Plastic Waste Research Articles

Activated carbon materials-derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste using H3PO4 activation for Rhodamine B removal in aqueous solution

Plastic items, which offer convenience, are ubiquitous in several manufacturing sectors and in everyday life. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a highly popular synthetic plastic that is seeing a growing demand. Annually, a substantial quantity of PET plastic garbage is released into the environment. Hence, it is imperative to devise an efficient remedy for the disposal of PET plastic waste. This work employed PET waste plastic to produce activated carbon by the chemical activation method. The activating agent utilized was H3PO4 acid. An investigation was conducted to determine the impact of the impregnation rate of PET waste plastic with H3PO4, as well as the activating temperature and activating time, on the surface areas of activated carbon. The activated carbon was thoroughly analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The resulting product has a porous structure, a developed pore system, and a specific surface area of 892 m2/g, with effective adsorption capacity for RhB solutions with concentrations below 80 ppm (efficiency above 90%) in a neutral environment according to the Langmuir adsorption isothermal model, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 45.45 mg/g.

Analisis Potensi Reduksi Sampah oleh Pemulung di Tempat Pengelolaan Sampah Terpadu Bantargebang

Indonesia is the country with the fourth largest population in the world. In 2022, waste in Indonesia reached 36.00 million tons/year. DKI Jakarta Province has a vast waste generation rate of 3.10 million tons/year potentially ending in a waste processing site called TPST Bantargebang. The DKI Jakarta Province recorded as much as 7,000 to 8,000 tons/day of waste entering the TPST Bantargebang, with a regional waste reduction target of 27.00%. TPST Bantargebang has reduced waste by processing waste into fuel and electricity. Another reduction factor that has yet to receive attention is the role of waste pickers. In 2022, the number of waste pickers at TPTS Bantagebang is 6,413 people. This research examines the potential role of waste pickers in reducing waste at the TPST Bantargebang. This research is an observational study conducted by sampling and interviewing the waste pickers. The sample in this research was 98 waste pickers who collected waste samples for eight consecutive days. The results show that waste pickers at TPST Bantargebang potentially reduced 144.08 kg of waste/person/day, with the most prominent composition being plastic waste at 49.88%. Based on these results, it can be concluded that scavengers at TPST Bantargebang can reduce waste by up to 12.55%. The value of potential waste reduction by waste pickers can be used for waste reduction calculations at TPST Bantargebang.

Analisis Potensi Reduksi Sampah oleh Pemulung di Tempat Pengelolaan Sampah Terpadu Bantargebang

Indonesia is the country with the fourth largest population in the world. In 2022, waste in Indonesia reached 36.00 million tons/year. DKI Jakarta Province has a vast waste generation rate of 3.10 million tons/year potentially ending in a waste processing site called TPST Bantargebang. The DKI Jakarta Province recorded as much as 7,000 to 8,000 tons/day of waste entering the TPST Bantargebang, with a regional waste reduction target of 27.00%. TPST Bantargebang has reduced waste by processing waste into fuel and electricity. Another reduction factor that has yet to receive attention is the role of waste pickers. In 2022, the number of waste pickers at TPTS Bantagebang is 6,413 people. This research examines the potential role of waste pickers in reducing waste at the TPST Bantargebang. This research is an observational study conducted by sampling and interviewing the waste pickers. The sample in this research was 98 waste pickers who collected waste samples for eight consecutive days. The results show that waste pickers at TPST Bantargebang potentially reduced 144.08 kg of waste/person/day, with the most prominent composition being plastic waste at 49.88%. Based on these results, it can be concluded that scavengers at TPST Bantargebang can reduce waste by up to 12.55%. The value of potential waste reduction by waste pickers can be used for waste reduction calculations at TPST Bantargebang.

Canva-based E-comic on the Dangers of Plastic Waste Environment as Learning Media for IPAS Effectively Improve Learning Outcomes

The decline in IPAS learning outcomes and focus on the material on the dangers of plastic waste is indicated by the unawareness of disposing of waste in its place. The purpose of this study was to develop Canva-based E-comics on the material of the Dangers of Plastic Waste for the Environment as an Effective IPAS Learning Media to Improve Learning Outcomes. The subjects used were fifth grade students of SDN Ngijo 01 Semarang. The method used is development research with the ADDIE model. Data collection used interviews, observations, tests, and questionnaires. Data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Development through five stages namely analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The results of media feasibility included a feasible category based on the assessment of material experts, media experts, linguists, and teacher and student response questionnaires. The effectiveness of e-comic is in the effective category to be used based on the increase in student learning outcomes after using this media. The conclusion is that the Canva-based e-comic media developed is valid, feasible, and effective in the teaching and learning process of the material on the dangers of plastic waste in IPAS subjects.

Current status of plastic waste distribution in the intertidal ecosystem and fishing port in Nha Trang marine protected area, Khanh Hoa province

Current status of plastic waste distribution in the intertidal ecosystem and fishing port in Nha Trang marine protected area, Khanh Hoa province

Sources Affecting Microplastic Contamination in Mountain Lakes in Tatra National Park

The global atmospheric transport of microplastics (MPs) plays a crucial role in the contamination of remote, especially higher-elevation, environments. Precipitation is considered the main source of MP pollution. Meanwhile, plastic waste generated from, for example, tourism activities can be a local source of MP pollution. In this study, we specify which of the mentioned sources of MP, global or local, have a higher impact on the pollution level in the high-elevation oligotrophic lakes of Tatra National Park in Poland. Due to its unique natural value, it is listed by UNESCO as an international biosphere reserve and meets the criteria for Natura 2000 areas. We comprehensively analyzed the morphometric and anthropogenic features of 11 lakes in terms of the contamination level, color, shape, and polymer type of the MPs found in the surface waters. MP fibers were found to be present in all studied lakes, with contamination ranging from 25 to 179 items/m3. Polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and natural or semi-natural cellulose fibers—black or red in color with a length of 0.2–1.0 mm—predominated, which corresponds with other studies conducted on remote mountain ecosystems. We did not find any correlation of the number of MPs with local anthropogenic pressure characteristics. In turn, the significant correlation with lake area, coastline length, lake volume, and catchment area indicated airborne sources, including global transport of MPs to the lakes with reduced water outflow.

Effect of Waste Plastic Polyethylene Terephthalate on Properties of Asphalt Concrete Mixtures

Effect of Waste Plastic Polyethylene Terephthalate on Properties of Asphalt Concrete Mixtures

Thinking Green on 3D Printing: Sustainable Polymer Compositions of Post-Consumer Polypropylene and Tire Rubber Crumbs Intended for Industrial Applications.

Year by year, more and more plastic is used worldwide. A large part of post-consumer waste is still stored in landfills instead of being reused. The solution to this problem may be recycled materials (recyclates) or biodegradable materials. The method of 3D printing, regarded as a clean processing technology, can significantly contribute to addressing global plastic pollution by utilizing post-consumer recycled polymers to create new components and parts. Therefore, this study focuses on the assessment of various properties and characteristics of 3D-printed compositions based on post-consumer polypropylene (PP) and rubber crumbs, recycled from packages foils and car tires, respectively. Moreover, within this study, we compared the mechanical performance of the injection molding material with the one obtained from 3D printing. A characterization was made considering the thermal and mechanical properties as well as the "print quality" through the microscopic and tomographic analysis of subsequent print passes, the number of free spaces, and imperfections in the polymer melt. Samples obtained using the FDM and injection methods exhibited comparable melting temperatures, while the samples obtained by injection molding exhibited slightly better mechanical performance, higher hardness, and impact strength.

Environmental effects of plastic pollution and sustainability: where are we now?

Environmental effects of plastic pollution and sustainability: where are we now?

Assessment of Plastic Waste Generation and Environmental Leakage in Hai An Ward, Nghi Son Town, Thanh Hoa Province

The study estimates plastic waste generation and leakage to the environment and the sea in Hai An ward, Thanh Hoa province. The study uses a material flow analysis model, field samplings (include plastic waste sorting and weighing), and secondary data collection and analysis. The plastic waste generated is estimated to be 77.01 ton/year, of which the plastic waste from domestic sources and other sources, including agriculture and aquaculture (fishing), are 71.17 ton/year and 5.84 ton/year, respectively. Research results show the composition of plastic waste from domestic sources is diverse, with bottles being the highest (28.4%), followed by plastic bags (23.1%). The findings of the study also indicate that the plastic waste leakage to the environment is 9.63 ton/year, of which 6.4 tons are from the uncollected plastic waste and 3.23 tons are the plastic waste lost during the collection, transportation, and treatment process. The research also estimates that the plastic waste leakage to the sea accounts for about 7.24 ton/year, plastic waste retained on land is about 2.16 ton/year, and the plastic waste openly burnt is 0.23 ton/year.

Application ICP-OES to Multielement Analysis on Plastic Waste and Blends with Vacuum Gas Oil: Developing a Sample Preparation Protocol

This paper introduces a new methodology for a routine metal analysis of plastic waste (PW) and PW blended with petroleum feedstock such as vacuum gas oil and VGO (PW/VGO). For such purposes, recycled polyethylene and polypropylene plastic were selected to mimic the potential feeds to be integrated at the Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit (FCC) to produce valuable products. Elements such as P, Ca, Al, Mg, Na, Zn, B, Fe, Ti, and Si were included in the method development. Different sample preparation methods were evaluated, such as microwave-assisted acid digestion (MWAD) and dry/wet ashing, followed by a fusion of the ash with lithium borate flux. Some PW homogenization pretreatments, such as cryogenic grinding and hot press molding, were also covered. The finding of this work suggests that MWAD with HNO3 and H2O2 is adequate for both types of samples and is the quickest sample preparation; however, the sample needed to be homogenized, and recoveries for Si and Ti may be biased for PW due to the limited solubilities of these elements in the nitric acid media. Carbon removal is required before fusion sample preparation and analysis due to the amount of carbon in PW samples. The sample needed to be homogenized for wet ash fusion but not for the pre-ash (dry) method. A benefit to the damp ash pretreatment is that the ash for the sample was created in the same crucible used for fusion digestion, avoiding material loss during sample management. Fusion from wet ash or carbon removal allowed for better acid solubility for Si and Ti in PW. The results of the PW samples evaluated matched well with those of both sample preparation methodologies. For most elements, precision was <10% regardless of the sample preparation; however, Fe and P had some variation using wet ash fusion, possibly due to contamination in an open digestion system or variation due to being close to the method limit of quantification (LOQ). The methodology reported here is robust enough to be implemented as routine analysis in any laboratory facility.

A Sustainability Study upon Manufacturing Thermoplastic Building Materials by Integrating Chicken Feather Fibers with Plastic Waste

The article explains how to make thermoplastic construction materials by combining waste from chicken feathers with plastic waste. The initial phase focused on a new and environmentally friendly method of sterilizing raw feathers using microwave radiation inside sealed ovens with circulating air. Additionally, composites containing varying feather amounts using two different polymer matrices were fabricated through an injection process, followed by mechanical and physical tests on the samples. Because of their excellent characteristics, products made from a combination of chicken feather waste and plastic waste could effectively replace traditional wood–plastic composites that are polyvinyl chloride-based. The recycling technology was assessed for its environmental impact, and sustainability was proven economically and environmentally.

Viscoelastic and antimicrobial dental care bioplastic with recyclable life cycle

Medical plastic-appliance-based healthcare services, especially in dentistry, generate tremendous amounts of plastic waste. Given the physiological features of our mouth, it is desirable to substitute dental care plastics with viscoelastic and antimicrobial bioplastics. Herein, we develop a medical-grade and sustainable bioplastic that is viscoelastic enough to align the tooth positions, resists microbial contamination, and exhibits recyclable life cycles. In particular, we devise a molecular template involving entanglement-inducing and antimicrobial groups and prepare a silk fibroin-based dental care bioplastic. The generated compactly entangled structure endows great flexibility, toughness, and viscoelasticity. Therefore, a satisfactory orthodontic outcome is accomplished, as demonstrated by the progressive alignment of male rabbit incisors within the 2.5 mm range. Moreover, the prepared bioplastic exhibits resistance to pathogenic colonization of intraoral microbes such as Streptococcaceae and Veillonellaceae. Because the disentanglement of entangled domains enables selective separation and extraction of the components, the bioplastic can be recycled into a mechanically identical one. The proposed medical-grade and sustainable bioplastic could potentially contribute to a green healthcare future.

Toxicological impacts of plastic microfibers from face masks on Artemia salina: An environmental assessment using Box-Behnken design

An increase in global plastic manufacturing and subsequent disposal has resulted in widespread increase in microplastic pollution. Particularly, the post-COVID surge in face mask usage has introduced significant volumes of synthetic plastic microfibers into the environment, posing new ecological risks. Present study examines the toxicological impacts of face mask derived microfibers on Artemia salina, a key marine zooplankton species, using the Box-Behnken design to assess the effects of microfiber dosage (0.1 mg/L- 5 mg/L), salinity (0.5 ppt–30 ppt), temperature (10 °C-45 °C), and cyst stocking density (10 cysts/L-100 cysts/L) on hatching efficiency and swimming competencies. Results demonstrated that higher microfiber dosages (2.5 mg/L-5 mg/L) significantly reduced the hatching efficiencies and swimming competencies, while temperature and cyst density also modulated these effects. Additionally, survival assays indicated a significant reduction in survival rates with increasing microfiber concentrations, attributed to the bioaccumulation, oxidative stress and developmental deformities in the organism. The study further explores the leaching of chromophoric dissolved organic matter and turbidity, revealing a direct correlation with microfiber dosage and exposure duration. These findings underscore the urgent need for mitigation strategies to address microfiber pollution and protect aquatic ecosystems. Data presented from the research provides valuable insights into the environmental impacts of plastic microfiber contamination, emphasizing the necessity for continued investigation into effective solutions for managing plastic waste.

Assessing on-site plastics fragmentation: Linking macroplastics litter to microplastics pollution in vegetable fields

This study proposes a novel approach to determine whether farmers act as a pollution source of microplastics through macroplastic mismanagement or if they are temporary hosts of in-transit microplastics. Using a case-study approach, it was hypothesized that 90 % of soil microplastics would trace back to macroplastic waste mismanaged by farmers. To determine the amount of soil microplastics, linear transects were established and microplastic litter was counted and classified. Additionally, composite soil samples were used to count and colour-classify microplastics. The Kendall correlation was used to differentiate between the colour ranks of macro- and microplastics to discriminate between plastic on-site fragmentation or exogenous plastic pollution. For this, 37 vegetable farms in central Chile were assessed after the growing season. Farms showed lower microplastic counts than previously reported for similar productive conditions (3.68 ± 3.28 u/kg). A median colour correlation of 0.43 (IQR = 0.18–0.55) was observed between macro- and microplastics. Only in 25 % of the studied fields did on-site plastic fragmentation predominate over exogenous plastic pollution. The applied approach is simple to implement and does not require specialized laboratory equipment. We hope that the proposed methodology will serve in environmental monitoring to evaluate adherence to good agricultural practices and to guide pollution-prevention measures.

Porous biochar supported PET plastic waste MOF heterostructure as a novel, efficient and recyclable catalyst for acetaminophen degradation

Herein, the innovative hybrid photocatalyst PET-based Zn-MOF on orange peel biochar (BC)(PZM/BC) was designed and synthesized via the hydrothermal method. Electrochemical methods have been used to demonstrate the action of the PET-MOF in the PZM/BC photocatalyst as a medium for electron transfer. The latter involved the synthesis of a zinc-containing metal–organic framework (MOF) in which the linkers were derived from the depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) originating from plastic wastes. According to research, the catalytic reactions are sped up when porous BC and linker PET are assimilated into PZM/BC photocatalyst hetero-junction. Furthermore, BC stored electrons under light and released these electrons under dark conditions. When BC was combined with PET-MOF, the electrons on the biochar activated the catalytic redox activity of acetaminophen. Additionally, it lowers the reassimilation rate due to the combined meshed nanostructures and functionality of PET-MOF and PZM/BC. UV–Vis DRS, Mott-Schottky, Photoluminescence(PL), and Electrochemical Impedance spectra(EIS) results showed that the PZM/BC exhibited efficient spatial separation and transportation of photogenerated charge carriers and exhibited superior photocatalytic ability. Electron spin resonance(ESR) analysis confirmed that ⋅OH and h+ were the predominant radical species responsible for the degradation of acetaminophen(ACT). The optimum conditions for ACT removal were observed at pH 6.07, with a PZM/BC dosage of 0.1 g L−1, and an initial ACT concentration of 50 mg L−1, highlighting the pivotal role of the PZM/BC system in ACT degradation. Furthermore, potential photocatalytic degradation pathways of ACT were inferred renders on the identified intermediates which are responsible for the degradation of refractory intermediates. Regeneration trials were carried out to assess the stability of the photocatalyst. Additionally, the degraded intermediates generated during the degradation processes were examined, providing a comprehensive elucidation of the degradation mechanism.Graphical

High temperature pyrolysis of sewage sludge: Synergistic effects of co-pyrolysis with rice straw and composite plastics wastes

The synergistic effect of co-pyrolysis for the mixtures of sewage sludge (SS), rice straw (RS) and composite plastic wastes (PE&PP) has been investigated with the aim of high gas yields and hydrogen generation. In this context, the applicability of high temperature pyrolysis technology was evaluated at both rotary type batch reactor and rotating screw type continuous reactor operating under the industrially relevant conditions. Gas yields have been improved at increasing the operating temperatures up to 850 °C. The gas yield of 75.06 % with its H2 portion of 32.35 % has been achieved as the best results for continuous pyrolysis unit at pilot scale. Secondary reactions such as steam de-alkylation, steam cracking, water gas shift and so on were regarded as being responsible for the high gas yields when the primary products of pyrolysis, i.e. condensable vapors, were much exposed to the hot zones inside the reactor. The dehydration of organic components involving the loss of water may supply steam to create a reactive pyrolysis atmosphere. While the pyrolysis of sewage sludge and rice straw favors CO and CO2 formation due to the high oxygen contents of these feedstocks, more methane and light olefins were produced when the plastics were added to the feedstock blends. This was ascribed to the initially generated radicals from the decomposition of sewage sludge and/or rice straw that might promote the scission reactions of plastics towards volatiles. It was shown that high temperature pyrolysis can be applied to a variety of organic wastes such as rice straw, sewage sludge and waste plastics. Conversion of wastes to hydrogen fosters the circular economy by putting the disposal costs down and creates a new route on renewable hydrogen generation.

ATR-FTIR characterisation of daily-use plastics mycodegradation

Synthetic polymers, such as plastics, have permeated all aspects of modern life, and nowadays plastic pollution is a major environmental problem. Mycodegradation of these polymers could represent part of the solution to this problem since it calls on a broad toolbox of enzymes and applies non-enzymatic mechanisms to degrade and deteriorate recalcitrant materials. However, not enough is known about this ability for most of the representatives of the fungal kingdom. Another bottleneck is the harmonisation of technologies to analyse plastic degradation. This work involved the design of a biodegradation experiment, where the potential of four fungi representative of Dikarya and Penicillia (Funalia floccosa, Trametes versicolor, Pycnoporus cinnabarinus and Penicillium oxalicum) were tested on their ability to deteriorate the six most used plastics based on gravimetry and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The following correlation between changes in the band signals and the loss of mass after treatment was determined using polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, poly vinyl chloride, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene and nylon. After treatment, the decrease in absorbance of the characteristic bands of the plastics was taken as an indication of the degradation of the corresponding bonds/functionalities. The four fungi used could transform CH, CH2, CH3, CO, CO, CN, NH and CCl bonds. The best result was obtained using the fungus F. floccosa with 90-day treatments for high density polyethylene (∼ 62.0 %), low density polyethylene (∼ 23.6 %) and nylon (∼ 35.6 %). Therefore, mycodegradation could open up new doors in the fight against plastic pollution.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Approach in the Feeding of Superworm (Zophobas morio) with Petroleum-Derived Polymer Diets

Plastics are very versatile materials that have contributed to the development of society since the 19th century; however, their mismanagement has led to an accumulation of plastic waste in almost every ecosystem, affecting the fauna of the planet. However, recently, some studies have shown that some insects might be able to adapt, consuming a wide range of hydrocarbon base polymers. In this work, the adaptive capacity of Zophobas morio larvae when feeding on different synthetic polymers derived from petroleum was studied. Four different thirty-day larval feeding treatments were carried out with synthetic polymers, including expanded polystyrene (PS), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyisoprene (PI), and butyl rubber (BR); in addition, a positive control of organic diet was included. Intestinal bacteria were isolated from the treatments and identified by Sanger sequencing. To analyze the chemical composition and physical form of the frass produced, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR) was performed, and images of the feces’ surfaces were taken with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Zophobas morio larvae were able to consume 54% of PS in 30 days, equivalent to 3.2 mg/d/larva. Nine culturable bacterial strains associated with the decomposition of synthetic polymers were identified in the intestine of the larvae. As for the physicochemical analysis of the feces, FTIR spectra showed the scission of bands corresponding to functional groups of the synthetic polymers in the comparison of the plastic diet treatments versus the feces of antibiotic-treated and plastic-fed larvae, while the comparison of spectra of the plastic and control treatments also identified differences in the absorption peaks. SEM imaging demonstrated that superworm feces differed in dependence on the substrate consumed. The findings demonstrated that Zophobas morio larvae possess a gut biological complex that allows them to feed and survive by consuming various petroleum-derived polymers.

Microplastics: Features of appearance, identification methods (subject review)

Polymer packaging materials have become firmly embedded in our way of life. They are used in the manufacture of household items, as well as in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and automotive industries. Production and application of polymer packaging are expanding rapidly encompassing various spheres of the industry. According to Plastics Europe Market Research Group (PEMRG), global plastics production reached 348 million tons in 2017 and is likely to reach 33 billion tons by 2050. At the same time, about 26 million tons of plastic waste are generated annually on the territory of the European Union (EU), of which only 30% is collected for recycling. Despite this, in many countries of the world, including Russia, more than 50% of polymer materials are disposed of at landfills, where under the influence of external environmental factors (temperature, humidity), their destruction occurs with the formation of huge quantities of micro- and nanoplastics. Most people do not consider the environmental problems associated with microplastics to be serious. However, many studies aimed at in-depth study of this problem have proved that micro- and nanoplastics have significant negative effects on terrestrial and marine animals, as well as on human health, whether directly or indirectly. The identification of microplastics in various model environments and living systems is usually based on the use of infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectrophotometry. Each of the methods has its advantages and disadvantages, mainly related to sample preparation to improve the accuracy of identification. This review is devoted to the problem of formation and identification of microplastics in various natural objects.