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Fan L, Ma J, Liu W, Shang C, Xie Y, Zhou X, Zhang M, Hou J, Feng Y. A study on the performance, structure, composition, and release behavior changes of polybutylene adipate terephthalic acid (PBAT) film during food contact. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134603. [PMID: 38749243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Polybutylene adipate terephthalic acid (PBAT) is an emerging biodegradable material in food packaging. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential hazards it could pose to food safety. In this study, the changes of PBAT films during food contact and the release of small molecules were inestigated by a multiscale approach. On a macro-scale, the surface roughness of the films increased with the reduction in the concentration of food simulants and the increase in contact temperatures, especially after immersion in acidic food environments. On a micro-scale, the crystallinity (Xc) and degradation indexes (DI) of the films increased by 5.7-61.2% and 7.8-48.6%, respectively, which led to a decrease in thermal stability. On a scale approaching the molecular level, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) was detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) with the highest migration content, and the release behavior of 2,4-DTBP was further investigated by migration kinetics. In addition, terephthalic acid (TPA), a hydrolysis product of PBAT, was detected in acidic food environments by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results of this study could provide practical guidance and assistance to promote sustainable development in the field of food packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linwang Fan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jiaxin Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Wenyan Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Chaonan Shang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yanli Xie
- Analytical & Testing Center, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Xueqing Zhou
- Analytical & Testing Center, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Mingnan Zhang
- Analytical & Testing Center, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jinjian Hou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yuhong Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan Province, China.
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2
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Gao W, Wu D, Zhang D, Geng Z, Tong M, Duan Y, Xia W, Chu J, Yao X. Comparative analysis of the effects of microplastics and nitrogen on maize and wheat: Growth, redox homeostasis, photosynthesis, and AsA-GSH cycle. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 932:172555. [PMID: 38677420 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant threat to the function of agro-ecosystems. At present, research on MPs has mainly focused on the effects of different concentrations or types of MPs on a crop, while ignoring other environmental factors. In agricultural production, the application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer is an important means to maintain the high yield of crops. The effects of MPs and N on growth parameters, photosynthetic system, active oxygen metabolism, nutrient content, and ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle of maize and wheat were studied in order to explicit whether N addition could effectively alleviate the effects of MPs on maize and wheat. The results showed that MPs inhibited the plant height of both maize and wheat, and MPs effects on physiological traits of maize were more severe than those of wheat, reflecting in reactive oxygen metabolism and restriction of photosynthetic capacity. Under the condition of N supply, AsA-GSH cycle of two plants has different response strategies to MPs: Maize promoted enzyme activity and co-accumulation of AsA and GSH, while wheat tended to consume AsA and accumulate GSH. N application induced slight oxidative stress on maize, which was manifested as an increase in hydrogen peroxide and malonaldehyde contents, and activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase. The antioxidant capacity of maize treated with the combination of MPs + N was better than that treated with N or MPs alone. N could effectively alleviate the adverse effects of MPs on wheat by improving the antioxidant capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Dengyun Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Zixin Geng
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Mengting Tong
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Yusui Duan
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Wansheng Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Jianzhou Chu
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
| | - Xiaoqin Yao
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity Research and Application of Hebei Province, Baoding 071002, China.
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Liang J, Chen X, Duan X, Gu X, Zhao X, Zha S, Chen X. Natural aging and adsorption/desorption behaviors of polyethylene mulch films: Roles of film types and exposure patterns. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133588. [PMID: 38290328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) mulch films are an important source of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural soils, which may further affect the bioavailability of coexisting pollutants. In this study, white (WM), black (BM), and silver-black (SM) PE mulch films were aged on the soil surface and under soil burial to simulate the two exposure patterns of abandoned mulch films in the field. Results indicated that the soil-surface exposure induced more pronounced aging characteristics, and WM seemed the most susceptible. Serious surface deterioration by aging led to a drastic decrease in the tensile properties of the films, suggesting the tendency to fragment. Oxygen-containing functional groups were generated on the film surfaces, with oxygen/carbon ratios increasing by up to 29 times, which contributed to the prominent increase in Pb adsorption on the film-derived MPs. Additionally, the film surface became more hydrophobic when exposed to the soil surface but more hydrophilic in the soil-burial exposure, which was in agreement with the change in triclosan adsorption, i.e., promotion and suppression, respectively. Aging generally decreased the desorption potential of the adsorbed pollutants in simulated gastrointestinal solutions due to increased interactions. By comparison, exposure patterns were revealed to be the critical factor for these changes, regardless of film types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingcheng Liang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China
| | - Xian Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China.
| | - Xiaotong Duan
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China
| | - Xueyuan Gu
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhao
- School of the Environment, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Simin Zha
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China
| | - Xingming Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, 1801 Zhongwu Avenue, Changzhou 213001, China
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Zhang H, Huang Y, An S, Wang P, Xie C, Jia P, Huang Q, Wang B. Mulch-derived microplastic aging promotes phthalate esters and alters organic carbon fraction content in grassland and farmland soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132619. [PMID: 37757559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132619] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural plastic mulch is a major microplastics (MPs) source in terrestrial ecosystems. However, knowledge about the aging characteristics of mulch-derived MPs entering natural and agricultural soils and their effects on phthalate esters (PAEs) and organic carbon fractions is still limited. Black (contains black masterbatches) and white polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable (Bio, Poly propylene carbonate and Polybutylene adipate terephthalate synthetic material (PPC+PBAT)) mulch-derived MPs, at 0.3% (w/w) dose, were added to grassland and farmland soils for eight-week incubation. Microplastic (MP) aging degree was explored by quantifying the carbonyl index (CI). The soil PAEs and organic carbon fractions were also analyzed. After incubation, black and white PE-MP aged greater in farmland than in grassland. PAEs accumulated highest in PE-MP treatment (5.27-6.41 mg kg-1) followed by Bio-MP (1.88-2.38 mg kg-1). Soil organic carbon (SOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were reduced by 5.3%-8.2%, 31.8%-41.6%, and 39.7%-63.0%, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was increased by 10.1%-27.6% in grassland containing MP compared to control. MPs' aging degree promoted PAEs content or altered nutrients, then regulated soil microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activity directly or indirectly, ultimately affecting SOC. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Microplastics are persistent environmental pollutants that gradually undergo surface aging in response to extracellular enzymes secreted by microorganisms. As microplastics age, their surface roughness and functional groups change; thus, organochemical contaminants gradually leach out. Therefore, this study analyzed the aging of mulch film-derived microplastics under the action of diverse microorganisms in farmland and grassland soils and the effect on plasticizer and organic carbon fractions. The results proved that polyethylene microplastic aging degree was highest in farmland soil. Besides, biodegradable microplastic caused lower contamination of phthalate esters than polyethylene, but they affected soil carbon balance in grassland and farmland soils. STATEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: This study highlights that MPs affect organic carbon fractions by influencing the PAEs, available nutrients, and extracellular enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yimei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Shaoshan An
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Pan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chunjiao Xie
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Penghui Jia
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and The Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Green Agriculture in Northwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Baorong Wang
- College of Grassland Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
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Filipe S, Mourão PM, Couto N, Tranchida D. Towards a Sustainable Future: Advancing an Integrated Approach for the Recycling and Valorization of Agricultural Plastics. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4529. [PMID: 38231954 PMCID: PMC11080938 DOI: 10.3390/polym15234529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental issue. The agricultural sector, in particular, is a significant contributor to this problem, given the widespread use of plastics in farming practices and a lack of and/or use of inefficient approaches for the recycling and valorization of agricultural plastic waste. This has resulted in the accumulation of these residues in landfills and/or their improper disposal, which has exacerbated their environmental impact, leading to negative consequences on soil, water, and ecosystems. This work provides an overview on the current methodologies available to address the challenges associated with inadequate management of agricultural plastics and highlights the need for a comprehensive and systematic methodology, involving material development, polymer processing, waste collection, sorting, and valorization. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between polymer producers, polymer manufacturers, farmers, policymakers, waste management companies, and recyclers to develop effective, technical, and economically viable recycling and valorization schemes. This paper addresses gaps and provides guidance on possible solutions, specifically polymer development, policy instruments, regulatory frameworks, collection schemes, and the technical approaches required for the adequate valorization of agricultural plastic waste. Furthermore, it highlights the associated barriers and benefits of the different presented approaches. It also aims to promote awareness on agricultural plastic waste and provide guidance on the best approaches to reduce its environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Filipe
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Paulo Mira Mourão
- MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal;
| | - Nazaré Couto
- CENSE—Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal;
| | - Davide Tranchida
- Competence Center Advanced Polymer Characterisation, Borealis GmbH, Sankt Peter Strasse 25, 4021 Linz, Austria;
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Zhao ZY, Li WB, Wang PY, Tao HY, Zhou R, Cui JY, Zhang J, Tian T, Zhao XZ, Wang YB, Xiong YC. Farmers' participation into the recovery of waste agricultural plastic film: An application of the Theory of Planned Behavior. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 169:253-266. [PMID: 37480740 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to address the lack of relevant researches in the field of waste recycling using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A village-scale social survey was conducted to investigate the degree of farmers' participation in a waste plastic film program, i.e. Old for New in northwest China. The program required farmers to recycle plastic film residues in exchange for new films. Survey results showed that 67.5% of farmers accepted the program, yet only 14.5% of them actually participated. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze questionnaire data and identify the factors that significantly affected farmers' recycling behavior. Principal component and weight analysis further showed that farmers' participation was mainly influenced by their attitudes (p < 0.01), with a relative weight (RW) of 46.3%. Yet, subjective norms (p < 0.1) and perceived behavior control (p < 0.1) had less effect on the degree of participation, and their RWs were 4.2% and 4.1% only, respectively. Moreover, the RW of plastic film usage characteristics and household characteristics reached up to 13.2% and 6.4%, respectively. Interestingly, environmental awareness (β = 0.083) and compulsory environmental education (β = 0.130) as surface factors strongly affected the farmers' adoption and response, with the RW of 25.7%. As such, the extended TPB model was established to analyze the participation behavior of farmers for stronger explanatory power. This study highlighted a promising strategy based on TPB for waste plastic film recycling and similar environmental management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Ying Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wen-Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Peng-Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hong-Yan Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Jin-Ying Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tao Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xu-Zhe Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yi-Bo Wang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Resource Utilization of Agricultural Solid Wastes, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui 741000, China
| | - You-Cai Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Ma J, Cao Y, Fan L, Xie Y, Zhou X, Ren Q, Yang X, Gao X, Feng Y. Degradation characteristics of polybutylene adipate terephthalic acid (PBAT) and its effect on soil physicochemical properties: A comparative study with several polyethylene (PE) mulch films. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 456:131661. [PMID: 37224714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The degradation process of different types of mulch in agriculture and its effect on soil ecosystem should be considered comprehensively. To this end, the changes in performance, structure, morphology, and composition of PBAT film during the degradation process were examined through a multiscale approach in comparison with several PE films and their effects on the soil physicochemical properties were investigated. At the macroscopic scale, the load and elongation of all films decreased with increasing ages and depths. At the microscopic scale, the stretching vibration peak intensity (SVPI) for PBAT and PE films decreased by 48.8 ∼ 60.2% and 9.3 ∼ 38.6%, respectively. The crystallinity index (CI) increased by 67.3 ∼ 209.6% and 15.6 ∼ 21.8%, respectively. At the molecules scale, terephthalic acid (TPA) was detected in localized soil with PBAT mulch after 180 d. In short, the degradation characteristics of PE films were depended on their thickness and density. The PBAT film exhibited the highest degree of degradation. Simultaneously, the soil physicochemical properties such as soil aggregates, microbial biomass and pH were affected by the changes of film structure and components during the degradation process. This work has practical implications for the sustainable development of agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Yidong Cao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Linwang Fan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Yanli Xie
- Analysis and Test Center, Haianan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Xueqing Zhou
- Analysis and Test Center, Haianan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Qipeng Ren
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, Hainan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Institute of Analysis and Testing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology (Beijing Center for Physical and Chemical Analysis), Beijing 100089, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Institute of Analysis and Testing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology (Beijing Center for Physical and Chemical Analysis), Beijing 100089, China
| | - Yuhong Feng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Road, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China.
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