Effect of microplastics in water and aquatic systems

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 28(16), P. 19544 - 19562

Published: March 2, 2021

Language: Английский

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Challenges and new opportunities on barrier performance of biodegradable polymers for sustainable packaging

Progress in Polymer Science, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 117, P. 101395 - 101395

Published: April 21, 2021

Biodegradable polymers have emerged as a subject of enormous scientific and industrial interest due to their environmentally friendly compostability. For the benefit market economy reoccurring environmental hazards, biodegradable materials should play more critical role in packaging materials, which currently accounts for 60% plastic products. However, various challenges remain towards practical applications. Particularly pertaining poor gas/moisture barrier issues greatly limit food application current polymers. The chain architecture tailoring, crystallinity, melt blending/multi-layer co-extrusion, nanotechnology surface coating been considered effective strategies overcoming facing polymers, extensively researched decades. In this review, we provide an in-depth study on oxygen/water vapor representative mainstream research with emphasis theoretical models experimental modifications improve properties. influence improvement, pros/cons each method are summarized. limitations methods discussed, potential overcome these presented. Finally, conclude review by listing associated properties, processing scalability market, future perspectives sustainable composites field.

Language: Английский

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Detection and Analysis of Microplastics in Human Sputum

Environmental Science & Technology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 56(4), P. 2476 - 2486

Published: Jan. 24, 2022

Microplastic pollution is an emerging environmental problem, and little research has focused on its impact the human body. Based retrospective case series, study required participants to fill out a questionnaire provide sputum samples in order investigate presence of microplastics determine whether humans involuntarily inhale them. A total 22 patients suffering from different respiratory diseases were recruited. We used Agilent 8700 laser infrared imaging spectrometer Fourier-transform microscope analyze evaluate tract. Remarkably, size range method for detecting our 20–500 μm. The results showed that 21 types identified, polyurethane was dominant, followed by polyester, chlorinated polyethylene, alkyd varnish, accounting 78.36% microplastics. Most aspirated detected are smaller than 500 μm (median: 75.43 μm; interquartile range: 44.67–210.64 μm). Microplastics ubiquitous all sputum, indicating inhalation potential way plastics enter Additionally, quantities microplastic tract related smoking, invasive examination, etc. (P < 0.05). This sheds new light exposure, which provides basic data risk assessment health.

Language: Английский

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The missing ocean plastic sink: Gone with the rivers

Science, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 373(6550), P. 107 - 111

Published: July 1, 2021

Plastic floating at the ocean surface, estimated tens to hundreds of thousands metric tons, represents only a small fraction several million tons annually discharged by rivers. Such an imbalance promoted search for missing plastic sink that could explain rapid removal river-sourced plastics from surface. On basis in-depth statistical reanalysis updated data on microplastics-a size which both and river sampling rely equal techniques-we demonstrate current flux assessments are overestimated two three orders magnitude. Accordingly, average residence time microplastics surface rises few days years, strongly reducing theoretical need sink.

Language: Английский

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Behaviors and influencing factors of the heavy metals adsorption onto microplastics: A review

Journal of Cleaner Production, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 319, P. 128777 - 128777

Published: Aug. 23, 2021

Language: Английский

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The fate of plastic in the ocean environment – a minireview

Environmental Science Processes & Impacts, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 23(2), P. 198 - 212

Published: Jan. 1, 2021

The fate of plastic in the ocean is influenced by physical, chemical and biological stressors. These cause fragemntation formation micro nanoplastics but also degradation plastics.

Language: Английский

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Microplastics in aquatic environment: Challenges and perspectives

Chemosphere, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 282, P. 131151 - 131151

Published: June 12, 2021

Language: Английский

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Plastic ingestion by marine fish is widespread and increasing

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 27(10), P. 2188 - 2199

Published: Feb. 9, 2021

Abstract Plastic pollution has pervaded almost every facet of the biosphere, yet we lack an understanding consumption risk by marine species at global scale. To address this, compile data from research documenting plastic debris ingestion fish, totaling 171,774 individuals 555 species. Overall, 386 fish have ingested including 210 commercial importance. However, 148 studied had no records consumption, suggesting that while this evolutionary trap is widespread, it not universal. Across all studies accounted for microplastics, incidence rate was 26%. Over last decade doubled, increasing 2.4 ± 0.4% per year. This driven both detection smaller sized particles as a result improved methodologies, well increase in consuming plastic. Further, investigated role geographic, ecological, and behavioral factors across These analyses revealed abundance surface waters positively correlated to ingestion. Demersal are more likely ingest shallow waters; contrast, pelagic were most consume below mixed layer. Mobile predatory highest likelihood plastic; similarly, found positive relationship between trophic level We also find evidence ingestion‐deep sea egestion microplastics mesopelagic myctophids key mechanism export ocean seafloor, sink debris. results elucidate ecology biogeography underlying point toward regions urgent need study.

Language: Английский

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The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health

Annals of Global Health, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 89(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances modern civilization in fields as diverse medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for harms human health, economy, earth's environment. These occur at every stage plastic life cycle, from extraction coal, oil, gas its main feedstocks through ultimate disposal into The extent these not been systematically assessed, their magnitude fully quantified, economic costs comprehensively counted.The goals this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Human Health examine plastics' impacts across cycle on: (1) health well-being; (2) global environment, especially ocean; (3) economy; (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, world's children. On basis examination, offers science-based recommendations designed support development a Global Treaty, protect save lives.This report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents narrative review processes involved production, use, notes hazards environment associated with each stages. 3 describes ocean potential enter marine web result exposure. 4 details health. 5 first-order estimate health-related costs. 6 examines intersection between plastic, social inequity, environmental injustice. 7 Commission's findings recommendations.Plastics complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% produced fossil carbon- oil gas. comprised carbon-based polymer backbone thousands additional chemicals incorporated polymers convey specific properties such color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, ultraviolet resistance. Many added toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants endocrine disruptors phthalates, bisphenols, per- poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated retardants, organophosphate retardants. integral components many environment.Global production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) manufactured. Annual volume grown under Mt 1950 460 2019, 230-fold increase, track triple by 2060. More half all ever 2002. Single-use account 35-40% current represent rapidly growing segment manufacture.Explosive recent growth reflects deliberate pivot integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations produce manufacture plastics. reducing fuels increasing manufacture. two principal factors decreasing demand due increases 'green' energy, massive expansion fracking.Plastic energy-intensive contributes significantly climate change. At present, estimated 3.7% greenhouse emissions, contribution Brazil. This fraction projected increase 4.5% 2060 if trends continue unchecked.The three phases: disposal. In carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, oil-are transformed energy-intensive, catalytic vast array products. Plastic use occurs aspect results widespread exposure contained plastic. constitute largest portion followed fibers construction.Plastic inefficient, recovery recycling rates below 10% globally. 22 waste enters year, much it single-use gigatons accumulated 1950. Strategies controlled uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, export. Vast quantities exported year high-income low-income countries, where accumulates landfills, pollutes air water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches estuaries, health-environmental injustice scale. Plastic-laden e-waste particularly problematic.Plastics plastic-associated pollution. contaminate aquatic (marine freshwater), terrestrial, atmospheric environments destination found throughout ocean, including coastal regions, sea surface, deep sea, polar ice. appear resist breakdown could persist decades. Macro- micro-plastic particles identified hundreds species major taxa, consumed humans. Trophic transfer microplastic within them demonstrated. Although themselves (>10 µm) undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic bioaccumulate animals biomagnify webs. amounts fates smaller nanoplastic (MNPs <10 poorly understood, but harm worrying given mobility biological systems. Adverse pollution multiple levels molecular biochemical population ecosystem. MNP contamination seafood direct, though well chemicals. Marine endangers ecosystems upon which depends food, oxygen, livelihood, well-being.Coal miners, workers field who extract suffer mortality traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary lung cancer. risk leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast mesothelioma, neurotoxic decreased fertility. Workers producing textiles die bladder interstitial disease rates. toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, Residents "fenceline" communities adjacent sites experience risks premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood cancer.During disposal, release additives residual monomers people. National biomonitoring surveys USA document population-wide exposures disrupt function births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive defects, infertility, obesity, renal cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed degradation can living organisms, Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates may cause toxicity physical toxicological effects acting vectors transport bacterial pathogens tissues cells.Infants womb young children populations high plastic-related effects. Because exquisite sensitivity early hazardous children's unique patterns exposure, linked prematurity, stillbirth, defects organs, impairment, impaired growth, Early-life non-communicable diseases later life.Plastic's We 2015 exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, alone disability caused PBDE, BPA DEHP $920 Int$). (GHG) emissions equivalent 1.96 dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) cost metric, we annual GHG be $341 Int$).These costs, large they are, certainly underestimate full losses resulting negative All costs-and costs-are externalized petrochemical manufacturing industry borne citizens, taxpayers, governments countries around world without compensation.The adverse economy evenly distributed. disproportionately affect disempowered, marginalized workers, racial ethnic communities, Indigenous groups, women, children, whom had little do creating crisis lack political influence or resources address it. Plastics' harmful keenly felt South, small island states, disenfranchised areas North. Social justice (SEJ) principles require reversal inequitable burdens ensure no group bears disproportionate share those benefit economically bear fair currently costs.It clear sustainable societal injustices.The driver worsening exponential accelerating production. further magnified long persistence environment.The plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, non-intentionally substances-include amongst number known disruptors, neurotoxicants, persistent organic pollutants. planetary leach out plastics, pollution, disease. efforts reduce must chemicals.To at-risk populations, put end 2040, supports urgent adoption nations strong comprehensive Treaty accord mandate set forth March 2022 resolution United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures needed curb because transcend national boundaries, scale, well-being people poorest nations. Effective implementation will international action coordinated complemented interventions national, regional, local levels.This urges cap targets, timetables, contributions central provision Treaty. recommend inclusion following provisions:The needs extend beyond microplastics litter plastics.The banning severely restricting unnecessary, avoidable, problematic items, items manufactured microbeads.The requirements extended producer responsibility (EPR) make producers, manufacturers products legally financially safety end-of-life management materials sell.The reductions complexity products; health-protective standards additives; requirement non-toxic materials; disclosure components; traceability components. International cooperation essential implementing enforcing standards.The SEJ remedies fill gaps community knowledge advance both distributional procedural equity.This encourages calling exploration listing least pollutants (POPs) Stockholm Convention.This interface Basel London Conventions enhance slow exports least-developed countries.This recommends creation Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body guide Treaty's implementation. priorities would Member States other stakeholders evaluating solutions effective consumption, enhancing recycling, curbing generation waste. assess trade-offs among evaluate safer alternatives monitor transnational export coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, air-based monitoring programs.This investment research crisis. need determine cost-effective context particular proposed solutions. Oceanographic better measure concentrations µm understand distribution fate Biomedical elucidate MNPs.This finds boon stealth threat enormous benefits, linear pay attention design safe near absence recovery, reuse, grave damage, injustices. worsening.While there remain about uncertainties magnitude, available today demonstrates unequivocally severity intervention Manufacture continue. However, reckless ever-increasing unnecessary products, curbed.Global against failure act immense.

Language: Английский

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Oxidation and fragmentation of plastics in a changing environment; from UV-radiation to biological degradation

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 851, P. 158022 - 158022

Published: Aug. 12, 2022

Understanding the fate of plastics in environment is critical importance for quantitative assessment biological impacts plastic waste. Specially, there a need to analyze more detail reputed longevity context degradation through oxidation and fragmentation reactions. Photo-oxidation debris by solar UV radiation (UVR) makes material prone subsequent fragmentation. The fragments generated following exposure mechanical stresses include secondary micro- or nanoparticles, an emerging class pollutants. paper discusses UV-driven photo-oxidation process, identifying relevant knowledge gaps uncertainties. Serious exist concerning wavelength sensitivity dose-response photo-fragmentation process. Given heterogeneity natural irradiance varying from no sediments full floating, beach litter air-borne plastics, it argued that rates degradation/fragmentation will also vary dramatically between different locations environmental niches. Biological phenomena such as biofouling further modulate radiation, while potentially contributing and/or independent UVR. Reductions UVR many regions, consequent implementation Montreal Protocol its Amendments protecting stratospheric ozone, have consequences global heterogeneous manner across geographic zones. interacting effects warming, ozone are projected increase at surface localized areas, mainly because decreased cloud cover. complexity uncertainty future conditions, this currently precludes reliable predictions persistence on scale.

Language: Английский

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