Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ashton Collins, Mohamed Ateia, Kartik Bhagat, Tsutomu Ohno, Francois Perreault, Onur Apul
Summary: This study analyzed the surface interactions and leachate production of six microplastics under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The results showed that UV irradiation caused the release of organic matter from the surface of microplastics, with polystyrene and resin coated polystyrene producing the most leachate. The differences in leachate formation for different polymers were attributed to their chemical makeup and their interaction with UV. These findings suggest that leachate formation is an important source of organic compound influx to natural waters.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junhao Qin, Bowen Liang, Zhenni Peng, Chuxia Lin
Summary: The experiment demonstrated that hydrolysis caused degradation of polycarbonate films and generation of microplastic particles. The deionized water treatment had the highest concentration of total organic carbon and the greatest number of microplastic particles, while elevated acidity or hydroxyl radical did not accelerate the hydrolytic degradation of the films.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zihan Xue, Xiang Yu, Xuebin Ke, Jian Zhao
Summary: In this study, a visible-light-driven photocatalysis and photothermal Fenton-like reaction method for the removal of microplastics is developed by utilizing alpha-Fe2O3 nanoflower on TiO2 with a hierarchical structure of inverse opal-like layer/nanotube arrays. The results show that the light initiation and photothermal effect are essential for achieving high degradation efficiency of plastics, and a distinctive melting phenomenon of plastics under mild conditions is observed for the first time. The catalyst system also demonstrates good performance in degrading plastic spheres and foam of different particle sizes. This work provides a novel strategy and insights for removing microplastics and bulk plastics.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-NANO
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Clara Lessa Belone, Marika Kokko, Essi Sarlin
Summary: A three-step method for sewage sludge purification using sodium dodecyl sulfate and hydrogen peroxide was proposed in this study. The effects of the purification method on different polymers were evaluated, showing varying levels of degradation among the tested plastics. PA66 and SBR were notably affected in terms of integrity, while other polymers showed less substantial degradation.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Valter Castelvetro, Andrea Corti, Jacopo La Nasa, Francesca Modugno, Alessio Ceccarini, Stefania Giannarelli, Virginia Vinciguerra, Monica Bertoldo
Summary: This paper describes an innovative method for quantifying microplastics in benthic marine sediments, which was successfully applied to analyze sediments from a sublittoral area north-west of Leghorn, Italy. The method accurately detected contamination by different polymer classes and allowed for quantification of the individual mass of contaminating nylon and polyethylene terephthalate.
Article
Fisheries
Juan Du, Yanqiu Hu, Miaomiao Hou, Jingyi Zhou, Feiyan Xiang, Hao Zheng, Xiankai Zhang, Xuelian He, Han Xiao
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between adiposity and microplastic bioaccumulation in fish. The results showed that the content of microplastics in fish exposed to high-fat diet (HFD) was significantly higher than that in fish fed a normal diet (ND). Furthermore, HFD combined with microplastic exposure resulted in increased levels of hepatic lipids and liver injury in the fish. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that microplastic exposure interferes with lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis in fish. Therefore, it is important to control plastic usage, implement proper recycling, and avoid blindly increasing fish weight through HFD to protect the quality of economic fish and prevent human consumption of microplastics through the food chain.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ann-Kathrin Vlacil, Sebastian Baenfer, Ralf Jacob, Nicole Trippel, Istemi Kuzu, Bernhard Schieffer, Karsten Grote
Summary: This study indicates polystyrene microplastics as a new environmental risk factor for endothelial inflammation, as they induce adhesion molecule expression in endothelial cells and enhance pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and release in monocytic cells.
Review
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
C. Nagendranatha Reddy, Parashuram Kallem, K. V. S. S. N. Mounika, Abdul Muqeet, J. Caleb Joel Raj, C. V. S. Aishwarya, Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Veerababu Polisetti, Bishwambhar Mishra, Rajasri Yadavalli, Sanjeeb Kumar Mandal, Mikael S. Hedenqvist, Fawzi Banat
Summary: This review focuses on the environmental problems caused by plastic pollution and the application of metagenomics in understanding plastic biodegradation. It discusses the methodology, analysis, and comparison of plastic-degrading bacteria, and highlights the potential impact on soil, water, air quality, and human health. It also provides possible solutions such as using biodegradable materials and implementing recycling programs. The review emphasizes the potential of metagenomics in developing sustainable solutions to plastic pollution.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Roberta Nugnes, Margherita Lavorgna, Elena Orlo, Chiara Russo, Marina Isidori
Summary: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased production of plastics worldwide, which poses a significant threat to ecosystems. This study investigated the acute, chronic, and subchronic effects of microplastic polystyrene beads on freshwater species, revealing varying impacts on different organisms and the potential for genetic damage and harmful substance production.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Thorsten Braun, Loreen Ehrlich, Wolfgang Henrich, Sebastian Koeppel, Ievgeniia Lomako, Philipp Schwabl, Bettina Liebmann
Summary: The study identified the presence of microplastics (> 50 μm) in placenta and meconium samples from caesarean deliveries, with polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane being the main types detected. However, airborne polyurethane microplastics were also found in the operating room, indicating potential contamination sources. Further research into nano-sized plastics in human tissues is recommended.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mitsuharu Yagi, Yurika Ono, Toshiya Kawaguchi
Summary: Numerous recent studies have shown that many aquatic animals ingest microplastics, but the reason why fish mistakenly feed on plastics remains unclear. This study found that biofilm on the surfaces of microplastics in the water environment may contribute to fish misfeeding. The results showed that the absorbance of microplastics increased exponentially with the formation of biofilm, and the probability and duration of capture by fish also significantly increased over time. This suggests that drifting microplastics in water may cause fish to mistake them for edible prey.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuting Zhang, Shunlan Wang, Volovych Olga, Yijia Xue, Shuguo Lv, Xiaoping Diao, Yingai Zhang, Qian Han, Hailong Zhou
Summary: Environmental microplastics can enter the human body through food and have negative effects on organism health. In this study, different sizes of polystyrene particles were examined for their effects on human colonic epithelial cells and small intestinal epithelial cells. The uptake of nanosized polystyrene particles was found to be more potential than microsized particles, and the amount of uptake was proportional to the exposure time. The polystyrene particles had no significant effect on cell viability and apoptosis, but the high concentration showed low toxicity to oxidative stress levels and mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, the membrane damage caused by microsized particles was significantly higher than that of nanosized particles.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alexei Christodoulides, Abigail Hall, Nathan J. Alves
Summary: This study investigates the influence of microplastics on blood clotting in human whole blood. Thromboelastography was used to examine different sizes and surface modifications of polystyrene particles. Results show that carboxylated polystyrene consistently activated the clotting cascade, while non-functionalized particles had minimal effects. Surface modification, size, concentration, and surface area of microplastics play an important role in in-vitro whole blood clotting dynamics.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Albert A. Koelmans, Paula E. Redondo-Hasselerharm, Nur Hazimah Mohamed Nor, Vera N. de Ruijter, Svenja M. Mintenig, Merel Kooi
Summary: This Review examines the properties of microplastic particles and discusses methods of assessing the risks they pose to humans and the environment. Microplastic particles are widespread in the environment and can be found in the air we breathe and the food we eat. The lack of a risk assessment framework that considers the multidimensionality of microplastic particles compared to natural particles is a key challenge. This article reviews current understanding of microplastic characteristics and effects and proposes a method for quantifying exposure and effect thresholds using probability density functions.
NATURE REVIEWS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Greta Biale, Jacopo La Nasa, Marco Mattonai, Andrea Corti, Virginia Vinciguerra, Valter Castelvetro, Francesca Modugno
Summary: The study analyzed the degradation processes of naturally photo-aged microplastic particles in the environment, revealing the generation of extractable low molecular weight products during photo-degradation. Different types of polymers produced different types of degradation products during the degradation process.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Mehrzad Feilizadeh, Marziehossadat Shokrollahi Yancheshmeh, Maria C. Iliuta
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Mehrzad Feilizadeh, Maria C. Iliuta
Article
Engineering, Environmental
M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Mehrzad Feilizadeh, Alexandre Babin, Bastian Mei, Guido Mul, Maria C. Iliut
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Nader Mahinpey, Mehrzad Feilizadeh, Farid Attar, Maria C. Iliuta
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2019)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mansoor Feilizadeh, M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Mohammad Khorram, Mohammad Reza Rahimpour
Review
Engineering, Chemical
M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Mehrzad Feilizadeh, Farid Attar, Maria C. Iliuta
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2020)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Xin Ying Kong, Ali Eslami, Han Sen Soo
Summary: This review discusses the latest advances and future trends in the chemical upcycling of waste plastics using processes such as photocatalytic, electrolytic, and microwave-assisted pyrolysis as more environmentally friendly alternatives. It highlights how transforming different types of plastics waste using alternative energy sources can result in value-added products, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Amene Zendegi-Shiraz, Mehrzad Feilizadeh, Alireza Iranbakhsh, Farid Attar, M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Yaser Nikparast, Marzieh Zendegi-Shiraz
Summary: The ACC process showed effective removal and degradation of triazole fungicides in wastewater, with the optimum conditions identified as a 50/50 ratio of Ag/PEG-CuO, pH 7, and an operating time of 85 minutes. The process proved to be successful in treating real wastewaters containing triazole fungicides by achieving complete removal and degradation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Marthe Kiendrebeogo, Ali Khosravanipour Mostafazadeh, Patrick Drogui, R. D. Tyagi
Summary: This study reviewed treatment processes and analytical techniques for microplastics and nanoplastics in water, discussing the strengths and limitations of different analytical techniques and analyzing the challenges and opportunities in treatment processes. It was concluded that a combination of separation and degradation processes could be a promising approach to efficiently mineralize plastics in water.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Alexandre Babin, Mehrzad Feilizadeh, Zahra Nayernia, Nader Mahinpey, Maria C. Iliuta
Summary: This study investigated the synthesis of hydrogen and carbon-containing value-added products from alcohols, aiming to reduce or eliminate CO2 generation through optimization of operating parameters. Different alcohols were tested under various conditions to determine the type and distribution of gas and liquid products generated.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marthe Kiendrebeogo, M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Yassine Ouarda, Patrick Drogui, R. D. Tyagi
Summary: This study investigates the role of main reactive oxygen species in the electrooxidation and electro-peroxidation of microplastics and nanoplastics in water. The study demonstrates that electro-peroxidation process is around 2.6 times more effective than electrooxidation process in degrading NPs, with an optimum degradation efficiency of 86.8%. Economic analysis shows that the operating cost of treating NPs using electro-peroxidation process is approximately 10 times less than using electrooxidation process.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Isbath Sanni, M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Anne Carabin, Patrick Drogui
Summary: The combination of EC and EO processes effectively treated highly contaminated industrial wastewater by using EC as a pre-treatment to remove phosphate ions and EO for COD removal, meeting the sewer discharge standard and reducing operating costs.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Mehrzad Feilizadeh, Farid Attar, Maria C. Iliuta
Summary: In recent years, rapid advances in biodiesel technologies have led to a glycerol glut in the market, resulting in a significant drop in its price. The development of glycerol valorization techniques, particularly the photocatalytic process, has attracted considerable attention for its potential to integrate solar energy with glycerol conversion at ambient conditions. Through analysis of glycerol photoreforming and photo-oxidation mechanisms, as well as evaluation of empirical models and synthesis parameters, researchers aim to address both challenges and opportunities in this forefront technology.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. R. Karimi Estahbanati, Mehrzad Feilizadeh, Maria C. Iliuta
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2017)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Attila Csaba Kondor, Anna Viktoria Vancsik, Laszlo Bauer, Lili Szabo, Zoltan Szalai, Gergely Jakab, Gabor Maasz, Marta Pedrosa, Maria Jose Sampaio, Ana Rita Lado Ribeiro
Summary: This review provides a critical overview of research on the removal efficiency of priority substances and compounds of emerging concern through bank filtration, discussing influencing factors and future challenges. The findings show that the efficiency of bank filtration is influenced by multiple factors and varies for different substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyan Wang, Shuai Zhang, Huihui Yan, Zhao Ma, Yunshan Zhang, Haining Luo, Xueli Yang
Summary: This study investigated the association between ambient PM2.5, O3 pollution, and ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged Chinese women. The results showed that increased exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was associated with decreased AMH levels, indicating reduced ovarian reserve. Notably, the effects of O3 exposure on ovarian reserve were different from those of PM2.5 exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Ma, Yanjuan Ding, Fengjiao Xu, Chen Zhang, Min Zhou, Ya Tang, Yanrong Chen, Yating Wen, Rufei Chen, Bin Tang, Shigui Wang
Summary: The dragonfly species Orthetrum albistylum can accumulate heavy metals, and its heat shock protein genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring environmental pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naoto Ishiwaka, Koya Hashimoto, Masayoshi K. Hiraiwa, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Taku Kadoya, Daisuke Hayasaka
Summary: Systemic insecticides and rising temperatures have combined effects on the abundance of Odonata nymphs in paddy fields. The standalone effect of insecticide exposure decreased the Odonata community, while nymphs decreased synergistically with temperature rise in paddy water. However, the impacts of each stressor alone varied among species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Vecchiato, Carlo Barbante, Elena Barbaro, Francois Burgay, Warren R. L. Cairns, Alice Callegaro, David Cappelletti, Federico Dallo, Marianna D'Amico, Matteo Feltracco, Jean-Charles Gallet, Andrea Gambaro, Catherine Larose, Niccolo Maffezzoli, Mauro Mazzola, Ivan Sartorato, Federico Scoto, Clara Turetta, Massimiliano Varde, Zhiyong Xie, Andrea Spolaor
Summary: The Arctic region is facing contamination from long-range pollution and local human activities. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are used as environmental indicators for emission, transport, and deposition processes. Research conducted in the Arctic surface snow in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard from October 2018 to May 2019 shows that long-range inputs of PAHs mainly occur in winter, while the most abundant analyte retene exhibits opposite seasonal trends.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maoshui Zhuo, Zhijie Chen, Xiaoqing Liu, Wei Wei, Yansong Shen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This paper discusses the application of three catalytic processes (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis) in the management of microplastic pollution, and introduces the efficiency and catalytic mechanisms of different catalysts. It also proposes the development prospects for sustainable management of microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiyu Chen, Zhenzhen Shi, Qiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of diethyl phthalate (DEP) was developed to assess its toxicity. The model considers the distribution and metabolism of DEP and its active metabolite monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in different tissue compartments. Sensitivity analysis and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations were performed to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the model parameters. The results suggest that dermal absorption is an important route of exposure to DEP in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bangguo Wang, Lijing Wang, Wenxi Cen, Tao Lyu, Peter Jarvis, Yang Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang, Yinghui Han, Lei Wang, Gang Pan, Kaili Zhang, Wei Fan
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility and mechanisms of a chemical-free nanobubble-based AOP for treating organic micropollutants in water. The results show that the oxygen nanobubble AOP has a significantly higher removal efficiency compared to air and nitrogen nanobubbles. The treatment performance is not affected by pH and the presence of ions. Higher initial concentrations of the micropollutant lead to slower treatment processes, but similar removal performance is achieved in the end. The presence of organic matter reduces the removal rate of the micropollutant. The results have practical feasibility for water and wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingmei Huang, Jicai Yi, Yao Huang, Songxiong Zhong, Bin Zhao, Jing Zhou, Yuxuan Wang, Yiwen Zhu, Yanhong Du, Fangbai Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of biochar on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in rice. The results show that biochar reduces MeHg levels in paddy soils by decreasing bioavailable Hg and microbial Hg methylation. Additionally, biochar decreases the uptake and translocation of MeHg in rice plants, resulting in a reduction of MeHg accumulation in rice grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nengde Zeng, Fei Huang, Jiani Du, Chenghao Huang, Qian Yang, Xinhua Zhan, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigates the protein targets and protein-ligand interactions related to PAH contamination in crop xylem sap using computational tools. The results show that phenanthrene has a more pronounced effect on the xylem sap proteins of maize and wheat, with maize DEPs associated with lipid biosynthesis and wheat DEPs exhibiting an increase in ABC transporters. This study provides insights into the regulation and movement of PAHs within plant xylem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Chen, Hao Ma, Run Wang, Man Wang, Binbin Zhu, Yanqing Cong, Xiayue Zhu, Guoqin Wang, Yi Zhang
Summary: Co3O4/TiO2-NRs electrodes with excellent photoresponse were prepared via plasma-assisted modification of Co3O4 on TiO2. The combination of Co3O4 and TiO2 improved the light utilization efficiency and showed potential for degradation of pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjing Ji, Liying Song, Jing Wang, Hongqing Song
Summary: This study conducted a life-cycle assessment to examine the correlation between natural gas consumption and carbon emissions in different end uses in China. The results showed that both natural gas consumption and life-cycle carbon emissions have been increasing since 2017. Significant variations in NG life-cycle carbon emissions were found across different provinces and sectors, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youyi Chen, Boxuan Zhang, Pojun Zhang, Guogui Shi, Hao Liang, Wu Cai, Jingyu Gao, Sumin Zhuang, Kaiyin Luo, Jiaqi Zhu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Jinrong Chen, Chun Hu, Xueci Xing
Summary: The synergistic effects of trace sulfadiazine and cast-iron corrosion scales on the formation of disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems were investigated. The presence of magnetite resulted in increased concentrations of DBPs due to the higher microbial activity and enhanced microbial extracellular electron transport pathway. The study highlights the importance of considering trace antibiotics pollution and corrosion scales in water sources for DBP control.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bishwa Raj Pokharel, Vijay Sheri, Manoj Kumar, Zhiyong Zhang, Baohong Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the interactions, uptake, and transport of aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) in plants, highlighting their negative effects on plant growth and development, as well as their potential to alter plant defense systems and gene expression.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yonglu Wang, Fengsong Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao, Xiao Yang, Guixiang Zhang, Liyun Zhang, Chaojun Wei, Pengge Shi, Jiongxin Wen, Xiaorong Ju, Can Xu, Yang Liu, Ying Lan
Summary: This study aims to explore the effects of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole on soil microflora and the potential mitigation mechanisms to bacterial communities. It was found that increasing the application of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole resulted in increased stress on soil bacterial community structure and diversity. Increasing soil pH was recognized as a key factor in improving the diversity and structure of soil microflora. Supplemental use of nitrapyrin or modified attapulgite can increase soil pH and improve bacterial diversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)