Recent advances and future perspectives in engineering biodegradable face masks

Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11(4), P. 1575 - 1592

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Development of biodegradable and functionalised face mask nonwovens to address the plastic pollution issue generated by disposable masks.

Language: Английский

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Use, reuse, and waste management of single‐use products associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States

Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 20(5), P. 1736 - 1746

Published: Feb. 14, 2024

Abstract Single‐use product usage is not a new concern. However, during the early stages of COVID‐19 pandemic, use and disposal single‐use products, especially those related to managing rose prominence. Reports shortages—and at same time litter formation arising from improper various pandemic‐related materials such as gloves, masks, wipes, food takeout containers—were frequently relayed. To address shortages, it was recommended that products be reused in some instances. As these recommendations were widely adopted, became essential assess consumer preferences regarding usage. Aiming fill void, survey distributed learn about usage, possible reuse waste‐management practices pandemic US. Respondents preferred reusable fabric masks followed by disposable surgical masks. A significant percentage respondents answered they would mask mostly selected rotating “disinfection” method between Gloves used most whereas wipes and/or paper towels more than half respondents. Free‐response answers analyzed for common themes. Concerns disposal, packaging or preparation observed free‐response answers. This reveals perceived changes their consumption waste generation change type consumed discarded due pandemic. Overall, expressed preference concern over increase products. Results this study can make projections on crisis scenarios. In addition, data model phase life‐cycle assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1736–1746. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment Management published Wiley Periodicals LLC behalf Society Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Language: Английский

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Effects of disposable face mask microplastics on soil properties and microbial communities

CATENA, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 244, P. 108233 - 108233

Published: July 16, 2024

Language: Английский

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Reusability of face masks: Influence of washing and comparison of performance between medical face masks and community face masks

Environmental Technology & Innovation, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 28, P. 102710 - 102710

Published: June 4, 2022

Reusability of masks is a rising environmental concern.Community face present more eco-friendly option as they can be washed and reused several times.The potential reuse single use medical also interest.In this work, the impact 20 wash cycles (at 60 • C with detergent air-drying) on particle filtration efficiency (particle size range 0.1-6.5 µm) breathability was studied.With regards to performance new masks, mask had 31 Pa.cm -2 whilst it ranged from 9 59 for community masks.Additionally, 3 µm particles, 99% 28%-89% masks.Mixed fabric were able maintain their up washing cycles.The 100% cotton less breathable but higher because shrinkage fabric.The its sizes ≥ µm, however significantly reduced submicron particles.This presence caused loss electrostatic charges led decrease collection by forces.All things considered, both times, performances in terms (for that remain globally little changed after washing.

Language: Английский

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aPDI meets PPE: photochemical decontamination in healthcare using methylene blue—where are we now, where will we go?

Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 23(2), P. 215 - 223

Published: Jan. 2, 2024

Language: Английский

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Shaping a federal strategy for chemical recycling: Moving toward sensible applications of emerging technologies in US plastic waste management

Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 43(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Abstract Plastic waste management requires a diverse portfolio of strategies to avoid the most damaging environmental and social impacts plastic lifecycle meet current national international policy goals. The limitations existing mechanical recycling methods for processing have motivated development commercialization chemical processes. novelty diversity such pathways beg critical questions how these emerging technologies will fit within frameworks contribute recycling, pollution, objectives. This work provides technical background into methods, differing modern approaches at various levels governance. Finally, this summarizes key conflicts crafts recommendations future action on in three main areas: (1) defining an objective identifying sensible applications technologies, (2) filling gaps knowledge upholding justice protections, (3) implementing suite policies complement recycling's role strategy.

Language: Английский

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Review of recent advances in piezoelectric material for nanogenerator application: preparation methods, material selection, performance, applications, and future outlook

Journal of Materials Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 59(41), P. 19380 - 19423

Published: Oct. 10, 2024

Language: Английский

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Effects of Microplastics from Face Masks on Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Agricultural Soil: Development of Soil Quality Index “SQI”

Applied Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(4), P. 2010 - 2010

Published: Feb. 14, 2025

Microplastics (MPs) are of great interest for study because they accumulate in environmental systems, such as terrestrial ones, which include agricultural soils. Unfortunately, recent years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many face masks have been discarded environment, causing an increase this type MP. This accumulation can influence physicochemical and biological properties soil derived from its microbial activity. In present study, different concentrations MPs commercial polypropylene (PP) were mixed with soil. Four treatments following MP studied: T1: 0%, T2: 0.5%, T3: 1%, T4: 5% w w−1. C N mineralization experiments carried out over time at microcosm level, where physicochemical, enzymatic ecophysiological indicators analyzed. Based on analyzed indicators, a quality index called Unified Weighted Additive Index (SQIu) was developed. The resulting SQIu showed Nmin indicator closest relationship soils MPs. Once determined, T4 treatment significant differences (p≤0.05) respect control, presenting higher value. importance conducting more research dynamics types, sizes, help establish strategies measure effects local, national, international levels.

Language: Английский

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Enhancing Polypropylene Biodegradability Through Additive Integration for Sustainable and Reusable Laboratory Applications

Polymers, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(5), P. 639 - 639

Published: Feb. 27, 2025

The environmental challenges posed by laboratory plastic waste, particularly single-use items, underscore the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This study investigated development of reusable and biodegradable labware, addressing both functional demands. content additive in polypropylene (PP) varied from 1% to 2% weight via twin-screw extrusion, followed injection molding fabricate test specimens. Three different grades PP were also compared. Optical, mechanical, thermal properties systematically assessed before after repetitive autoclave sterilization up 10 cycles (121 °C, 15 min, 0.11 MPa). Additionally, cytotoxicity following electron beam irradiation (E-Beam 25 50 kGy) was evaluated compliance with ISO 10993-5, alongside biodegradability studies conducted under ASTM D5511 conditions. results demonstrate that stabilized appearance enhanced flexural impact strengths without compromising stability, five cycles. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed biocompatibility additive-modified PP, while tests indicated moderate degradation, 12% biodegradation achieved over 6 months compared negligible degradation negative control. These findings highlight potential as a solution balancing durability improved performance providing viable step toward more practices.

Language: Английский

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Microplastics: An emerging environmental risk factor for gut microbiota dysbiosis and cancer development?

Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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