Riverine Macroplastics and How to Find Them

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim van Emmerik ◽  
Anna Schwarz
Keyword(s):  
Spatiotemporal Variation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Aquatic Species ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Plastic Debris ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
The World

<p>Macroplastic (>0.5 cm) pollution in aquatic environments is an emerging environmental risk, as it negatively impacts ecosystems, endangers aquatic species, and causes economic damage. Rivers are known to play a crucial role in transporting land-based plastic waste into the world’s oceans. However, rivers and their ecosystems are also directly affected by plastic pollution. To better quantify global plastic pollution pathways and to effectively reduce sources and risks, a thorough understanding of riverine macroplastic sources, transport, fate and effects is crucial. In our presentation, we discuss the current scientific state on macroplastic in rivers and evaluate existing knowledge gaps. We discuss the origin and fate of riverine plastics, including processes and factors influencing macroplastic transport and its spatiotemporal variation. Moreover, we present an overview of monitoring and modeling efforts to characterize riverine plastic transport and give examples of typical values from around the world (van Emmerik & Schwarz, 2020). With our presentation, we aim to present a comprehensive overview of riverine macroplastic research to date and suggest multiple ways forward for future research.</p><p> </p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>van Emmerik, T, Schwarz, A. Plastic debris in rivers. WIREs Water. 2020; 7:e1398. https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1398</p>

scholarly journals Plastic Pollutions in Aquatic Environment- A Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 144-155
Author(s):  
Y. M. Mohammed ◽  
M. Hadizat ◽  
M. A. Umar ◽  
Y. Ibrahim ◽  
H. Mohammed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aquatic Ecosystems ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Spatiotemporal Variation ◽  
Pollution Transport ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Plastic Debris ◽  
Riverine Ecosystems ◽  
The World ◽  
Freshwater Environments

Plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems is a growing environmental concern, as it has the potential to harm ecology, imperil aquatic organisms and cost ecological damage. Although rivers and other freshwater environments are known to play an important role in carrying land-based plastic trash to the world's seas, riverine ecosystems are also directly impacted by plastic pollution. A detailed understanding of the origin, movement, fate, and effects of riverine plastic waste is critical for better quantifying worldwide plastic pollution transport and effectively reducing sources and dangers. In this review, we emphasize the current scientific state of plastic debris in rivers, as well as the existing knowledge gaps, providing a basic overview of plastics and the types of polymers commonly found in rivers and the threat they bring to aquatic ecosystems. We also go through the origins and fates of riverine plastics, as well as the mechanisms and factors that affect plastic debris transit and spatiotemporal variation. We give an overview of riverine plastic transport monitoring and modeling activities, as well as examples of typical values from throughout the world. Finally, we discuss what the future holds for riverine plastic research.

Microplastics pollution studies in India: a recent review of sources, abundances and research perspectives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karthikeyan Perumal ◽  
Subagunasekar Muthuramalingam
Keyword(s):  
River Sediments ◽  
Threshold Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Knowing That ◽  
Persistent Pollutants ◽  
Management Policies

Abstract Purpose: Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous, persistent pollutants that are reported in abundance in all environments and biota. This review highlights the identification, distribution and concentration of microplastics in all aquatic environments and biota in the India region which is one of the least studied with only forty-four papers published on microplastics during 2013-2020 in the web of science. Results: The present review focuses on the concentration of microplastics in different aquatic environments such as 3096 items/kg in marine sediments, 106 items/kg in biota, 59 items/L in seawater, 175 items/kg in sea salt, 33.9 items/L in lake water, 336 items/kg in lake sediments, 288 pieces/m3 in river water, and 328 items/kg in river sediments. Conclusion: Consequently, we studied the distribution and occurrence of pollution from MPs in coastal and freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes and biota. Therefore, we propose extending studies in all the above areas of microplastics knowing that there are many unique aquatic habitats and species that are yet unexplored. For future research, we suggest new methods for sampling MPs in all marine ecosystems and biota. Assessing research in each of these ways will allow suggesting a microplastic threshold level and devising control initiatives to minimize plastic consumption and its eventual hazard to the aquatic ecosystem. Moreover enforcing strict laws, enhancing legal initiatives, well-planned comprehensive waste management policies and spontaneous public engagement are essential to create awareness of marine plastic pollution and reduce the adverse effects of land-based plastics.

scholarly journals Factors influencing performance within startup assistance organizations

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 264-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioana Ceaușu ◽  
Katrin Marquardt ◽  
Sven-Joachim Irmer ◽  
Elisa Gotesman
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Current Paper ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Public ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
The World ◽  
Successful Business ◽  
Start Ups ◽  
Relevant Factors

Abstract Startup assistance organizations, and especially business accelerators have gained a lot of traction in the last years, captioning not only the attention of the public, but most importantly that of investors and other stakeholders. It has become a challenge for many all around the world to develop such programs, but many have failed or did not have their expected results, meaning medium to long-term sustainable and profitable alumni start-ups. As high amounts of resources, both human and financial, are being invested in the design and development of such programs, it is important to understand what sets apart the successful business acceleration programs from the ones that fail. The current paper is reviewing the up-to-date theoretical literature and studies on the matter at hand, in order to identify the most relevant factors influencing startup assistance organizations’ performance. The objective behind identifying these factors is to get a better understanding of best practices of such successful programs and set the basis for future research regarding the development of a set of metrics for more accurately measuring their performance.

The organic output from mechanical–biological treatment plants as a source of microplastics: Mini-review on current knowledge, research methodology and future study perspectives

2021 ◽  
pp. 0734242X2098391
Author(s):  
Anastasiia Sholokhova ◽  
Gintaras Denafas ◽  
Valeriy Mykhaylenko
Keyword(s):  
Future Study ◽  
Biological Treatment ◽  
Waste Treatment ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
The World

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems facing the world. In recent years, microplastics, polymer particles from 1  µm to 5 mm, have been getting much attention. The presence of microplastics has already been confirmed in aquatic and marine ecosystems, soil, atmosphere, biota, and others. The organic output from mechanical–biological treatment (MBT) plants was added to the list of microplastics sources only recently. However, according to preliminary estimates, it may be the second-largest source of microplastics. This article presents an overview of already published investigations on this microplastics source and explains the supposed pathway of microplastics in the MBT plants. The main waste treatment processes that can affect the amount of microplastics in the organic output have been identified as shredding, sieving and, to a lesser extent, aerobic or anaerobic processing. This mini-review also includes methods used in the scientific literature for microplastics extraction, purification, and identification in organic-rich samples, their advantages and limitations. Particular attention is paid to the methods of identifying the small microplastics, less than 1 mm, since the methods for particles 1−5 mm have been more extensively studied. Furthermore, future research needs are highlighted.

scholarly journals Ecotoxicological Impacts of Micro- and Nanoplastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments

2021 ◽  
pp. 199-260
Author(s):  
Tânia Gomes ◽  
Agathe Bour ◽  
Claire Coutris ◽  
Ana Catarina Almeida ◽  
Inger Lise Bråte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Priorities ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Toxicological Effects ◽  
Particle Characteristics ◽  
Ecotoxicological Effects ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

AbstractPlastic pollution is a widespread environmental problem that is currently one of the most discussed issues by scientists, policymakers and society at large. The potential ecotoxicological effects of plastic particles in a wide range of organisms have been investigated in a growing number of exposure studies over the past years. Nonetheless, many questions still remain regarding the overall effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on organisms from different ecosystem compartments, as well as the underlying mechanisms behind the observed toxicity. This chapter provides a comprehensive literature review on the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics in terrestrial and aquatic organisms in the context of particle characteristics, interactive toxicological effects, taxonomic gradients and with a focus on synergies with associated chemicals. Overall, a total of 220 references were reviewed for their fulfilment of specific quality criteria (e.g. experimental design, particle characteristics, ecotoxicological endpoints and findings), after which 175 were included in our assessment. The analysis of the reviewed studies revealed that organisms’ responses were overall influenced by the physicochemical heterogeneity of the plastic particles used, for which distinct differences were attributed to polymer type, size, morphology and surface alterations. On the other hand, little attention has been paid to the role of additive chemicals in the overall toxicity. There is still little consistency regarding the biological impacts posed by plastic particles, with observed ecotoxicological effects being highly dependent on the environmental compartment assessed and specific morphological, physiological and behavioural traits of the species used. Nonetheless, evidence exists of impacts across successive levels of biological organization, covering effects from the subcellular level up to the ecosystem level. This review presents the important research gaps concerning the ecotoxicological impacts of plastic particles in different taxonomical groups, as well as recommendations on future research priorities needed to better understand the ecological risks of plastic particles in terrestrial and aquatic environments.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Implementation of eHealth Technologies to Support Informal Dementia Care: An Umbrella Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 946-946
Author(s):  
Sofia Bastoni ◽  
Christian Wrede ◽  
Marcia C da Silva ◽  
Robbert Sanderman ◽  
Andrea Gaggioli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Success Factors ◽  
Home Monitoring ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Dementia Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Sustainable Implementation ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

Abstract The increase of People with Dementia (PwD) living at home underscores the need for innovative eHealth technologies that support both patients and informal caregivers (IC). Sustainable implementation of eHealth technologies within this target group can, however, be difficult. Our study aims at providing an overview of (1) technologies employed in the context of informal dementia care (IDC) and (2) factors influencing the implementation of these technologies. Five databases were searched for (systematic) reviews. 21 reviews were included. A combination of deductive and inductive thematic analysis was performed, using the NASSS Framework to organize the findings. We identified technologies used “by IC”, “by PwD” and “with PwD”. Most represented technologies included: (i) devices for in-home monitoring (ii) technologies for supporting memory, orientation, and day structure, and (iii) communication technologies. Most factors influencing implementation related to the condition of dementia, characteristics of the technology, the expected/perceived value by users, and the characteristics of the IC. Considerably less has been reported on factors related to the implementing organization, the technology supplier, the wider institutional and sociocultural context of policy and regulations, and the adaptation of technology over time. Our study 1) created a comprehensive overview of eHealth technologies employed in the context of IDC and contributes to a better understanding of factors influencing their implementation, and 2) uncovered a knowledge gap regarding success factors for implementation related to the wider context. Although future research is needed, these findings can help researchers improving the development and implementation of eHealth technologies to support IDC.

Invasive Shot Hole Borers Euwallacea fornicatus, E. kuroshio, and E. perbrevis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

EDIS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Demian F. Gomez ◽  
Jiri Hulcr ◽  
Daniel Carrillo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Invasive Species ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Economic Impacts ◽  
Forest Resources ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Ambrosia Beetles ◽  
Invasive Insects ◽  
The World ◽  
And Control

Invasive species, those that are nonnative and cause economic damage, are one of the main threats to ecosystems around the world. Ambrosia beetles are some of the most common invasive insects. Currently, severe economic impacts have been increasingly reported for all the invasive shot hole borers in South Africa, California, Israel, and throughout Asia. This 7-page fact sheet written by Demian F. Gomez, Jiri Hulcr, and Daniel Carrillo and published by the School of Forest Resources and Conservation describes shot hole borers and their biology and hosts and lists some strategies for prevention and control of these pests. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr422

An Investigation on Extrinsic and Intrinsic Rewards on Employee Retention among Gen Y: A Study in Malaysian Manufacturing Companies

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Employee Retention ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Extrinsic Reward ◽  
Intrinsic Rewards ◽  
Gen Y ◽  
Intrinsic Reward ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between extrinsic and intrinsic reward on retention among Gen Y employees in Malaysian manufacturing companies. The data was collected from 113 respondents worked in manufacturing companies located in Seri Kembangan, Selangor using questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to test the hypotheses. The results showed both extrinsic and intrinsic reward are the factors influencing retaining Gen Y in manufacturing companies. The discussion on the analysis, limitation of the study, recommendation for future research and conclusion were discussed at the end of this study. In a nutshell, it was proven extrinsic reward and intrinsic reward has contributed to the retention of Gen Y employees.

scholarly journals Organizational Commitment and Lean Sustainability: Literature Review and Directions for Future Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Benkarim ◽  
Daniel Imbeau
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Affective Commitment ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Employee Commitment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Narrative Literature Review ◽  
Key Aspects

The vast majority of works published on Lean focus on the evaluation of tools and/or the strategies needed for its implementation. Although many authors highlight the degree of employee commitment as one of the key aspects of Lean, what has gone largely unnoticed in the literature, is that few studies have examined in-depth the concept of organizational commitment in connection with Lean. With this narrative literature review article, our main objective is (1) to identify and analyze an extensive body of literature that addresses the Lean Manufacturing approach and how it relates to employee commitment, emphasizing affective commitment as the main type of organizational commitment positively associated with Lean, and (2) to highlight the management practices required to encourage this kind of commitment and promote the success and sustainability of Lean. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview that can help researchers and practitioners interested in Lean better understand the importance of employee commitment in this type of approach, and as well, to identify related research questions.

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