.D.A.); (L.N.d.S.)
| | - Cláudio Nahum Alves
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Federal University of Pará (PPGQ), Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (T.d.M.e.S.); (W.B.d.S.P.); (C.N.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Han N, Yao X, Wang Y, Huang W, Niu M, Zhu P, Mao Y. Recent Progress of Biomaterials-Based Epidermal Electronics for Healthcare Monitoring and Human-Machine Interaction. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:393. [PMID: 36979605 PMCID: PMC10046871 DOI: 10.3390/bios13030393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal electronics offer an important platform for various on-skin applications including electrophysiological signals monitoring and human-machine interactions (HMI), due to their unique advantages of intrinsic softness and conformal interfaces with skin. The widely used nondegradable synthetic materials may produce massive electronic waste to the ecosystem and bring safety issues to human skin. However, biomaterials extracted from nature are promising to act as a substitute material for the construction of epidermal electronics, owing to their diverse characteristics of biocompatibility, biodegradability, sustainability, low cost and natural abundance. Therefore, the development of natural biomaterials holds great prospects for advancement of high-performance sustainable epidermal electronics. Here, we review the recent development on different types of biomaterials including proteins and polysaccharides for multifunctional epidermal electronics. Subsequently, the applications of biomaterials-based epidermal electronics in electrophysiological monitoring and HMI are discussed, respectively. Finally, the development situation and future prospects of biomaterials-based epidermal electronics are summarized. We expect that this review can provide some inspirations for the development of future, sustainable, biomaterials-based epidermal electronics.
Collapse
|
4
|
Fabrication of starch-based packaging materials. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2023. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2022-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
This chapter aims to provide the reader with some information about the possibility of starch as a suitable substitute for synthetic polymers in biodegradable food packaging. This is due to the starch has good characteristics which are great biodegradability, low cost and also easy to gain from natural resources. However, some of technical challenges are also introduced before starch-based polymers can be used in more applications. These technical challenges involved preparation methods and incorporation of additives and these are being summarized in this topic. Hence, the enhancement of starch can be done in order to prepare innovative starch-based biodegradable materials.
Collapse
|
5
|
Gamage A, Thiviya P, Mani S, Ponnusamy PG, Manamperi A, Evon P, Merah O, Madhujith T. Environmental Properties and Applications of Biodegradable Starch-Based Nanocomposites. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14214578. [PMID: 36365571 PMCID: PMC9656360 DOI: 10.3390/polym14214578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the demand for environmental sustainability has caused a great interest in finding novel polymer materials from natural resources that are both biodegradable and eco-friendly. Natural biodegradable polymers can displace the usage of petroleum-based synthetic polymers due to their renewability, low toxicity, low costs, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The development of novel starch-based bionanocomposites with improved properties has drawn specific attention recently in many applications, including food, agriculture, packaging, environmental remediation, textile, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biomedical fields. This paper discusses starch-based nanocomposites, mainly with nanocellulose, chitin nanoparticles, nanoclay, and carbon-based materials, and their applications in the agriculture, packaging, biomedical, and environment fields. This paper also focused on the lifecycle analysis and degradation of various starch-based nanocomposites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashoka Gamage
- Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (O.M.); Tel.: +94-714430714 (A.G.); +33-5-3432-3523 (O.M.)
| | - Punniamoorthy Thiviya
- Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Sudhagar Mani
- School of Chemical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | - Asanga Manamperi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Kettering University, Flint, MI 48504-6214, USA
| | - Philippe Evon
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle (LCA), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Université de Toulouse, CEDEX 4, 31030 Toulouse, France
| | - Othmane Merah
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-Industrielle (LCA), Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Université de Toulouse, CEDEX 4, 31030 Toulouse, France
- Département Génie Biologique, IUT A, Université Paul Sabatier, 32000 Auch, France
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (O.M.); Tel.: +94-714430714 (A.G.); +33-5-3432-3523 (O.M.)
| | - Terrence Madhujith
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang X, Li C, Lam CH, Subramanian K, Qin ZH, Mou JH, Jin M, Chopra SS, Singh V, Ok YS, Yan J, Li HY, Lin CSK. Emerging waste valorisation techniques to moderate the hazardous impacts, and their path towards sustainability. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:127023. [PMID: 34482075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to the recent boom in urbanisation, economy, and global population, the amount of waste generated worldwide has increased tremendously. The World Bank estimates that global waste generation is expected to increase 70% by 2050. Disposal of waste is already a major concern as it poses risks to the environment, human health, and economy. To tackle this issue and maximise potential environmental, economic, and social benefits, waste valorisation - a value-adding process for waste materials - has emerged as a sustainable and efficient strategy. The major objective of waste valorisation is to transit to a circular economy and maximally alleviate hazardous impacts of waste. This review conducts bibliometric analysis to construct a co-occurrence network of research themes related to management of five major waste streams (i.e., food, agricultural, textile, plastics, and electronics). Modern valorisation technologies and their efficiencies are highlighted. Moreover, insights into improvement of waste valorisation technologies are presented in terms of sustainable environmental, social, and economic performances. This review summarises highlighting factors that impede widespread adoption of waste valorisation, such as technology lock-in, optimisation for local conditions, unfavourable regulations, and low investments, with the aim of devising solutions that explore practical, feasible, and sustainable means of waste valorisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eutrophication and Red Tide Prevention of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Chong Li
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chun Ho Lam
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Zi-Hao Qin
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Jin-Hua Mou
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Mushan Jin
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Vijay Singh
- Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, 338, AESB, 1304 West Pennsylvania Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Jianbin Yan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hong-Ye Li
- Key Laboratory of Eutrophication and Red Tide Prevention of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Carol Sze Ki Lin
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Torres FG, De-la-Torre GE. Synthesis, characteristics, and applications of modified starch nanoparticles: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 194:289-305. [PMID: 34863968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.11.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, starch nanoparticles (SNPs) are drawing attention to the scientific community due to their versatility and wide range of applications. Although several works have extensively addressed the SNP production routes, not much is discussed about the SNPs modification techniques, as well as the use of modified SNPs in typical and unconventional applications. Here, we focused on the SNP modification strategies and characteristics and performance of the resulting products, as well as their practical applications, while pointing out the main limitations and recommendations. We aim to guide researchers by identifying the next steps in this emerging line of research. SNPs esterification and oxidation are preferred chemical modifications, which result in changes in the functional groups. Moreover, additional polymers are incorporated into the SNP surface through copolymer grafting. Physical modification of starch has demonstrated similar changes in the functional groups without the need for toxic chemicals. Modified SNPs rendered differentiated properties, such as size, shape, crystallinity, hydrophobicity, and Zeta-potential. For multiple applications, tailoring the aforementioned properties is key to the performance of nanoparticle-based systems. However, the number of studies focusing on emerging applications is fairly limited, while their applications as drug delivery systems lack in vivo studies. The main challenges and prospects were discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando G Torres
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, Lima 15088, Peru.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Haddad MB, De-la-Torre GE, Abelouah MR, Hajji S, Alla AA. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution associated with the COVID-19 pandemic along the coastline of Agadir, Morocco. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149282. [PMID: 34332387 PMCID: PMC8313889 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a sanitary measure against the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has become a significant source of many environmental risks. The majority of the governments enforce the use of PPE in public areas, such as beaches. Thus, the use and disposal of PPE have compromised most solid waste management strategies, ultimately leading to the occurrence of PPE polluting the marine environment. The present study aimed to monitor the PPE pollution associated with COVID-19 along the coastline of Agadir, Morocco. In parallel, the influence of the activities carried out in each sampled beach before and after the lockdown break was reported. Overall, a total number of 689 PPE items were identified, with a mean density of 1.13 × 10-5 PPE m-2 (0-1.21 × 10-4 PPE m-2). The majority of the PPE items found were face masks (96.81%), out of which 98.4% were surgical masks and 1.6% were reusable cloth masks. The most polluted sites were the beaches with recreational activities, followed by surfing, and fishing as the main activity. Importantly, PPE density increased significantly after lockdown measures. Additionally, the discarded PPE sampled in the supralittoral zone was higher than PPE recorded in the intertidal zone. This confirms that PPE items are driven by the beachgoers during their visit. PPE items are a source of microplastic and chemical pollutants, a substrate to invasive species colonization, and a potential threat of entanglement, ingestion, and/or infection among apex predators. In the specific case of Agadir beaches, significant efforts are required to work on the lack of environmental awareness and education. It is recommended to improve beach cleaning strategies and to penalize incorrect PPE disposal. Additional alternatives may be adopted, as the involvement of biodegradable materials in PPE manufacturing, recycling through pyrolysis, and encouraging reusable and washable masks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ben Haddad
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| | | | - Mohamed Rida Abelouah
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| | - Sara Hajji
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| | - Aicha Ait Alla
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang X, Wei Z, Xue C. The past and future of ovotransferrin: Physicochemical properties, assembly and applications. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
10
|
Face mask waste generation and management during the COVID-19 pandemic: An overview and the Peruvian case. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 786. [PMCID: PMC8105123 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has driven massive consumption of personal protective equipment (PPE) worldwide. Single-use face masks are one of the most used PPE to prevent the transmission of the virus. However, mismanagement of such materials threatens the environment with a new form of plastic pollution. Researchers argue that it is necessary to develop and implement innovative ways to manage and recycle PPE in order to reduce their impacts on the environment. In the present work, we have reviewed and discussed the recent development of sustainable face mask alternatives and recycling and repurposing routes under the COVID-19 pandemic context. Moreover, we have conducted estimations of the daily face mask waste generation in Peru, a developing country struggling with a poor solid waste management framework and infrastructure. Unlike previous studies, our equation incorporates the “economically active population” variable in order to provide more precise estimations, while evaluating single-use and reusable scenarios. The scenarios of incorporating reusable face masks significantly reduced the amount of solid waste generated in Peru. In situ evidence shows that face masks are polluting the streets and beaches of Peru, probably driven by mismanagement and poor environmental awareness.
Collapse
|
11
|
De-la-Torre GE, Rakib MRJ, Pizarro-Ortega CI, Dioses-Salinas DC. Occurrence of personal protective equipment (PPE) associated with the COVID-19 pandemic along the coast of Lima, Peru. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:145774. [PMID: 33592402 PMCID: PMC7875711 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
The use and disposal of face masks, gloves, face shields, and other types of personal protective equipment (PPE) have increased dramatically due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many governments enforce the use of PPE as an efficient and inexpensive way to reduce the transmission of the virus. However, this may pose a new challenge to solid waste management and exacerbate plastic pollution. The aim of the present study was to report the occurrence and distribution of COVID-19-associated PPE along the coast of the overpopulated city of Lima, Peru, and determine the influence of the activities carried out in each study site. In general terms, 138 PPE items were found in 11 beaches during 12 sampling weeks. The density was in the range of 0 to 7.44 × 10-4 PPE m-2. Microplastic release, colonization of invasive species, and entanglement or ingestion by apex predators are some of the potential threats identified. Recreational beaches were the most polluted sites, followed by surfing, and fishing sites. This may be because recreational beaches are many times overcrowded by beachgoers. Additionally, most of the PPE was found to be discarded by beachgoers rather than washed ashore. The lack of environmental awareness, education, and coastal mismanagement may pose a threat to the marine environment through marine litter and plastic pollution. Significant efforts are required to shift towards a sustainable solid waste management. Novel alternatives involve redesigning masks based on degradable plastics and recycling PPE by obtaining liquid fuels through pyrolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
The Life Cycle Assessment for Polylactic Acid (PLA) to Make It a Low-Carbon Material. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13111854. [PMID: 34199643 PMCID: PMC8199738 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The massive plastic production worldwide leads to a global concern for the pollution made by the plastic wastes and the environmental issues associated with them. One of the best solutions is replacing the fossil-based plastics with bioplastics. Bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) are biodegradable materials with less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. PLA is a biopolymer produced from natural resources with good mechanical and chemical properties, therefore, it is used widely in packaging, agriculture, and biomedical industries. PLA products mostly end up in landfills or composting. In this review paper, the existing life cycle assessments (LCA) for PLA were comprehensively reviewed and classified. According to the LCAs, the energy and materials used in the whole life cycle of PLA were reported. Finally, the GHG emissions of PLA in each stage of its life cycle, including feedstock acquisition and conversion, manufacturing of PLA products, the PLA applications, and the end of life (EoL) options, were described. The most energy-intensive stage in the life cycle of PLA is its conversion. By optimizing the conversion process of PLA, it is possible to make it a low-carbon material with less dependence on energy sources.
Collapse
|
13
|
García‐Rengifo AR, Rojas‐Bringas PM, De‐la‐Torre GE, Torres FG. Environmental impact of peanut skin‐reinforced native starch foams modified by acetylation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/tqem.21754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aldo R. García‐Rengifo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru. Av. Universitaria 1801 Lima 15088 Peru
| | - Pedro M. Rojas‐Bringas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru. Av. Universitaria 1801 Lima 15088 Peru
| | | | - Fernando G. Torres
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru. Av. Universitaria 1801 Lima 15088 Peru
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sari RM, Torres FG, Troncoso OP, De‐la‐Torre GE, Gea S. Analysis and availability of lignocellulosic wastes: Assessments for Indonesia and Peru. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/tqem.21737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reka M. Sari
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Universitas Sumatera Utara Medan Indonesia
| | - Fernando G. Torres
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú Lima Perú
| | - Omar P. Troncoso
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú Lima Perú
| | | | - Saharman Gea
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Universitas Sumatera Utara Medan Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|