Plastic Bottles Research Articles

Разработка мероприятий по поддержанию стратегической неуязвимости предприятий розничной торговли

The article considers the issues of ensuring strategic invulnerability of retail enterprises in a highly competitive environment. Based on the analysis of the internal and external environment of OOO Semya, Oktyabrsky District, Rostov Region, engaged in retail trade in food products, beverages and tobacco products, a concentrated growth strategy is proposed aimed at expanding the product range, quickly responding to market requirements and changes in consumer demand. The activities that constitute the sphere of tactical planning are outlined: attracting new categories of buyers through market segmentation and expanding the product range. In connection with the increase in the number of military personnel in the Rostov Region, it is proposed to segment the food market, identifying a new category of buyers - "military personnel", and to master the sales of army dry rations and canned meat. The range and composition of dry army rations of the manufacturer IRPTORG are studied. Recommendations are given for the purchase and placement of products in the sales area. The necessity of advertising events to increase sales volumes of new products for OOO Semya is substantiated. Radio advertising is proposed as the most accessible means of obtaining information for military personnel. In order to meet the population's needs for food and alcohol, it is proposed to expand the range of the company's products by starting to sell draft beer in kegs, concluding an agreement for the supply of products from the Bavaria brewery with the distributor Pegas. The costs of purchasing three types of beer, PET bottles, the cost of sold products and additional profit from sales are calculated.

Low-cost IOT-Based Smart Drip Irrigation Systems for Small-Scale Farmers using discarded plastic bottles

Low-cost IOT-Based Smart Drip Irrigation Systems for Small-Scale Farmers using discarded plastic bottles

The Impact of Microplastics in Food and Drugs on Human Health: A Review of the MENA Region

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as a global environmental and public health crisis, infiltrating air, water, soil, and food systems worldwide. MPs originate from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, single-use plastics, and industrial processes, entering food. Emerging evidence underscores the ability of MPs to cross biological barriers, including the blood–brain barrier, triggering neuroinflammatory responses and contributing to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Polystyrene (PS), a common type of MP, activates microglial cells, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukins, which increase neuronal damage. MPs have also been linked to cardiovascular diseases, with studies detecting polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in carotid artery plaques, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Furthermore, MPs disrupt endocrine function, alter lipid metabolism, and induce gut microbiome imbalances, posing multifaceted health risks. In the MENA region, MP pollution is particularly severe, with the Mediterranean Sea receiving an estimated 570,000 tons of plastic annually, equivalent to 33,800 plastic bottles per minute. Studies in Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia document high MP concentrations in marine ecosystems, with herbivorous fish like Siganus rivulatus containing over 1000 MPs per individual due to the ingestion of contaminated seaweed. Despite these findings, public awareness and regulatory frameworks remain inadequate, with only 24% of Egyptians demonstrating sufficient knowledge of safe plastic use. This review emphasizes the urgent need for region-specific research, policy interventions, and public awareness campaigns to address MP pollution. Recommendations include sustainable waste management practices, the promotion of biodegradable alternatives, and enhanced monitoring systems to mitigate the health and environmental impacts of MPs in the MENA region.

Comparison of milk consumption habits across two European countries: Pilot study in Portugal and France

Abstract Humans have been consuming milk obtained from domesticated animals since ancient times. Milk is a very complete food with important nutrients that can support life. However, the patterns of consumption of milk have been shifting. On one hand, due to the increase in the number of people with intolerances (to lactose, for example), and on the other hand, due to some trend to avoid foods from animal origin owing to specific conviction (like animal welfare, for example). In this context, this study focused on the milk consumption patterns in two different European Countries and the evaluation of possible differences. The object of study was milk obtained from animal sources, namely, cows, and no other derived fermented dairy products were included. For the development of the study, a questionnaire survey was applied to a sample of 542 participants from both countries using the Internet. The results showed that a high percentage of participants in both countries consume milk regularly, and the usual amount varies between 125 and 250 mL per day. For those who do not consume milk, the most relevant reason pointed out in both countries was because they do not feel the need to consume it. While in France, a high percentage also do not consume because they do not like milk, and in Portugal, a high percentage do not consume milk due to lactose intolerance. The most consumed is semi-skimmed milk, and preferences are towards consuming plain milk or consuming it with chocolate. Significant differences were found in the consumption of white brands, which are preferred in France, while in Portugal, consumers prefer commercial brands, as well as the preferred package, tetra packs for the Portuguese, while the French prefer plastic bottles. In conclusion, although the results showed some similar trends among the participants from both countries, some differences were also identified that can be used to better plan public policies in both countries.

Ornamental nurseries adjacent to hardwood-dominated woodlots pose more risk from exotic ambrosia beetles (Xylosandrus spp.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) than pine-dominated woodlots.

Exotic granulate ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky), black stem borer, Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford), and black twig borer, Xylosandrus compactus (Eichhoff) are serious pests of woody ornamental trees in nurseries. Woodlots often surround ornamental nurseries, where the ambrosia beetles fly into nurseries and attack young trees. The woodlots are either dominated by hardwood trees, such as Oaks (Oak spp.), maples (Acer spp.), or pine trees, mainly loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). It is unclear if the woodlot type would influence the abundance of ambrosia beetle pests flying outside the woodlot. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether the hardwood or pine-dominated stand affects the relative abundance of ambrosia beetle pests outside the woodlot. In 2023 and 2024, experiments were conducted by deploying 3 ethanol-lured plastic bottle traps in 4 hardwood and 4 pine-dominated woodlots in mid-Georgia (USA). The overall captures of X. crassiusculus and X. germanus were significantly greater in the hardwood than in the pine-dominated woodlots in both years. The numbers of X. crassiusculus and X. germanus collected in traps were not consistently significantly different between the hardwood and pine-dominated woodlots for most sampling dates. The captures of X. compactus were not influenced by woodlot type. This suggests that although ambrosia beetle pests were collected from both hardwood and pine-dominated woodlots in both years, the risk of infestation in nurseries is greater from the adjacent hardwood than pine-dominated woodlots.

Seasonal Occurrence and Biodiversity of Insects in an Arid Ecosystem: An Ecological Study of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, Saudi Arabia

Each living organism thrives best in a habitat that provides optimal conditions for flourishing, reproduction, and distribution within a certain area. This study aims to investigate the seasonal variation in insect biodiversity across different sites of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve (KARR), located between E 45.19–46.57 and N 25.15–27.41, with a focus on assessing biodiversity, density and seasonal variation using active and passive methods, over the period from January to November 2023. A total of 68 sites within the study area were randomly selected for trap placement. The trapped specimens were labeled and transferred to plastic bottles half filled with 70% ethanol and then taken to the laboratory for counting and identification. Identification was based on morphological characteristics and appropriate identification keys, with the assistance of entomological expertise, and a list of local species. Simpson’s diversity index (D) was also calculated. The results revealed that, out of 6320 trapped insects, species were identified across six orders: Blattodea (termites), represented by 2 families and 2 species; Coleoptera, comprising 12 families and 38 species, of which 11 belonged to the family Tenebrionidae; Hemiptera, comprising 7 families and 9 species, 3 of which belonged to the family Lygaeidae; Hymenoptera, comprising 5 families and 15 species, 9 of which were from Formicidae; Lepidoptera, comprising 2 families and 3 species; and Orthoptera, comprising 3 families and 7 species, 4 of which were from family Acrididae. Insect biodiversity and abundance were observed to be relatively low during the winter (January–March) and autumn (October–November) seasons, while relatively higher densities were recorded during spring (May) and summer (August–September).

An Evaluation of the Efficacy of Two Different Types of Plastic Waste Materials to Enhance the Geotechnical Characteristics of Soft Clay Soils

Plastic waste materials are constantly increasing around the world as a result of the growing human consumption of these materials day by day, with no actual solutions to get rid of them without causing harm to the environment or the health of living organisms. Therefore, in this research, two types of plastic waste materials are utilized to enhance soft clay soil: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nylon (N), in percentages of (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5)% from dry soil weight, to enhance the clay soft soils properties, which are characterized by their excessive compressibility, low bearing capacity, and low shear strength. This study is carried out by conducting laboratory tests before and after the addition. These tests included the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, and the other test was the consolidation test. The results revealed a notable rise in the cohesion value (C) when using polyethylene terephthalate (PET), when the enhancement reached 246.42% with 2.5%, while the maximum improvement percent with nylon was 25% with 1.5%. On the other hand, when applied at a rate of 2%, nylon trash was more effective than plastic water bottles (PET) in reducing the compression index (Cc), dropping from 0.26 to 0.15.

Conversion of waste PET bottles into supported ionic liquid membranes for heavy metal separation from wastewater.

Conversion of waste PET bottles into supported ionic liquid membranes for heavy metal separation from wastewater.

Evaluation of different transport and distribution conditions on antimony migration from PET bottles to mineral water

Evaluation of different transport and distribution conditions on antimony migration from PET bottles to mineral water

Microporous carbon derived from waste plastics for efficient adsorption of tetracycline: Adsorption mechanism and application potentials.

Microporous carbon derived from waste plastics for efficient adsorption of tetracycline: Adsorption mechanism and application potentials.

Domestic wastewater treatment system using waste plastic bottle caps as biofilter media

The increasing lack of clean water has created a paradigm for treating wastewater directly from the source. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of processing domestic waste using plastic bottle caps in the anaerobe and aerobe reactor system by measuring several key parameters in wastewater. Experimental study on on-site wastewater treatment system using two bioreactors, a biodegradation made from fruit and vegetable peel waste, and local microorganisms. Domestic wastewater was used in this study. The wastewater treatment system's performance was monitored using parameters like pH, temperature, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), collected daily at 9 am during peak wastewater generation. The wastewater treatment system using aerobe and anaerobic reactors with plastic bottle cap media and microorganism biodegradation effectively reduced the TSS, COD, and BOD. The anaerobe reactors were more effective at removing these pollutants, with a maximum TSS reduction of 81.1%, COD removal efficiency of 90.1%, and BOD removal efficiency of 80.2%. The longer acclimatization time of the anaerobe reactor may make it more efficient after acclimatization compared to the aerobe reactor. Although the anaerobe reactor may require a longer acclimatization time, it ultimately results in a higher efficiency in terms of TSS, COD, and BOD reduction compared to the aerobe reactor.

Mechanical Properties of Recycled PET/PC/MDI Composite Fabricated by 3D Printing

The environmental pollution of plastic bottles is a serious dilemma among the scientist and researcher nowadays. One of the solutions that can reduce the pollution of plastic bottles are by recycling the plastic bottles material (PET) and reusing it as 3D printing material. The objective of this study was to fabricate filament wire using the r-PET/PC/MDI composites. Next, the fabricated filament wires were used to produce samples from 3D printing machine and conduct the mechanical test on fabricated samples to determine the its mechanical properties. Firstly, the sample preparation of r-PET/PC/MDI composite with chosen composition was fabricated starting from shredding the plastic bottles using crusher machine. Then the r-PET flakes were washed and rinsed in a 2% NaOH solution before mixing the r- PET/PC/MDI composite using brabender plastograph machine. Then, composites that had been blended were crushed using crusher machine to get pellet size before used it with extruder machine to fabricate filament wire. The fabricated filament wire was tested on 3D printer to produce samples. Lastly, the mechanical tests were conducted on the samples which involves tensile, flexural and impact test to identify the mechanical properties of the r-PET/PC/MDI composite. Based on the results obtained from tensile test, samples produced by injection molding technique achieved higher tensile strength which was 22.3 MPa compared to samples produced from 3D printer, meanwhile samples produce from 3D recorded higher Young modulus which was 2.8 MPa. As for flexural strength and Flexural modulus, sample from injection molding recorded higher value for both test which was 119.8 MPa and 56.3 respectively. Finally for the impact strength of r-PET/PC/MDI composite, samples produced by injection molding shows greater value which is 0.32 J/mm² compared to samples produced from 3D printer that recorded only as 0.03 J/mm². The mechanical properties of r-PET/PC/MDI blends fabricated by using injection molding showed greater result and performed better in all conducted mechanical testing compared to samples produced by 3D printer.

Assessment of macro litter pollution and potential sources in the shorelines of two Mediterranean lakes in Isparta, Turkey: a first report.

Anthropogenic litter pollution is recognized as a critical environmental issue by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), with factors like climate change and population growth intensifying the issue. This study aims to assess the abundance and pollution status of macro litter (> 3cm) in two key freshwater basins in the Mediterranean region of Turkey: Lake Eğirdir and Lake Kovada. Macro litter sampling was conducted along the shorelines of both lakes, and pollution levels were measured using the Clean Coast Index (CCI), Clean Environment Index (CEI), and Cigarette Butt Pollution Index (CBPI). In total, 6688 litter items were collected from Lake Eğirdir, and 10,313 from Lake Kovada. Plastic and polystyrene materials dominated the litter composition in both lakes, with mixed packaging being the most common source. However, at the C2 station in Lake Kovada, domestic litter was the most abundant. According to the CCI, all stations except E5 were classified as "dirty-very dirty." The CEI results showed that stations E1, E7, K1, C1, and C3 had similar pollution levels. Based on the CBPI, stations E1 and C3 were considered "polluted." Given the potential volume and sources of plastic litter, it is crucial for the government to collaborate with local stakeholders, including farmers, fisheries, industries, hotels, and tourism operators along the shores of Lake Eğirdir and Lake Kovada. For instance, plastic bottles and bags, which are commonly discarded from hotels and recreational areas, represent a major source of pollution in both regions. This research represents the first study on anthropogenic litter in these freshwater ecosystems. The findings emphasize the need for immediate policy actions and effective waste management strategies to reduce macro litter pollution in these critical freshwater habitats of the Mediterranean region.

A study of performance characteristics of combined waste polymer enhanced bitumen on hot and warm mix asphaltic concretes

Asphalt is extensively employed as a pavement component in the construction of roads. However, inadequate performance of conventional Hot Mix Asphaltic (HMA) and Warm Mix Asphaltic (WMA) concretes necessitate the adoption of polymer for bitumen modification. There are indications that modification of asphalt with Waste Plastic Bottle (WPB) and Waste Sachet Water (WSW) enhances the performance of HMA and WMA concretes. This study investigated the efficiency of HMA and WMA concretes modified with Combined Waste Polymer (CWP). Bitumen with a penetration grade of 60/70 was weighed into ten different containers before being heated for producing Hot Bitumen Mix (HBM). Sasobit was added to the 60/70 bitumen at a rate of 3.5% by weight to produce Warm Bitumen Mix (WBM). The HBM and WBM were modified with CWP in proportions ranging from 2 to 18% at 2% frequencies. The penetration (P), softening point (SP), and specific gravity (SG) have been established on HBM and WBM samples. Aggregates and filler were added to HBM and WBM samples to produce HMA and WMA concrete samples, respectively. Marshall quotient and Microstructural properties of the HMA and WMA concrete samples were evaluated. The obtained values of P, SP, and SG were 33–70 mm, 55–78 °C, 1.01–1.12, respectively for HBM and WBM samples. The range for Marshall quotient results for HMA and WMA concretes were 1.73–3.46 kN/mm and 2.50–3.63 kN/mm, respectively. The microstructural studies revealed that CWP modified HMA and WMA concrete samples demonstrated enhanced bulk density and compact strength. The incorporation of WPB and WSW into the production of HMA and WMA concretes has the potential to significantly improve their performance. This study is in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals 12 and 13. Further investigation utilizing WPB and WSW, in conjunction with their corks, is hereby recommended.

Post-Consumer Recycled PET: A Comprehensive Review of Food and Beverage Packaging Safety in Brazil.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used in the food and beverage packaging sector due to its chemical and mechanical properties. Although PET is a fossil-based polymer, its recyclability significantly contributes to reducing the environmental impacts caused by excessive plastic consumption. However, the growing demand for post-consumer recycled PET (PET-PCR) food packaging has raised concerns about the efficiency of decontamination processes involved in recycling this material. This review initially addresses PET synthesis processes, highlighting injection stretch blow molding as the predominant technique for packaging production. It then discusses reverse logistics as a strategy to promote sustainability through the recovery of post-consumer packaging, such as plastic bottles. This review examines mechanical and chemical recycling methods used in PET-PCR production, food safety requirements including positive lists of permitted substances, contaminant migration limits, non-intentionally added substances (NIASs), and updated criteria for the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) of food-grade PET-PCR resins. Finally, the review explores future prospects for using PET-PCR in the food and beverage packaging sector, assessing its environmental impacts and potential technological advancements to enhance its sustainability and safety.

Edukasi Lingkungan Ramah Anak Mendorong Penggunaan Tumbler untuk Mengurangi Sampah Botol Minum di Sekolah Dasar

Introduction: Environmental problems caused by plastic waste, especially from disposable drinking bottles, are increasing in Indonesia. One solution to reduce plastic waste in elementary schools is through child-friendly environmental education that encourages the use of tumblers. Objective: This study aims to educate students about the benefits of protecting the environment by reducing the use of disposable plastic bottles. Method: The method used in this study consists of three main stages, namely counseling, practice, and monitoring and evaluation. Counseling is carried out through educational sessions involving students, teachers, and parents. The practice stage involves a campaign to use tumblers and distribute tumblers to students. Monitoring and evaluation are carried out to measure changes in student habits in using tumblers. Result: The results of the study imply an increase in students' interpretation of the negative impacts of plastic waste from 40% to 85%. The habit of bringing tumblers increased from 30% to 70%, and 65% of students began to consistently use tumblers at school. Conclusion: This program is effective in building environmental awareness and responsibility among students. Recommendations for program sustainability include strengthening school policies and integrating environmental education into the curriculum.

The determinants of indigenous fruit value-added products packaging preferences among consumers in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Packaging designs and materials have become increasingly important in the food sector because they assist consumers in recognising and understanding the benefits of a particular product. There seems to be scanty research on the suitable packaging materials for value-added products processed from indigenous fruits of Southern Africa. This study analysed the determinants of consumers' preferences regarding indigenous fruit product packaging (plastic containers, bottles, foam containers, and other packaging materials). The study was carried out in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, province of Mpumalanga, South Africa, in two malls and two retail complexes, namely: the Bushbuckridge Complex, Acornhoek Mall, Mkhuhlu Plaza, and Thulamahashe Mall. A purposive sampling technique was used to determine the sample size of each shopping mall. Furthermore, a random sampling technique was again used to sample 382 respondents within each shopping mall. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data by interviewing 382 selected respondents. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 29.0 was used to analyse data. Further analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and a multinomial logistic model. The study findings revealed that 96.4% of respondents consumed indigenous fruits, with marula accounting for the most purchased and consumed indigenous fruit at (92.4%), when compared to other indigenous fruits. The multinomial logistic regression model analysis results revealed that market accessibility, colour of the packaging, consumers’ level of education, and shopping centres were significant determinants in the preferred choice of packaging, when comparing bottles and foam containers to plastic packaging. However, there were no significant factors impacting on consumers’ preferences for other packaging materials such as boxes, tins, papers, and cans, compared to plastic packaging. This implies that consumers had insignificant to no preference for other packaging materials used for the indigenous fruit in the study area. It is recommended that the indigenous fruit sellers and processors be informed by the findings of this study when choosing their packaging materials for indigenous fruit products.

Training on the manufacture of eco-bricks as final waste disposal for village communities

Plastic waste has become a significant challenge in Cikidang Village, primarily due to its high consumption levels and dense economic activities, which cover an area of 1.3 million hectares. To address this issue, this community service project proposes the implementation of the Ecobrick method as an innovative solution. The Ecobrick method involves compressing plastic bottles with plastic waste until maximum density is achieved, transforming waste into functional items such as landfill components and other useful objects. The initiative encompasses direct outreach, training, and practical Ecobrick production, structured into stages that include observation, material collection, hands-on practice, outreach, and results evaluation. The results indicate an enhanced awareness among the community regarding environmental cleanliness and the advantages of Ecobrick. Surveys and interviews reveal positive community responses to the training and outreach, with evaluations suggesting that Ecobrick effectively reduces plastic waste accumulation and improves environmental cleanliness. Furthermore, the program provides opportunities for practical applications of Ecobrick, resulting in substantial positive impacts on waste management and the economic well-being of Cikidang Village.

Detection and risk assessment of bisphenol-A and phthalate esters in bottled water: implications for public health

ABSTRACT The global consumption of bottled water has surged, particularly where safe drinking water is scarce Plastic water bottles may leachharmful Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalate esters (PAEs), into the water. This study analyzes BPA and six PAEs in bottled water from various brands in Central India, utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 39 samples from 13 brands were analyzed. The results show detectable levels of BPA (35.397 µg/L to 273.513 µg/L) and PAEs (ND to 1147.340 µg/L), with significant concentrations of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and BPA, posing potential health risks. A risk assessment based on hazard quotients (HQ) indicated that DEHP and BPA exceeded safe exposure thresholds for non-carcinogenic and anti-androgenic risks. Additionally, DEHP exhibited a carcinogenic risk. These findings emphasize the need for stricter regulations and continuous monitoring to mitigate the health risks associated with EDC exposure from bottled water.

Streptomyces coeruleorubidus strain SALG1 derived seashore plastic bottle for the biodegradation of untreated plastic polymers.

Plastic pollution has become a significant environmental concern due to the widespread use and persistence of polyethylene (PE) in various industries. In this study, soil samples containing plastic waste were collected from a public landfill site, along with plastic bottles gathered from the shore of Sidi Ali Lebher in the Bejaia region, Algeria. In total, nine strains of PE-degrading actinobacteria were isolated using PE as sole carbon source. The SALG1 strain was isolated from plastic bottles and selected for its high enzymatic potential and effectiveness in degrading PE. Selected from nine actinobacteria isolates, it was identified as Streptomyces coeruleorubidus with 98.28% similarity to Streptomyces coeruleorubidus type strain ISP 5145T based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The growth of SALG1 was evaluated using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the sole carbon source, demonstrating a significant reduction in PEG concentration over a 14-day period, accompanied by biomass accumulation. Furthermore, SALG1 exhibited biosurfactant production and hydrophobicity, indicating its potential to interact with hydrophobic substrates like PE. Biodegradation experiments conducted over 2 and 6months revealed SALG1's capability to degrade colorless and black PE (9.18% and 5.22%), as well as polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (0.25% and 0.42%) in both liquid and solid media. Moreover, the presence of Tween 80 enhanced degradation percentages, particularly in liquid media, suggesting its utility as a potential biostimulant. Structural changes induced by SALG1 activity in polymer films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectrophotometry (ATR), as well as the thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) providing valuable insights into the degradation mechanism.