Review of Microplastic Pollution in the Environment and Emerging Recycling Solutions

Microplastic pollution represents a side-effect stemming from a global plastic waste mismanagement problem and includes degraded particles or mass produced plastic particles less than 5 mm in largest dimension.The small nature of microplastics gives this area of pollution different environmental concerns than general plastic waste in the environment.The biological toxicity of particles,their internal components,and their surface level changes all present opportunities for these particles to adversely affect the environment around them.Thus,it is necessary to review the current literature surrounding this topic and identify areas where the study of microplastic can be pushed forward.Here we present current methods in studying microplastics,some of the ways by which microplastics affect the environment and attempt to shed light on how this research can continue.In addition,we review current recycling methods developing for the processing of mixed-plastic waste.These methods,including hydrothermal processing and solvent extraction,provide a unique opportunity to separate plastic waste and improve the viability of the plastics recycling industry.

Birds and plastic pollution:recent advances

Plastic waste and debris have caused substantial environmental pollution globally in the past decades,and they have been accumulated in hundreds of terrestrial and aquatic avian species.Birds are susceptible and vulnerable to external environments;therefore,they could be used to estimate the negative effects of environmental pollution.In this review,we summarize the effects of macroplastics,microplastics,and plastic-derived additives and plastic-absorbed chemicals on birds.First,macroplastics and microplastics accumulate in different tissues of various aquatic and terrestrial birds,suggesting that birds could suffer from the macroplastics and microplastics-associated contaminants in the aquatic and terrestrial environments.Second,the detrimental effects of macroplastics and microplastics,and their derived additives and absorbed chemicals on the individual survival,growth and development,reproductive output,and physiology,are summarized in different birds,as well as the known toxicological mechanisms of plastics in laboratory model mammals.Finally,we identify that human commensal birds,long-life-span birds,and model bird species could be utilized to different research objectives to evaluate plastic pollution burden and toxicological effects of chronic plastic exposure.

Looking for a Chinese solution to global problems:The situation and countermeasures of marine plastic waste and microplastics pollution governance system in China

As one of the top ten environmental problems to be solved in the world,marine plastic waste and microplastic pollution seriously affect the health of marine ecosystems and the sustainable development of Marine economies.It is necessary to promote the establishment of a scientific and systematic Marine plastic waste and microplastic pollution control system and take strong measures to fundamentally curb and reverse the trend of marine pollution intensification in China.This paper first explains the practical significance of marine plastic waste and microplastic pollution control from three aspects:the sustainable development of the blue economy,the structural upgrading of the pan-plastic industry,and the improvement of public health awareness.Secondly,the particularity of marine plastic waste and microplastic pollution control system is summarized from three aspects of formation mechanism,migration path and damage performance.Then,it identifies domestic and international governance strategies and action plans from the perspectives of mechanism,subject,object,and measures,summarizes existing problems in the existing marine plastic waste and microplastic pollution control system,and gives directions for future improvement.Finally,some countermeasures and suggestions are put forward to accelerate the construction of China’s marine plastic waste and microplastic pollution control system,including the formation of a cross sectoral integrated land and sea control system,a full life cycle waste management process,a multi-participation model for marine ecological and environmental governance,and a global marine pollution prevention and control system.

Are Antarctic Specially Protected Areas safe from plastic pollution? a survey of plastic litter at Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, Antarctica

A number of studies have reported in the last decades the presence of plastics in the Southern Ocean,which are liable to reach the coast and accumulate on the Antarctic Continent.Despite this,there are few data on the amount of plastic pollution on Antarctic beaches below 60°S.Here we provide valuable information about the presence of plastic debris in Byers Peninsula,Livingston Island,South Shetland Islands,an Antarctic Specially Protected Area(ASPA)and a hotspot for biodiversity.A total of 129 locations with between 1 and 5 items were recorded among the 3 survey sites on Byers Peninsula.Most of the observed items are likely to derive from fishing and local sources such as tourism and research activities.We discuss the potential impacts of their presence on local fauna and some of the consequences on the Antarctic ecosystem.From this survey of plastic accumulation in an ASPA,we propose the implementation of mitigation strategies,such as systematic monitoring of the abundance and distribution of plastic waste,in order to identify trends in marine debris and control the levels of plastic pollution in the Maritime Antarctic region.

Microplastic and nanoplastic exposure and risk of diabetes mellitus

The issue of plastic pollutants has become a growing concern.Both microplastics(MPs)(particle size<5 mm)and nanoplastics(NPs)(particle size<1μm)can cause DNA damage,cytotoxicity,and oxidative stress in various organisms.The primary known impacts of microplastic/nanoplastic are observed in the liver and respiratory system,leading to hepatotoxicity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Although research on the effects of MPs and NPs on diabetes is still in its early stages,there are potential concerns.This editorial highlights the risk to diabetics from co-exposure to contaminants and MPs/NPs,supported by evidence from animal studies and the various chemical compositions of MPs/NPs.

Influencing Factors of Plastic Waste Pollution Reduction in Kinshasa

Plastic products, e.g., plastic bags, plastic bottles, and other plastic materials are widely used in people’s daily life and industrial production worldwide since they are cheap, easy to get, and convenient for all-purpose of transportation or movement. The wide application of plastic products also brings a lot of problems. The significant adverse consequences include plastic waste pollution and waste of resources, which pose a high threat to social development and environmental protection. In this research, a social survey involving 267 people was conducted to examine how certain factors reduce plastic waste pollution in Kinshasa. Statistical Product and Service Solutions were employed to analyze the data gathered from the survey. The results indicate that all the factors or strategies for reducing plastic waste pollution have a significant positive impact on plastic waste pollution reduction. The environmental factors have the highest contribution to the control of plastic waste pollution with an impact of 88.8%, followed by Government policy with an impact of 42.3%. Economic factors have the least impact contribution, with an impact of 36.0%. This finding and conclusion could be used as a framework for implementing plastic waste pollution management strategies or developing waste management systems.

The Cost of Plastic Pollution in N’Djamena: A Case Study

Plastic pollution is a major problem: it damages health, reduces ecosystem services, and affects local economies. Despite its importance, available valuation efforts have focused primarily on the damages caused by plastic in marine environments. Far less is known about the effects of plastic waste in inland settings. This paper addresses this gap by estimating in monetary terms the damages caused by the inappropriate disposal of plastic waste in an inland context. The study area is located along a canal that crosses N’Djamena, the capital of Chad. Using data from a primary survey and applying standard valuation techniques, the paper estimates the social cost of plastic pollution at over USD3000 per ton in 2020. In addition, it shows that the impacts of plastic waste vary significantly across the study area: households residing within 20 meters of the canal bear more than 75 percent of the total damages. The paper identifies the main valuation challenges and proposes recommendations to reduce plastic waste damages.

G20 Leads the Way on Plastic Pollution

THE Group of Twenty, or G20, is an international forum made up of leaders from nations and international organizations that is now the epicenter of world governance. As its name implies, the G20 is formally composed of 19 nations plus the European Union, but it also includes “permanent” invitees such as the heads of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, plus the chairs of organizations like the African Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The countries that make up the G20 account for 90 percent of the world GDP, 80 percent of world trade, and, with countries like China and India as members, two thirds of the world’s population. Along with the annual fall session at the United Nations, the annual meeting of the G20 is the most important gathering of leaders in the world. This year’s G20 meeting was held for the first time in Osaka, Japan, from June 28 to 29, 2019.

Low-Density Microplastics in Recreational Parks of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates: Abundance, Composition, and Potential Effects on Soil Health

Microplastics (MPs) have been an emerging concern due to their harmful effects on the ecosystem and are ubiquitous in various habitats, from marine to terrestrial environments. However, studies on the presence of MPs in recreational areas are limited. One of the previous works has reported that urban recreational parks are considered “sinks” for plastic debris, including MPs. In this study, low-density MPs (LD-MPs) in soil samples collected from recreational parks of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE) were isolated by density flotation method. Results showed that these parks have varying levels of LD-MPs caused by various anthropogenic activities, such as sludge use and application of reclaimed water from wastewater treatment facilities in those areas. These plastic particles were isolated in 87% of the soil samples, with an average concentration of 1550 ± 340 MPs/kg. Predominantly, these comprised large LD-MPs (300 - 5000 μm), with red and blue being the most common colors. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified possible synthetic polymers, including polyethylene and polypropylene. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between LD-MP concentration and soil pH and moisture content, indicating potential adverse effects on soil health. These findings highlight the need for monitoring and managing microplastic pollution in urban recreational areas to mitigate its ecological impacts.

Primary and Secondary Microplastic and Nanoplastic Regulations: Perspectives on Water Industry Impacts

Plastic pollution, both primary and secondary, is an environmental challenge, prompting regulatory actions at global and regional levels. With increasing research about the impacts of micro- and nanoplastics on ecosystems and human health, governments worldwide have undertaken efforts to address this issue. The global community has advanced regulatory efforts that have led to the implementation of national laws or regulations in numerous countries. These measures ban or restrict the use of primary and secondary microplastics and nanoplastics. An overview of global and European regulatory frameworks is presented to provide context for the United States (US). In the endeavor to document plastics regulation development in the US, a description of regulatory agencies and their roles in advancing policy and rules as well as future direction and areas for improvement in regulating plastics are introduced. A discussion of what emerging regulations mean to utilities and industries is also provided along with a comparison of regulatory frameworks.

花椒油中邻苯二甲酸酯类塑化剂的污染现状及来源分析

旨在为花椒油加工企业的风险控制以及花椒油的安全监督管理提供参考,分析花椒油中邻苯二甲酸酯类塑化剂的污染现状及污染来源,采用气相色谱-质谱联用仪测定92份花椒油样品中的邻苯二甲酸二正丁酯(DBP)和邻苯二甲酸二(2-乙基)己酯(DEHP)含量,并对其污染来源进行分析。结果表明:目前市场上的花椒油产品存在不同程度的塑化剂污染,其中DBP检出率为74.00%,含量范围为0.07~10.59 mg/kg, DEHP检出率为93.48%,含量范围为0.07~1.86 mg/kg, DBP和DEHP超标率分别为17.39%和1.09%;花椒油中DBP和DEHP的检出率和平均含量随麻度增加有上升趋势;花椒原料及生产接触材料是花椒油中塑化剂主要污染来源。综上,市场上的花椒油存在塑化剂污染风险,应加强对原料的监控,并在花椒油生产和储藏过程中全程控制塑化剂风险。

塑料快递包装污染治理的法律问题研究

伴随着网络经济和电商行业的发展,我国快递业务量连年剧增,促进了经济增长的同时也带来了巨大的环境压力。目前我国快递业正面临着塑料快递包装材料环保性差、处理回收利用困难、没有形成回收体系、有关塑料快递包装的法律规定模糊以及快递包装污染责任划分不清晰等问题。本文在分析我国目前塑料快递包装污染治理现状后,提出构建塑料快递包装污染治理法律体系、推动技术革新、明确污染主体责任等应对措施,旨在提高我国塑料快递包装的回收利用率,推动环保材料的使用,完善塑料快递包装的回收体系,促使我国快递业绿色发展,减轻环境负担,减少污染。

地表水环境重金属污染分布特征及生态风险评价研究

此研究通过在河流上下游设置监测断面和水库中的采样点,对地表水环境重金属污染进行研究,采样时间为2022年4月、7月和12月。结果显示,Zn含量最高,Hg含量最低,Cd、Pb、Cr、Cu、As含量居中。水库中的重金属污染物含量高于河流。季节变化对重金属污染程度影响较小。根据潜在生态危害指数法对YY河和D、E水库进行生态风险评价,结果显示Cd>Hg>Cu>Pb>As>Zn>Cr为重金属的生态风险排名,其中Hg具有极强生态污染。重金属在地表水环境中具有明显的空间异质性,分布受到多种因素的影响。研究地区地表水环境重金属污染的生态风险比较严重,需要引起足够重视。

Plastic supported platinum modified nickel electrode and its high electrocatalytic activity for sodium borohydride electrooxidation

A novel plastic/multi-walled carbon nanotube（MWNTs）-nickel（Ni）-platinum（Pt） electrode（PMNP） is prepared by chemical-reducing Pt onto the surface of Ni film covered plastic/MWNTs（PM） substrate. The MWNTs are adhered by a piece of commercial double faced adhesive tape on the surface of plastic paper and the Ni film is prepared by a simple electrodeposition method. The morphology and phase structure of the PMNP electrode are characterized by scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. The catalytic activity of the PMNP electrode for Na BH4 electrooxidation is investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The catalyst combines tightly with the plastic paper and exhibits a good stability. MWNTs serve as both conductive material and hydrogen storage material and the Ni film and Pt are employed as electrochemical catalysts. The PMNP electrode exhibits a high electrocatalytic performance and the oxidation current density reaches to 10.76 A/（mg·cm） in 0.1 mol/dm3 Na BH4at0 V,which is much higher than those in the previous reports. The using of waste plastic reduces the discarding of white pollution and consumption of metal resources.

Feasibility and Prospect for Injection Plastic Scrap into BF in China

The feasibility and lookout of injecting plastic scrap into the blast furnace in China were preliminarily investigated according to the inquisition and experimental results. They can provide some references for controlling “white pollution", comprehensive utilizing of plastic scrap and saving energy for metallurgical processes in China.

Macroplastics on Soil-Plant System: Inhibiting Effects of Macroplastics on the Growth of Green Amaranth (<i>Amaranthus viridis</i>)

In recent time Bangladesh faces a serious problem of soil pollution due to plastic contamination. However, the degree of the extent to which the effects of plastics on plant growth occur is not properly identified. An experiment was conducted to measure the effects of mixed plastic (polyethylene and disposable plastic glass) on the growth of Amaranthus viridis. Different doses of mixed plastics (T0, T1, T2, and T3) were applied with a fixed amount of soil for each of the treatments e.g., T0 (control), T1 (10 gm mixed plastics/3kg soil), T2 (15 gm mixed plastics/3kg soil) and T3 (20 gm mixed plastic/3kg soil), and the growth response of Amaranthus viridis against plastic was observed for six consecutive weeks. The growth was measured in terms of plant height and girth diameter. The results showed that the presence of mixed plastic had a significant effect on the growth of Amaranthus viridis and particularly in treatment T3 (3 kg soil/20gm mixed plastic), the plants showed a slower growth response compared to control and the rest of the treatments applied in case of both plant height as well as girth diameter. The statistical analysis (one-way Analysis of Variance) also proved the significance of the treatments (p-values < 0.05) for six consecutive weeks. The experiment was successfully able to set an index on which plastics had their effects on the growth of green amaranth. In addition, the obtained data will be helpful in future research of the study in determining the possible effects of plastic on plant growth viz. green amaranth.

An Experience from Japan:The Challenge to Establish a Plastic Waste Recycling-Based Society in Vietnam

As a result of expanding economies and a growing pattern of mass production,mass consumption,and mass disposal,these last decades have seen an increase in the discharge of domestic waste on a global basis.Used plastic products are frequently pathogen-contaminated,and ought to be handled as hazardous waste.We have learned that companies and policy makers in Vietnam want to transform plastic waste to value and to create its first zero plastic waste cities,but they struggle to make connections,especially across industries,material types and districts.This paper gives a prospective outlook on plastic waste management practices in Vietnam.Based on Japanese plastic waste recycling basic laws systematically,we also discuss and propose the future tasks to apply them in Vietnam.The initiative is expected to help governments,enterprises,and social organizations develop knowledge,capacity,policy planning and plans of action to reduce plastic waste pollution.

Making Plastics Greener and More Useful

Scientists from the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)have developed a new way to make plastics to make it possible to be degradable in ambient environment with proper lighting.This move could help reduce plastic pollution.The new approach produces plastics from ethylene gas and carbon monoxide using specialized catalysts.This innovation incorporates two features to make the new-type plastics superior:the ability to degrade under ultraviolet light,and the new hydrophilic surface induced by introduction of new functional groups.The study was published in National Science Review(doi:10.1093/nsr/nwad039).

海洋塑料污染国际法规制的推进及中国参与

日益严重的海洋塑料污染已发展成为全球面临的仅次于气候变化的第二大环境危机。目前,全球海洋塑料污染治理的国际法律框架体系尚未建立,海洋塑料污染治理的国际法规制主要散见于《巴塞尔公约》等国际法文件中,法律治理存在规则碎片化、遵守与实施困难等多重困境,而有约束力的全球协议制定进程刚刚开启。未来,海洋塑料污染的国际法规制需要从强化不同规制规则之间的协调、推进国际立法、完善履约保障机制等多个方面作出改善。中国作为塑料生产和消费大国需要在国际和国内两个层面积极应对。在国际层面,推动不同涉塑国际法规则之间的协调和涉塑国际立法进程、有效促进海洋塑料污染规制规则的遵守与实施;在国内层面,加强技术创新、健全各类涉塑制度和完善国内立法等。

加快“以竹代塑”绿色产业发展的市场供需对接机制研究

我国为全球“以竹代塑”的倡导国,也是“以竹代塑”的引领国,正在加快“以竹代塑”发展,以应对气候变化和减少塑料污染,拓展绿色经济发展路径。我国“以竹代塑”产品供需关系正在建立,但供需对接机制仍不健全,存在“供有需小”“供无需有”等问题,主要原因在于供给侧难以满足需求侧要求以及供需两侧信息不畅通和市场交易不便捷。本文建议从供需两侧共同发力,做强做精供给侧、做大做深需求侧、加强供需对接政策支持,推动“以竹代塑”的快速发展,打造新型绿色产业。