Article
Environmental Sciences
Saurabh Shukla, Ramsha Khan, Abhishek Saxena, Selvam Sekar
Summary: The excessive use of plastic products during the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent infection has created significant pressure on the management and disposal of plastic waste. This study assesses the annual usage of face masks and infection rates globally, while discussing the environmental impact of plastic waste generated from face masks.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiying Yang, Shanshan Yang, Yaqian Jiao
Summary: In March 2023, at least 20.3 billion disposable masks were consumed in China, with 67% of them being casually discarded, resulting in at least 350 tons of plastic pollution. This highlights the issue of inadequate management and disposal of disposable masks and emphasizes the urgency of preventing plastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ana L. Patricio Silva, Joana C. Prata, Armando C. Duarte, Damia Barcelo, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in landfilling and illegal waste disposal, exacerbating plastic pollution and environmental threats. Innovative technologies can improve waste management, reduce plastic leakage, and pave the way for environmental recovery. Without effective plastic policies, sustainable alternatives, and improved waste management, we may soon reach a tipping-point in natural environments worldwide.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bing Li, Yuxiong Huang, Dengting Guo, Yuzhi Liu, Ziyi Liu, Jing-Cheng Han, Jian Zhao, Xiaoshan Zhu, Yuefei Huang, Zhenyu Wang, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Since early 2020, the global consumption of face masks has significantly increased due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the environmental risks associated with face masks and the importance of proper waste management.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Du, Shushi Huang, Jun Wang
Summary: This article discusses the indispensable role of plastic products, specifically disposable face masks, in our daily lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the environmental impact of improper disposal and mismanagement of plastic waste, especially the release of microplastics (MPs) from face masks. The study suggests the implementation of green technologies to reduce the amount of discarded face masks and minimize MPs pollution, as well as recommendations for future research directions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hongru Jiang, Dan Luo, Luyao Wang, Yingshuang Zhang, Hui Wang, Chongqing Wang
Summary: The COVID-19 epidemic has had a serious impact on society and caused panic among the public. Personal Protective Equipment, specifically disposable face masks, are widely used to prevent the airborne transmission of the virus. However, the overproduction and disposal of these masks have resulted in a significant challenge in managing plastic waste, potentially leading to the generation of microplastics in the environment. In this review, the environmental threats of disposable face masks, including their fate in the environment and their impact on aquatic and terrestrial species, are surveyed. Feasible strategies for controlling the pollution caused by disposable face masks are also analyzed. This review provides valuable insights into the threats, fate, and management of disposable face masks in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Norman Ebner, Eleni Iacovidou
Summary: This article discusses the structural and systemic inefficiencies of the plastic system, highlighting the vulnerability of the recycling sector to macroeconomic and political dimensions, and emphasizing the importance of complexity and interconnectedness for sustainable development.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tadele Assefa Aragaw, Gabriel E. De-la-Torre, Alebel A. Teshager
Summary: Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution is a significant environmental challenge resulting from the pandemic. This study focuses on PPE pollution in the freshwater environment near Lake Tana in Ethiopia. It reveals a high density of PPE pollution, particularly surgical face masks, in areas with recreational, touristic, and commercial activities. Effective solid waste management and sustainable tourism practices are necessary to protect the lake ecosystem from the hazards posed by PPEs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abdulgazi Gedik, Ozgur Ozcan, Sedat Ozcanan
Summary: Disposable medical gloves (DMGs) play a crucial role in protecting patients and healthcare staff from infectious diseases, but the excessive production and disposal of DMGs during the COVID-19 pandemic have caused serious environmental pollution. This study examines the potential of recycling DMG waste for modifying asphalt binder, and the results show that modified bitumen with a certain percentage of DMGs can effectively withstand deformation caused by heavy loads at high temperatures. This research opens up a new avenue for mitigating environmental pollution caused by the pandemic.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nsikak U. Benson, David E. Bassey, Thavamani Palanisami
Summary: Plastic waste has significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, posing potential environmental issues. Governments and businesses have the opportunity to rebuild new sustainable industries.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maocai Shen, Zhuotong Zeng, Biao Song, Huan Yi, Tong Hu, Yaxin Zhang, Guangming Zeng, Rong Xiao
Summary: With the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 globally, disposable surgical masks have become widely used, but irresponsible disposal of masks can lead to significant microplastic pollution. Masks can release a large amount of microplastic fibers, and the addition of organic solvents as well as weathering can increase the release of microplastics.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nsikak U. Benson, Omowunmi H. Fred-Ahmadu, David E. Bassey, Aderemi A. Atayero
Summary: The threat of plastic waste pollution in African countries has been increasing exponentially since the declaration of the coronavirus as a pandemic. Factors contributing to this threat include increased consumption of single-use plastics, lack of proper waste management infrastructure, and urbanization. The widespread use of plastic-based personal protective equipment during the pandemic has led to a significant amount of waste being generated, with billions of masks being disposed of every month. This expert insight aims to draw attention to the potential risks of COVID-generated plastics and the environmental impacts that may exacerbate the existing plastic pollution crisis in Africa.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Silvia Morgana, Barbara Casentini, Stefano Amalfitano
Summary: The study reveals that single-use face masks can release a significant amount of microplastics and nanoparticles into aquatic environments, potentially posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Carlos Ivan Pizarro-Ortega, Diana Carolina Dioses-Salinas, Melisa D. Fernandez Severini, Ana D. Forero Lopez, Guido Noe Rimondino, Nsikak U. Benson, Sina Dobaradaran, Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
Summary: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to a new form of plastic pollution, particularly in the form of microplastics released from face masks. The degradation and consequences of these microplastics in the environment are not well understood due to a lack of in situ degradation experiments and ecotoxicological studies.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jiasheng Zhu, Mohammad Saberian, Salpadoru Tholkamudalige Anupiya. M. Perera, Rajeev Roychand, Jie Li, George Wang
Summary: This paper discusses the repurposing of plastic-based personal protective equipment waste into sustainable road material, which greatly improves the mechanical properties of expansive clay soil. Extensive geotechnical testings and microstructural analyses were conducted to study the engineering performance of the soil and plastic blend, confirming its effectiveness in enhancing soil strength and stability.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Katarzyna Tyszczuk-Rotko, Katarzyna Domanska
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2017)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Katarzyna Tyszczuk-Rotko, Katarzyna Domanska, Bozena Czech, Marek Rotko
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Katarzyna Tyszczuk-Rotko, Katarzyna Domanska, Karel Vytras, Radovan Metelka, Agnieszka Nosal-Wiercinska, Milan Sys
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
K. Domanska, K. Tyszczuk-Rotko
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2018)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Katarzyna Tyszczuk-Rotko, Karolina Madejska, Katarzyna Domanska
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Katarzyna Tyszczuk-Rotko, Izabela Jaworska, Katarzyna Jedruchniewicz
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Katarzyna Jedruchniewicz, Katarzyna Tyszczuk-Rotko
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Beata Tomczyk, Anna Siatecka, Katarzyna Jedruchniewicz, Aleksandra Sochacka, Aleksandra Bogusz, Patryk Oleszczuk
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gracja Fijalkowska, Malgorzata Wisniewska, Katarzyna Szewczuk-Karpisz, Katarzyna Jedruchniewicz, Patryk Oleszczuk
Summary: Heavy metals such as lead(II) can remain in soil for a long time and their toxicity to living organisms can be reduced by immobilization with organic, mineral or polymeric substances. The presence of anionic polyacrylamide and the internal structure of aluminosilicate were found to affect the adsorption efficiency of lead(II) ions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ilona Sadok, Katarzyna Jedruchniewicz, Karol Rawicz-Pruszynski, Magdalena Staniszewska
Summary: The study developed and validated UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS methods for targeted quantification of tryptophan and kynurenines in body fluids of gastric cancer patients, showing different accumulation patterns of these compounds in different biofluids among patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rafal Panek, Magdalena Medykowska, Malgorzata Wisniewska, Katarzyna Szewczuk-Karpisz, Katarzyna Jedruchniewicz, Malgorzata Franus
Summary: The study found that pure zeolite exhibited better heavy metal adsorption properties compared to its carbon composite, with significantly higher adsorption levels for zinc ions than lead ions. Hydrochloric acid was found to be a more effective desorbing agent compared to sodium base.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Malgorzata Wisniewska, Piotr Nowicki, Katarzyna Szewczuk-Karpisz, Marlena Geca, Katarzyna Jedruchniewicz, Patryk Oleszczuk
Summary: The horsetail herb was used as precursor for biochar production, and post-activation treatments with different washing procedures were applied. The HBA_HCl sample showed the highest adsorption of Pb(II) and PAA, while NaOH solution was more effective for PAA desorption and HNO3 for Pb(II) desorption.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ilona Sadok, Katarzyna Jedruchniewicz, Magdalena Staniszewska
Summary: This study developed a method for the simultaneous determination of nicotinic acid, kynurenine, and kynurenic acid in raw poultry meat, finding varying levels of these compounds in different body parts of chicken and turkey.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Katarzyna Tyszczuk-Rotko, Katarzyna Jedruchniewicz
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shun-Shun Chen, Xu-Xiu Chen, Tian-Yu Yang, Li Chen, Zheng Guo, Xing-Jiu Huang
Summary: A temperature-modulated sensing strategy was proposed to identify and determine BTEX compounds. Highly effective identification of BTEX was achieved using linear discrimination and convolutional neural network analyses. Additionally, quantitative analysis of concentration was accomplished by establishing the relationship between concentration and response.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Myungkyung Noh, Jeong Yeon Sim, Jisung Kim, Jee Hwan Ahn, Hye-Young Min, Jong-Uk Lee, Jong-Sook Park, Ji Yun Jeong, Jae Young Lee, Shin Yup Lee, Hyo-Jong Lee, Choon-Sik Park, Ho-Young Lee
Summary: This study reveals that chronic exposure to PM induces chronic inflammation and development of COPD by dysregulating NAD+ metabolism and subsequent SIRT1 deficiency in pulmonary macrophages. Activation of SIRT1 by resveratrol effectively mitigates PM-induced inflammation and COPD development. Targeting metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming in macrophages induced by PM is a promising strategy for COPD treatment.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Liu, Linlin Qin, Yiming Qin, Tong Yang, Haoran Lu, Yulong Liu, Qiqi Zhang, Wenyan Liang
Summary: Co/NC/PAC electrode was prepared by compounding ZIF-67 with powder-activated carbon for the electrocatalytic treatment of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds. The degradation efficiency of the four compounds reached 90.2-93.7% under optimal conditions, and the degradation order was pyridazine < pyrimidine < pyrazine < pyridine.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Julien Couturier, Pierre Tamba Oulare, Blanche Collin, Claire Lallemand, Isabelle Kieffer, Julien Longerey, Perrine Chaurand, Jerome Rose, Daniel Borschneck, Bernard Angeletti, Steven Criquet, Renaud Podor, Hamed Pourkhorsandi, Guilhem Arrachart, Clement Levard
Summary: This study analyzes the properties of bauxite residue samples and explores the influence of bauxite ore origin, storage conditions, and storage time. The results show that the speciation of yttrium is related to the origin of bauxite ore, while no significant variation was observed with storage conditions or aging of the residues.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sakthinarenderan Saikumar, Ravi Mani, Mirunalini Ganesan, Inbakandan Dhinakarasamy, Thavamani Palanisami, Dharani Gopal
Summary: Microplastic contamination in marine ecosystems poses a growing concern due to its trophic transfer and negative effects on marine organisms. This study investigates the transfer and impacts of polystyrene microplastics in an estuarine food chain. The results show that microplastics can be transferred through the food chain, although the transfer rates are low. The exposed organisms exhibit stress responses, suggesting the potential risk of microplastics reaching humans through the food chain.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Yan-Jiao Li, Ying Yuan, Wen-Bing Tan, Bei-Dou Xi, Hui Wang, Kun-Long Hui, Jia-Bao Chen, Yi-Fan Zhang, Lian-Feng Wang, Ren-Fei Li
Summary: This review investigated and analyzed the distribution, composition, and abundance of heavy metals and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in landfill. The results showed that heavy metals have lasting effects on ARGs, and complexes of heavy metals and organic matter are common in landfill. This study provides a new basis to better understand the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs in landfill.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jessy Joseph, Ari Vaisanen, Ajay B. Patil, Manu Lahtinen
Summary: Efficient and environmentally friendly porous hybrid adsorbent beads have been developed for the removal of arsenic from drinking water. The structural tuning of the adsorbents has been shown to have a significant impact on their adsorption performance, with high crystallinity leading to increased adsorption capacity and selectivity towards As5+.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yangyang Liu, Minhua Xiao, Kaiqin Huang, Juntao Cui, Hongli Liu, Yingxin Yu, Shengtao Ma, Xihong Liu, Meiqing Lin
Summary: This study measured the levels of phthalate metabolites in breast milk collected from mothers in southern China. The results showed that phthalates are still prevalent in the region, and breastfeeding contributes to phthalate intake in infants. However, the levels detected do not pose significant health risks to infants based on dietary exposure. The increasing exposure to certain phthalates calls for further research into their sources and potential risks.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiqiang Wu, Jianxing Sun, Liting Xu, Hongbo Zhou, Haina Cheng, Zhu Chen, Yuguang Wang, Jichao Yang
Summary: Ocean depth affects microbial diversity, composition, and co-occurrence patterns of microplastic microbial communities. Deterministic processes dominate the assembly of mesopelagic plastisphere microbial communities, while stochastic processes shape the assembly of bathypelagic microbial communities. The relationships between microorganisms in the mesopelagic layer are more complex and stable, with Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota playing important roles.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tingting Xiao, Renjie Chen, Chen Cai, Shijie Yuan, Xiaohu Dai, Bin Dong, Zuxin Xu
Summary: Based on the efficiency of catalytic ozonation techniques in enhancing sludge dewaterability, this study investigated its effectiveness in simultaneous reduction of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes. The results showed that catalytic ozonation conditioning changed the distribution of antibiotics and achieved high degradation rates. It also significantly reduced the abundance of ARGs, inhibited horizontal gene transfer, and decreased the signal transduction of typical ARGs host bacteria.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yang Deng, Xiaohong Guan
Summary: This article discusses two different development approaches for ferrate(VI) technology in water treatment, arguing that process integration is a promising method that can drive technological innovation and revolution in water treatment, achieving higher treatment efficiency, reduced costs and energy consumption, and a smaller physical footprint.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhe Zhang, Lu Zhang, Zhihao Huang, Yuxin Xu, Qingqing Zhao, Hongju Wang, Meiqing Shi, Xiangnan Li, Kai Jiang, Dapeng Wu
Summary: In this study, a floating catalytic foam was designed and prepared to enhance the mass transfer in immobilized photocatalysts for wastewater treatment. The floating catalytic foam could float on the water surface and establish a temperature gradient, effectively promoting the diffusion and adsorption of target molecules during the photocatalytic process.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muhammad Nafees, Adiba Khan Sehrish, Sarah Owdah Alomrani, Linlin Qiu, Aasim Saeed, Shoaib Ahmad, Shafaqat Ali, Hongyan Guo
Summary: The accumulation of cadmium and antibiotics in edible plants and fertile soil is a worldwide problem. This study investigated the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles to alleviate the toxicity of both cadmium and antibiotics and promote spinach growth.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lurui Wan, Kai Wang, Yuan Chen, Zhiyong Xu, Wenbo Zhao
Summary: In this study, a low viscosity and high thermal stability SO2 absorbent with dual interacting sites was successfully synthesized. The absorbent showed the highest absorption enthalpy change and entropy change values among reported SO2 absorbents, and exhibited lower viscosity and comparable thermal stability to ILs.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhengwei Zhou, Guojie Ye, Yang Zong, Zhenyu Zhao, Deli Wu
Summary: This study utilized Mo powder and STPP to enhance the performance of the sodium percarbonate system in pollutant degradation. The presence of Mo and STPP resulted in a higher degradation rate of the model pollutant SMX, with low oxidant consumption. The system generated multiple active species through a series of chain reactions at different pH values, exhibiting excellent performance towards electron-rich pollutants. Furthermore, Mo demonstrated excellent stability and reusability.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2024)
