Usage Of Plastics Research Articles

Plastic residues alter soil microbial community compositions and metabolite profiles under realistic conditions

Wide usage of plastic coupled with mismanagement has created a humongous environmental hazard threatening entire ecosystems. To date, the potential effects of plastic debris-induced soil nutrition substance changes and the relevant microbial metabolic behavior remain unclear. Here, we studied the effect of plastic films polyethylene and polylactic acid in differential soil environments (farmland, woodland, and wetland) for 120 days. Soil enzyme activities (urease, neutral phosphatase, and catalase) and nutrition substance (NH4+-N, available P, available K, and soil organic matter) present obvious variations in polylactic acid groups compared to polyethylene-treated samples. 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicates that several bacteria abundance such as Bacteroidales, Actinobacteriota, Nitrososphaeraceae, Pyrinomonadalcs, Muribaculaceae, exhibited obvious up-regulation or down-regulation, and simultaneously, the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling relevant species Bryobacter, Bradyrhizobium, and Sphingomonas, expressed wider margin of down-regulation in abundance in plastic treatment soil samples. As a result, the abundance of metabolites including sugar, amino acid, and fatty acids, which may associated with nutrition substance metabolic pathways, were significantly altered in the stress of plastic. These findings provide valuable information on the environmental effects of plastics, and the relationships of subsequent nutrition substance changes and microbial metabolic behavior.

Investigating Heat-Treatment Effects on Biodegradable Banana Peel Plastic Manufacturing Processes

Traditional petroleum-based plastic takes hundreds of years to degrade, and so it is accumulating at an alarming rate, while plastic consumption is also increasing exponentially. Global plastic contamination has been the most threatening environmental issue globally since it is a staple in everybody's lives. So, an urgent method must be created to minimize the usage of conventional non-biodegradable plastics. In this study, banana peel plastic models shaped as rods, beads, and films were created first and subjected to four different heat-treatment methods: two with a low-heat treatment of 80℃ and 65℃ 24 hours with a fanning function in a dehumidifier, while high-heat treatments of 120℃, 1 or 2 hours in an electric oven. The study's results suggested that the banana plastic created with the low-heat treatment 80℃ presents more favorable qualities in molding weight change, pressing hardness, tensile force, and water stability. The stability in the pH solution was more excellent in low-heat treated plastic than in high-heat treated plastic. More studies might be needed to clarify the causes of differences in the characteristics examined.

Community awareness and perceptions on microplastics: a case study from Sri Lanka

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a global issue due to its unprecedented impacts on the environment and human health. However, its place as a potential pollutant and possible impacts on plant and human health are less understood among the general public. The study was conducted to investigate the level of awareness of MP pollution and its impacts and to evaluate their practices and perceptions of plastic usage, and their awareness on regulatory measures in Sri Lanka. The convenience sampling method was employed to select the study population representative of both rural and urban areas. A questionnaire was distributed among 166 respondents belonging to the age group of 20 - 40 years. Nearly 67% and 68% of respondents were aware of MPs and their harmful impacts, respectively. Nevertheless, most respondents (66 %) were not aware of the regulatory measures introduced by the authorities to control the usage of plastic products. About 66% of respondents discarded plastic items on a daily or weekly basis indicating their widespread usage among the general public in Sri Lanka. However, a majority (85%) were unaware that burning of plastics is a prohibited action in the country. The results revealed that the awareness of MPs and their impacts were significantly linked to the gender, level of education, and occupation of respondents, though their awareness on regulatory measures did not show any relationship with the tested demographic characteristics. Unemployed respondents (98.4%) were more mindful of the non-biodegradable nature of plastics than that of students and employed respondents, indicating that the level of education has no link with their awareness of plastics and their characteristics. Despite reasonably high awareness on MPs, the study highlights the necessity of introducing effective strategies to enhance the awareness of regulatory measures to control plastic usage and safe disposal mechanisms among the general public to manage MP pollution in Sri Lanka.

Plastic pollution from takeaway food industry in China

China's takeaway food industry is growing rapidly, and bringing unprecedented demand for plastic packaging, which results in serious plastic pollution and increasing emissions of plasticizers of phthalate esters (PAEs) and greenhouse gases (GHGs). This study assesses the current and future situation of plastic usage for takeaway food packaging in China, and also analyzes the PAEs and GHG emissions brought by these plastics under different scenarios. From 2010 to 2020, the plastic usage grew from 2.92 to 101 × 104 tons, and brought 112–3845 kg PAEs and 43.6–1438 kt CO2e GHG emissions. Their distribution exhibited a clear ‘two-line’ pattern: higher features mostly located in Beijing-Guangzhou and Beijing-Shanghai railways. The socio-economic factors model performed better than the growth rate model for plastic usage prediction from 2021 to 2060. It is predicted that 40.6 Mt. plastic would be consumed in 2060, and they will bring 155 tons PAEs and 37.0 Mt. CO2e GHGs. At that time, biodegradable plastic replaced or plastic cycling cannot significantly contribute to national carbon reduction, unless using a temperature change of 2 °C scenario. Our work improves the understanding of PAEs and GHG emission from plastic pollution, and provides insight into long-term dynamics in the plastics management of takeaway food industry.

Petroleum-Based Plastics Versus Bio-Based Plastics: A Review

Plastic needs have expanded along with population growth, industrialization, and urbanization. Plastic is unrivaled due to its useful properties and is used to prepare numerous important goods daily. This paper encloses the different kinds and applications of petroleum-based plastic and the drawbacks related to their use, i.e., its nonbiodegradability which leads to their stay in the environment for a very long time. Additionally, there are not enough effective disposal techniques for the large volume of plastic waste produced; thus, plastic garbage builds up in the environment and endangers it. Limiting the usage of plastic is necessary to protect the environment. This can be done with the help of bioplastic, which is an excellent substitute for plastic. The different kinds of bioplastic and their biodegradability in different mediums, viz., soil compost and aquatic systems, are addressed in this paper. Along this, the different areas of application of bioplastic have been explored. The present study also addresses the underlying mechanism of plastic polymerization and biodegradation and the current status of bioplastics in the global market.

Sources, Degradation, Ingestion and Effects of Microplastics on Humans: A Review.

Celluloid, the predecessor to plastic, was synthesized in 1869, and due to technological advancements, plastic products appear to be ubiquitous in daily life. The massive production, rampant usage, and inadequate disposal of plastic products have led to severe environmental pollution. Consequently, reducing the employment of plastic has emerged as a pressing concern for governments globally. This review explores microplastics, including their origins, absorption, and harmful effects on the environment and humans. Several methods exist for breaking down plastics, including thermal, mechanical, light, catalytic, and biological processes. Despite these methods, microplastics (MPs, between 1 and 5 mm in size) continue to be produced during degradation. Acknowledging the significant threat that MPs pose to the environment and human health is imperative. This form of pollution is pervasive in the air and food and infiltrates our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. It is essential to assess the potential hazards that MPs can introduce. There is evidence suggesting that MPs may have negative impacts on different areas of human health. These include the respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune, nervous, and reproductive systems, the liver and organs, the skin, and even the placenta and placental barrier. It is encouraging to see that most of the countries have taken steps to regulate plastic particles. These measures aim to reduce plastic usage, which is essential today. At the same time, this review summarizes the degradation mechanism of plastics, their impact on human health, and plastic reduction policies worldwide. It provides valuable information for future research on MPs and regulatory development.

Plastic Recycling- A Step Towards Environmental Protection

Abstract In our country much importance is not given to the plastic recycling industry. There are no large scale industries of plastic recycling. The paper made on attempt in emphasising the economic development of any country does not mean that we should just increase GDP, attaining full employment, eradicating poverty, increasing literacy rate or any other socio-economic phenomena. In the process of economic development, it is important for countries to look after the environmental costs . The paper is about the importance of recycling in protecting the environment. Though recycling may be a simple task, it has its own importance. Recycling of plastic is the best way of reducing the production of plastic. It is reducing the usage of plastic we can protect our environment.

Investigating the Mechanical, Thermal, and Crystalline Properties of Raw and Potassium Hydroxide Treated Butea Parviflora Fibers for Green Polymer Composites.

The only biotic factor that can satisfy the needs of human species are plants. In order to minimize plastic usage and spread an immediate require of environmental awareness, the globe urges for the development of green composite materials. Natural fibers show good renewability and sustainability and are hence utilized as reinforcements in polymer matrix composites. The present work concerns on the usage of Butea parviflora fiber (BP), a green material, for high end applications. The study throws light upon the characterization of raw and potassium hydroxide (KOH)-treated Butea Parviflora plant, where its physical, structural, morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties are analyzed using the powder XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, FESEM micrographs, tensile testing, Tg-DTA, Thermal conductivity, Chemical composition, and CHNS analysis. The density values of untreated and KOH-treated fibers are 1.238 g/cc and 1.340 g/cc, respectively. The crystallinity index of the treated fiber has significantly increased from 83.63% to 86.03%. The cellulose content of the treated fiber also experienced a substantial increase from 58.50% to 60.72%. Treated fibers exhibited a reduction in both hemicelluloses and wax content. Spectroscopic studies registered varying vibrations of functional groups residing on the fibers. SEM images distinguished specific changes on the raw and treated fiber surfaces. The Availability of elements Carbon, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen were analyzed using the CHNS studies. The tensile strength and modulus of treated fibers has risen to 192.97 MPa and 3.46 Gpa, respectively. Thermal conductivity (K) using Lee's disc showed a decrement in the K values of alkalized BP. The activation energy Ea lies between 55.95 and 73.15 kJ/mol. The fibers can withstand a good temperature of up to 240 °C, presenting that it can be tuned in for making sustainable composites.

Micro problems with macro consequences: accumulation of persistent organic pollutants and microplastics in human breast milk and in human milk substitutes.

Industrial activities provide a modern human lifestyle with advances and comforts in every field. However, such scenario has brought several negative issues. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and a growing plastic usage together with the degradation byproducts, namely microplastics (MPs), are current environmental problems present in every ecosystem, disturbing all forms of life. POPs and MPs are also found in human consumption products including animal and vegetal derivatives, human milk substitutes, and in human breast milk. To date, it is currently unknown what are the effects of MPs and POPs when ingested during the first and most important stage for health programming of the offspring, the first 1000days of life. Here, we add epidemiological and clinical evidence supporting major sources of POPs and MPs in the ecosystem; and we will precisely describe the effect of POP and MP accumulation in animal- or plant-based infant formulas and human breast milk, modulating health outcomes in the newborn. This review provides a rational to incentive the POP and MP identification in human breast milk and human milk substitutes for avoiding susceptibility to negative health outcomes for the newborn.

How natural and anthropogenic factors should drive microplastic behavior and fate: The scenario of Brazilian urban freshwater

Brazil maintains its position at the top of the global ranking of plastic producers, yet recycling efforts have been incipient. Recent data reveals an annual production of approximately 14 million tons of plastic waste, not accounting for the surge in the usage of plastic masks and related materials due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, what remains largely unreported is that over half of post-consumer plastic packaging in Brazil is managed without any monitoring, and it remains unclear how this will contribute to the occurrence of plastic waste and microplastics in Brazilian freshwaters. This scenario requires the consideration of several other crucial factors. Studies have been carried out mainly in marine and estuarine waters, while data on freshwaters are lacking. Brazil has continental dimensions and the highest water availability on the planet, yet the demand for water is greatest in regions with medium to low supply. Many densely populated Brazilian urban areas face chronic flood problems, possess inadequate levels of wastewater treatment, and display inadequate solid waste management practices. Consequently, urban freshwater with tropical characteristics in Brazil presents an intriguing scenario and is complementary to the most commonly studied marine environments. In this study, we explore the nuances of pollution in Brazilian urban freshwater and discuss how various parameters, such as organic matter, suspended solids, temperature, and pH, among others, influence the behavior of microplastics and their interactions with organic and inorganic contaminants. Furthermore, we address how microplastic conditions, such as biofouling, the type of plastic, or degradation level, may impact their behavior. By analyzing how these conditions change, we propose priority themes for investigating the occurrence of microplastics in Brazilian urban freshwater systems under different degrees of human impact. Ultimately, this study aims to establish a network dedicated to standardized monitoring of microplastic pollution in Brazilian urban freshwaters.

The usage of household polythene and its management approaches

AbstractPlastic and polythene are useful innovations and are used for many products ranging from paper clips to spaceships due to their cost effectiveness, versatility, ease of production, and water resistant. However, the misuse and improper disposal of plastic and polythene create serious environmental, health, social, and financial issues. Thus, it is important to adhere to responsible disposal methods. The present study focused on the magnitude of usage, disposal methods, public awareness, and perception toward household polythene and plastic usage and disposal methods. A total of 150 respondents were selected using the cluster sampling technique in the Kuruwita Pradeshiya Sabha, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. The data were collected through face‐to‐face and online interviews. The weights of the collected wastes were measured through a handheld digital scale. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents use polythene and plastic products and 83.33% of the respondents use these for their daily life due to the lack of alternatives and easy availability. The majority of the respondents mentioned the use of separate bags for shopping made out of eco‐friendly materials. Shopping in supermarkets has been a reason to increase the usage of polythene and plastic. HDPE, PET, and LDPE were the most commonly‐used plastics types and among which HDPE was the highest (24%) in the study area. Findings further revealed that the people with post‐graduate education used more polythene and plastic (19.8%) and the usage was higher (40.39%) in families in the non‐governmental sector. The participants with monthly income higher than 100,000 LKR used more polythene and plastic (28.84%) compare to others. The common way of disposing of was burning and participants had only a fair knowledge of banning, recycling, reusing, and controlling plastic waste. The study revealed the need for strict regulations and necessary actions to control the usage of polythene‐based products.

Regionalized life cycle inventory data collection and calculation for perennial forage production in Canada: methodological best practices and limitations

Abstract Purpose In Canada, 95–99% of produced forages are consumed domestically each year, mainly by beef cattle. Despite their importance, their contribution to the Canadian livestock industry and associated ecosystem services has not been investigated. This study developed a life cycle inventory (LCI) of perennial forage production in Canada averaged from 2009 to 2018. Methods LCI data were sourced or calculated from up-to-date, regionally resolved sources and models. Inputs to perennial forage production included the following: concrete, steel, and plastic usage; machinery fuel consumption; electricity, natural gas, and water use for irrigation; and synthetic and organic fertilizer, lime, and herbicide use. Assessed emissions included ammonia and nitrous oxide (N2O); carbon dioxide from energy use; herbicide, nitrate, and phosphate losses; and soil carbon accumulation. Results were expressed per metric tonne of harvested perennial forage dry matter at provincial and regional scales—Western Canada [British Columbia (BC), Alberta (AB), Saskatchewan (SK), Manitoba (MB)] and Eastern Canada [Ontario (ON), Québec (QC)]. Results and discussion Rates of inputs varied, with generally lower nutrient but higher herbicide application in West vs. East. Irrigation was highest in BC, followed by AB and SK; energy consumption was highest in BC and lowest in QC. Higher N2O losses and nutrient losses via leaching and runoff in the East were partially due to greater soil moisture. Although total harvested perennial forage area declined from 6.43 to 5.23 million hectares from 2009 to 2018, these lands continued to accumulate soil carbon. The time period used to calculate average yields affected LCI estimates, as prairie yields were lower 1994–2003/1999–2008 due to drought. Furthermore, soil carbon sequestration estimates were affected by the annual change coefficients employed, underscoring the need for careful interpretation of LCI outputs. Results were compared to other studies and highlighted the importance of the choice of data and methods in creating LCI, and the need for transparency. Conclusions This first national LCI of perennial forage production in Canada provides a baseline for LCI inputs and outputs associated with this sector, highlighting provincial and regional differences. Outputs can be used to conduct future life cycle assessments to assess the environmental impacts of forage production and generate recommendations to improve sustainability, and for education and marketing purposes. This study demonstrates methodological best practices for LCI data mining and calculations, within available data and model limitations, thereby identifying gaps and providing a roadmap for other countries or sectors to develop detailed forage LCI.

Marine plastic management policy agenda-setting in China (1985–2021): The Multi-stage Streams Framework

Although numerous policies for mitigating marine plastic are now widely developing in the international community, describing and understanding the generation and implementation of policies is still a challenge. To illustrate the development of marine plastic management agenda-setting in China, this study modified the Multi-stage Streams Framework and used comprehensive operational variables to quantitate the problem, politics and policy streams in the policy evolution of marine plastic management in China from 1985 to 2021. The result shows that there is a significant gap of policy configuration between the central government and local governments on the policy field of prohibiting plastic usage and cleaning coastal areas, and the implementation discrepancy of local governments defeats the evolution of policy agenda on marine plastic management. Further analysis by the Multi-stage Streams Framework reveals that the government's attention to marine plastic has not been fully attracted because of inconspicuous conflicts and policy entrepreneurs' poor sensitivity to problems. This study indicates a necessity for further consideration of the adaptability of policy implementation by local governments, in order to mitigate the inconsistency of governance goals from intergovernmental conflicts in the evolution of the marine plastic policy agenda. The future promotion of ambitious marine plastic policies should diversify the identity of policy entrepreneurs to generate comprehensive policy recommendations supported by sufficient interdisciplinary researches. In general, this study provides the rationale for a comprehensive understanding of the plastic policy development in China and is beneficial for guiding policymakers to invest management resources to get the desired policy evolution.

The Occurrence of Microplastics in the Gut Contents of Selected Estuarine Fishes of Southern Kerala, India

This extensive study intends to assess the abundances of microplastics in estuarine fishes and to examine the spatial and temporal fluctuations in microplastic pollution in selected estuarine ecosystems, including those of the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts. The presence of microplastics (those having a diameter of less than 5 mm) in the estuarine environment is a growing cause for alarm on both a national and international scale. To investigate this, between February 2020 and January 2022, we surveyed the seasonal deposition of microplastics in the stomachs of some estuarine fishes in Southern Kerala. Microplastics came in many forms that we were able to positively identify as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and others. Microplastics were extracted from fish samples taken at 16 sites across two years and categorised according to size, colour, type and polymer content. Microfibers of less than 1 mm in length were the most common type of microplastic discovered in fish; they likely originated in domestic washing machines or garbage. Fish in Southern Kerala may be at greater risk of contamination since microplastics are more readily available there than in most other studies across the world. To better understand the risks to fish and create effective control methods to prevent plastic usage and minimise its influence on the aquatic environment, we advocate for more research on microplastic collecting in estuarine environments. Elemental analysis of sediment samples gathered from these sites. The objective of this study is to identify the toxic elements may potentially be transmitted to fish through microplastics and humans eat plastic-tainted fish and are exposed to plastic particles which causes various health problems.

Determination of Pb content in recycled plastic debris by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

During several last decades, the usage of plastics has risen steadily across the globe. However, many potentially toxic materials have been used especially in their earlier production. These materials include additions of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium (VI), mercury and lead. Recently, the levels of these heavy metals and other hazardous materials have become controlled by various directives (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals - REACH1, Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment - RoHS2 and Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment - WEEE3). These restrictions apply also to plastic products made from recycled polymer waste. This post-consumer polymer waste is the most susceptible to an increased heavy metal content. Usually, lead is the heavy metal with the highest concentration.The heavy metal content level needs to be determined reliably and quickly, which is not the case presently. Companies need to wait for a traditional lengthy analysis, which also destroys the sample. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) provides a drastic improvement in time of measurement and high enough robustness in the sense of precision and accuracy to be considered for this application. This paper presents the capabilities of LIBS to reliably quantify the lead content in polymer post-consumer recycled materials. Using the methodology defined in this work, LIBS can be used directly in-situ to control levels of lead and other toxic substances. In this feasibility work, an accuracy of more than 90% with a relative precision higher than 86% was achieved for the quantification of lead content in standard samples provided by a recycling company using standard multivariate chemometric techniques.

Aging behavior of biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics accelerated by UV/H2O2 processes

The usage of biodegradable plastics is expanding annually due to worldwide plastic limits, resulting in a substantial number of microplastics (MPs) particles formed from biodegradable plastic products entering the aquatic environment. Until now, the environmental behaviors of these plastic product-derived MPs (PPDMPs) have remained unclear. In this work, commercially available polylactic acid (PLA) straws and PLA food bags were used to evaluate the dynamic aging process and environmental behavior of PLA PPDMPs under UV/H2O2 conditions. By combining scanning electron microscopy, two-dimensional (2D) Fourier transform infrared correlation spectroscopy (COS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, it was determined that the aging process of the PLA PPDMPs was slower than that of pure MPs. The 2D-COS analysis revealed that the response orders for the functional groups on the PLA MPs differed during the aging process. The results demonstrated that the oxygen-containing functional groups of the PLA PPDMPs were the first to react. Subsequently, the –C–H and –C–C− structural responses began, and the polymer backbone was ruptured by the aging process. However, the aging of the pure-PLA MPs started with a brief oxidation process and then breakage of the polymer backbones, followed by continuous oxidation. Moreover, compared to the PLA PPDMPs, the pure-PLA MPs exhibited a greater adsorption capacity, which was increased by 88% after aging, whereas those of the two PPDMPs only increased by 64% and 56%, respectively. This work provides new insights into the behaviors of biodegradable PLA MPs in aquatic environments, which is critical for assessing the environmental risks and management policies for degradable MPs.

Prolificacy of Green Consumption Orientation and Environmental Knowledge to Slash Plastic Bag Consumption: The Moderating Role of Consumer Attitudes and the Demarketing Efforts

The use of plastic bags has long been a global concern due to its hazardous contributions to the environment. Firms, governments, and special interest groups (like Greenpeace) have always earnestly ventured, through their individual or collaborative initiatives, strategies and/or (demarketing) campaigns, to discourage the use of plastic bags to ensure a healthy and sustainable planet. However, such initiatives are least likely to produce desired results if the most important stakeholder i.e., consumers do not perceive greater value from such a reduction in usage of plastic bags. Considering the same an important precondition for building positive intentions and consequent behaviors to reduce plastic bag usage and a complementor of demarketing efforts of the stakeholders, the primary purpose of this study has been to investigate the role of consumers’ green orientation, environmental knowledge, and perceived instrumentality of demarketing efforts in enhancing the perceived value of plastic usage curtailment. Based on PLS-based structural equation modelling performed on a data set comprising 977 consumers, it has been found that the three antecedents namely green consumption orientation, recycling attitudes and demarketing efforts have direct positive effects on the outcome construct. Besides, the study also found that the effect of green consumption orientation on perceived value of plastic usage reduction is significantly and positively moderated by consumers’ recycling attitudes and their perceived effectiveness of demarketing efforts. The findings offer some useful insights and implications to the theory, practice and the policy making for boosting pro-environmental behaviors.

Marine pollution after the MV X-Press Pearl maritime disaster: Societal impacts based on research outcomes

The occurrence and distribution of marine pollutants has been extensively investigated following the MV X-Press Pearl disaster in the Indian Ocean. Work by numerous researchers has provided the basis for determining environmental and pollution impacts in the Indian Ocean. Accordingly, this article presents social impacts based on the outcomes from recent research findings published in conventional journal articles, and refers to an ongoing research project examining plastic/microplastic pollution in Sri Lanka. The main social impacts can be summarized as: (i) knowledge transfer to the public via expert judgments, (ii) awareness in the community, and (iii) policy changes. Awareness and policy changes can gradually increase positive benefits such as improved plastic waste management, abating plastic usage, plastic recycling, and revising existing regulations where relevant.

Public perception of microplastics on a popular Chinese social media platform

Massive but mismanaged plastics have caused global microplastic (MP) problems, forcing the world to reduce and control pollutant emissions from production and consumption. Successful environmental behavior relies heavily on public support. However, the lack of understanding of public awareness towards MPs hinders the creation of specific environmental action plans. This study selected the most popular Chinese social media platform (WeChat), collected six years of online dissemination data (2015–2020), and comprehensively analyzed public attention, attitudes, and opinions regarding MPs. Consecutive online propagation attracted approximately 250.42 × 104 readings from MP posts (WeChat articles). Text mining methods (e.g., content analysis and generalized linear models) showed that MP-related information was widely propagated through diverse social groups, especially traditional media publishers (i.e., newspapers and television), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and developed coastal regions. The public has paid more attention to MP pollution in marine environments and human health-related issues (e.g., food and drinking water). Additionally, knowledge of everyday life-sourced MPs (e.g., microbeads from personal care products) has increased. Increased environmental awareness evokes greater public willingness to reduce plastic usage. To deepen environmental education, more efforts are needed to include more impactive publishers living around important ecological zones (e.g., upstream of larger rivers and Mount Everest), and regions with high consumption of plastic products (e.g., the agricultural areas with excessive use of mulch) to propagate knowledge, and information on risk, source, and pollution control of MPs on social media platforms.

The Effect of Geomembrane Plastic Usage on Microplastic and Heavy Metal Contamination in Salt Field

Seawater is used to produce salt. For 10–15 years, geomembrane plastic has been used in salt fields in Indonesia to prevent contamination and increase quality and productivity. However, it is unfortunate that currently, seawater has been polluted by plastic waste, which has degraded gradually into small pieces about <5 mm in size called microplastics. In addition to microplastics, seawater is also polluted by heavy metals. Previous research indicated that the north coast of Central Java has been polluted by heavy metals whose content exceeded the threshold. The aim of this study was to analyze the amount of microplastic (MPs) and heavy metal contamination in salt. A microscope was used to measure the amount of MPs and AAS was used to measure the concentration of heavy metals. Variables that were conducted included sampling location (4 locations) and crystallization process (with and without using geomembrane). The results showed that the amount of MPs salt with a geomembrane was higher than without a geomembrane, at 337 and 326 particles/kg, respectively. The average is 332 particles/kg. Salts that use geomembranes have more contamination than salts without geomembranes. Heavy metal contamination of Pb, Cd, Hg, As, all of which were still within the threshold. The average Pb and Cd concentration in salts with and without geomembranes were 4.11 mg/kg and 4.14 mg/kg; 0.65 and 1.05, respectively. Meanwhile, the average of Hg and As concentrations for both were below than 0.001 and 0.005 mg/kg, respectively.