1
|
Hao L, Ma H, Xing B. Surface characteristics and adsorption properties of polypropylene microplastics by ultraviolet irradiation and natural aging. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 944:173962. [PMID: 38876352 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The vast application and deep integration of plastic commodity with our human lives raise a great concern about the ubiquitous microplastics (MPs) in nature, yet the environmental behavior of MPs remain unclear. As a main type and candidate of MPs, pristine polypropylene MPs (PP-MP-Pris), as well as the influence of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the degree of aging and surface characteristics, were characterized quantitatively by Fourier infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle meter, automatic specific surface area and pore analyzer and laser particle analyzer, with natural aged PP-MPs (PP-MP-Age) as comparison. The carbonyl index (CI) of UV aged PP-MPs (PP-MP-U) was increased with extension of exposure time, while biofilm with abundant functional groups and the maximum CI value were the characteristics of PP-MP-Age. Moreover, the adsorption capacity of PP-MP-U for crystal violet (CV) was increased and reached the maximum after 30 days, while that of PP-MP-Age was weakened, probably due to the enhanced hydrophilicity and the shedding of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) during the natural aging process, which was demonstrated by hydrochloric acid treatment, indicating the vital involvement of CaCO3. Moreover, the better fitting to PSO kinetics and Freundlich isotherm models indicated that the multilayered and non-homogeneous surface adsorption was acted as the rate-controlling step. Furthermore, the positive values of ΔGθ, ΔHθ and ΔSθ indicated that the adsorption was a non-spontaneous, endothermic process with increased degree of the freedom on the interface of PP-MPs and CV solution. The presence of divalent salts inhibited CV adsorption, demonstrating that electrostatic attraction played a major role in CV capture. The hydrophobic interaction, micropore filling, hydrogen bonding, and π - π conjugation were possible involved. This study is of great significance for better understanding the complex pollution of MPs and its potential environmental risks in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Hao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'An, Shaanxi 710119, PR China
| | - Hongzhu Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'An, Shaanxi 710119, PR China.
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shashoua Y, Peydaei A, Mortensen MN, Kanstrup AB, Gregory DJ. Physio-chemical degradation of single-use plastics in natural weather and marine environments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124414. [PMID: 38908677 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has reached concerning levels globally, with single-use plastic products (SUPs) comprising at least 50% of plastic waste. This study investigates the physical and chemical degradation of frequently used SUPs, including petroleum-based and bio-based plastics, in natural Northern European coastal weather and marine environments over a three-year period from 2019 to 2022. Addressing a critical knowledge gap, this research was based on a hypothesis that real-world ageing studies on SUPs would produce more accurate time- and process-lines for their transformation from macro-to microplastics than are available today based on the modeling studies more frequently used. The study employs optical examination, mechanical testing, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine and relate physical and chemical changes with time. The results indicate that SUPs undergo significantly faster degradation in natural weather than predicted to date. Photooxidation emerges as the primary degradation pathway for all SUPs, emphasizing the role of light in plastic breakdown. Importantly, physical degradation to microplastics in natural environments is not always associated with significant chemical changes such as breaking chemical bonds. Black SUPs exhibit greater resistance to visible light and ultraviolet radiation than equivalent white and transparent examples. In marine environments, SUPs degrade measurably slower than in air, their degradation slowing with increasing distance from the water surface. Our findings indicate the urgent need for strategies that mitigate the impacts of photo-oxidation of SUPs. Such strategies may include a focus on the removal of post-use SUPs from pavements, roads, beaches, and water surfaces where photo-oxidation is faster than underwater and underground. Preferential use of black SUPs over white or transparent should also be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Shashoua
- Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, National Museum of Denmark, IC Modewegsvej-Brede, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Asal Peydaei
- Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, National Museum of Denmark, IC Modewegsvej-Brede, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.
| | - Martin N Mortensen
- Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, National Museum of Denmark, IC Modewegsvej-Brede, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - Anders B Kanstrup
- Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, National Museum of Denmark, IC Modewegsvej-Brede, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| | - David J Gregory
- Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, National Museum of Denmark, IC Modewegsvej-Brede, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen ZW, Hua ZL. Characteristics of organic matter driven by Eichhornia crassipes during co-contamination with per(poly)fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and microplastics (MPs). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:176114. [PMID: 39255929 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Co-contamination with MPs and PFASs has been recorded, particularly in surface-water environments. Floating macrophyte microcosms are an important part of the surface water ecosystem, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) driven by floating macrophytes (FMDDOM) is critical for maintaining material circulation. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the impact of MPs and PFASs co-pollution on FMDDOM. An greenhouse simulation experiment was conducted in this study to investigate the effects of four PFASs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoro-octane-sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic acid (Gen X), and potassium 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate (F-53B), on FMDDOM sourced from Eichhornia crassipes (E. crassipes), a typical floating macrophyte, in the presence and absence of polystyrene (PS) MPs. Four PFASs increased FMDDOM release from E. crassipes, leading to a 32.52-77.49 % increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels. PS MPs further increased this, with results ranging from -21.28 % to 26.49 %. Based on the parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), FMDDOM was classified into three types of fluorescent components: tryptophan-like, humic-like, and tyrosine-like compounds. Contaminants of MPs and PFASs modified the relative abundance of these three components. Protein secondary structure analysis showed that fluorocarbon bonds tended to accumulate on the α-helix of proteins in FMDDOM. The relative abundance of fluorescent and chromophorous FMDDOMs varied from 0.648 ± 0.044 to 0.964 ± 0.173, indicating that the photochemical structures of the FMDDOM were modified. FMDDOM exhibits decreased humification and increased aromaticity when contaminated with MPs and PFASs, which may be detrimental to the geochemical cycling of carbon. This study offers a theoretical basis for assessing the combined ecological risks of MPs and PFASs in floating macrophyte ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Wei Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China
| | - Zu-Lin Hua
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, PR China; Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Nanjing 210098, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tang S, Zhang Q, Xu H, Zhu M, Nahid Pervez M, Wu B, Zhao Y. Fabric structure and polymer composition as key contributors to micro(nano)plastic contamination in face masks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135089. [PMID: 38959827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135089] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The surge in face mask use due to COVID-19 has raised concerns about micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) from masks. Herein, focusing on fabric structure and polymer composition, we investigated MNP generation characteristics, mechanisms, and potential risks of surgical polypropylene (PP) and fashionable polyurethane (PU) masks during their wearing and photoaging based on stereomicroscope, μ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Compared with new PP and PU masks (66 ± 16 MPs/PP-mask, 163 ± 83 MPs/PU-mask), single- and multiple-used masks exhibited remarkably increased MP type and abundance (600-1867 MPs/PP-mask, 607-2167 MPs/PU-mask). Disinfection exacerbated endogenous MP generation in masks, with washing (416 MPs/PP-mask, 30,708 MPs/PU-mask) being the most prominent compared to autoclaving (219 MPs/PP-mask, 553 MPs/PU-mask) and alcohol spray (162 MPs/PP-mask, 18,333 MPs/PU-mask). Photoaging led to massive generation of MPs (8.8 × 104-3.7 × 105 MPs/PP-layer, 1.0 × 105 MPs/PU-layer) and NPs (5.2 × 109-3.6 × 1013 NPs/PP-layer, 3.5 × 1012 NPs/PU-layer) from masks, presenting highly fabric structure-dependent aging modes as "fragmentation" for fine fiber-structure PP mask and "erosion" for 3D mesh-structure PU mask. The MNPs derived from PP/PU mask caused significant deformities of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. These findings underscore the potential adverse effects of masks on humans and aquatic organisms, advocating to enhance proper use and rational disposal for masks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Tang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area of Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, Institute of Eco-Chongming and School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area of Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, Institute of Eco-Chongming and School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Haowen Xu
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Md Nahid Pervez
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Bing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yaping Zhao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area of Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, Institute of Eco-Chongming and School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lucie T, Philippe A, Laura DF, Arnaud H, Matthieu W, Julien G, Ika PP. The largest estuary on the planet is not spared from plastic pollution: Case of the St. Lawrence River Estuary. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116780. [PMID: 39083914 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116780] [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: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The St. Lawrence River, one of the world's largest estuaries, drains >25 % of the world's freshwater reserves and is affected by various anthropogenic effluents. Although previous studies reported micro- and nanoplastics contamination in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (EGSL), this study provides a first evaluation of macroplastic pollution along the north and south shores of the EGSL. Plastic debris categorization was performed according to the OSPAR protocol completed by polymer identification using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The EGSL appeared ubiquitously contaminated by plastic debris, dominated by single-use plastics primarily made of polypropylene (28 %), polyethylene (25 %) and polystyrene (17 %). The EGSL shores exhibited a mean contamination level of 0.17 ± 0.11 items/m2 and distance to Montreal significantly influenced the distribution of plastic debris. This study provides an essential baseline for implementing local waste reduction and management actions in the St. Lawrence watershed to reduce plastic pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toussaint Lucie
- Univ Brest (UBO), IFREMER, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France; TAKUVIK CNRS/Univ Laval, UMI3376, Québec Océan, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
| | - Archambault Philippe
- TAKUVIK CNRS/Univ Laval, UMI3376, Québec Océan, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Del Franco Laura
- TAKUVIK CNRS/Univ Laval, UMI3376, Québec Océan, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Huvet Arnaud
- Univ Brest (UBO), IFREMER, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Waeles Matthieu
- Univ Brest (UBO), IFREMER, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| | - Gigault Julien
- TAKUVIK CNRS/Univ Laval, UMI3376, Québec Océan, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Paul-Pont Ika
- Univ Brest (UBO), IFREMER, CNRS, IRD, LEMAR, F-29280 Plouzané, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cheng W, Chen H, Zhou Y, You Y, Lei D, Li Y, Feng Y, Wang Y. Aged fragmented-polypropylene microplastics induced ageing statues-dependent bioenergetic imbalance and reductive stress: In vivo and liver organoids-based in vitro study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 191:108949. [PMID: 39213921 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Ageing is a nature process of microplastics that occurrs daily, and human beings are inevitably exposed to aged microplastics. However, a systematic understanding of ageing status and its toxic effect is currently still lacking. In this study, plastic cup lids-originated polypropylene (PP) microplastics were UV-photoaged until the carbonyl index (CI), a canonical indicator for plastic ageing, achieved 0.08, 0.17, 0.22 and 0.28. The adverse hepatic effect of these aged PPs (aPPs) was evaluated in Balb/c mice (75 ng/mL water, about 200 particles/day) and human-originated liver organoids (LOs, 50 particles/mL, ranged from 5.94 to 13.15 ng/mL) at low-dose equivalent to human exposure level. Low-dose of aged PP could induce hepatic reductive stress both in vitro and in vivo, by elevating the NADH/NAD+ratio in a CI-dependent manner, together with hepatoxicity (indicated by increased AST secretion and cytotoxicity), and disrupted the genes encoding the nutrients transporters and NADH subunits accompanied by the restricted ATP supply, declined mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial complexI/IV activities, without significant increase in MDA levels in the liver. These changes in the liver disrupted systematic metabolism, representing a circulatory panel of increases in the lactate, triglyceride, Fgf21 levels, and decreases in the pyruvate level, linked the reductive stress to the declined body weight gain but elevated hepatic NADH contents following aPPs exposure. Additionally, assessing by the LOs, it was found that digestion drastically accelerated the ageing of aPPs and worsen the energy supply upon mitochondria, representing a "scattergun effect" induced by the formation of micro- and nano-plastics mixture toward NADH/NAD+imbalance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hange Chen
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yue Zhou
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yifei You
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Dong Lei
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Key Lab of Tissue Engineering, Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yan Li
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yan Feng
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ou Q, Xu Y, Wang X, van der Hoek JP, Yu G, Liu G. Dissolved Black Carbon Facilitates the Photodegradation of Microplastics via Molecular Weight-Dependent Generation of Reactive Intermediates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58. [PMID: 39133902 PMCID: PMC11360373 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Photodegradation of microplastics (MPs) induced by sunlight plays a crucial role in determining their transport, fate, and impacts in aquatic environments. Dissolved black carbon (DBC), originating from pyrolyzed carbon, can potentially mediate the photodegradation of MPs owing to its potent photosensitization capacity. This study examined the impact of pyrolyzed wood derived DBC (5 mg C/L) on the photodegradation of polystyrene (PS) MPs in aquatic solutions under UV radiation. It revealed that the photodegradation of PS MPs primarily occurred at the benzene ring rather than the aliphatic segments due to the fast attack of hydroxyl radical (•OH) and singlet oxygen (1O2) on the benzene ring. The photosensitivity of DBC accelerated the degradation of PS MPs, primarily attributed to the increased production of •OH, 1O2, and triplet-excited state DBC (3DBC*). Notably, DBC-mediated photodegradation was related to its molecular weight (MW) and chemical properties. Low MW DBC (<3 kDa) containing more carbonyl groups generated more •OH and 1O2, accelerating the photodegradation of MPs. Nevertheless, higher aromatic phenols in high MW DBC (>30 kDa) scavenged •OH and generated more O2•-, inhibiting the photodegradation of MPs. Overall, this study offered valuable insights into UV-induced photodegradation of MPs and highlighted potential impacts of DBC on the transformation of MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Ou
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Delft, CN 2628, The Netherlands
| | - Yanghui Xu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Delft, CN 2628, The Netherlands
| | - Xintu Wang
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China
- College
of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Section
of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of
Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft
University of Technology, Delft, CN 2628, The Netherlands
- Department
Research & Innovation Waternet, P.O. Box 94370 GJ Amsterdam 1090, The
Netherlands
| | - Guo Yu
- College
of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre
for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China
- University
of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rahman E, BinAhmed S, Keyes P, Alberg C, Godfreey-Igwe S, Haugstad G, Xiong B. Nanoscale Abrasive Wear of Polyethylene: A Novel Approach To Probe Nanoplastic Release at the Single Asperity Level. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:13845-13855. [PMID: 38874627 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing concern that nanoplastic pollution may pose planetary threats to human and ecosystem health. However, a quantitative and mechanistic understanding of nanoplastic release via nanoscale mechanical degradation of bulk plastics and its interplay with photoweathering remains elusive. We developed a lateral force microscope (LFM)-based nanoscratch method to investigate mechanisms of nanoscale abrasive wear of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) surfaces by a single sand particle (simulated by a 300 nm tip) under environmentally relevant load, sliding motion, and sand size. For virgin LDPE, we found plowing as the dominant wear mechanism (i.e., deformed material pushed around the perimeter of scratch). After UVA-weathering, the wear mechanism of LDPE distinctively shifted to cutting wear (i.e., deformed material detached and pushed to the end of scratch). The shift in the mechanism was quantitatively described by a new parameter, which can be incorporated into calculating the NP release rate. We determined a 10-fold higher wear rate due to UV weathering. We also observed an unexpected resistance to initiate wear for UV-aged LDPE, likely due to nanohardness increase induced by UV. For the first time, we report 0.4-4 × 10-3 μm3/μm sliding distance/μN applied load as an initial approximate nanoplastic release rate for LDPE. Our novel findings reveal nanoplastic release mechanisms in the environment, enabling physics-based prediction of the global environmental inventory of nanoplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ehsanur Rahman
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sara BinAhmed
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Phoebe Keyes
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Claire Alberg
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Stacy Godfreey-Igwe
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 33 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Greg Haugstad
- Characterization Facility, University of Minnesota, 100 Union St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Boya Xiong
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 500 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Junaid M, Hamid N, Liu S, Abbas Z, Imran M, Haider MR, Wang B, Chen G, Khan HK, Yue Q, Xu N, Wang J. Interactive impacts of photoaged micro(nano)plastics and co-occurring chemicals in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172213. [PMID: 38580116 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172213] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
In the environment, sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) radiation is considered to be the primary cause of plastic aging, leading to their fragmentation into particles, including micro(nano)plastics (MNPs). Photoaged MNPs possess diverse interactive properties and ecotoxicological implications substantially different from those of pristine plastic particles. This review aims to highlight the mechanisms and implications of UV-induced photoaging of MNPs, with an emphasis on various UV sources and their interactions with co-occurring organic and inorganic chemicals, as well as the associated ecological and health impacts and factors affecting those interactions. Compared to UV-B, UV-A and UV-C were more widely used in laboratory studies for MNP degradation. Photoaged MNPs act as vectors for the transportation of organic pollutants, organic matter, and inorganic chemicals in the environment. Literature showed that photoaged MNPs exhibit a higher sorption capacity for PPCPs, PAHs, PBDEs, pesticides, humic acid, fulvic acid, heavy metals, and metallic nanoparticles than pristine MNPs, potentially causing significant changes in associated ecological and health impacts. Combined exposure to photoaged MNPs and organic and inorganic pollutants significantly altered mortality rate, decreased growth rate, histological alterations, neurological impairments, reproductive toxicity, induced oxidative stress, thyroid disruption, hepatotoxicity, and genotoxicity in vivo, both in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Limited studies were reported in vitro and found decreased cellular growth and survival, induced oxidative stress, and compromised the permeability and integrity of the cell membrane. In addition, several environmental factors (temperature, organic matter, ionic strength, time, and pH), MNP properties (polymer types, sizes, surface area, shapes, colour, and concentration), and chemical properties (pollutant type, concentration, and physiochemical properties) can influence the photoaging of MNPs and associated impacts. Lastly, the research gaps and prospects of MNP photoaging and associated implications were also summarized. Future research should focus on the photoaging of MNPs under environmentally relevant conditions, exploiting the polydisperse characteristics of environmental plastics, to make this process more realistic for mitigating plastic pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Junaid
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Naima Hamid
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Ocean Pollution and Ecotoxicology (OPEC) Research Group, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Shulin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zohaib Abbas
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Crop Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Rizwan Haider
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Guanglong Chen
- Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Hudda Khaleeq Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Qiang Yue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Key Laboratory for Heavy Metal Pollution Control and Reutilization, School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shi Y, Zheng L, Huang H, Shi L, Gong Z, Ye K, Chen X, Gao S. Interactions between methyl octabromo ether flame retardant and expanded polystyrene microplastics in the photoaging process. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142165. [PMID: 38704048 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142165] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) plastic is widely used because of its low density and lightweight properties, enabling it to float on water and increase its exposure to sunlight. In this study, we simulated the photoaging process of flame retardant-added EPS (FR-EPS) and common original EPS (OR-EPS) microplastic (MP) particles with and without methyl octabromoether flame retardant (MOBE) in the laboratory to explore the effect of MOBE on the photodegradation of EPS. Results showed that MOBE accelerated size reduction and surface hole formation on the particles, hastening the shedding and replacement of particle surfaces. FR-EPS particles exhibited a weight loss exceeding that of OR-EPS, reaching 40.85 ± 3.72% after 36 days of irradiation. Moreover, rapid physical peeling of the FR-EPS surface was accompanied by continuous chemical oxidation and fluctuations of the carbonyl index and O/C ratio. A diffusion model based on Fick's second law fitted well for the concentration of MOBE remaining in FR-EPS particles. MOBE's sensitivity to direct photochemical reactions inhibited the early-stage photoaging of EPS MP particles by competing for photons. However, MOBE as chromophores could absorb photons and produce •OH to promote the aging of EPS. Moreover, the capacity of EPS to absorb light energy also accelerated MOBE degradation. These findings suggested that the photoaging behavior of commercial EPS products containing flame retardants in the environment is quite different from that of pure EPS, indicating that additive-plastic interactions significantly alter MP fate and environmental risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Lezhou Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Linping Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Zhimin Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Kefu Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Xingqi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Richardson SD, Manasfi T. Water Analysis: Emerging Contaminants and Current Issues. Anal Chem 2024; 96:8184-8219. [PMID: 38700487 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Richardson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, JM Palms Center for GSR, 631 Sumter Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Tarek Manasfi
- Eawag, Environmental Chemistry, Uberlandstrasse 133, Dubendorf 8600, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen X, Huang W, Tang Y, Zhang R, Lu X, Liu Y, Zhu M, Fan X. Variation of Young's modulus suggested the main active sites for four different aging plastics at an early age time. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134189. [PMID: 38569345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Precisely determining which bonds are more sensitive when plastic aging occurs is critical to better understand the mechanisms of toxic release and microplastics formation. However, the relationship between chemical bonds with the active aging sites changes and the aging behavior of plastics at an early age is still unclear. Herein, the mechanical behavior of four polymers with different substituents was characterized by the high-resolution AFM. Young's modulus (YM) changes suggested that the cleavage of C-Cl bonds in PVC, C-H bonds in PE and PP, and C-F bonds in PTFE are the main active aging sites for plastic aging. The aging degree of the plastics followed the order of PVC > PP > PE > PTFE. Two aging periods exhibited different YM change behavior, the free radical and cross-linking resulted in a minor increase in YM during the initiation period. Numerous free radicals formed and cross-linking reaction happened, causing a significant increase in YM during the propagation period. Raman spectroscopy verified the formation of microplastics. This research develops promising strategies to quantitatively evaluate the aging degrees using AFM and establish the relationship between chemical bonds and mechanical behavior, which would provide new method to predict plastic pollution in actual environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Wenyi Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yi Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Runzhe Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xinyi Lu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Mude Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaoyun Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li Y, Xu G, Yu Y. Freeze-thaw aged polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics alter enzyme activity and microbial community composition in soil. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 470:134249. [PMID: 38603909 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134249] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In cold regions, microplastics (MPs) in the soil undergo freeze-thaw (FT) aging process. Little is known about how FT aged MPs influence soil physico-chemical properties and microbial communities. Here, two environmentally relevant concentrations (50 and 500 mg/kg) of 50 and 500 µm polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) MPs treated soils were subjected to 45-day FT cycles (FTCs). Results showed that MPs experienced surface morphology, hydrophobicity and crystallinity alterations after FTCs. After 45-day FTCs, the soil urease (SUE) activity in control (MPs-free group that underwent FTCs) was 33.49 U/g. SUE activity in 50 µm PE group was reduced by 19.66 %, while increased by 21.16 % and 37.73 % in 500 µm PE and PP groups compared to control. The highest Shannon index was found in 50 µm PP-MPs group at 50 mg/kg, 2.26 % higher than control (7.09). Compared to control (average weighted degree=8.024), all aged MPs increased the complexity of network (0.19-1.43 %). Bacterial biomarkers of aged PP-MPs were associated with pollutant degradation. Aged PP-MPs affected genetic information, cellular processes, and disrupted the biosynthesis of metabolites. This study provides new insights into the potential hazards of MPs after FTCs on soil ecosystem in cold regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Li
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guanghui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
S Gomes R, Fernandes AN, Waldman WR. How to Measure Polymer Degradation? An Analysis of Authors' Choices When Calculating the Carbonyl Index. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7609-7616. [PMID: 38624261 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The carbonyl index aims to measure the degradation level and is used in plastic degradation research as a proxy for the general degradation level of collected plastic pieces. According to the choices for carbonyl index calculation, comparison using this index is prevented and must be unveiled by the authors, which does not always happen. In order to study the proper usage of the carbonyl index, regarding the choice of the reference band and the usage of the band intensity or the absorption area, we systematically reviewed the methodologies used for polypropylene as a case study. Based on 95 studies gathered from 2000 to 2024, two main methods were used to determine the carbonyl index: the ratio between the carbonyl band area and the reference band area (33.68%) and the ratio between the highest intensity of the carbonyl band and the reference band (66.31%). The reference band of choice and the type of calculation method produce different carbonyl index values for the same spectra and mean different information, preventing comparison among works with different calculations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raimara S Gomes
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS 91501-970, Brasil
| | - Andreia N Fernandes
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Porto Alegre, RS 91501-970, Brasil
| | - Walter R Waldman
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologia para Sustentabilidade, Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia SP-264, km 110, Sorocaba, SP 18052-780, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bai R, Liu H, Cui J, Wu Y, Guo X, Liu Q, Liu Q, Gao H, Yan C, He W. The characteristics and influencing factors of farmland soil microplastic in Hetao Irrigation District, China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133472. [PMID: 38219587 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution, a major global concern, has garnered increasing attention in agricultural ecosystem research. China's Hetao Irrigation District, vital for grain production in the Yellow River Basin, lacks sufficient research on microplastic pollution of agricultural soils. This study, based on a detailed background investigation and testing of 47 samples, is the first to elucidate the characteristics and potential influencing factors of microplastics in the Hetao Irrigation District. The abundance of microplastics in the farmland soil ranged from 1810 to 86331 items/kg, with 90% measuring below 180 µm and mainly in film and fragment forms. Predominant polymers were polyethylene (PE, 43.0%) and polyamide (PA, 27.8%). Key pollution influencers were identified as agricultural inputs, with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) being the most extensively used plastic type. The carbonyl index and hydroxyl indices of the detected LDPE microplastics ranged from 0.041 to 0.96 and 0.092 to 1.20, respectively. The study highlights the significance of mulching management and agronomic practices in shaping microplastic characteristics. Potential pollution sources include agricultural inputs, irrigation equipment, domestic waste, and tire wear. Proposed effective strategies include responsible plastic use, robust waste management, and irrigation system upgrades, establishing a foundation for future ecological risk assessments and effective management approaches in the Hetao Irrigation District. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: The harmful substances studied in this paper are microplastics, which are widely distributed in the environment and have potential ecological risks. This study is the first to investigate the characteristics of microplastics in farmland soil within the Hetao Irrigation Area, a region that is of critical importance to agricultural production in the Yellow River Basin of China. The study provides comprehensive insights into the factors influencing the characteristics of microplastics and speculates on their sources. These findings offer a novel perspective on the assessment of microplastic contamination in the area and provide valuable recommendations for prevention and control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runhao Bai
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hongjin Liu
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Agriculture Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Huhhot 010011, China
| | - Jixiao Cui
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China.
| | - Yan Wu
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Agriculture Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Huhhot 010011, China
| | - Xiaoyu Guo
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Agriculture Ecology and Resource Protection Center, Huhhot 010011, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Haihe Gao
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Changrong Yan
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Wenqing He
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Institute of Western Agricultural, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Shen T, Ma H, Xing B. Interfacial interactions of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics and malachite green, tetracycline in aqueous environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116093. [PMID: 38310722 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116093] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET-MPs) are one of pivotal nondegradable emerging pollutant. Here the variation of the surface physicochemical characteristics of PET-MPs with UV irradiation aging and the adsorption behaviors of PET-MPs in malachite green (MG), tetracycline (TC) solution and the effect of coexisting Cu(II) were comparatively investigated. The yellowing, weakened hydrophobicity, and increased surface negative charge, crystallinity degree and oxygen-containing functional groups were manifested specifically by the aged PET-MPs. Different from the single system, the hydrophobic interaction and metal ion bridging complexation dominated the adsorption of MG and TC, respectively, in the binary solution. While in the ternary solution, cationic ion competition of Cu(II) with MG decreased its capture, and the formation of PET-Cu(II)-TC ternary complexes promoted TC adsorption. Moreover, PET-MPs could serve as an efficient vector for MG and TC in MG/TC/Cu(II) ternary system, indicating PET-MPs tend to carry more varieties in the complex environment, that may increase the environmental risk of PET-MPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tong Shen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'An, Shaanxi 710119, PR China
| | - Hongzhu Ma
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'An, Shaanxi 710119, PR China.
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Huang W, Jiang G, Xie L, Chen X, Zhang R, Fan X. Effect of oxygen-containing functional groups on the micromechanical behavior of biodegradable plastics and their formation of microplastics during aging. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132911. [PMID: 37939564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132911] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Biodegradable plastics (BPs) are more prone to generate harmful microplastics (MPs) in a short time, which have always been ignored. Oxygenated functional group formation is considered to be a key indicator for assessing microplastic formation, while it is difficult to characterize at a very early stage. The micromechanical properties of the aging plastic during the formation of the MPs are highly influenced by the evolution of oxygen-containing functional groups, however, their relationship has rarely been revealed. Herein, we compared changes in the physicochemical properties of BPs and non-degradable plastic bags during aging in artificial seawater, soil, and air. The results showed that the oxidation of plastics in the air was the most significant, with the most prominent oxidation in BPs. The accumulation of carbonyl groups leads to a significant increase in the micromechanical properties and surface brittleness of the plastic, further exacerbating the formation of MPs. It was also verified by the FTIR, 2D-COS, AFM, and Raman spectroscopy analyses. Furthermore, the increased adhesion and roughness caused by oxygen-containing functional groups suggest that the environmental risks of BPs cannot be ignored. Our findings suggest that the testing of micromechanical properties can predicate the formation of the MPs at an early stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guoqiang Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lidan Xie
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xueqin Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Runzhe Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaoyun Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hoseini M, Stead J, Bond T. Ranking the accelerated weathering of plastic polymers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:2081-2091. [PMID: 37882078 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00295k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The timespans over which different plastics degrade in the environment are poorly understood. This study aimed to rank the degradation speed of five widespread plastic polymers-low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-in terms of their physicochemical properties. Five of the six samples were plastic films with identical dimensions, which allowed the influence of morphology to be excluded, with a polyethylene carrier bag (PEB) tested for comparison. An accelerated weathering chamber was used to photochemically degrade samples over 41 days, with degradation monitored via mass loss and changes to carbonyl index, crystallinity and contact angle. The mass loss ranking was PP ≫ LDPE > PEB > PS > PLA > PET. Estimates of the time needed for complete degradation ranged from 0.27 years for PP to 1179 years for PET. Therefore, mass loss in PP proceeded more rapidly than the other polymers, which was unexpected based on previous literature and is plausibly explained by the presence of an unlisted additive which accelerated degradation. Increases in carbonyl index proceeded more rapidly in PP and LDPE than the other polymers tested. However, changes in contact angle and crystallinity did not correspond to the mass loss ranking. Therefore, monitoring the carbonyl index during accelerated weathering trials can indicate which polymers will fragment more quickly. However, alternative approaches are needed to simulate conditions where photooxidation reactions are negligible, such as the ocean floor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hoseini
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jess Stead
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Tom Bond
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yuan Y, Liu P, Zheng Y, Li Q, Bian J, Liang Q, Su T, Dian L, Qi Q. Unique Raoultella species isolated from petroleum contaminated soil degrades polystyrene and polyethylene. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115232. [PMID: 37429089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Polyolefin plastics, such as polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS), are the most widely used synthetic plastics in our daily life. However, the chemical structure of polyolefin plastics is composed of carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds, which is extremely stable and makes polyolefin plastics recalcitrant to degradation. The growing accumulation of plastic waste has caused serious environmental pollution and has become a global environmental concern. In this study, we isolated a unique Raoultella sp. DY2415 strain from petroleum-contaminated soil that can degrade PE and PS film. After 60 d of incubation with strain DY2415, the weight of the UV-irradiated PE (UVPE) film and PS film decreased by 8% and 2%, respectively. Apparent microbial colonization and holes on the surface of the films were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) results showed that new oxygen-containing functional groups such as -OH and -CO were introduced into the polyolefin molecular structure. Potential enzymes that may be involved in the biodegradation of polyolefin plastics were analyzed. These results demonstrate that Raoultella sp. DY2415 has the ability to degrade polyolefin plastics and provide a basis for further investigating the biodegradation mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingbo Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Pan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Qingbin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Junling Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Quanfeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Tianyuan Su
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Longyang Dian
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Qingsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hou Y, Feng J, Tian R, Lu C, Duan X. Regulating Degradation Pathways of Polymers by Radical-Triggered Luminescence. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307573. [PMID: 37489697 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the radical behaviours during polymer degradation is beneficial to unveil and regulate the degradation pathways of polymers to achieve a sustainable polymer development. However, it is a long-standing challenge to study radical behaviours owing to the ultra-short lifetime of the transient radicals generated during the polymer degradation. In this contribution, we have proposed the radical-triggered luminescence to monitor the radical behaviours during polymer degradation without/with the addition of inorganic additives. It was disclosed that the pure polymers showed a single sigmoidal dynamic curve from peroxy radicals (ROO⋅) emissions, leading to the exponential proliferation for the degradation evolution. Alternatively, the degradation pathways with the addition of additives, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with positively charged Al centers, could be modulated into a double sigmoidal dynamics, involving the main product of alkoxy radicals (RO⋅) with the activation energy of 40.2 kJ/mol and a small amount of ROO⋅ with 76.3 kJ/mol, respectively. Accordingly, the polymers with the additive-regulated pathways could exhibit prominently anti-degradation behaviours. This work is beneficial for the deep understanding of the radical mechanisms during polymer degradation, and for the rational design of anti-degradation polymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jing Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Rui Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Chao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xue Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|