Microplastic regulation should be more precise to incentivize both innovation and environmental safety

Nature Communications, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 11(1)

Опубликована: Окт. 21, 2020

The presence of plastic in the environment has sparked discussion amongst scientists, regulators and general public as to how industrialization consumerism is shaping our world. Here we discuss restrictions on intentional use primary microplastics: small solid polymer particles applications ranging from agriculture cosmetics. Microplastic hazards are uncertain, actions not similarly prioritized by all actors. In some instances, replacement technically simple easily justified, but others substitutions may come with more uncertainty, performance questions costs. Scientific impact assessment microplastics compared their alternatives relies a number factors, such microplastic harm, existence materials quality, cost alternative materials. Regulations need precise focus must be enforceable these measurements. Policymakers carefully evaluate under which contexts incentives replace certain can stimulate innovation new, competitive environmentally conscious

Язык: Английский

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Understanding and Improving Microplastic Removal during Water Treatment: Impact of Coagulation and Flocculation

Environmental Science & Technology, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 54(14), С. 8719 - 8727

Опубликована: Июнь 16, 2020

The efficacy of plastic particle removal by municipal water treatment plants is currently uncertain, and the mechanisms involved in microplastic (MP) coagulation flocculation have only been superficially investigated. pristine versus weathered debris impact size on remain largely unexplored. In this study, coagulation, flocculation, settling performances were investigated using MPs (polyethylene (PE) polystyrene (PS) microspheres, polyester (PEST) fibers). Weathering processes that changed surface chemistry roughness impacted MP affinity for coagulants flocculants. A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring was used to identify during flocculation. Measured deposition rates confirmed relatively low between surfaces aluminum-based compared cationic polyacrylamide (PAM). every case examined, coagulant efficiency increased when weathered. Removals 97 99% measured PEST PE, respectively. Larger PE most resistant 82% observed even under enhanced conditions. By understanding interaction mechanisms, optimized. Finally, study explored use settled turbidity as a possible indicator removal.

Язык: Английский

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Reducing environmental plastic pollution by designing polymer materials for managed end-of-life

Nature Reviews Materials, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 7(2), С. 104 - 116

Опубликована: Окт. 11, 2021

Язык: Английский

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Characteristics of Plastic Pollution in the Environment: A Review

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Год журнала: 2020, Номер 107(4), С. 577 - 584

Опубликована: Март 12, 2020

Язык: Английский

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A review of human and animals exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Health risk and adverse effects, photo-induced toxicity and regulating effect of microplastics

The Science of The Total Environment, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 773, С. 145403 - 145403

Опубликована: Янв. 28, 2021

Язык: Английский

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