Microplastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size are of increasing concem, especially in aquatic environments, such as the ocean. Primary source is microbeads （〈 1 mm） used in cosmetics and cleaning agents and fibe...Microplastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size are of increasing concem, especially in aquatic environments, such as the ocean. Primary source is microbeads （〈 1 mm） used in cosmetics and cleaning agents and fiber fragments from washing of clothes, and secondary source such as broken down plastic litter and debris. These particles are mostly made from polyethylene （PE）, polypropylene （PP）, polystyrene （PS）, polyethylene terephthalate （PET） and polyesters. They are ingested by diverse marine fauna, including zooplanktons, mussel, oyster, shrimp, fish etc. and can enter human food chains via several pathways. Strategy for control of microplastics pollution should primarily focus on source reduction and subsequently on the development of cost-effective clean up and remediation technologies. Recent research results on biodegradation of plastics have revealed a potential for microbial biodegradation and bioremediation of plastic pollutants, such as PE, PS and PET under appropriate conditions.展开更多
Microplastics(MPs) are plastic particles less than 5 mm in size that have become a major environmental pollutant due to their ubiquitous and persistent nature. Microplastic contamination of the aquatic environment has...Microplastics(MPs) are plastic particles less than 5 mm in size that have become a major environmental pollutant due to their ubiquitous and persistent nature. Microplastic contamination of the aquatic environment has received the most attention so far, whereas the current understanding of MP prevalence and its impacts in the terrestrial environment is largely limited. The MP contamination of soil can cause bioaccumulation and toxicity in terrestrial animals and plants, which can consequently affect human health. This review is aimed towards combining the available information on the occurrence, sources, and effects of MPs on the different aspects of the terrestrial environment and to highlight the limitations in our knowledge regarding the nature and impacts of MPs in soil. The review also highlights microbial degradation of MPs as an advancing research area, with numerous microorganisms being identified as capable of efficiently degrading this persistent contaminant.展开更多
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 ecosys...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.展开更多
文摘Microplastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size are of increasing concem, especially in aquatic environments, such as the ocean. Primary source is microbeads （〈 1 mm） used in cosmetics and cleaning agents and fiber fragments from washing of clothes, and secondary source such as broken down plastic litter and debris. These particles are mostly made from polyethylene （PE）, polypropylene （PP）, polystyrene （PS）, polyethylene terephthalate （PET） and polyesters. They are ingested by diverse marine fauna, including zooplanktons, mussel, oyster, shrimp, fish etc. and can enter human food chains via several pathways. Strategy for control of microplastics pollution should primarily focus on source reduction and subsequently on the development of cost-effective clean up and remediation technologies. Recent research results on biodegradation of plastics have revealed a potential for microbial biodegradation and bioremediation of plastic pollutants, such as PE, PS and PET under appropriate conditions.
文摘Microplastics(MPs) are plastic particles less than 5 mm in size that have become a major environmental pollutant due to their ubiquitous and persistent nature. Microplastic contamination of the aquatic environment has received the most attention so far, whereas the current understanding of MP prevalence and its impacts in the terrestrial environment is largely limited. The MP contamination of soil can cause bioaccumulation and toxicity in terrestrial animals and plants, which can consequently affect human health. This review is aimed towards combining the available information on the occurrence, sources, and effects of MPs on the different aspects of the terrestrial environment and to highlight the limitations in our knowledge regarding the nature and impacts of MPs in soil. The review also highlights microbial degradation of MPs as an advancing research area, with numerous microorganisms being identified as capable of efficiently degrading this persistent contaminant.
文摘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.
