Plastic Containers Research Articles

PSIII-6 Impact of Aromatic Palatants on Equine Feeding Preferences

Abstract Although flavored palatants are commonly utilized in feed manufacturing, few data were available regarding the impact of aromatics on equine feeding preferences. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of aromatic palatants on feeding behaviors of lactating mares and nursing foals. Four quarter horse mare and nursing foal pairs were used in this paired preference test. Horses were group-housed with ad libitum access to pasture (cool season grass/legume mix), water and mineral salt. Pairings were tested for four consecutive days, with eighteen days off between each testing series, for a total trial of ten-weeks. Testing occurred from 1630-1730 h each day. Treatments were offered in false bottom pans constructed with twenty-four equally spaced openings (0.19 cm) and one (0.48 cm) central opening to allow odor permeation. Aromatic treatments, in powdered form (anise, apple, and peppermint), were placed within single use plastic containers nested underneath the feeding pans. Feed pans were spaced two inches apart and affixed to a flat, wooden platform with treatment location changed daily. Video was recorded and analyzed for first treatment investigated, consumed, and finished of pairs. Further analysis investigated the time spent consuming treatments and voluntary consumption of foals. Statistical analysis was performed (SAS for Academics, 2014, Cary, NC, USA) with significance set at 5%. The aromatic treatments utilized in this study yielded similar selective actions of mares for first investigated (P = 0.8472), consumed (P = 0.8472), and finished (P = 0.8166). Similarly, foal actions for first investigated (P = 0.5206), consumed (P = 0.5206), or finished (P = 0.1650) were not affected by aromatic treatments. There was a significant relationship between mare and foal first aromatic treatments investigated (P = 0.0415; R2 = -0.262) and consumed (P = 0.0415; R2 = -0.262) suggesting that different treatments were selected between the pairs (Table 6.2). A strong relationship was observed for first investigated and first consumed aromatic treatments of mares (P < 0.0001; R2 = 1.00). However, foals were found to remain with the first investigated aromatic treatment for first consumed (P < 0.0001; R2 = 1.00) and first finished treatments (P < 0.0001; R2 = 1.00). The mean voluntary consumption of concentrate was unaffected by treatment (P = 0.6646) and no period effect was observed (P = 0.1854). Mean time spent consuming was also unaffected by treatments (P = 0.1003) with no period effect observed (P = 0.4903). Despite no differences in the amount consumed, there was a greater time spent consuming peppermint treatments (257.97 ± 103.03 seconds) compared with that of anise (148.85 ± 84.09 seconds) and apple treatments (139.23 ± 77.00 seconds).

Determination of heavy metals in Iranian food packaging plastic

Dissemination of End-users to heavy metal is a salient issue where many researchers have been attentive on this subject for decades. These Metals can unfurl the Human Body via food contact consumption. So this research aims to investigate the content of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, iron, cobalt, copper, barium nickel, zinc, and arsenic has been determined in thirty-two different Iranian plastic food packaging containers by using Inductive-coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) using Microwave digestion system. In Adding to that, The Investigated packed materials like which Includes Dairy Products, mayonnaises, and kinds of ketchup. The Results ended up claiming heavy metals ranges are Pb(0.018-1258 mg/kg), Cu(0.41-31.13 mg/kg), Ni(0.06-0.866 mg/kg), Zn(7.27-88.69 mg/kg), Fe(4.7-901.6 mg/kg), Cr(0.87- 273.13 mg/kg), Cd(0.003-0243 mg/kg), Co (LDL - 0.358 mg/kg) and As(0.017-0.387 mg/kg). Lead (Pb) was detected at concentrations of 0.018-1258 mg/kg in eight of 32 packages. The highest concentrations were detected for Lead in the yellow and green-colored samples.

Activated char from the co-pyrolysis of polystyrene and olive stone mixtures for the adsorption of CO2

Yogurt plastic containers made of polystyrene (PS), olive stone, and mixtures of both have been converted into activated carbon materials transforming them firstly into char via pyrolysis and secondly with activation using either KOH or H2SO4. The pyrolysis of the olive stone gave a higher yield of material than the plastic PS. However, the activation of the PS char with KOH was more effective, reaching surface areas of 508 vs 194 m2 g−1 of the corresponding prepared with olive stone. The prepared materials were tested as CO2 adsorbent in thermobalance and fixed-be column assays. The materials activated with H2SO4 slightly enhanced the adsorption ability of the original char but were far from the performance obtained with KOH activation. The CO2 isotherms showed high synergy of CO2 uptake and selectivity when using activated chars prepared with the char from the mixture of raw materials, specially at a 1:1 mass ratio. The isosteric heat of adsorption values were those expected for a physisorption process. Further experiments in a fixed-bed column were also studied at atmospheric pressure at different inlet CO2 concentrations (10–50%). The CO2 retention increased as the partial CO2 pressure rose. Besides, a very similar performance of the material prepared with plastic and olive stones was obtained at 50%, i.e. 220 and 197 mg g−1 respectively. At low CO2 concentrations, the materials enriched with plastic displayed better performance than those prepared with olive stone. Cycles of adsorption-desorption were carried out in the column to assess the stability of the materials. The curves obtained did not display any substantial change, demonstrating the lack of adsorption retention.

Source of antibiosis to Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in mocó cotton genotypes (Gossypium hirsutum raça marie galante L. Hutch)

Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) cause damage in cotton plants since the plant emergence until maturation. The objective of this work was to evaluate antibiosis in mocó cotton genotypes (Gossypium hirsutum var marie galante L. Hutch) to S. frugiperda. Newly hatched larvae were individualized in plastic containers (100 mL) sealed with polyethylene film to prevent the insect scape, where they were fed with cotton leaves. The treatments were 27 cotton genotypes, with 40 replications for antibiosis and 20 for nutritional parameters, using a completely randomized design. The biological parameters evaluated were: larval period and viability, weight of caterpillars at ten days, pre-pupal period and viability and pupal weight at 24 hours, life cycle and total viability, adult longevity and sex ratio. Additionally, cotton genotypes were characterized by four microsatellite markers linked blue disease resistance, angular leaf spot, root-knot nematode and reniform nematode. There was high initial mortality of S. frugiperda larvae in genotypes BA0512, MA0423, PI0438, PI0432, CE0461, CE0507, RN0512, MA0425, MA0438, PI0429, MA0430, PI0440, PI0467, AC0602, PI0416, BA0477, MA0409 and MA0409 CE0467. The cotton genotypes presented antibiosis and SSR resistance markers for nematode and blue disease, highlighting that the germplasm of this species is an important source of multiple resistance for insect resistant genotype selection programs

Physiological quality of seeds of Mimosa bimucronata (DC) O. KTZE. subjected to different types of drying

Despite its potential, to date, work has not been carried out to identify the ideal drying conditions for Mimosa bimucronata (DC) O. Kuntze. Considering the scarcity of information on the drying process of this species, this work was with the objective of evaluating the sensitivity to desiccation by means of drying on activated silica gel (fast) and under laboratory conditions (slow). Rapid drying with silica was performed. For slow drying, the seeds were placed in plastic containers without lids, both at room temperature. Every hour, the seeds were weighed until reaching the pre-established points (30, 25, 20, 15 and 10%). The variables analyzed were: water content, first germination count, germination, germination speed index, dry mass and seedling length. The seeds of M. bimucronata (DC) show orthodox behavior, withstanding desiccation at levels below 15%. The desiccation of seeds at very low levels impairs the formation of seedlings, preventing their normal development.

Heavy Metal Concentration in Harmattan Dust across Selected Stations in Nigeria

Abstract: The atmospheric assessment of elements and heavy metals concentrations contained in Harmattan dust samples is addressed in this research. From November 2017 to March 2018, suspended Harmattan dust was sampled using locally constructed Australian model gauges installed at each sampling points (Iwo, Oyo, Ilorin, Minna, Abuja, Lafia, and Jos). The gauges used stood around 5.0 meters tall and were made of 10.0 mm plastic bowls installed on a plastic container that was encased in a metal shell for support and stability. The concentrations of various elements and heavy metals included in suspended Harmattan dust across selected Nigerian cities were assessed using particle-induced x-ray emission (PIXE) technology. The samples were subjected to statistical analysis using the ANOVA test in order to discover the significant differences between the positions of the elements in the sample. The suspended Harmattan dust samples revealed the presence of the following eighteen elements: Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, and Zr. Particle-induced x-ray emission (PIXE) demonstrated that these elements are present in various amounts. The samples contain both heavy metals (Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Zr) and non-heavy metals (Na, Mg, Al, Si, Cl, K, Ca, Rb, and Sr). The study’s results indicate that the presence of heavy metals in Harmattan dust can be attributed to various activities within the country. Consequently, it is advised that further research be conducted in order to raise public awareness about environmental issues. Keywords: Harmattan, PIXE, Elements, Dust, Heavy metals.

Evaluation of handheld Raman spectrometers for the detection of intact explosives

The detection of intact explosives in the field provides a unique challenge for investigators, considering the sensitive and dangerous nature of these samples. Handheld Raman instruments have grown in popularity for the analysis of unknown samples in the field, combining speed of data collection and reliability with a size that allows for the instruments to be field portable. Handheld Raman instruments are used commonly in the field, and yet there is very little research on the detection capabilities of these instruments, specifically for explosive compounds. The present study aimed to evaluate the detection capabilities of two handheld Raman spectrometers, the Rigaku ResQ-CQL and the Field Forensics HandyRam™, using explosives analytical standards, including 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), nitromethane (NM), ammonium nitrate (AN) and smokeless powder components such as diphenylamine (DPA), ethyl centralite (EC), and methyl centralite (MC). The spectrometers were evaluated on their sensitivity, the repeatability of the data, and the performance of the internal library when available. In addition, an interference study with glass and plastic containers was also performed. Finally, authentic intact explosive samples, including TNT flakes, a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (ANFO), smokeless powder and nitromethane were analyzed to evaluate the developed method and test the detection capabilities of the spectrometers with authentic samples. Spectra were reproducible for all the analytes across both instruments, with regards to the peak location and the intensity. Spectra obtained with the Rigaku ResQ-CQL displayed better resolution for all analytes, including the authentic samples. In addition, its wider scan range allowed for the detection of more detailed peaks below 400 cm−1. Identifying the detection capabilities of these handheld instruments can therefore help guide investigators on how to best utilize them in the field.

Investigation of the Prevalence of Digestive System Parasites in Chickens in the Kirikkale Region

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the prevalence of digestive system parasites in free-range chickens in Kırıkkale region. 
 Material-Method: One hundred (100) faecal samples were taken by visiting the poultry houses where domestic chicken breeding was carried out. Care was taken to ensure that the faecal samples were fresh and not in contact with soil. Each faecal sample was separately placed in plastic containers with lids and delivered to Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Routine and Epidemiology laboratory under appropriate conditions. The samples were analysed on the same day by native-lugol and Fülleborn flotation technique and the faecal samples which were positive for Eimeria oocyst were sporulated in potassium dichromate for species identification. 
 Result: Sixty-three of the faecal samples (63%) were found to be infected with one or more parasite eggs/oocysts. Eggs/oocysts of one, two and three different parasite species were detected in 42.9%, 39.7% and 11.1% of the faecal samples, respectively. In this study; Eimeria spp. 13%, Ascaridia spp. 6%, Capillaria spp. 12%, Eimeria spp.+Trichostrongylus tenuis, 3%, Eimeria spp. + Ascaridia spp. 3%, Ascaridia spp. + Capillaria spp. 11%, Ascaridia spp. + Capillaria spp. + Eimeria spp. 3%, Capillaria spp, 4%, Eimeria spp. + Ascaridia spp. + Heterakis spp. 1%, Ascaridia spp. + Capillaria spp. + Trichostrongylus spp, + Trichostrongylus tenuis, 1%, Capillaria spp. + Ascaridia spp. + Heterakis spp. 2%, Ascaridia spp. + Heterakis spp. 2% and Trichostrongylus tenuis 1%. Eimeria spp. oocysts were morphologically identified as E. tenella, E. necatrix, E. brunetti, E. mitis and E. maxima. 
 Conclusion: As a result, it is thought that the parasite rate is high due to the fact that the sampled chickens are free-ranging in the natural environment, parasites are more common during the infective periods of parasites or parasite control and treatment are not performed regularly. In order to reduce the presence of parasite infections that cause yield losses, it is recommended that the animals should have access to clean feed and water sources and regular parasitic control and treatment should be carried out.

Chromatographic methods for the determination of free bisphenol A in technical and food products

The article provides a brief overview of chromatographic methods for the determination of free bisphenol A in technical and food products. Bisphenol A (BPA) is used as a monomer in the production of some plastics and epoxy resins. Free BPA may be present in quantities exceeding acceptable levels in plastic food containers and in food products packaged in these containers. Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of BPA in the air of the working area is 5 mg/m3, which in terms of liquid is 5 µg/dm3. Maximum permissible concentration for the content of BPA in water, in water bodies for domestic, drinking and community water use is 0.1 mg/dm3. In European countries for plastics in contact with food, the BPA migration value is 0.6 mg/kg. Despite the relatively low toxicity of BPA, it can accumulate in the human body and cause harmful effects. To determine BPA in plastic, food products, and biological fluids, gas chromatography with preliminary derivatization by silylation or acylation of the analyte is most often used. Gas chromatographic techniques for direct chromatography on heat-resistant columns have also been developed. A fluorometric detector and a mass spectrometric detector are used as detection devices, along with a flame ionization detector. An alternative method for determination of BPA is HPLC with optical and mass spectrometric detection methods. The TLC method was also developed for the determination of BPA. For the preparation of BPA samples, solid-phase extraction (SPE), liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME), combined extraction method with acetonitrile separation (QuEChERS) are used.

Effect of Mishandling and Vending of Used Engine Oil on the Environment, Health and Urban Planning in Kaduna Metropolis: A Call to Action for a Paradigm Shift

This study examined the effect of mishandling and vending of used engine oil (UEO) on the environment, health, and urban planning. An evaluation of UEO handling, environmental and public health effects, spatial distribution of UEO vendors and contributing factors to choice of location, and the relationship between the vending location and the contributing factors to the choice of the location was provided. The research adopted multiple approaches including questionnaire administration, interview, observation, and application of a Global Positioning System, Geographic Information System, measuring tape, and a camera. An accidental/snowball sampling technique was viable for the study. Data collected were processed using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used. Results revealed the UEO was acquired from mechanic garages (41%) and stored in plastic containers (74%) until it was completely disposed of (91%). 52% had a hazy knowledge of the environmental effect of UEO, yet 45% rated the extent of its contamination as high. 59% were aware of its potential hazard which can get into the human body through ingestion but did not know it could get into the human body through contact with skin (74%) or breathing (61%). However, 84% wash their hands before a meal, with soap/water (67%), and change clothes after handling the used engine oil (69%). Most of the spots were located within 0-20 meters from the road (11), along the highways, occupying the metalled portion of the road, the road shoulders, setbacks, and walkways, blocking drainages and affecting the visual and aesthetic value of the environment. A larger proportion (40) revealed that visibility/accessibility guided their choice of location. Also, a low correlation coefficient of 0.32 was recorded. The study recommended the promotion of awareness programs, enforcement of environmental regulations, good hygiene practices, enforcement of standards and development regulations, and application of smart technology and big data.

Field investigation combined with modeling uncovers the ecological heterogeneity of Aedes albopictus habitats for strategically improving systematic management during urbanization

BackgroundAedes albopictus is an invasive vector of serious Aedes-borne diseases of global concern. Habitat management remains a critical factor for establishing a cost-effective systematic strategy for sustainable vector control. However, the community-based characteristics of Ae. albopictus habitats in complex urbanization ecosystems are still not well understood.MethodsA large-scale investigation of aquatic habitats, involving 12 sites selected as representative of four land use categories at three urbanization levels, was performed in Guangzhou, China during 2015–2017. The characteristics and dynamics of these Ae. albopictus habitats were assessed using habitat-type composition, habitat preference, diversity indexes and the Route index (RI), and the temporal patterns of these indexes were evaluated by locally weighted scatterplot smoothing models. The associations of RI with urbanization levels, land use categories and climatic variables were inferred using generalized additive mixed models.ResultsA total of 1994 potential habitats and 474 Ae. albopictus-positive habitats were inspected. The majority of these habitats were container-type habitats, with Ae. albopictus showing a particularly higher habitat preference for plastic containers, metal containers and ceramic vessels. Unexpectedly, some non-container-type habitats, especially ornamental ponds and surface water, were found to have fairly high Ae. albopictus positivity rates. Regarding habitats, the land use category residential and rural in Jiangpu (Conghua District, Guangzhou) had the highest number of Ae. albopictus habitats with the highest positive rates. The type diversity of total habitats (H-total) showed a quick increase from February to April and peaked in April, while the H-total of positive habitats (H-positive) and RIs peaked in May. RIs mainly increased with the monthly average daily mean temperature and monthly cumulative rainfall. We also observed the accumulation of diapause eggs in the winter and diapause termination in the following March.ConclusionsEcological heterogeneity of habitat preferences of Ae. albopictus was demonstrated in four land use categories at three urbanization levels. The results reveal diversified habitat-type compositions and significant seasonal variations, indicating an ongoing adaptation of Ae. albopictus to the urbanization ecosystem. H-positivity and RIs were inferred as affected by climatic variables and diapause behavior of Ae. albopictus, suggesting that an effective control of overwintering diapause eggs is crucial. Our findings lay a foundation for establishing a stratified systematic management strategy of Ae. albopictus habitats in cities that is expected to complement and improve community-based interventions and sustainable vector management.Graphical

Waste separation behavior with a new plastic category for the plastic resource circulation: Survey in Kansai, Japan

Japan is a leading country in establishing an efficient waste management system. However, the recycling rate of plastic waste remains low, as different types of plastic are separated into different categories based on local policies in different municipalities. In April 2022, Japan introduced the new Plastic Resource Circulation Act, which requires all plastic waste to be separated and collected in a new category as recyclable resource. Thus, the waste separation criteria received major revision, providing a good opportunity to observe citizens' behavior change. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence citizens' waste separation behavior with the introduction of a new plastic waste category in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1676 Kansai citizens, extending the theory of planned behavior by including personal norms, plastic sorting knowledge and government policy. The sample population was divided into two groups based on whether the respondent's municipality implements mandatory plastic container and packaging waste separation policies and governance. The results show that people living in municipalities with mandatory separation policies were more likely to participate in plastic waste separation and showed greater consistency between their intentions and actual behavior compared to those living in areas without such policies. Moreover, the influence of knowledge and personal norms on the intention was more significant in the mandatory separation policy group. In both groups, there was a positive relationship between knowledge, personal norms, and people's intention. The findings provide insights for promoting plastic waste separation, recycling, and reducing plastic pollution by improving plastic circulation.

Humans can sense large numbers of objects in a box by touch alone.

Everyday experiences suggest that a container, such as a box of cereal, can convey pertinent information about the nature and quantity of its content. This study investigated how well people can judge large quantities of objects in a container through haptic perception. Stimuli consisted of plastic drinking straws cut to "small" (1.5 cm) or "big" (4.5 cm) pieces contained in plastic food containers. Participants performed both a magnitude estimation of the number of objects and a direct estimation of the proportion of the container perceived to be filled with objects. Overall, participants demonstrated considerable accuracy for both tasks and irrespective of the size of the content. Post-experiment interviews revealed three potential strategies. Participants either focused on the container's contents, the excess space in the container, or the perceived weight of the container (content).

Migration testing of microplastics from selected water and food containers by Raman microscopy

The migration of microplastics (MPs) from plastic food packaging has received increasing attention. Despite numerous studies quantifying MPs released from food packaging, there is lack of systematic investigation on migration of MPs from food packages under US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s guidance for food contact substances. Herein, we aimed to determine the quantity and size distribution of MPs migrating from water and food plastic containers following US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s guidance using Raman microscopy. Six commonly used water and food containers made of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS) were treated using distilled water and food stimulants (10% and 50% ethanol) under various conditions. A range of 23,702 to 490,330 particles per liter MPs with 77%− 92% smaller than 5 µm were detected, in which the PP food container exhibited the highest release of MPs when incubated with 50% ethanol at 130 °C for 15 min (equivalent to heating fatty food in a microwave). The temperature and food types were key attributes for elevating MP migration in general. Further comparison observed direct microwave (534,109 particles per liter) heating led to a significantly higher release of MPs compared to the FDA-suggested method (155,572 particles per liter). Part of MPs (12–63%) failed to be identified by Raman microscopy due to small particle size. Our estimation suggests that individuals might inhale up to 4511 MPs per kg per day. This research offers vital insights into MP migration from food and water containers, aiding in the development of relevant guidelines and facilitating MPs' risk assessment and management.

Occurrence of microplastics and disturbance of gut microbiota: a pilot study of preschool children in Xiamen, China

Microplastics (MPs) have garnered widespread attention because of their presence in human placenta, stool, and even blood. Ingestion is considered the major route of human exposure to MPs. It has been found that the consumption of food and water is associated with more MP abundance in human stools. The usage of plastic containers, particularly feeding bottles, may be a major contributor to MP contamination. However, human exposure to MPs and potential factors that influence exposure, especially for preschoolers, remains largely unknown. When exposed to MPs, mice exhibited gut microbiota dysbiosis, including alterations in diversity indices, a decreased relative abundance of probiotics and an increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria. Such results have also been observed in human gut invitro models, however, the actual association between MP exposure and human intestinal microbiota remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate MP concentrations in preschoolers' stools, explore possible dietary factors that influence preschooler exposure to MPs, and investigate their potential association with the gut microbiota. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Xiamen, China in October 2022. We investigated the feeding behaviours and dietary habits of preschool children. A total of 69 couples of stool samples were collected and analyzed for MPs test and gut microbiota analysis. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was used for quantifying 11 types of MPs. The gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that only polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polyamide 6 (PA6) were detected in 85.5% stool samples, with concentrations of 317.4 (152.0, 491.9) μg/g dw, 299.0 (196.1, 619.9) μg/g dw, 206.2 (154.1, 240.3) μg/g dw, and 17.9 (13.4, 18.6) μg/g dw, respectively. The median estimated daily intake (EDI) for preschoolers was 425.9 (272.5, 762.3) μg/kg-bw/d. Dairy intake may influence MP concentration in preschoolers' stools, and the usage of feeding bottles may be a specific source of MP contamination. Moreover, higher PVC concentrations were observed in the stools when the children took more time to eat a meal. MP exposure was inversely associated with alpha indices and possibly affected certain probiotic taxa, such as Parabacteroides and Alistipes, in preschool children. Our data provided baseline evidence for MP exposure doses and potential dietary factors that may influence MP exposure in preschoolers. These findings supported the perspective that MP exposure might be associated with the disturbance of gut microbiota. Further studies focusing on sensitive populations with larger sample sizes are needed. This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number: 82003412), the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (grant number: 20214Y0019), and the Project of Shanghai Municipal Financial Professional foundation (Food Safety Risk Assessment) (grant number: RA-2022-06).

Generation, types and impacts of biomedical waste during COVID-19: Indian context.

India's already-stressed waste disposal system has been strained by the COVID-19 outbreak. The challenge of managing biomedical Waste (BMW) in India has become more complicated in recent years, mainly due to the sudden emergence of COVID-19. As a methodology, a literature review was carried out with the help of Google Scholar, Research Gate, PubMed, and academic journal databases. Additionally, publications from numerous non-academic sources (such as news websites etc.) and current guidelines, such as those from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, were also accessed. The review study identifies that PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) made up the majority of biomedical waste, followed by vaccine waste, during the peak of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The increase in PPEs such as face masks, aprons, face shields, gloves, goggles, and sanitizers, as well as other medical waste like bandages, plastic containers, syringes, testing kits, and tissues, has significantly changed the makeup of the BMW. This pandemic has hampered the proper management of solid waste, which has now surfaced as a major threat to developing countries. In this paper, biomedical waste management strategies followed in India and its disposal methods, cost-effective and environment-friendly methods to treat medical waste are also discussed.

Experimental Study and Process Optimisation for Fabrication of Circular Sheet Made from Waste PP/HDPE via Extrusion and Hydraulic Press

Plastic waste is a well-known hazard to the ecosystem due to which many countries are exploring ways to mitigate this polymer from the environment. Various plastic wastes are generated after end use in the form of plastic bottles, plastic bags, bottle caps, straw, plastic cups, etc. These are generally made up of HDPE, LPDE, PP, PET, PS, etc. Therefore, this study focusses to utilise this wastage to make some value-added products. In this context, waste plastic bottles and containers made up of polypropylene and high-density polyethylene were targeted and shredded into small pieces ranging from 1.4 to 2 mm and mixed with additives in the extruder and hydraulic press to make circular sheets that can be used for electrical purposes. During the study, the effect of various process parameters on fabricated circular sheet properties such as tensile strength, melt flow index (MFI), and thermal conductivity were investigated. The developed non-linear theoretical models were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The gradient descent method is applied in BBD for estimating the optimum condition for fabricating a circular sheet. Under optimum conditions, the tensile strength and thermal conductivity were found to be 1535 MPa and 0.0312 W/mK, respectively, for the HDPE circular sheet using extrusion. The tensile strength, MFI, and thermal conductivity were determined using a Universal testing machine, melt flow tester (ASTM D1238), and Thermal constant analyser based on ASTM D1350.

Inventory and Dynamics of Fish Landings from Small-Scale Maritime Fisheries at the Fishing Port of the San-Pédro’s Port (South-West, Côte d'Ivoire)

Knowledge of the fish fauna in Ivorian waters is of concern to both scientists and those responsible for developing the fishing industry. Indeed, the increasing intensification of the exploitation of fishery resources is raising real risks of regression and disappearance of certain species. With this in mind, a survey of fishing activities was carried out in the fishing port of San-Pédro between July and December 2021. The aim of this study was to take stock of the dynamics of fish landings from small-scale fishing in this fishing port. Sampling of landed fish was carried out between 08:00 and 12:00 in the morning in two campaigns according to the two seasons that prevail in the region, by visual differentiation in plastic containers followed by counting. Identification was carried out using the appropriate keys. The conservation status and vulnerability of the various specimens were determined according to IUCN criteria version 2023. The inventory showed that a total of 55 species of fish from 32 families and 14 orders were landed during the two study periods. These catches were dominated by the order Perciformes, which was the most diverse (56.36% of species) and the most preponderant (61.29% of individuals). Oceanodromous species dominated the catches during the long rainy season. On the other hand, benthic species were the most common during the long dry season. Thunnus albacares was the most abundant during the long dry season, while Sardinella aurita (26.8%) dominated during the long rainy season. The analysis of conservation status and vulnerability showed that 18 species of fish landed were of biological interest for conservation. The presence of endangered species such as Rhinobatos cemiculus means that fishermen need to be made more aware of the problem and their catches need to be monitored more closely in order to protect them.

SAT428 The Effects Of Diphenyl Phthalate (DP) On Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα;) And Tumor Suppressor Gene (BRCA-1) In Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract Disclosure: K. Whittaker: None. E. Hallman: None. A. Zanib: None. S. Pfiffner: None. R. Yaldo: None. S. Dinda: None. Phthalates are a group of compounds that have been linked to xenoestrogenic activity which can lead to the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Specifically, Diphenyl Phthalate (DP) is a compound found in cosmetics, toys, plastic containers, and medical equipment. Previous studies have linked phthalates as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDC) which may have an effect on diseases such as breast cancer. Due to the endocrine-disrupting actions of phthalates, it is critical to further investigate DP’s potential impact on breast cancer cells. This study investigates the estrogen-like effects of DP, both alone and in combination with hormones and antihormones on T-47D and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. The breast cancer cells were cultured in a medium that contained 5% charcoal-stripped fetal bovine serum (FBS) to ensure depletion of any endogenous steroids or growth factors. The cells were treated with varying concentrations of DP (25-250uM) for 24 hours. Through western blot analysis, alterations in the expression of ERα; related to the varying concentrations of DP were observed. A concentration-dependent decrease of ERα; expression levels was observed in both cell lines when compared to the control. A concentration-dependent increase of BRCA1 was seen in both cells. The optimal concentration of DP was revealed to be 200uM in T-47D breast cancer cells as it exhibited the most estrogen-like effect. The optimal concentration (200uM) was then used alone and in combination with hormones and antihormones for further investigation of DP on T47-D cells. Treatment with DP, E2 and the combination of DP and E2 for 24 hours showed a significant down-regulation of ERα in T-47D cells when compared to the control. These effects were sensitive to the presence of ICI showing significant down-regulation of ERα (approximately 80%) in T-47D cells. Image cytometric analysis with propidium iodide staining was utilized to examine the effects of DP on cellular viability in T-47D cells. Cells were treated for 6 days with DP concentrations ranging from 25-250 µM, and all concentrations displayed an increase in cell proliferation compared to the control in T47D cells. DP alone and in combination with E2 showed an increase in cell proliferation that was reversed when treated in combination with anti-hormones. RT-qPCR studies in T-47D cells revealed a transcriptional expression of ESR1 and BRCA-1 mRNA levels that correlate with the translational data from western blot analyses. Confocal microscopy, cell viability, and RT-qPCR analyses are in progress as well as evaluation on the effects of DP with hormones and antihormones on MCF-7 cells. Our studies offer an intriguing direction to explore the molecular mechanisms of DP as an EDC on the steroid receptors and tumor suppressor gene in breast cancer cells. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Characteristic and health risk of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from cosmetics via dermal exposure

In this work, 45 cosmetic samples were collected from China, and 27 target per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. PFAS were found in all samples, including the products marketed for pregnant women, and the total concentrations of PFAS measured in each sample were in the range of 4.05 – 94.9 ng/g. Short-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids were the dominant compounds contributing to over 60% of the total content. Perfluorobutanoic acid, with high placental transfer efficiency, was the major PFAS in cosmetics for pregnant women. Three emerging PFAS, 2-perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid, 3-perfluoropentyl propanoic acid (5:3) and perfluoro-2-propoxypropanoic acid, were also identified in the cosmetic samples at quantifiable levels. Significantly, positive correlations between individual PFAS were observed, indicating that there may be a common source for PFAS in these samples. Statistical analyses suggested that using plastic containers and precursor substances may be potential sources of PFAS in terminal products, and product aging may increase PFAS levels. From the PFAS analysis of the cosmetics, the margin of safety (MoS) and hazard quotient (HQ) were calculated to assess human health risks through dermal exposure by using these products. Although the MoS and HQ values obtained were deemed acceptable, the cumulative effect caused by composite and long-term exposure to these contaminants needs to be given greater attention by health authorities.