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Petroleum-derived single-use plastics have dominated a range of material applications, including packaging and service ware (e.g., water bottles, food containers, and drinking straws). However, despite their short-lived service life, the inherent durability, and stability of these plastics have resulted in significant environmental accumulation and spill, contaminating both aquatic and land ecosystems. Consequently, there is a surging interest in the development of bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical derived plastics that align with circular economy principles. Among potential materials, cellulose acetate (CA) showcases impressive mechanical properties, optical characteristics, melt processability, and compostability. However, due to its hygroscopic behavior, inferior barrier properties, and lack of dimensional stability, CA applications in the packaging industry are minimal. In this research, the acetylation of lignin and its use as a functional filler for CA matrix was studied. The impact of varying lignin loadings (up to 30 wt.%) on the tensile, morphological, barrier, and viscoelastic properties of the resulting materials was investigated. A thorough characterization of the compression-molded acetylated lignin-CA films revealed a reduction in water uptake (by 59% over baseline), up to a 41.5% reduction in water vapor permeability, and enhanced tensile properties with melt flowability. In summary, the examined films displayed favorable characteristics for use in food and other packaging applications. Consequently, they serve as low carbon footprint, and eco-friendly substitutes for conventional petrochemical-based packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell culture is a cornerstone of in vitro biological research. Whilst glassware was once commonplace in tissue culture facilities, in recent decades laboratories have moved towards a heavy reliance on single use plastics for routine procedures. Single use plastics allow for accessible, sterile, and often affordable equipment that comes at a high environmental cost. We developed a glassware preparation and cleaning process that allowed the comparison of "traditional" plastic-heavy, and adapted "sustainable," cell culture practices, to empirically compare the sterility, viability, and proliferative capacity of cells cultured with differing techniques, by observing IL-6 production, morphology, and proliferation rate of cultured human pulmonary fibroblast cells. During which, we calculated the carbon footprint of traditional versus sustainable methods. We additionally endeavored to provide a realistic overview of the steps required to transition to more sustainable cell culture practices and make suggestions to ease the cost, labor, and time required to uptake similar practices in other laboratories. Cells cultured using reusable glassware did not show signs of contamination or stress compared to cells grown solely with plasticware, and glassware baked at 180°C for 120 min was sufficiently decontaminated and depyrogenated for culturing these cells. An individual researcher adopting the same methodology could reduce their carbon footprint by 105.92 kg of Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) whilst also saving money (£408.78) over a 10-year period. We predict that these benefits would be greater if more researchers were to uptake these adapted practices. We intend for this paper to reassure researchers that viable, sterile, and sustainable routine cell culture can be achieved with little upfront cost to the researcher, with the prospective benefit of greatly reducing the cost to the environment. We additionally hope that increased uptake, and thus demand of more sustainable practices, encourages suppliers, policy makers, and funding bodies to make sustainable practices more accessible to individual researchers and institutions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the ban of certain single-use plastics in the European Union, food contact materials (FCM) from biobased and/or biodegradable polymers are increasingly being used. Some FCM are made from wheat or rye and therefore contain gluten, which is a food allergen and known to cause celiac disease. Legislation currently does not require allergen labelling on FCM and there is only some first information that gluten from FCM can migrate into gluten-free foods. Our aim was to analyze the extent of gluten migration from six different FCM into a variety of liquid and solid foods to assess the risk of exposure for wheat allergy and celiac disease patients. We show that the extent of gluten migration depended on the properties of the material, the liquid or solid food it comes into contact with and contact time. There was no clear effect of temperature or pH value. Of the six FCM studied, wheat bran-based plates had the highest potential to release gluten with concentrations of up to 203.0 mg/L of gluten in deionized water after 30 min. To protect patients, it is important to raise awareness of the risk of gluten migration from such FCM and help patients identify and avoid gluten-containing FCM. Further, legislation needs to be adapted urgently to include mandatory labelling of allergens on these biodegradable FCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discharge from unrestricted tobacco products with filters (TPF) causes environmental damage. To reduce TPF litter quantities, Directive (EU) 2019/904 requires TPF producers to proportionally contribute to the costs of discarding their products in public waste collection systems, including litter waste ones. An appropriate output-based cost model requires assessing TPF quantities in relevant waste streams. Currently, there is no comprehensive data available on TPF quantities in municipal solid waste (MSW). Therefore, a case study was conducted to quantify TPF in MSW. This study aimed to determine TPF quantities (1) in residual waste from four German district types and (2) in waste from public collection systems for three settlement structures within Trier City. Relevant waste streams from public collection systems, namely waste from public waste receptacles, street-cleaning waste and sinkhole residues, were identified. For both sampling campaigns, consideration was given to extrapolating the results to a larger scale. The results showed that the average specific TPF quantities in residual waste were 277.7, 271.8, 193.3 and 204.5 gi− 1a− 1 in the selected city district, urban district, densely populated rural district and sparsely populated rural district, respectively. Extrapolation of these results to Germany yielded a specific TPF quantity in residual waste of 250.3 gi-1a-1. The average specific TPF quantities in waste from public waste receptacles, street-cleaning waste and sinkhole residues were 12.2, 47.4 and 9.9 gi−1a− 1, respectively. The results could contribute to cost model development based on Directive (EU) 2019/904. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic residue left in the environment from plastic chewcards in three pest mammal monitoring operations was estimated at an average of 15% of the starting weight. This finding highlight the issue of single-use plastics within New Zealand’s (NZ) conservation sector. A review of other research operations across NZ shows a significant number of plastic chewcards are deployed, potentially contributing to microplastic pollution in environmentally sensitive areas. Our research shows the need for sustainable alternatives to plastic chewcards in order to mitigate the environmental impact. Alongside an estimation of microplastic being left in the environment, we evaluated wood-pulp chewcards as a potential alternative to corflute chewcards, with results indicating wood-pulp cards maintain comparable interaction rates across key pest species. By identifying the environmental issues of microplastics in the environment and offering a potential alternative, we aim to open a dialogue about adopting more sustainable tools and practices in the NZ conservation sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastics are in high demand for various uses worldwide because of their low cost, versatility, lightweight, low density, flexibility, high strength, and durability. An increase in single-use plastics and ineffective solid waste disposal and recycling strategies have resulted in a global microplastic (MP) pollution epidemic, with negative implications for the ecosystem and public health safety. Analytical methods, including thermogravimetry and chromatography, have been developed to detect MPs. Nevertheless, molecular spectroscopy methods such as Near Infrared (NIR), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopy for MP analysis have gained attention in recent years due to their rapidity, low cost, accuracy, and portability of spectrometers. This review article provides in-depth coverage of the survey of current literature on the challenges, toxicity, sample pretreatment, and spectroscopic (Fluorescence, Raman, FTIR) and real-time (satellite imagery, unmanned aerial vehicles, and aquatic drone technology) microplastic detection methods. Machine learning, micro-hyperspectral imaging, and chemometrics approach to microplastic detections are discussed. The challenges, future directions, and prospects for decreasing global MP pollution and their analysis are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three studies examine the effectiveness of social norm messaging in a green consumption context. The overall goal is to identify theory-based ways to increase consumer choice of biodegradable take-out food packaging with an extra charge versus single-use plastic with no charge in the US and South Korea. Results indicate that descriptive norm messaging is superior to prescriptive norm messaging in both countries. Prescriptive norm messaging produced significantly higher reactance and more negative attitudes toward the packaging selection experience in the US, suggesting serious backfire effects in that country, but not in South Korea. Results advance theory regarding the use of social norm messaging to increase consumers' willingness to pay an additional charge for take-out food packaging that is biodegradable versus single-use plastic. Managerial and policy implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for sustainable and eco-friendly materials to drive innovation in the ever-evolving paper industry in producing high-quality paper. Conventional approaches use woody fibers for their better paper-forming properties and strength. However, with an increase in population and a ban on single-use plastics, a need exists to produce more paper at economical prices. This research aims to minimize the use of woody fibers in papermaking by blending miscanthus (non-woody) pulp in eucalyptus (woody) pulp, thereby achieving similar paper properties as virgin pulp. Cationic starch and sodium alginate were electrostatically deposited on fibers to enhance the strength of the paper produced. The addition of cationic starch and sodium alginate increased the water retention value while the freeness in terms of °SR remained constant. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of cationic starch and alginate which reduced the carboxyl peaks on bonding with hydroxyl groups of cellulose fibers. The developed paper sheets made from pulp blend after adding cationic starch and alginate were more remarkable than those made from virgin eucalyptus pulp in terms of mechanical properties, justifying their application in the packaging sector. Moreover, the handsheets were completely recyclable without any micro-stickies or flocs. The developed paper can be a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for reducing the utilization of wood fibers in papermaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the advancements in biodegradable food packaging materials derived from wheat. Wheat, a predominant global cereal crop, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional single-use plastics through its starch, gluten, and fiber components. This study highlights the fabrication processes of wheat-based materials, including solvent casting and extrusion, and their applications in enhancing the shelf life and quality of packaged foods. Recent innovations demonstrate effectiveness in maintaining food quality, controlling moisture content, and providing microbiological protection. Despite the promising potential, challenges such as moisture content and interfacial adhesion in composites remain. This review concludes with an emphasis on the environmental benefits and future trends in wheat-based packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs), tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, have emerged as a common and worrying pollutant in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments worldwide. In this study, we revealed the microplastic exposure of two endemic newt species for Türkiye. We found that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the predominant microplastic polymer type in both species, with the blue fiber shape in particular. We also found that there was a negative correlation between microplastic size and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) weight, but there was no significant difference between body length and GIT weight of both species. Our findings might be surprising as the studied species live in natural spring waters in remote, high-altitude areas. However, the detection of water bottles in their habitats appears to be the reason for their exposure to microplastic pollution. Therefore, reducing the use of single-use plastics is predicted to contribute to the conservation of these endemic newts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Israel is a regional "hotspot" of plastic pollution, with little discussion of potential adverse health effects from exposure to plastic. This review aims to stimulate discussion and drive policy by focusing on these adverse health effects. Main body: Plastics are synthetic polymers containing additives which can leach from food- and beverage-contact plastic into our food and beverages, and from plastic textiles onto our skin. Plastics persist in the environment for generations, fragmenting into MNPs: Micro (1 micron–5 mm)-Nano (1 nm–1 micron)-Plastic, which contaminate our atmosphere, water, and food chain. MNP can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation and touch. MNP < 10 microns can cross epithelial barriers in the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, and fragments < 100 nm can cross intact skin, enabling entry into body tissues. MNP have been found in multiple organs of the human body. Patients with MNP in atheromas of carotid arteries have increased risk of a combined measure of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and death. Toxic additives to plastics include bisphenols, phthalates, and PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which cause dysregulation of thyroid function, reproduction, and metabolism, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, endometriosis, cancer, and decreased fertility, sperm count and quality. Fetal exposure to EDCs is associated with increased rates of miscarriages, prematurity and low birth weight. There is likely no safe level of exposure to EDCs, with increasing evidence of trans-generational and epigenetic effects. There are several existing Israeli laws to reduce plastic use and waste. Taxes on single-use plastic (SUP) were recently cancelled. There are many gaps in regulatory standards for food-, beverage- and child- safe plastic. Existing standards are poorly enforced. Conclusion: Reduction in production and use of plastic, promotion of recycling and reduction of leaching of toxic additives into our food and beverages are essential policy goals. Specific recommendations: Periodic monitoring of MNP in bottled beverages, food, indoor air; Strengthen enforcement of standards for food-, beverage-, and child-safe plastic; Renew tax on SUPs; National ban on SUP at public beaches, nature reserves and parks; Ban products manufactured with MNP; Increase research on sources and health outcomes of exposure to MNP and EDCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a widely used polymer in the production of single-use plastics, is a significant contributor to the global plastic pollution problem. This work explores the synergistic effects between clay matrices and active Nb 2 O 5 catalytic species, emphasizing the enhanced catalytic performance for the aminolytic depolymerization of PET and polyester (PES) wastes. The materials were well characterized using XRD, SEM-EDS, FTIR, and UV-DRS studies. The surface parameters of Nb 2 O 5 were enhanced by forming a composite with kaolin, which is confirmed by BET isotherms. Kaolin provides a large surface area, which enhances the dispersion and interaction of the niobia catalyst. The combination of kaolin and niobia acts as an effective catalyst for the depolymerization of PET, breaking down the polymer into its monomeric constituents. The catalytic efficiency of Nb 2 O 5 (82 %) has been enhanced in the presence of kaolin support (95 %), forming depolymerized bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalamide (BHETA) and excellent reusability and stability of up to five subsequent cycles thereby emphasizing their potential for sustained performance in industrial applications and contributing to the ongoing discourse on advancing catalyst technologies for enhanced environmental impact in the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wang, P.; Royer, E.L.; Jackson, K., and Gutierrez, S., 2024. Impacts of Hurricane Ian along the low-lying southwest Florida coast (USA) in 2022: Lessons learned. Journal of Coastal Research, 40(5), 827–851. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Hurricane Ian made landfall in the low-lying, densely populated, and developed southwestern Florida coast on 28 September 2022 as a large and slow-moving category 4 hurricane. Various U.S. federal and state agencies collected a large and comprehensive data set, including pre- and poststorm airborne LIDAR topography, in situ water level and wave measurements at numerous locations before, during, and after the storm, and poststorm high-water marks over a large area. This study reports results from a series of poststorm field investigations including ground observations of beach-dune erosion and deposition, catastrophic damage to various infrastructure, and widespread distribution of non-biodegradable materials washed into the estuary and numerous mangrove islands. Hurricane Ian induced large-scale inundation in low-lying southwest Florida, submerging all the barrier islands bordering Charlotte Harbor estuary, all the islands within the estuary, and up to 5 km into the mainland. Dense tree-type vegetation limited the landward penetration of beach-dune erosion and overwash deposition along the barrier islands. Net sand-volume loss from the beach-dune system ranged 10–25 m3/m and was controlled by the deep submergence of the system during the peak of the storm. The extremely high storm surge of up to 5.2 m above mean sea level generated by Hurricane Ian caused severe damage to the built environments over a large area. High storm waves superimposed on the elevated water level, reaching 1.2 m at the seaward edge of vegetated dunes, contributed to the destruction along the barrier islands. Hurricane Ian distributed a tremendous amount of non-biodegradable artificial debris over a large area and into sensitive natural environments, including numerous mangrove islands, barrier-island interior wetlands, and the estuary waterbody. Measures to prevent materials such as single-use plastics, insulation fibers, and household appliances from being washed into sensitive environments should be a significant part of prestorm preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution causes serious environmental issues and endangers the health of humans and animals in both land and aquatic environments. Despite the fact that Nigeria produces hundreds of tons of plastic waste every day, a greater proportion still finds its way back into the ecosystem because only a small portion of it is recycled. Nigeria's growing production of single-use plastics and careless disposal of plastic waste into the land and ocean are the main causes of the country's growing plastic pollution problems.. For this reason, recycling and reusing plastics is necessary to lessen the harmful effects that plastic utilization has on both human and the environment.. Plastics can be recycled into filaments used in 3D printing also known as additive manufacturing. In this study, a plastic filament extrusion machine for waste plastic was designed and developed with the aim of recycling high-density polyethene, thereby lessening the negative environmental effects that come with disposing of it.. The basic components of the extruder comprised of a hopper, screw, barrel, die, and motor system. Temperature, oxygen, and shear stress all cause the plastics to deteriorate during the extrusion of plastics for filament.. Thus, this study examined the impact of different extrusion temperatures on the filament quality made from high-density polyethylene polyethene (HDPE). The plastic pellets melt and flow into the die as a result of friction between them and the barrel surface and the heat generated by the heating bands. Plastic filament was extruded with a combination of optimal pellet compression, temperatures between 150 and 230 degrees Celsius, and a gradual increase in the pressure of the molten pellets inside the barrel.. Melted plastic adhered itself to the barrel at low temperatures but turned to char at high temperature. Consequently, in order to produce quality 3D filament using HDPE, it is imperative to maintain acceptable temperature conditions. Based on the results, the extruder produced excellent filament suitable for 3D printing at 200 °C. The results of this study emphasize the significance of temperature regulation during the extrusion process in order to guarantee the intended filament quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dawn of mass plastic production in the early 20th century has accelerated the penetration of microplastics into the environment, making them known to be an insidious threat to diverse ecosystems. The current scenario for microplastics is dire, as they pervade living organisms and disrupt vital functions while also affecting the environment by altering soil quality. They pose an inherent risk to human health, making their elimination a multifaceted challenge. Due to factors such as small size, low biodegradability, and ubiquity, microplastics are particularly challenging to detect, and methods for their elimination from terrestrial and marine environments are an ever‐evolving field of research. The detection of such microplastics has necessitated the use of various biotechnological techniques to monitor microplastic pollution. The control of microplastic pollution in natural ecosystems can be met by replacing mass‐produced single‐use plastics with viable bio‐based alternatives. The main objectives of this review are to discuss how microplastic pollution is currently monitored, assessed, and controlled using satellite‐generated imagery complemented with a range of biotechnological and bioremedial techniques. This review also traces the development of a range of bio‐based plastic alternatives that are observed to potentially replace single‐use plastics. Further discussion on the various challenges and prospects for the mitigation of microplastics will also be conducted, stressing the importance of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a significant health emergency to adverse impact on environment, and human society. The COVID-19 post-pandemic not only affects human beings but also creates pollution crisis in environment. The post-pandemic situation has shown a drastic change in nature due to biomedical waste load and other components. The inadequate segregation of untreated healthcare wastes, chemical disinfectants, and single-use plastics leads to contamination of the water, air, and agricultural fields. These materials allow the growth of disease-causing agents and transmission. Particularly, the COVID-19 outbreak has posed a severe environmental and health concern in many developing countries for infectious waste. In 2030, plastic enhances a transboundary menace to natural ecological communities and public health. This review provides a complete overview of the COVID-19 pandemic on environmental pollution and its anthropogenic impacts to public health and natural ecosystem considering short- and long-term scenarios. The review thoroughly assesses the impacts on ecosystem in the terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric realms. The information from this evaluation can be utilized to assess the short-term and long-term solutions for minimizing any unfavorable effects. Especially, this topic focuses on the excessive use of plastics and their products, subsequently with the involvement of the scientific community, and policymakers will develop the proper management plan for the upcoming generation. This article also provides crucial research gap knowledge to boost national disaster preparedness in future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the impact of plastic on children's health and the environment in Tamil Nadu, India, focusing on two cleanliness campaigns: a plastic ban and a contagion-prevention campaign. Plastics are seen as both a threat to the environment and a protective shield against contagious diseases. The discourse surrounding the plastic ban campaign emphasizes care for human and planetary health, with children playing a central role as ambassadors of the message. The article highlights the complexities and tensions that arise from the interplay between individual, community, and planetary health in relation to plastic use and disposal. [Extracted from the article]

In recent decades, plastic waste management has become one of the main environmental challenges for today's society. The excessive consumption of so-called single-use plastics causes continuous damage to ecosystems, and it is necessary to find alternatives to recycle these products. In this work, a mechanical and hygrothermal characterisation of novel plaster composites incorporating LDPE waste in their interior was carried out. Thus, prefabricated plasterboards have been designed with a partial replacement of the original raw material with recycled LDPE in percentages of 5–10–15% by volume. The results show how these new composites exceeded the 0.18 kN minimum breaking load in panels in all cases, while decreases in density and thermal conductivity of up to 15% and 21%, respectively, were obtained. In addition, an increase of 3.8%in thermal resistance was obtained by incorporating these new gypsum boards in lightweight façade walls through simulations. In this way, a new pathway was explored for the recovery of these wastes and their subsequent application in the construction sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study involves a material flow analysis (MFA) of single-use plastics (SUPs) and packaging materials in the Republic of Korea, focusing on their short lifespans and significant contributions to plastic waste. Based on the MFA results, recommended policies for managing packaging materials and SUPs were proposed. In 2021, 6.340 Mt of synthetic resin were produced, with 39.7% (2.518 Mt) utilized for packaging materials and SUPs. The per capita consumption of these materials was 48.7 kg/year, surpassing global averages. The separate collection rate was 54.6%, with films (26.2%) and manufacturing facilities (10.6%) exhibiting the lowest rates. The overall recycling rate was 52.7%, and 981 t of recycled waste was directly placed in soil. The reliability of the MFA results was estimated to be 83.1%, which is an improvement compared to previous studies. Recommendations include reducing plastic use, expanding recycling infrastructure, raising public awareness, and implementing stricter regulations to control soil contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Plastics, as diverse polymeric materials, have become an integral part of modern life due to their unique properties, including high resistance to various chemicals, a high strength-to-weight ratio, ease of preparation, and low cost. Millions of tons of these materials are produced annually; however, only a small portion is recycled or reused. By leaving single-use plastics in the environment, these plastics are worn out and fragmented into smaller sizes due to various factors such as UV irradiation and oxidation and finally enter the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and based on their size are called Micro and Nanoplastics and may be uptaken by aquatic organisms such as fishes and also shrimps and accumulate in their tissues. They can also be absorbed by the roots of plants and enter the food chain of us humans. Although various in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted to investigate the different effects of various nanoplastics, and various mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation have been reported for their effects, but subchronic studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of polyethylene terephthalate nanoparticles. It is very important on the tissue of the heart in the body. As a result, it seems important to investigate their toxic effects in vital tissues such as heart tissue. Material and methods: In this experimental study, polyethylene terephthalate Nanoplastics were prepared using aqueous solution and then characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering and Scanning Electronic Microscopy. Four weeks old 12 male wistar rats (Average weight=250 gr) were randomly divided into two groups. Animals in the treatment group received 200 ppm of polyethylene Terephthalate Nanoplastics by gavage daily for 90 days and Control group received only Phosphate Buffer Saline (pH=7.4). After this period, the rats were anesthetized and after collecting the serum, Lactate Dehydrogenase and Creatine Kinase activity levels were measured using commercial colorimetric kit. The level of Lipid Peroxidation was analyzed using Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance formation colorimetric assay, Total Antioxidant Capacity was assessed using Ferric reducing antioxidant power and Catalase Enzyme Activity were also measured in the heart tissue homogenate using specific kit, the results data were analyzed by oneway analysis of variance. Histopathological studies were also performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining using light microscopy. Results: The results demonstrated that long term exposure to polyethylene Terephthalate Nanoplastics caused a significant increase in the levels of Lactate Dehydrogenase and Creatine Kinase. Also, an increase in Lipid Peroxidation, and a decrement in Total Antioxidant Capacity, Catalase Activity were observed in the heart tissue of treatment group animals compared to the control group (P value < 0.05). In histological studies, intermuscular edema and degeneration of myofibrils were evident in the group that received Nanoplastics. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics causes a change in the redox state of the heart tissue of male Wistar rats, these nanoparticles cause the cardiac antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense mechanisms to be overwhelmed, such as reducing the total antioxidant capacity and catalase. which has finally led to irreversible damage to the cardiac tissue, which was confirmed by increasing serum levels of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase enzymes and intramuscular edema and degeneration of myofibrils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating environmental crisis posed by single-use plastics underscores the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This study provides an approach to introduce biodegradable polymer blends by blending synthetic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with natural polymers—corn starch (CS) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)—to address this challenge. Through a comprehensive analysis, including of the structure, mechanical strength, water solubility, biodegradability, and thermal properties, we investigated the enhanced performance of PVA-CS and PVA-HPMC blends over conventional polymers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) findings of pure PVA and its blends were studied, and we found a complete homogeneity between the PVA and both types of natural polymers in the case of a high concentration of PVA, whereas at lower concentration of PVA, some granules of CS and HMPC appear in the SEM. Blending corn starch (CS) with PVA significantly boosts its biodegradability in soil environments, since adding starch of 50 w/w duplicates the rate of PVA biodegradation. Incorporating hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) with PVA not only improves water solubility but also enhances biodegradation rates, as the addition of HPMC increases the biodegradation of pure PVA from 10 to 100% and raises the water solubility from 80 to 100%, highlighting the significant acceleration of the biodegradation process and water solubility caused by HPMC addition, making these blends suitable for a wide range of applications, from packaging and agricultural films to biomedical engineering. The thermal properties of pure PVA and its blends with natural were studied using diffraction scanning calorimetry (DSC). It is found that the glass transition temperature (Tg) increases after adding natural polymers to PVA, referring to an improvement in the molecular weight and intermolecular interactions between blend molecules. Moreover, the amorphous structure of natural polymers makes the melting temperature ™ lessen after adding natural polymer, so the blends require lower temperature to remelt and be recycled again. For the mechanical properties, both types of natural polymer decrease the tensile strength and elongation at break, which overall weakens the mechanical properties of PVA. Our findings offer a promising pathway for the development of environmentally friendly polymers that do not compromise on performance, marking a significant step forward in polymer science's contribution to sustainability. This work presents detailed experimental and theoretical insights into novel polymerization methods and the utilization of biological strategies for advanced material design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose acetate (CA) is a sustainable alternative to low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which is a major source of plastic waste. However, the barrier properties and mechanical strength of CA may limit its application as single-use food plastic packaging. This study aims to overcome these limitations by incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) 1450 ranging from 10 to 50% w/w. PEG 1450 improved water vapor barrier but increased moisture content, though both values remained similar up to 50% w/w PEG 1450. CA bioplastic films showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) UV–Vis absorbances at 40% w/w PEG 1450, suggesting that a high concentration of PEG 1450 can prevent lipid oxidation but also increase opacity as reflected on the physical appearance. The reduced transparency was caused by aggregation and physical exclusion of PEG 1450 from the CA matrix which was observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Meanwhile, PEG 1450 was miscible and compatible with CA at low concentration. In terms of mechanical properties, inclusion of PEG 1450 at 10 and 20% w/w improved the tearability of CA bioplastic films. In short, the incorporation of PEG 1450 improved barriers against UV and water vapor and tearability, making it superior to commercial LDPE plastic in some respects but lacking in others. Nonetheless, its advantages make it suitable for producing single-use food packaging, hence potentially replacing LDPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since monomers in backbone of poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) are not entirely derived from bio-based sources, limiting its application in the face of increasingly stringent environmental policies. In this study, a novel full bio-based biodegradable random copolyester poly(butylene succinate-co-sebacicate-co-salicylicate) was successfully synthesized. Detailed investigations were conducted on the structural, mechanical, and degradation characteristics resulting from the introduction of salicylicate and sebacicate units. Introduction of salicylicate units effectively enhanced the mechanical performance. In comparison to PBSA, the tensile modulus of copolymer increased by 20.2% with 10% salicylic acid. Introduction of sebacicate units significantly altered the crystalline structure of copolymer and promote the degradation efficiency. Considering both mechanical strength and degradation efficiency, the copolyester with 2% salicylic acid and 20% sebacic acid was found to meet practical application requirements. Relative to PBSA, this copolymer demonstrated a 13.7% increase in tensile modulus and a remarkable 143.1% improvement in degradation efficiency. Importantly, this study focused on the effect of the bio-based rigid monomer salicylic acid and the soft monomer sebacic acid on the degradability of biodegradable polymers. The insights gained provide valuable guidance for tailoring the synthesis of degradable plastics to meet diverse degradation cycle requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is amongst the most frequently used methodologies to identify and evaluate the environmental impacts of the circular supply chain configurations. This article aims to showcase how a socio‐material perspective can increase the embeddedness of such an assessment within inter‐firm networks. A comparative LCA of two circular product systems is conducted, namely single‐use and reusable tableware within a canteen located in northern Italy. To contextualise the LCA, the Actor Network Theory (ANT) is used as an epistemological lens to identify the framing and problematisation of bioplastics in Italy, as well as the power constellation of actors affecting the bioplastics life cycle. The ANT complements the LCA in three ways: firstly, it informs the end‐of‐life modelling of the product systems away from public narratives to the actual waste management practices and secondly, it contextualises the interpretation of the LCA results—in favour of the reuse system—with the socio‐technical factors in Italy. Finally, the socio‐material perspective allows for a discussion on the performative role of LCA in the light of its increasing popularity in the public and private sectors and on its potential to guide more sustainable production and consumption patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish gelatin is a promising polymer for creating plastics derived from agro-industrial waste, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. This research aimed to develop fish gelatin films that can be used to replace conventional single-use plastics employed in food packaging. Specifically, our focus was on reducing the high hydrophilic behavior of fish gelatin films which limits their possible applications. To address this, mono-, bi-, and tri- layer films were fabricated from fish gelatin and amylopectin. The fish gelatin was cross-linked with the enzyme transglutaminase to reduce its hydrophilicity achieving two levels of cross-linking: 40 ± 2%, and 65 ± 4%. Micrographs confirmed crack-free films and bilayer/trilayer formation. The cross-linked films exhibited reduced solubility: about 30% in monolayer and 40–67% in bilayer and trilayer films compared to pure protein films. Regarding the water vapor transmission rate, the highly cross-linked trilayer film displayed a value of 0.95 g/m2 h which is significantly lower than pure protein films (2.89 g/m2 h) and amylopectin films (9.37 g/m2 h). Additionally, Young's modulus and the thermal stability were improved with the lamination. These results suggest an effective method for manufacturing films from fish waste, which could contribute to a circular economy for the fishing industry. Enhanced water resistance also makes the films potentially suitable for sustainable biopolymer-based active food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guatemala is severely polluted with plastic waste, with open burning, illegal dumping, and leaking landfills causing widespread harms. What actions, this article asks, are local people taking to reduce this pollution? What, more broadly, does this suggest for the power of grassroots environmentalism to influence plastics governance in Guatemala? Drawing on fieldwork in 2023 and 2024, our study finds that local efforts to eliminate single-use plastics have been surging across Guatemala since 2016. Formidable political and industry forces, however, are limiting the scaling up of these efforts. This article, the first to investigate the politics of reducing single-use plastic waste in Guatemala, deepens the understanding of the agency and power of local people in the Global South to shape environmental governance while emphasizing the importance of accounting for the political and economic forces thwarting the scaling up of community actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brantas River experiences significant pollution due to domestic and industrial wastes. This condition also causes natural disasters such as floods. Single use plastics generally made up a large portion of local wastes. However, previous studies mostly investigated plastic waste pollution and local waste management habits as separate topics. Therefore, the objects of this study are the plastic wastes in Brantas River, as microplastic particles, and the identification of its source. The assessments were based on microplastic counts, macroinvertebrate bioassessment with SIGNAL-2 index, and the quantitative data of local domestic waste management at three Stations in Malang City area. Riverine microplastic pollutant concentrations and its sources were both successfully identified and solved. The results showed that the highest riverine microplastic particles were found in Station 3. This station only had four macroinvertebrate taxa with a SIGNAL-2 score of 4.42, indicating severe degradation. Quantitative data showed that 80 % of Station 3 residents threw plastic wastes directly to Brantas River. The low macroinvertebrate counts possibly caused by ingestion of microplastic from households and small-scale enterprises which heavily utilized single use plastics to trade their goods. The first distinctive feature of this study is the comparability of the microplastic, and macroinvertebrate counts with the river degradation status. Secondly, the quantitative data can serve as complementary evidence. Practically, the obtained results can be developed into an integrated plastic waste management plan for the residents surrounding the rivers, particularly in developing countries with similar socio-cultural conditions as elaborated in this study, to maintain the ecosystem quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to determine the barriers to single-use plastic (SUP) reduction, specifically in the back-of-house (BOH) of restaurants, based on preexisting attitudes and perceived barriers. The associated psychological barriers were reflected upon in the context of adult learning theory and self-directed learning, as a novel setting in which to apply these theories. This study assessed the barriers to SUP reduction in restaurants by conducting fourteen qualitative interviews with small- to medium-sized restaurant operators in Canada which were digitally transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic content analysis. The study found that the most common barriers to reducing SUPs in the BOH are: cost, lack of time, and suppliers. The study also finds that there is a disconnect between the participants’ attitudes toward SUPs and their perceived barriers, and that there is a lack of access to resources for learning as a barrier. This study adds to self-directed learnings theory’s influence and limitations on sustainability behaviors and the application of self-directed learning to a unique setting. It also concludes that the restaurant BOH environment is akin to a self-directed learning environment. This study has implications for restaurant owners and operators attempting to reduce their SUP consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recalcitrant behaviour of plastic creates an acute pollution on soil and aquatic biota. The plastic polymer synthesised from petroleum takes several hundred years to degrade. During excavation activities on the lands within or at the outskirts of urban limits, single use plastic wrappers and bags that were buried long ago, can be found in large quantities. Researchers have already identified the potentiality of microorganisms to biodegrade the plastic polymers. These microorganisms utilise plastic as a sole source of carbon and mineralise them into carbon dioxide under optimum environmental conditions. This paper provides a brief review on the biodegradation studies carried out by various researchers, spectra of microorganisms identified with the potential to degrade various polymeric substances, methods of testing and evaluations in order to quantify the effectiveness of degradation, their shortfalls and risks involved in implementing bioremediation technique in the field. A review on other related aspects that are deemed to be relevant to this topic are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia faces a burgeoning plastic waste crisis, with 33.5% of the 17.4 million tons of national waste generated in 2023 remaining unmanaged. This alarming situation places Indonesia as the world's second-largest plastic waste producer after China, with 38% of plastic waste originating from households. Failure to address this crisis promptly will lead to dire consequences. In response, collaborative initiatives and sustainable innovations are emerging, including integrated waste management spearheaded by ecopreneurs. These ecopreneurs are promoting public awareness of the significance of waste valorization in supporting a circular economy, encouraging active community participation in the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle). While efforts to recycle plastic waste and reduce single-use plastic bags continue, public awareness remains crucial for effective crisis mitigation. Transforming plastic waste into valuable products like shopping bags, pencil cases, spoon holders, and versatile baskets demonstrates the economic potential of waste valorization. This approach promotes a circular economy and generates income from waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the European Single Use Plastic Directive and as part of the transition to a circular economy, plastic food contact materials (FCMs) are being replaced, often by renewable plant-based materials. This research aimed to identify which chemical substances are present in plant-based materials. In 2022 a total of 28 samples of the latter materials from the Dutch market were analysed for 313 active substances from plant protection products, 47 per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFASs) and 27 heavy metals and other elements. Ten samples contained plant protection products that are not authorised in the EU. Most materials contained PFASs at trace or even high levels. Three out of four investigated sugar cane materials contained 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol at levels up to 1.7 mg/kg. High contents of aluminium, manganese, iron, zinc, and barium were found. Other heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead and mercury were found in relatively low contents. A broad GC-MS screening was performed, which revealed the presence of plant extractable, plasticisers, antioxidants and hydrocarbons, which were not all authorised for FCMs, but may be present as non-intentionally added substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-use plastics have become interconnected with human populations globally, yet, studies on plastic pollution and practices have predominantly been conducted outside Africa. This study explored perceptions of single-use plastics at the University of the Witwatersrand, with 1398 respondents in an online survey and 18 in a solicited diary during 2019. Despite social media and research exposure amongst university students, only 57% of respondents were familiar with the term single-use plastics. However, respondents displayed considerable pro-environmental attitudes relating to plastic pollution and recycling. These attitudes did not translate into pro-environmental behaviour in daily life, whereby 88% of respondents believed that single-use plastics are used with too many products, yet, only 22% avoid products which incorporate them. Respondents faced constraints in their pro-environmental behaviour relating to recycling infrastructure, re-use and the expense of alternative products. Negative perceptions exist towards single-use plastics in South Africa due to their ubiquitous pollution and presence in daily consumption practices. Increased pro-environmental behaviour provides an opportunity to curb plastic pollution and rethink consumption patterns. However, changing attitudes alone to stem the tide of plastic consumption and pollution will be meaningless without supportive recycling infrastructure from the government and reduced single-use, non-recyclable plastic production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate whether consumers and small businesses can transition from disposable to reusable coffee cups, using a community social marketing intervention, led by a Social Purpose Organisation. Design/methodology/approach: An emergent case study approach using multiple sources of data developed an in-depth, multifaceted, real-world context evaluation of the intervention. The methodology draws on citizen science "messy" data collection involving multiple, fragmented sources. Findings: Moving from single-use cups to reusables requires collective commitment by retailers, consumers and policymakers, despite the many incentives and penalties applied to incentivise behaviour change. Difficult post-COVID economics, austerity and infrastructure gaps are undermining both reusable acceptance and interim solutions to our dependence upon disposables. Research limitations/implications: Although the non-traditional methodology rendered gaps and omissions in the data, the citizen science was democratising and inclusive for the community. Practical implications: Our practical contribution evaluates a whole community intervention setting to encourage reusable cups, integrating multiple stakeholders, in a non-controllable, non-experimental environment in contrast to previous research. This paper demonstrates how small community grants can foster impactful collaborative partnerships between an SPO and researchers, facilitate knowledge-exchange beyond the initial remit and provide a catalyst for possible future impact and outcomes. Originality/value: To assess the impact at both the outcome and the process level of the intervention, we use Pawson and Tilley's realist evaluation theory – the Context Mechanism Outcome framework. The methodological contribution demonstrates the process of citizen science "messy" data collection, likely to feature more frequently in future social science research addressing climate change and sustainability challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article examines how the Philippines' numerous legislations address the problem of single-use plastic pollution in accordance with the concepts of sustainable development. By examining scholarly and related literature on plastic manufacturing and use, plastic ban and restrictions, and other policies connected to plastic pollution, the study found that the national government agencies worked together to address a wide range of climate change solutions to significantly reduce plastic production as well as usage. Plastic usage regulations have been enacted in each of the 17 local government units that fall under Metro Manila's authority. Individual cities and municipalities, however, may impose varying restrictions due to the fact that their legislation may permit the inclusion of a large variety of different types of plastic compounds. Given this complexity, the rationale behind gradually reducing the consumption of single-use plastic products becomes paramount. Local government agencies require reliable data and effective programs to prevent plastic pollution as global plastic production grows. Regardless of their economic situation, more Philippine cities and municipalities are participating in projects that show their ability to have a global impact on environmental preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European governments are addressing plastic pollution by implementing the Directive EU 2019/904 that bans single‐use items like cutlery, plates, straws, and beverage stirrers. One strategy proposed by several industries to continue their production is the conversion of single‐use items into multiuse items. Herein, the focus is on the production of polystyrene reusable plates and the suitability of this product for microwave and dishwasher use is assessed: in proper conditions, the structure is preserved without cuts or visible deformations, and the chemical stability is guaranteed. To get a full picture of the benefits and impacts of this new product, a life cycle assessment methodology is applied to compare the performances of one reusable plate with 20 single‐use plates. Results indicate that proper use is crucial: a reusable plate disposed after one use is more impactful than a single‐use plate. In contrast, the reuse of plates for 20 times allows to reduce carbon footprint and acidification potential. Eutrophication and ozone layer depletion, on the other hand, increase due to the washing phase. The solutions that can mitigate these issues and enhance the sustainability of the reusable plates include the improvement of the detergent compositions and the use of electricity from renewable sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a country contributing 1.4 tons of plastic waste to the world's waters, Indonesia requires a mature green concept implementation from various stakeholders. However, it is regrettable that no FMCG company has a comprehensive strategy to commit to switching from single-use plastics. This concept enables companies to play in an underutilized niche market. This study fills the knowledge gap by investigating the complex relationship between environmental knowledge, environmental concern, consumer attitudes, and purchase intentions for plastic-bottled beverages. Data were obtained through an online questionnaire distributed to 297 respondents in the East Java. Data were processed using path analysis, revealing that environmental knowledge and concern, as well as consumer attitudes, have a positive and significant relationship with green purchase intention. Environmental knowledge and concern also positively and significantly affect consumer attitudes. Moreover, positive consumer attitudes can reduce the influence of environmental knowledge and concern on purchasing environmentally friendly products. This confirms that positive consumer attitudes towards environmentally friendly products are not the only factor influencing their purchase intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper covers the plastic recycling and disposal process which is carried out by chemical and the mechanical means where several technologies and steps are involved. India and the world have witnessed substantial growth both in the production and consumption of plastics. In absence of appropriate waste collection and segregation processes, the management of waste especially for the discarded plastic used for packaging has become a challenging task. Growing plastic pollution is affecting ecosystem as well as human health. This paper provides an overview to of all the challenges due to plastic pollution, for recycling and disposal, ways to mitigate, interplay of plastic recycling and disposal and awareness among the humans over the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, the demand for single-use plastics has increased due to the rising demand for food delivery and household goods. This has led to environmental challenges caused by indiscriminate dumping and disposal. To address this issue, non-degradable plastics are being replaced with biodegradable alternatives. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a type of biodegradable plastic that has excellent mechanical properties. However, its applications are limited due to its low crystallinity and brittleness. Studies have been conducted to combat these limitations using carbon or inorganic nucleating agents. In this study, waste cement and PLA were mixed to investigate the effect of the hybrid inorganic nucleating agent on the crystallinity and mechanical properties of PLA. Waste cement accelerated the lamellar growth of PLA and improved its crystallinity. The results indicate that the flexural and impact strengths increased by approximately 3.63% and 76.18%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]