Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 303 in total

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  1. Current progress in waste tire rubber devulcanization
    Saputra R, Walvekar R, Khalid M, Mubarak NM, Sillanpää M
    Chemosphere, 2021 Feb;265:129033.
    PMID: 33250228 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129033
    Vulcanized rubber, due to its superior mechanical properties, has long been used in various industries, especially automotive. The rubber industry has evolved and expanded over the years to meet the increasing global demands for tires. Today tires consist of about 19% natural rubber and 24% synthetic rubber, while plastic polymer and metal, filler and additives make up the rest. Over 1.6 billion new tires are produced annually and around 1 billion waste tires are generated. Tires are extensively designed with several complex processes to make them virtually indestructible. Since tire rubber does not decompose easily, their disposal at the end of service life creates a monumental environmental impact. However, waste tire rubber (WTR) consist of valuable rubber hydrocarbon, making its recovery or regeneration highly desirable. The conventional recovery method of WTR tends to produce undesirable products due to the destruction of the polymeric chain and exponentially degenerates the vulcanizates' physical properties. Since then, multiple devulcanization processes were introduced to effectively and selectively cleave vulcanizate's crosslinks while retaining the polymeric networks. Different devulcanization methods such as chemical, mechanical, irradiation, biological and their combinations that have been explored until now are reviewed here. Besides, an overview of the latest development of devulcanization by ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents are also described. While such devulcanization technique provides new sustainability pathway(s) for WTR, the generated devulcanizate also possesses comparable physical properties to that of virgin products. This further opens the possibility of novel circular economic opportunities worldwide.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*
  2. Thermal and mechanical characterization of composite materials from industrial plastic wastes and recycled nylon fibers for floor paving tiles application
    Owen MM, Achukwu EO, Romli AZ, Abdullah AHB, Ramlee MH, Shuib SB
    Waste Manag, 2023 Jul 01;166:25-34.
    PMID: 37141784 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.04.038
    Industrial plastic waste is growing globally at an alarming rate and environmental pollution from traditional landfill disposal and incineration treatments are of great concern. As a strategy to reduce plastic pollution, value-added composite materials from industrial plastic wastes reinforced with recycled nylon fibers for use in floor paving tile applications were developed. This is to address the disadvantages of existing ceramic tiles which are relatively heavy, brittle, and expensive. The plastic waste composite structures were produced via compression molding technique at an optimized randomly oriented constant fiber volume fraction of 50 wt% after the initial sorting, cleaning, drying, pulverizing, and melt-mixing. The molding temperature, pressure, and time for the composite's structures were 220 ℃, 65 kg.cm-3, and 5 min respectively. The composites' thermal, mechanical, and microstructural properties were characterized in accordance with appropriate ASTM standards. From the results obtained, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of mixed plastic wastes and nylon fiber wastes showed a processing temperature range of 130-180 ℃, and 250 ℃ respectively. Thermal degradation temperature (TGA) of the plastic and nylon fiber waste composites were stable above 400 ℃ with maximum bending strength, however, the reinforced plastic waste sandwiched composite structures had outstanding mechanical properties indicating unique characteristics suitable for floor paving tiles. Hence, the current research has developed tough and lightweight tiles composites that are economically viable, and their application will contribute to the development of the building and construction sectors thereby reducing about 10-15% of annual plastic waste generation and a sustainable environment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*
  3. Fulltext Development of sand-plastic composites as floor tiles using silica sand and recycled thermoplastics: a sustainable approach for cleaner production
    Soni A, Das PK, Yusuf M, Kamyab H, Chelliapan S
    Sci Rep, 2022 Nov 07;12(1):18921.
    PMID: 36344577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19635-1
    Strict environmental concerns, depleting natural recourses, and rising demand for building construction materials have promoted scientific research toward alternative building materials. This research supports the idea of sustainability and a circular economy via the utilization of waste to produce value-added products. The research explored the potential of waste plastics and silica sand for developing thermoplastic composite as floor tiles. The samples were characterized by water absorption, compressive strength, flexural strength, and sliding wear. The morphological analysis of the sand-plastic interfaces was covered under the umbrella of this study. The maximum compressive and flexural strength were found to be 46.20 N/mm2 and 6.24 N/mm2, respectively, with the minimum water absorption and sliding wear rate of 0.039% and 0.143 × 10-8 kg/m, respectively. The study suggests the workability of the developed floor tiles in non-traffic areas of public places. Thus, the study provides a green building material through recycling waste plastics for sustainable development.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*
  4. Effects of silane hydrolysis time on the physicochemical properties of bioplastics based on starch and epoxidized soybean oil
    Yang J, Xu S, Ching YC, Chuah CH, Wang R, Li C, et al.
    Food Chem, 2024 Dec 01;460(Pt 2):140601.
    PMID: 39089044 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140601
    This work investigated the effects of 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane (APTES) hydrolysis time on the physicochemical properties of the resulting starch/epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) bioplastics comprehensively. FTIR analysis confirmed that APTES hydrolyzed for 4 h had the best modification effect on starch. The results of XRD and TGA demonstrated the successful silylation of starch by APTES despite hydrolysis time. Silylation treatment reduced the thermal stability of starch slightly, but enhanced the thermal stability of the resultant bioplastics, revealing better interaction between silylated starch and ESO. The interfacial adhesion of starch and ESO in the bioplastics was obviously enhanced when APTES was hydrolyzed for 2-24 h. The bioplastics with APTES hydrolyzed for 2-4 h showed more desirable tensile properties as the silane hydrolysis was complete and self-condensation of hydrolyzed silanes was avoided. The bioplastics containing silylated starch still showed superior opacity and biodegradability.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biodegradable Plastics/chemistry
  5. The degradation of single-use plastics and commercially viable bioplastics in the environment: A review
    Idris SN, Amelia TSM, Bhubalan K, Lazim AMM, Zakwan NAMA, Jamaluddin MI, et al.
    Environ Res, 2023 Aug 15;231(Pt 1):115988.
    PMID: 37105296 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115988
    Plastics have become an integral part of human life. Single-use plastics (SUPs) are disposable plastics designed to be used once then promptly discarded or recycled. This SUPs range from packaging and takeaway containers to disposable razors and hotel toiletries. Synthetic plastics, which are made of non-renewable petroleum and natural gas resources, require decades to perpetually disintegrate in nature thus contribute to plastic pollution worldwide, especially in marine environments. In response to these problems, bioplastics or bio-based and biodegradable polymers from renewable sources has been considered as an alternative. Understanding the mechanisms behind the degradation of conventional SUPs and biodegradability of their greener counterpart, bioplastics, is crucial for appropriate material selection in the future. This review aims to provide insights into the degradation or disintegration of conventional single-use plastics and the biodegradability of the different types of greener-counterparts, bioplastics, their mechanisms, and conditions. This review highlights on the biodegradation in the environments including composting systems. Here, the various types of alternative biodegradable polymers, such as bacterially biosynthesised bioplastics, natural fibre-reinforced plastics, starch-, cellulose-, lignin-, and soy-based polymers were explored. Review of past literature revealed that although bioplastics are relatively eco-friendly, their natural compositions and properties are inconsistent. Furthermore, the global plastic market for biodegradable plastics remains relatively small and require further research and commercialization efforts, especially considering the urgency of plastic and microplastic pollution as currently critical global issue. Biodegradable plastics have potential to replace conventional plastics as they show biodegradation ability under real environments, and thus intensive research on the various biodegradable plastics is needed to inform stakeholders and policy makers on the appropriate response to the gradually emerging biodegradable plastics.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*; Biodegradable Plastics*
  6. Climate Change and the Esophagus: Speculations on Changing Disease Patterns as the World Warms
    Lee YY, Roslan NS, Tee V, Koo TH, Ibrahim YS
    Curr Gastroenterol Rep, 2023 Nov;25(11):280-288.
    PMID: 37656421 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-023-00888-3
    PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Esophageal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and esophageal cancer, may be affected by climate change. Our review describes the impact of climate change on risk factors associated with esophageal diseases and speculates how these climate-related factors impacted esophageal disorders and their management.

    RECENT FINDINGS: Climate change is responsible for extreme weather conditions (shifts in rainfall, floods, droughts, and forest fires) and global warming. These consequences affect basic human needs of water and food, causing changes in population dynamics and pose significant threats to digestive health, including common esophageal disorders like GERD, EoE, and esophageal cancers. The changing patterns of esophageal diseases with climate change are likely mediated through risk factors, including nutrition, pollutants, microplastics, and the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The healthcare process itself, including GI endoscopy practices commonly employed in diagnosing and therapeutics of esophageal diseases, may, in turn, contribute to climate change through plastic wastage and greenhouse gas emissions, thus creating the climate change lifecycle. Breaking the cycle would involve changes at the individual level, community level, and national policy level. Prevention is key, with individuals identifying and remediating risk factors and reducing carbon footprints. The ABC (Advocacy, Broadcast, and Collaborate) activities would help enhance awareness at the community level. Higher-level programs such as the Bracing Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) would lead to broader and larger-scale adoption of public health adaptation strategies at the national level. The impact of climate change on esophageal disorders is likely real, mediated by several risk factors, and creates a climate change lifecycle that may only break if changes are made at individual, community, and national levels.

    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics
  7. Mini review of microplastic pollutions and its impact on the environment and human health
    Azfaralariff A, Mat Lazim A, Amran NH, Mukhtar NH, Bakri ND, Azrihan NN, et al.
    Waste Manag Res, 2023 Jul;41(7):1219-1226.
    PMID: 36883418 DOI: 10.1177/0734242X231155395
    In recent years, the environmental pollution of microplastics (MPs) has increasingly drawn our attention. MPs are small fragments of plastics that are commonly dispersed in the environment. The accumulation of environmental MPs is due to population growth and urbanization, while natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding and human activity may influence their distribution. The leaching of chemicals from MPs raises a significant safety problem and environmental approaches aimed at reducing the use and recycling of plastics, with the replacement by bioplastics and wastewater treatment developments are called for. This summary also helps in demonstrating the connection between terrestrial and freshwater MPs and wastewater treatment plants as the major contributors to environmental MPs by discharges of sludge and effluent. More research on the classification, detection, characterization and toxicity of MPs are essential to enable greater options and solutions. Control initiatives need to intensify the comprehensive study of MP waste control and management information programmes in the fields of institutional engagement, technological research and development, legislation and regulation. A comprehensive quantitative analysis approach for MPs should be created in the future, and more reliable traceability analysis methods should be built to examine further its environmental activity and existence, where this should be done to improve scientific research on MP pollution in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments and hence, develop more scientific and rational control policies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics/analysis; Plastics/toxicity; Plastics/chemistry
  8. Fulltext The presence of microplastics in commercial salts from different countries
    Karami A, Golieskardi A, Keong Choo C, Larat V, Galloway TS, Salamatinia B
    Sci Rep, 2017 04 06;7:46173.
    PMID: 28383020 DOI: 10.1038/srep46173
    The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in saltwater bodies is relatively well studied, but nothing is known about their presence in most of the commercial salts that are widely consumed by humans across the globe. Here, we extracted MP-like particles larger than 149 μm from 17 salt brands originating from 8 different countries followed by the identification of their polymer composition using micro-Raman spectroscopy. Microplastics were absent in one brand while others contained between 1 to 10 MPs/Kg of salt. Out of the 72 extracted particles, 41.6% were plastic polymers, 23.6% were pigments, 5.50% were amorphous carbon, and 29.1% remained unidentified. The particle size (mean ± SD) was 515 ± 171 μm. The most common plastic polymers were polypropylene (40.0%) and polyethylene (33.3%). Fragments were the primary form of MPs (63.8%) followed by filaments (25.6%) and films (10.6%). According to our results, the low level of anthropogenic particles intake from the salts (maximum 37 particles per individual per annum) warrants negligible health impacts. However, to better understand the health risks associated with salt consumption, further development in extraction protocols are needed to isolate anthropogenic particles smaller than 149 μm.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics/chemistry*
  9. Migration of endocrine-disrupting chemicals into food from plastic packaging materials: an overview of chemical risk assessment, techniques to monitor migration, and international regulations
    Ong HT, Samsudin H, Soto-Valdez H
    Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr, 2022;62(4):957-979.
    PMID: 33081493 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1830747
    Plastic packaging materials (PPMs) protect food from contamination, maintain quality, and ease transportation and distribution. Additives included during the manufacturing and processing of PPMs improve flexibility, durability, barrier properties, and sometimes aid the processing itself. During processing, these additives, even the monomers used to produce the plastics, can produce side products or breakdown products as a result of degradation and various chemical reactions. These starting substances and reaction products include 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (bisphenol A), phthalates/phthalic acid esters, alkylphenols, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, which are considered endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that may interfere with the human endocrine system and produce adverse reproductive, neurological, developmental, and immune effects. When in contact with food, EDCs can migrate into food if conditions are appropriate, thereby possibly jeopardizing food safety. Chemical risk assessment and regulatory control were developed to reduce human exposure to harmful migrated EDCs. This article gives an overview of the migration of EDCs from PPMs and control measures to reduce the risk of adverse impacts on human health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics/toxicity
  10. Smallholder vegetable farming produces more soil microplastics pollution than large-scale farming
    Hao Y, Sun H, Zeng X, Dong G, Kronzucker HJ, Min J, et al.
    Environ Pollut, 2023 Jan 15;317:120805.
    PMID: 36470457 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120805
    Microplastics (MPs) accumulation in farmland has attracted global concern. Smallholder farming is the dominant type in China's agriculture. Compared with large-scale farming, smallholder farming is not constrained by restrictive environmental policies and public awareness about pollution. Consequently, the degree to which smallholder farming is associated with MP pollution in soils is largely unknown. Here, we collected soil samples from both smallholder and large-scale vegetable production systems to determine the distribution and characteristics of MPs. MP abundance in vegetable soils was 147.2-2040.4 MP kg-1 (averaged with 500.8 MP kg-1). Soil MP abundance under smallholder cultivation (730.9 MP kg-1) was twice that found under large-scale cultivation (370.7 MP kg-1). MP particle sizes in smallholder and large-scale farming were similar, and were mainly <1 mm. There were also differences in MP characteristics between the two types of vegetable soils: fragments (60%) and fibers (34%) were dominant under smallholder cultivation, while fragments (42%), fibers (42%), and films (11%) were dominant under large-scale cultivation. We observed a significant difference in the abundance of fragments and films under smallholder versus large-scale cultivation; the main components of MPs under smallholder cultivation were PP (34%), PE (28%), and PE-PP (10%), while these were PE (29%), PP (16%), PET (16%), and PE-PP (13%) under large-scale cultivation. By identifying the shape and composition of microplastics, it can be inferred that agricultural films were not the main MP pollution source in vegetable soil. We show that smallholder farming produces more microplastics pollution than large-scale farming in vegetable soil.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*
  11. Thermocatalytic conversion of wood-plastic composite over HZSM-5 catalysts
    Seo J, Kim H, Jeon S, Valizadeh S, Khani Y, Jeon BH, et al.
    Bioresour Technol, 2023 Apr;373:128702.
    PMID: 36740100 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128702
    Air gasification of the Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) was performed over Ni-loaded HZSM-5 catalysts to generate H2-rich gas. Increasing SiO2/Al2O3 ratio (SAR) of HZSM-5 adversely affected catalytic activity, where the highest gas yield (51.38 wt%) and H2 selectivity (27.01 vol%) were acquired using 20 %Ni/HZSM-5(30) than those produced over 20 %Ni/HZSM-5(80) and 20 %Ni/HZSM-5(280). Reducing SAR was also favorably conducive to increasing the acyclic at the expense of cyclic compounds in oil products. These phenomena are attributed to enhanced acid strength and Ni dispersion of 20 %Ni/HZSM-5(30) catalyst. Moreover, catalytic activity in the terms of gas yield and H2 selectivity enhanced with growing Ni loading to 20 %. Also, the addition of promoters (Cu and Ca) to 20 %Ni/HZSM-5(30) boosted the catalytic efficiency for H2-rich gas generation. Raising temperature indicated a positive relevance with the gas yield and H2 selectivity. WPC valorization via gasification technology would be an outstanding outlook in the terms of a waste-to-energy platform.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*
  12. Microplastic pollution in freshwater systems in Southeast Asia: contamination levels, sources, and ecological impacts
    Chen HL, Selvam SB, Ting KN, Gibbins CN
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Oct;28(39):54222-54237.
    PMID: 34386926 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15826-x
    Plastics are synthetic polymers known for their outstanding durability and versatility, and have replaced traditional materials in many applications. Unfortunately, their unique traits ensure that they pose a major threat to the environment. While literature on freshwater microplastic contamination has grown over the recent years, research undertaken in rapidly developing countries, where plastic production and use are increasing dramatically, has lagged behind that in other parts of the world. In the South East Asia (SEA) region, basic information on levels of contamination is very limited and, as a consequence, the risk to human and ecological health remains hard to assess. This review synthesises what is currently known about microplastic contamination of freshwater ecosystems in SEA, with a particular focus on Malaysia. The review 1) summarises published studies that have assessed levels of contamination in freshwater systems in SEA, 2) discusses key sources and transport pathways of microplastic in freshwaters, 3) outlines what is known of the impacts of microplastic on freshwater organisms, and 4) identifies key knowledge gaps related to our understanding of the transport, fate and effects of microplastic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*
  13. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) bioplastic, the green solution for single-use petroleum plastic food packaging - A review
    Rahardiyan D, Moko EM, Tan JS, Lee CK
    Enzyme Microb Technol, 2023 Aug;168:110260.
    PMID: 37224591 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2023.110260
    Plastic throughout the years is now one of the biggest world commodities and also the largest pollution to have an environmental impact, accumulating in landfills and also leaching into water systems and oceans. Especially with the shift to single-use disposable plastic, evermore positions plastics as the number one novel entity that pollutes the earth. This shift is also consistent in the food packaging industry. Managing plastic waste is still an issue at large, while the process of pyrolysis incineration still requires an obscene amount of energy that also does not resolve the problems with its environmental impact, the cost of mechanical-chemical degradation even outweighs the cost of producing the materials, and biodegradation process is a very slow and long process. Converting to bioplastics is one of the potential solutions to the global plastic issue. This review covers the potentials, limitations, challenges, progress and advancements of bioplastics, especially thermoplastic starch (starch-based bioplastic) in their efforts to replace petroleum plastics in food packaging and smart food packaging, especially for single-use (disposable) food packaging.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*
  14. Recent advances in micro (nano) plastics in the environment: Distribution, health risks, challenges and future prospects
    Ma YB, Xie ZY, Hamid N, Tang QP, Deng JY, Luo L, et al.
    Aquat Toxicol, 2023 Aug;261:106597.
    PMID: 37311378 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106597
    Environmental micro(nano)plastics have become a significant global pollution problem due to the widespread use of plastic products. In this review, we summarized the latest research advances on micro(nano)plastics in the environment, including their distribution, health risks, challenges, and future prospect. Micro(nano)plastics have been found in a variety of environmental media, such as the atmosphere, water bodies, sediment, and especially marine systems, even in remote places like Antarctica, mountain tops, and the deep sea. The accumulation of micro(nano)plastics in organisms or humans through ingestion or other passive ways poses a series of negative impacts on metabolism, immune function, and health. Moreover, due to their large specific surface area, micro(nano)plastics can also adsorb other pollutants, causing even more serious effects on animal and human health. Despite the significant health risks posed by micro(nano)plastics, there are limitations in the methods used to measure their dispersion in the environment and their potential health risks to organisms. Therefore, further research is needed to fully understand these risks and their impacts on the environment and human health. Taken together, the challenges of micro(nano)plastics analysis in the environment and organisms must be addressed, and future research prospects need to be identified. Governments and individuals must take action to reduce plastic waste and minimize the negative impact of micro(nano)plastics on the environment and human health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics/toxicity
  15. Fulltext Predicting compressive strength of eco-friendly plastic sand paver blocks using gene expression and artificial intelligence programming
    Iftikhar B, Alih SC, Vafaei M, Javed MF, Rehman MF, Abdullaev SS, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Jul 27;13(1):12149.
    PMID: 37500697 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39349-2
    Plastic sand paver blocks provide a sustainable alternative by using plastic waste and reducing the need for cement. This innovative approach leads to a more sustainable construction sector by promoting environmental preservation. No model or Equation has been devised that can predict the compressive strength of these blocks. This study utilized gene expression programming (GEP) and multi-expression programming (MEP) to develop empirical models to forecast the compressive strength of plastic sand paver blocks (PSPB) comprised of plastic, sand, and fibre in an effort to advance the field. The database contains 135 results for compressive strength with seven input parameters. The R2 values of 0.87 for GEP and 0.91 for MEP for compressive strength reveal a relatively significant relationship between predicted and actual values. MEP outperformed GEP by displaying a higher R2 and lower values for statistical evaluations. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was conducted, which revealed that the sand grain size and percentage of fibres play an essential part in compressive strength. It was estimated that they contributed almost 50% of the total. The outcomes of this research have the potential to promote the reuse of PSPB in the building of green environments, hence boosting environmental protection and economic advantage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*
  16. Fulltext Nano-plastics and gastric health: Decoding the cytotoxic mechanisms of polystyrene nano-plastics size
    Han M, Zhu T, Liang J, Wang H, Zhu C, Lee Binti Abdullah A, et al.
    Environ Int, 2024 Jan;183:108380.
    PMID: 38141489 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108380
    Gastrointestinal diseases exert a profound impact on global health, leading to millions of healthcare interventions and a significant number of fatalities annually. This, coupled with escalating healthcare expenditures, underscores the need for identifying and addressing potential exacerbating factors. One emerging concern is the pervasive presence of microplastics and nano-plastics in the environment, largely attributed to the indiscriminate usage of disposable plastic items. These nano-plastics, having infiltrated our food chain, pose a potential threat to gastrointestinal health. To understand this better, we co-cultured human gastric fibroblasts (HGF) with polystyrene nano-plastics (PS-NPs) of diverse sizes (80, 500, 650 nm) and meticulously investigated their cellular responses over a 24-hour period. Our findings revealed PS particles were ingested by the cells, with a notable increase in ingestion as the particle size decreased. The cellular death induced by these PS particles, encompassing both apoptosis and necrosis, showcased a clear dependence on both the particle size and its concentration. Notably, the larger PS particles manifested more potent cytotoxic effects. Further analysis indicated a concerning reduction in cellular membrane potential, alongside a marked increase in ROS levels upon PS particles exposure. This suggests a significant disruption of mitochondrial function and heightened oxidative stress. The larger PS particles were especially detrimental in causing mitochondrial dysfunction. In-depth exploration into the PS particles impact on genes linked with the permeability transition pore (PTP) elucidated that these PS particles instigated an internal calcium rush. This surge led to a compromise in the mitochondrial membrane potential, which in tandem with raised ROS levels, further catalyzed DNA damage and initiated cell death pathways. In essence, this study unveils the intricate mechanisms underpinning cell death caused by PS particles in gastric epithelial cells and highlighting the implications of PS particles on gastrointestinal health. The revelations from this research bear significant potential to shape future healthcare strategies and inform pertinent environmental policies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics/analysis
  17. Unveiling the Microfiber Release Footprint: Guiding Control Strategies in the Textile Production Industry
    Wang M, Yang J, Zheng S, Jia L, Yong ZY, Yong EL, et al.
    Environ Sci Technol, 2023 Dec 19;57(50):21038-21049.
    PMID: 38064758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06210
    Microplastic fibers from textiles have been known to significantly contribute to marine microplastic pollution. However, little is known about the microfiber formation and discharge during textile production. In this study, we have quantified microfiber emissions from one large and representative textile factory during different stages, spanning seven different materials, including cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics, to further guide control strategies. Wet-processing steps released up to 25 times more microfibers than home laundering, with dyeing contributing to 95.0% of the total emissions. Microfiber release could be reduced by using white coloring, a lower dyeing temperature, and a shorter dyeing duration. Thinner, denser yarns increased microfiber pollution, whereas using tightly twisted fibers mitigated release. Globally, wet textile processing potentially produced 6.4 kt of microfibers in 2020, with China, India, and the US as significant contributors. The study underlined the environmental impact of textile production and the need for mitigation strategies, particularly in dyeing processes and fiber choice. In addition, no significant difference was observed between the virgin polyesters and the used ones. Replacing virgin fibers with recycled fibers in polyester fabrics, due to their increasing consumption, might offer another potential solution. The findings highlighted the substantial impact of textile production on microfiber released into the environment, and optimization of material selection, knitting technologies, production processing, and recycled materials could be effective mitigation strategies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*
  18. Occurrence and characteristics of microplastics pollution in tropical agricultural soils in Klang Valley, Malaysia
    Shanmugam SD, Praveena SM, Wahid SA, Liew JYC
    Environ Monit Assess, 2024 Jan 12;196(2):144.
    PMID: 38214797 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12330-w
    Presently, microplastic pollution has emerged as a growing environmental risk around the world. Nevertheless, knowledge of the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in tropical agricultural soil is limited. This study investigated the pollution of surface soil microplastics in two agricultural farms located at Klang Valley, Malaysia. An extraction method based on density separation by using saturated extraction solution (sodium sulfate, ρ = 2 g cm-3 and sucrose, ρ = 1.59 g cm-3 with a ratio 1:1, v/v) was carried out. The study revealed the mean particle size of soil microplastics with 3260.76 ± 880.38 μm in farm A and 2822.31 ± 408.48 μm in farm B. The dominant types of soil microplastics were fragments and films with major colors of white (59%) and transparent (28%) in farm A, while black (52%) and white (37.6%) in farm B. Representatives of soil microplastics detected polymers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polycarbonate (PC), and polystyrene (PS). The sources of plastic products were black and white plastic pipes, black plastic films for vegetation, fertilizer bottles, plastic water containers and polystyrene storage boxes, and the breakdown processes, contributed to the microplastic pollution in these farms. The outcomes of this study will establish a better understanding of microplastic pollution in tropical agricultural soil in the Southeast Asian region. The findings would be beneficial as supportive reference for the endeavor to reduce microplastic pollution in agricultural soil.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*
  19. Fulltext Effects of microplastics on soil microorganisms and microbial functions in nutrients and carbon cycling - A review
    Aralappanavar VK, Mukhopadhyay R, Yu Y, Liu J, Bhatnagar A, Praveena SM, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2024 May 10;924:171435.
    PMID: 38438042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171435
    The harmful effects of microplastics (MPs) pollution in the soil ecosystem have drawn global attention in recent years. This paper critically reviews the effects of MPs on soil microbial diversity and functions in relation to nutrients and carbon cycling. Reports suggested that both plastisphere (MP-microbe consortium) and MP-contaminated soils had distinct and lower microbial diversity than that of non-contaminated soils. Alteration in soil physicochemical properties and microbial interactions within the plastisphere facilitated the enrichment of plastic-degrading microorganisms, including those involved in carbon (C) and nutrient cycling. MPs conferred a significant increase in the relative abundance of soil nitrogen (N)-fixing and phosphorus (P)-solubilizing bacteria, while decreased the abundance of soil nitrifiers and ammonia oxidisers. Depending on soil types, MPs increased bioavailable N and P contents and nitrous oxide emission in some instances. Furthermore, MPs regulated soil microbial functional activities owing to the combined toxicity of organic and inorganic contaminants derived from MPs and contaminants frequently encountered in the soil environment. However, a thorough understanding of the interactions among soil microorganisms, MPs and other contaminants still needs to develop. Since currently available reports are mostly based on short-term laboratory experiments, field investigations are needed to assess the long-term impact of MPs (at environmentally relevant concentration) on soil microorganisms and their functions under different soil types and agro-climatic conditions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*
  20. Tracing beach litter sources: Drink lids tell a different story from their bottles
    Ryan PG, Pichegru L, Connan M
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2024 Apr;201:116186.
    PMID: 38402698 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116186
    Water and soft drink bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sink at sea unless they contain trapped air, whereas their lids are made from polymers that float and can drift long distances. We sampled loose lids and bottles at 21 South African beaches to compare their origins. The proportions of foreign-made bottles and lids were correlated, and increased away from urban centres, indicating that much land-based litter strands close to source areas. Over 80 % of foreign-made drink bottles and 90 % of lids came from Asia, but most bottles were manufactured in China, Malaysia-Singapore and the UAE, and were dumped from ships. By comparison, most loose lids were in poor condition after being carried across the Indian Ocean from Indonesia by the South Equatorial Current. Reducing PET drink bottles at sea requires enforcement of regulations banning dumping at sea, whereas reducing their lids requires better control of littering in source countries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plastics*
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