Conventional Plastic Research Articles

Investigation Of the Biodegradable Plastic and The Application by Cornstarch and Kappa-Carrageenan

By comparing the manufacturing of conventional plastic with biodegradable plastic, a brief investigation of plastic and future developing trend was done. It is essential to investigate a biodegradable polymer which is produced with low cost and recyclable resources. An experiment was carried with cornstarch and kappa-carrageenan, which aim to produce a natural polymer can be biodegradable and has similar properties to conventional plastic. This experiment focuses on the mechanical properties and solubility of different amount ratio of the dry components to find out whether it has any functions that can be use in daily life. The results show the membrane with higher ratio carrageenan represents lower solubility, better mechanical properties and water resistance, but these properties become weaker in dry environment. The results provide a theoretical basis of the application of this polymer in medical region and food packaging.

Effect of plastic mulch residue on plant growth performance and soil properties

Plastic mulch is widely utilized for weed control, temperature regulation, soil erosion prevention, disease management, and soil structure improvement, ultimately enhancing crop quality and yield. However, a significant issue with conventional plastic mulches is their low recycling rates, which can cause plastic residue to build up, thereby damaging soil quality and reducing crop yield. The emergence of biodegradable films offers a promising solution to mitigate this issue and reduce soil pollution. However, its potential effects on soil properties and plant performance remain unclear. In this study, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and poly (butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA) were used to observe the effect of plastic mulch residues on soil properties and plant growth performance via potting experiment. Additionally, the interaction effects of compost and biochar as soil amendments with plastic mulch residues were also evaluated. The result of this study revealed that the type of plastic significantly affected the total nitrogen and magnesium uptake; however, the morphological traits of the tested plant (Japanese mustard spinach) were not significantly affected. The addition of compost and biochar led to a significant increase in both shoot and total dry weight of the plant, indicating a positive effect on its growth. The results of the two-way ANOVA indicated a significant influence of plastic type on dissolved phosphate (PO43−) levels and soil dehydrogenase activity (DHA). The interaction effect (plastic type with soil amendment) was statistically significant only for soil DHA. Neither plastic mulch residues nor soil amendments significantly affected other soil chemical properties. However, long-term experiments to systematically investigate the long-term effects of plastic residues are necessary.

3D spatiotemporally scalable in vivo neural probes based on fluorinated elastomers.

Electronic devices for recording neural activity in the nervous system need to be scalable across large spatial and temporal scales while also providing millisecond and single-cell spatiotemporal resolution. However, existing high-resolution neural recording devices cannot achieve simultaneous scalability on both spatial and temporal levels due to a trade-off between sensor density and mechanical flexibility. Here we introduce a three-dimensional (3D) stacking implantable electronic platform, based on perfluorinated dielectric elastomers and tissue-level soft multilayer electrodes, that enables spatiotemporally scalable single-cell neural electrophysiology in the nervous system. Our elastomers exhibit stable dielectric performance for over a year in physiological solutions and are 10,000 times softer than conventional plastic dielectrics. By leveraging these unique characteristics we develop the packaging of lithographed nanometre-thick electrode arrays in a 3D configuration with a cross-sectional density of 7.6 electrodes per 100 µm2. The resulting 3D integrated multilayer soft electrode array retains tissue-level flexibility, reducing chronic immune responses in mouse neural tissues, and demonstrates the ability to reliably track electrical activity in the mouse brain or spinal cord over months without disrupting animal behaviour.

Evaluation of a Calcium Carbonate-Based Container for Transportation and Storage of Fresh Fish as a Sustainable Alternative to Polystyrene Boxes

The present study aimed to assess the effect of alternative packaging materials on the quality retention and shelf-life of whole fish under low and abuse temperature conditions. Red sea bream (Pagrus major) was harvested and stored in different packaging containers, i.e., a conventional polystyrene (PS) box, a CaCO3-based box and a cardboard box (tested as a simple alternative container for transportation and short-term storage of food). After harvesting and transportation, fish was stored in the tested containers at 2 °C for 11 days and periodically kept at room temperature (25 °C) to simulate potential temperature fluctuations in the actual supply chain. The effect of temperature fluctuations and packaging materials on the quality and remaining shelf-life of fish was determined by microbial enumeration (total viable counts, Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae). PS retained fish quality and maintained a low temperature of fish for longer periods of time during storage at ambient conditions. The CaCO3-based containers also showed satisfactory performance, resulting in a similar microbial load in fish flesh to the samples stored in PS boxes after 11 days of simulated transportation and storage (TVC load 7.8–8.0 logcfu/g). Cardboard resulted in a rapid increase in the internal temperature during the temperature fluctuations at ambient conditions, resulting in higher microbial loads of fish flesh at all stages of the simulated cold chain. The replacement of conventional plastic packaging materials with alternative, environmentally friendly packaging systems without affecting the shelf-life of fish may reduce plastic waste while ensuring the high quality and shelf-life of perishable food products.

The performance of 3d printed dowel with three different surface designs in furniture joints

The shear strengths of the joints produced by using Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), PLA+ Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), and resin (Acrylic Photopolymer) with three different surface design of the dowels including, grooved, straight, and cross were investigated compared, wood and plastic dowels. The Results indicated that among L-type furniture joints, those manufactured from PLA and conventional wood dowels displayed the highest shear resistance, followed by L-type furniture joints with dowels made from PLA+TPU, resin, and plastic. Generally, differences in dowel patterns did not have a statistically significant impact on the shear resistance of L-type joints, except for the straight pattern dowels made of resin, which exhibited a statistically higher shear resistance than the grooved pattern dowels. Regarding the failure mode results, only PLA, PLA+TPU, and wooden dowels showed signs of elongation and crushing within the dowel holes. Conversely, in joints using dowels produced from resin and plastic, the dowels broke under shear stress, without displaying elongation, and did not leave any evidence of crushing in the dowel holes. Overall, the results of the study indicated that dowels made only PLA exhibited similar shear resistance compared to conventional wood dowels. Additionally, the study demonstrated that 3D-printed dowels were stronger than conventional plastic dowels.

Development of biodegradable coatings by the incorporation of essential oils derived from food waste: A new sustainable packaging approach

AbstractPackaging serves as a pivotal component in addressing food losses by extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of both raw and processed food products. Nevertheless, conventional plastic packaging has substantial environmental drawbacks due to its non‐biodegradable nature and the inclusion of potentially harmful chemical components. As a result, there is a global shift toward biodegradable packaging obtained from natural sources as a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative. In this regard, biodegradable coatings made up of natural sources are very efficient for food packaging purposes because of various significant properties. Moreover, huge amounts of food waste are produced globally, leading to environmental pollution. Utilization of this waste is crucial, with one significant application being the extraction of essential oils (EOs). These oils are incorporated into different coatings materials to enhance their functional properties for better preservation of food products. So, this review covers the potential of EOs derived from food waste materials as bioactive compounds incorporated in biodegradable coatings for enhancing the storage quality and shelf life of food products. The biodegradable coatings enriched with these EOs thereby reduce microbial spoilage, stop moisture loss and act as a barrier against gases that ultimately enhance the product's shelf life. These coatings with EOs also reduce weight loss and stabilize other parameters such as pH, colour, acidity and firmness of food commodities. Different packaging systems using waste‐derived EOs have been developed to preserve both plant and animal‐origin foods such as fruits, meat, fish, shrimp, mushrooms and cheese. Developing biodegradable packaging from natural polymers along with the incorporation of EOs from food waste is an innovative way of food preservation and waste management.

Short-term fragmentation of single-use plastic carrier bags in natural environment

About 50% of single-use plastic carrier bags are discarded after one use. There has been a gradual increase in awareness of the accumulation of end-of-life plastics and their impact on the environment, which has led to interest in the development of degradable polymers. Cassava bioplastics (polylactic acid), oxo-biodegradable, and compostable plastics are often considered a potential solution to the accumulation of plastic waste, but it was unknown whether they can be biodegraded in the natural environment. Thus, this study aims to determine the fragmentation of single-use plastic bags under various natural conditions, which are declared to have biodegradable, oxo-biodegradable, or compostable properties. Four types of degradable plastic and conventional single-use plastic carrier bags were stored in natural conditions (open-air, river water, and soil). After one month, we conducted an analysis of plastic bags, specifically examining factors such as their visual attributes, load-bearing capacity, polymer identification, and microplastic generation. Surprisingly, the compostable plastic, which was expected to demonstrate enhanced degradation when buried in soil, remained stable, as indicated by its polymer composition. This finding suggests that there is a need to improve the criteria for biodegradable plastic carrier bags to ensure that they undergo biological degradation.

Characterization of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) from Alternative, Scalable (Waste) Feedstocks.

Bioplastics hold significant promise in replacing conventional plastic materials, linked to various serious issues such as fossil resource consumption, microplastic formation, non-degradability, and limited end-of-life options. Among bioplastics, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) emerge as an intriguing class, with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) being the most utilized. The extensive application of P3HB encounters a challenge due to its high production costs, prompting the investigation of sustainable alternatives, including the utilization of waste and new production routes involving CO2 and CH4. This study provides a valuable comparison of two P3HBs synthesized through distinct routes: one via cyanobacteria (Synechocystis sp. PCC 6714) for photoautotrophic production and the other via methanotrophic bacteria (Methylocystis sp. GB 25) for chemoautotrophic growth. This research evaluates the thermal and mechanical properties, including the aging effect over 21 days, demonstrating that both P3HBs are comparable, exhibiting physical properties similar to standard P3HBs. The results highlight the promising potential of P3HBs obtained through alternative routes as biomaterials, thereby contributing to the transition toward more sustainable alternatives to fossil polymers.

Insights into adsorption behavior and mechanism of Cu(II) onto biodegradable and conventional microplastics: Effect of aging process and environmental factors

The widespread promotion attempt of biodegradable plastics is considered as an effective solution to address conventional plastic pollution. However, the interaction of microplastics (MPs) easily broken down from biodegradable plastics with the coexisting pollutants in aquatic environments has gained less attention. Herein, we investigated the effects of the aging process and environmental factors on copper (Cu(II)) adsorption behavior by biodegradable polylactic acid and conventional polystyrene MPs. Results demonstrated that the aging process significantly altered physicochemical properties of both types of MPs, and PLA showed less resistance to aging. The aged polylactic acid MPs (aged-PLA) exhibited the far highest Cu(II) maximum adsorption capacity (7.13 mg/g) mainly due to its abundant oxygen-containing functional groups (OCFGs), followed by pristine polylactic acid (PLA, 6.08 mg/g), aged polystyrene (aged-PS, 0.489 mg/g) and pristine polystyrene (PS, 0.365 mg/g). The adsorption kinetics of Cu(II) on PLA MPs were controlled by film and intraparticle diffusion, while film diffusion governed the Cu(II) adsorption onto PS MPs. In addition to roles of rougher surface structure, greater surface area and pore filling, the complexation of OCFGs and electrostatic interaction were critical to the adsorption mechanism of aged-PLA and aged-PS, and cation-π interaction was associated with adsorption of aged-PS. Moreover, the adsorption capacity of Cu(II) on aged MPs gradually grew with the increasing pH from 4 to 7. Besides, humic acid significantly promoted the adsorption of Cu(II) at a low concentration (0–20 mg/L) due to the formation of binary mixtures of MPs-HA but inhibited the adsorption at a high concentration (50 mg/L) because of its competitive effect, suggesting the dual roles of humic acid in the adsorption process. Overall, our findings provide a better understanding of the adsorption behavior of metals on biodegradable MPs and emphasize their non-negligible risk as carriers of contaminant.

Increasing shelf life of millets by developing bio-nanocomposite films (bioplastic) as an alternative to conventional plastic

Millets are considered as most nutritional grain among all. Hence it becomes immense important to prevent and protect such grains from being deteriorated. Spoilage is mostly observed due to bacterial, fungal, or due to some climatic changes. Such spoilage cannot be stopped completely but can be minimized by increasing its shelf life. Development of metal-oxide based bio-nanocomposite film has revolutionized various sectors from food packaging to agriculture. Zinc oxide nanoparticles is considered as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) among all metal-oxides, and hence introduced in various applications. These ZnO NPs can be combined with natural polymer forming bio-nanocomposite films (bioplastic) and therefore used in mulching and food packaging industry. Mulching improves crop yield, requires less water, makes less usage of pesticide, and promote proper growth of plants. Till date, conventional plastic made of polyethylene units are used which causes hazardous effect on environment, hence it become immense important to replace it with a biodegradable and affordable bioplastic. This study involves biosynthesis of ZnO NPs using plant (Cassia fistula) extract and combining it with the natural biopolymer, giving rise to bio-nanocomposite film. These films would show antibacterial activity against pathogen causing spoilage in millets and thus increasing their shelf-life extension. Also, the minimum amount of ZnO NPs required to show antibacterial activity would be determined.

Potentiality of Banana (Musa Paradisiaca) Pseudotallo for The Manufacturing of Biodegradable Polymers

The banana pseudostem, a part of the plant generally wasted after harvest, is revealed as a rich source of starch, a natural polysaccharide. This starch is a promising alternative for the creation of biodegradable polymers, as opposed to conventional polymers that rely on non-renewable resources derived from fossil fuels. The research focuses on analyzing the properties of starch extracted from banana pseudostems, highlighting its resistant starch content and its ability to generate gels and thicken liquids. These characteristics make it an ideal candidate for the production of polymers that can degrade efficiently in the environment, giving rise to products such as disposable cups, plates, bags and cutlery. These products not only represent an environmentally friendly alternative to single-use plastic products, but can also contribute to reducing the accumulation of conventional plastic in ecosystems. This research underscores the importance of sustainably harnessing natural resources to address problems related to plastic pollution and encourage more environmentally friendly practices in the polymer industry.

Stable aqueous dispersions of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) polymer for barrier paper coating

The demand for alternatives to single-use, synthetic, and non-degradable plastic packaging is continuously increasing. Paper products offer an environmentally friendly solution, however, typically do not meet strict barrier and other physical property performance demands unless coated with polymeric films, typically conventional polyolefins. Replacement of the conventional plastic film coating with bio-based and biodegradable polymers, such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) could provide competitive packaging properties while meeting sustainability objectives. In this study, PHBV is dispersed and stabilized in water for further environmental and coatability benefits. Four 10 wt% solids waterborne dispersions of PHBV with sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant and guar gum rheological modifier were prepared and remained stable for several weeks at room temperature when evaluated using rheological study and particle size analysis. Manila paper substrate was coated, evaluated, and compared to uncoated paper. A smooth, transparent film, with great substrate adhesion and flexibility was obtained. Wet mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, oil resistance, and water absorption all displayed excellent results for barrier packaging applications, with substantial improvement over uncoated paper. Overall, the waterborne PHBV dispersion and paper coating exhibited promising results as a sustainable packaging option.

Indoor replication of outdoor climbing routes: fidelity analysis of digital manufacturing workflow

This study aims to evaluate the advantages and criticalities of applying additive manufacturing to produce climbing holds replicating real rocky surfaces. A sample of a rocky surface has been reproduced with a budget-friendly 3D scanner exploiting structured light and made in additive manufacturing. The methodology is designed to build a high-fidelity replica of the rocky surface using only minor geometry modifications to convert a 2D triangulated surface into a 3D watertight model optimised for additive manufacturing. In addition, the research uses a novel design and uncertainty estimation approach. The proposed methodology proved capable of replicating a rocky sample with sub-millimetre accuracy, which is more realistic than conventional screw-on plastic holds currently used in climbing gyms. The advantages can be addressed in terms of customisation, manufacturing cost and time reduction that could lead to real outdoor climbing experiences in indoor environments by coupling additive manufacturing techniques and reverse engineering (RE). However, operating the scanner in a rocky environment and the considerable size of the climbing routes suggest that further research is needed to extend the proposed methodology to real case studies. Further analysis should focus on selecting the best material and additive manufacturing technology to produce structural components for climbing environments.

Edible oleogels as solid fat alternatives: A review from patent perspectives

AbstractOleogel technology has grown into a substantial research area over the past decade and development through a body of scientific patents and publications. Despite many exciting improvements in structural mechanisms and system development, promoting this technology from a laboratory study into an industrial production is not an easy task. Successful commercialization is predicated on the oleogel being able to adequately replace the various roles played by conventional plastic fats in complex food systems. To this end, certain inevitable limitations, such as poor plasticity, low structural stability, and intricate production procedures, need to be addressed first. This review gives the freedom‐spaces available for product developments and provides a deeper understanding for researchers in the oleogel technology combining both sides of patents and literatures. An insight analysis regarding research trends, hot topics, influences, and technology life cycle of current inventions has been conducted. Current structural strategies, formulations, and implementation scales are also discussed. Finally, future perspectives on the technology are highlighted.

Mulch from lignocellulose as agricultural plastic alternative for sustained-release of photosensitive pesticide

Extensively used agricultural mulch fabricated from nonbiodegradable polyolefin plastic causes tremendous environmental pollution. In this work, a paper-based mulch, composed of the cellulose fiber networks incorporated with Emamectin benzoate (EB)@sodium lignosulfonate (SL), has been developed with facile papermaking/coating methods. The spherical microcapsule loaded with pesticide EB has a desirable core-shell structure for better protection and sustained release of photosensitive EB. The loading rate and encapsulation efficiency reached 78.5 % and 52.3 %, respectively. Furthermore, microcapsules exhibited excellent slow-release behavior and resistance to photolysis. Natural carnauba wax was coated on the surface of the paper-based mulch to form a hydrophobic layer and increase the physical intertwinement of fibers in the mulch, thereby exhibiting superior performance, such as enhanced tensile strength, excellent hydrophobicity, high air permeability, and high light transmittance at reasonable level. Moreover, unlike conventional polyethylene mulch film, the functionalized paper-based mulch almost completely biodegraded after 75 days in the soil. Thus, multifunctional, eco-friendly mulch from lignocellulose is an innovative approach to obtaining the sustained release of agrochemicals, and it provides an excellent alternative to conventional agricultural plastic mulch.

Preparation of bioplastic film from chitosan and mango (Mangifera Indica L. Anacardiaceae) kernel starch by casting method

The accumulation of plastics in landfills and oceans has encouraged the development of biodegradable plastic products from renewable sources. Natural polymers are excellent candidates that need further modification of their functional and structural properties comparable to conventional plastics. This study aims to fabricate and optimize the formulation of bioplastic films from chitosan and mango kernel starch with glycerol as a plasticizer using response surface methodology (RSM). The chitosan-to-starch mass ratio (1:0.17 to 1:5.83) and glycerol concentration per gram of dry polymer (15.86% to 44.14%) were assigned as the independent variables to design an empirical model that describes the films’ elastic modulus as the sole response. The results yielded an optimal formulation of 1:0.17 chitosan-to-starch mass ratio (2% weight by volume chitosan solution blend) with 15.86% glycerol (per gram of dry chitosan and starch). Reproduction of the optimized film was carried out to validate the empirical model. Characterization of the films’ mechanical and barrier properties, surface morphology, and biodegradability were also investigated in this work. The results suggest that the functional properties of the bioplastic film surpass other chitosan-based bioplastic film blends and can be developed further to become a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging products.

Self-healing recyclable bio-based magnetic composites with boronic ester vitrimer matrix

The ongoing energy crisis and increasing consumption of fossil-based feedstock have raised the awareness of researchers about the need to develop sustainable alternatives for conventional plastic materials. A great potential is attributed to vitrimers, a newly emerging class of polymer materials that, despite being covalently cross-linked, can be easily repaired, reprocessed, or recycled with minimal environmental impact. Such properties are achieved due to dynamic cross-links that enable the reversible reactions within their network structure. Here, we report on the development of a novel bio-based magnetic composite by adopting the catalyst-free vitrimer as a host matrix for embedding the magnetic micro-filler. The employed matrix uses a recent generation of the exchange reactions ensured by boronic ester metathesis, following the principles of “green” chemistry. The final composite is endowed with various useful, programmable, and unique features, such as hardening in magnetic fields, electromagnetic shielding capability, and directional self-healing capability, while also being reprocessable multiple times and easily recyclable.

Performance and Degradation of Nonwoven Mulches Made of Natural Fibres and PLA Polymer-Open Field Study.

The need for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic mulches in agriculture has led to the development of various types of biodegradable mulches made from natural fibres and biopolymers to reduce environmental pollution and mitigate soil pollution caused by conventional plastic mulch usage. Degradation, impact on soil temperature and humidity, and weed suppression properties of needle-punched nonwoven mulches of different mass per unit area, made of jute, hemp, viscose, and PLA biopolymer, are investigated. Their biodegradation is determined by changes in the mulch properties (mass per unit area, thickness, air permeability, tensile properties, microscopic images, and FTIR analyses) during 300 days of exposure to the environmental conditions in the period from May 2022 to February 2023. The change in mass per unit area, thickness, air permeability, and tensile properties of nonwoven mulches did not show a tendency to degrade during exposure to environmental conditions. The microscopic and FTIR analysis showed the degradation of the fibres from the mulches during the exposure time to a certain extent. The environmental conditions influence the change in the dimensions of the mulches (shrinkage and expansion)-which impact periodically tested mass results per unit area-as well as their thickness and air permeability. The nonwoven mulches provide higher temperatures compared to bare soil, though not as high as those observed beneath traditional agricultural foil. When comparing the humidity in bare soil and soil covered by mulches during the plant growth period (June to October), it was found that soil humidity was higher beneath all mulches. The nonwoven mulches provide superior soil moisture retention compared to conventionally used agrofoil. Almost all nonwoven mulches effectively suppressed weed growth, except hemp mulches. The newly produced mulches have the potential to replace traditional agrofoil, offering improved conditions for plant growth, effective weed control, and faster degradation without causing harm to the environment.

Use of Insect Exclusion Row Cover and Reflective Silver Plastic Mulching to Manage Whitefly in Zucchini Production.

The challenges that sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) creates for vegetable production have increased in the southeastern U.S. Growers must use intensive insecticide spray programs to suppress extremely high populations during the fall growing season. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a reflective plastic mulch and an insect row cover as alternative methods to the current grower practices to manage whiteflies in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) production. Field experiments were conducted with a two-level factorial experimental design of cover and plastic mulch treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design, with four replications in Georgia in 2020 and 2021, and in Alabama in 2021. Cover treatments consisted of an insect row cover installed on zucchini beds at transplanting and removed at flowering and a no-cover treatment, while plastic mulch treatments consisted of reflective silver plastic mulching and white plastic mulching. During all growing seasons, weather conditions were monitored, whitefly populations were sampled weekly, zucchini biomass accumulation was measured at five stages of crop development, and fruit yield was determined at harvesting. Warm and dry weather conditions early in the growing season resulted in increased whitefly populations, regardless of location and year. In general, the reflective silver plastic mulching reduced whitefly populations compared to the conventional white plastic by 87% in Georgia in 2020, 33% in Georgia in 2021, and 30% in Alabama in 2021. The insect row cover treatment reduced whitefly populations to zero until its removal. Consequently, zucchini plants grown with the insect row cover and reflective silver plastic mulching had an increased rate of biomass accumulation due to the lower insect pressure in all locations. Zucchini grown using silver reflective plastic mulch and row covers had an overall increase of 17% and 14% in total yield compared to white plastic mulch and no-cover treatments, respectively. Significant differences in yield among locations were likely due to severe whitefly pressure early in the fall season, and total yields in Georgia in 2020 (11,451 kg ha-1) were 25% lower than in Georgia in 2021 (15,177 kg ha-1) and in Alabama in 2021 (15,248 kg ha-1). In conclusion, silver plastic mulching and row covers reduced the whitefly population and increased biomass accumulation and total yield. These treatments can be considered ready-to-use integrated pest management practices for growers.

Assessing the impact of anti-microbial showerheads on the prevalence and abundance of opportunistic pathogens in shower water and shower water-associated aerosols

Respiratory infections from drinking water-associated pathogens that can cause infections in the immunocompromised (DWPIs) are increasing, yet knowledge of DWPI aerosolization and if dynamics are DWPI-specific is lacking. Although there are several DWPI mitigation strategies, the use of antimicrobial showerheads is one of the easiest and most economical. There are many manufacturers and designs of antimicrobial showerheads that claim to remove microorganisms from shower water, yet all fail to assess efficacy in realistic conditions. In this study, a custom-built shower laboratory housing triplicates of three different showerheads (antimicrobial filter-based, antimicrobial silver-embedded and conventional acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic) were used to assess the physiochemical and microbial dynamics in shower water and respirable shower water-associated aerosols (1µm – 5 µm) over the course of 84 days. Collectively, findings from the study suggest that showerheads marketed as antimicrobial produce similar chemical and DWPI water quality to non-antimicrobial showerheads (p= >0.05) when operated under real-world conditions, however marked differences in the rare microbial community were present. In addition, although there were no differences in absolute DWPI abundance between showerhead type, each DWPI peaked in concentration at a different biofilm ages, suggesting that potential DWPI inhalation risk is DWPI- specific and influenced by the number of days of operation of the showerhead.