scholarly journals Fluorescent Tagging of Polymer Particles with PBN for the Detection of Microplastics in Personal Care Goods

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 567-577
Author(s):  
Eun-Hee Lee ◽  
Sangwon Lee ◽  
Seung-Woo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Primary Source ◽  
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate ◽  
Attenuated Total Reflection ◽  
Personal Care ◽  
Polymer Particles ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Irregular Shapes ◽  
Detection And Identification ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Fluorescent Tagging

Objectives : Plastic pollution has been aggravated due to the massive use of disposable products and single-use face masks since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. There is growing interest regarding detection and identification of plastic pollution in daily life. The aim of this study is (1) to investigate suitability of a fluorescent labelling method for the detection of polymers, (2) to detect microplastics in personal care goods, and (3) to identify the detected plastic particles.Methods : In order to detect plastic particles in real samples, a 1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester (PBN) fluorophore was used as a dye for staining plastic particles. First, the capability of PBN was evaluated by staining a model polymer of polyethylene (PE) particles, and its desorption and photobleaching was also investigated. Using the optimum staining condition, microplastics were detected in a laboratory-controlled sample and commercially available products, specifically in cleansers, scrubs, and toothpastes. Finally, the detected microplastics were identified using an attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) analysis.Results and Discussion : The PE particles fluoresced blue light after being stained with PBN at a concentration of 100 μg/mL for 3-5 min without post treatments (e.g., fixation and drying), but the particles should be detected within 24 h due to the photobleaching of PBN. The desorption of PBN fluorophore occurred when the stained PE particles were washed with 25% acetone rather than rinse-off with deionized (DI) water. All of the tested personal care goods contained plastic particles and various sizes and shapes (e.g., spherical, rounded, and irregular shapes) of particles were found in different types and brands of products. The detected particles were identified as PE, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers.Conclusions : The PBN was shown to effectively stain polymer particles and it allowed visual identification of microplastics in personal care goods. Various types and sizes of polymers were included into the commercially available products as ingredients, indicating a primary source of plastic pollution in aquatic environment.

scholarly journals Attitudinal and behavioural segments on single-use plastics in Ghana: Implications for reducing marine plastic pollution

2021 ◽  
pp. 100185
Author(s):  
Dr Issahaku Adam ◽  
Dr Tony R. Walker ◽  
Dr Andrea Clayton ◽  
Dr Joana Carlos Bezerra
Keyword(s):  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Single Use

scholarly journals Waste generation as a side impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: Communication on correct disposal of single-use face masks

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Débora Tomaszewski
Keyword(s):  
Face Mask ◽  
Side Impact ◽  
Waste Generation ◽  
Visual Aids ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Global Spread ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Regional Authorities ◽  
Primary Measure

The rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the resulting Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to urgent efforts to contain and mitigate transmission. The useof face masks became a primary measure to limit the spread, which increased the production and consequentwaste generation. It is estimated that globally 129 billion single-use face masks are discharged into the environment every month. Besides to add to already great concerns over plastic pollution, contaminated face masks not properly handled also poses a health risk. The health and environmental consequences caused by the inadequate disposal of single-use face masks are treated in this study as an eminent risk to be properly communicated. This study framed the waste generation as a side impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and analysed how the communication has been made regarding the correct disposal of single-use masks, with focus in users of public transport in Stockholm region. National and regional authorities are recognized as the main responsibles for the communication about correct disposal, together with manufacturers and suppliers of single-use face masks. Disclosure and informative material of four government authorities and instruction manuals of eight brands of single-use face masks are analysed according to: i) presence / absence of information (about the disposal); ii) type of communication (visual or written); iii) message transmitted and; ix) availability in other languages.It was found guidance about correct disposal of face mask in two thirds of the existing communication, that is mainly written and with few visual aids. Half of communication is made only in Swedish and with no sufficient focus on the importance of correct disposal neither with reference to trash bins with lid. It suggests that the current communication about how to disposesingle-use masks safelymay not be enough, which is affecting the perception of risk by the population and worsening the health and environmental consequencescaused by the inadequate disposal.

scholarly journals Design of a serious game for children to raise awareness on plastic pollution and promoting pro-environmental behaviors

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Loukia Panagiotopoulou ◽  
Nora Cía Gayarre ◽  
Giulia Wally Scurati ◽  
Roberta Etzi ◽  
Gemma Massetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Marine Environment ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Environmental Behaviors ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Great Production ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract The massive presence of plastic in the oceans, both in form of large debris and micro-plastic, is raising global concern due to its serious effects on the marine environment and fauna, causing loss of biodiversity and potentially threatening human health. Even though this is due to poor waste management, the great production and consumption of single-use plastic is a significant exacerbating factor. Despite policies and bans can be effective measures, there is also the need to raise consumers' awareness, so they can make more sustainable choices when purchasing, using and, dismissing products. In particular, educating young citizens and encouraging them to engage in pro-environmental behaviors is a fundamental task to reach this goal. In this work, we present Contact from the future, a digital game on plastic pollution for children, to create awareness and stimulate pro-environmental behaviors, discussing the definition of objectives and requirements, as well as the design and development of the application.

scholarly journals Plastic waste

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phạm Hà Trang ◽  
Hoang Truong Giang ◽  
Nguyen Cam Duong
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Global Problem ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Plastic Products

Plastic pollution is an urgent global problem that threatens the entire ecosystem, causing climate change and many other consequences that humans have to bear. Therefore, citizens need to uphold their sense of responsibility, consciously change living habits, say no to single-use plastic products. Protecting the environment, limiting plastic waste is protecting ourselves.

Fourth Industrial Revolution, Accounting Profession Well-Being, and Environmental Well-Being in South Africa

2021 ◽  
pp. 150-160
Author(s):  
Odunayo Magret Olarewaju
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
Management Accountants ◽  
Single Use ◽  
The Government ◽  
Real Time Information ◽  
Time Information

Industry 4.0 centers on the connection of physical and cyber networks to allow actionable insights and real-time information flow such that the well-being of the creatures, workplace, and the environment is guaranteed. Plastic pollution has been a major menace in South Africa and the proposed ban has not been implemented by the government. With the current measures of reducing the pollution, it was evident that the use of fourth industrial revolution has not been effective. Thus, it was recommended that government should enforce labelling of very single-use plastic and an associated fine should be attached to every single-use plastic found polluting the environment. It should be made mandatory for all management accountants to include cost for plastic pollution as one of the operating costs of each organisation. Also, it is recommended that robots can be erected around the cities, towns and workplace picking plastic waste. This will show the seriousness of the government to combat the single use plastic pollution and automatically curb the littering of the environment with plastics.

scholarly journals FTIR spectroscopy for detection and identification of fungal phytopathogenes

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Salman ◽  
L. Tsror ◽  
A. Pomerantz ◽  
R. Moreh ◽  
S. Mordechai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attenuated Total Reflection ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Intact Cells ◽  
Detection And Identification ◽  
Identification Of Fungi ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Atr Spectroscopy ◽  
Major Pathogens ◽  
Soil Borne Fungi

Soil-borne fungi are considered as major pathogens to many plants and can cause a severe economic damage. Early detection and identification of these pathogens is very important and might be critical for their control. The available methods for identification of fungi like molecular biology, serological tests and PCRs tests (polymerase chain reaction) are time consuming and not always very specific. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy, is considered to be a comprehensive and sensitive method for detection of molecular changes in intact cells.In the present study we used FTIR–ATR as a sensitive and effective assay for the detection and discrimination between different fungal genera. Our results showed significant spectral differences between the various examined fungi genera. These results proved the possibility of discrimination between these fungi on the genus level.

Aquarium Visitor Engagement with an Ocean Plastics Exhibit: Effects on Self-Reported Intended Single-Use Plastic Reductions and Plastic-Related Environmental Stewardship Actions

2021 ◽  
pp. 109258722110211
Author(s):  
Britta R. Baechler ◽  
Elise F. Granek ◽  
Kerry A. Carlin-Morgan ◽  
Tina E. Smith ◽  
Max Nielsen-Pincus
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Change ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Environmental Stewardship ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Oregon Coast ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Single Use

Plastic pollution requires, among a suite of other interventions, education to inspire behavioral change and reduce consumption of single-use items. We designed and installed an ocean plastics exhibit at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon, USA. We evaluated visitor engagement and the effects of the exhibit on their reported single-use plastic and plastic-related environmental stewardship intentions. Timed interaction observations ( n = 317) revealed children (0–17 years) engaged more with interactive elements than adults (18–80+ years). Ten single-use plastic reduction and plastic stewardship intentions were evaluated through structured questionnaires; the top three behaviors visitors intended to change were: using a reusable straw (37.4%), cleaning the beach (37.4%), and bring-your-own bag to the store or market (33.0%). 18 to 29 year olds had the highest change in desire to address the ocean plastics problem before and after seeing the exhibit, but the lowest likelihood of engaging in either single-use plastics reduction or plastic stewardship actions of all age groups.

scholarly journals ‘Drinking and Dropping’: On Interacting with Plastic Pollution and Waste in South-Eastern Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley Henderson ◽  
Emeka W. Dumbili
Keyword(s):  
Peer Group ◽  
Pure Water ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Individual Responsibility ◽  
Environmental Harm ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Single Use

Abstract Nigeria is reported as having released up to 0.34 million tonnes of plastic debris into the ocean in 2010 and ranked ninth country in the world for pollution of the marine environment. It is a postcolonial, oil-rich country where plastic is cheap and widely available. Currently, there is no government policy regulating single-use plastic products. Previous studies have identified university student residential areas as ‘hot spots’ for plastic waste. We used qualitative methods (focus groups and semi-structured interviews) to explore how students made sense of their single use plastics consumption (including ‘pure water’ plastic sachets) and analysed how young Nigerians interact with plastic waste. Students perceived plastic waste as malodorous, causing harm to human health and blighting environmental aesthetics. Students saw themselves as the cause of plastic pollution (as consumers) whereas plastic industries were framed positively as producers bringing progress and prosperity. Participants were open about their indiscriminate littering practices subverting other study findings where responsibility tends to be deflected (to policy makers, producers). While we are relying on self-reported behaviour, we found no obvious link between awareness of environmental harm caused by plastic pollution and students’ actions. Within this peer group of young Nigerians, it was not considered ‘normal’ or ‘cool’ socially to use waste bins or recycle. We suggest that further research is needed into how plastic pollution is made sense of in terms of individual responsibility; lay understandings of miasmas; perceptions of public/private spaces and plastics as a signifier of modernity and enhanced social status.

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