Merlin N Issac

Bio: Merlin N Issac is an academic researcher from Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Glass transition & Biodegradation. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 30 citations.

Effect of microplastics in water and aquatic systems.

Abstract: Surging dismissal of plastics into water resources results in the splintered debris generating microscopic particles called microplastics. The reduced size of microplastic makes it easier for intake by aquatic organisms resulting in amassing of noxious wastes, thereby disturbing their physiological functions. Microplastics are abundantly available and exhibit high propensity for interrelating with the ecosystem thereby disrupting the biogenic flora and fauna. About 71% of the earth surface is occupied by oceans, which holds 97% of the earth's water. The remaining 3% is present as water in ponds, streams, glaciers, ice caps, and as water vapor in the atmosphere. Microplastics can accumulate harmful pollutants from the surroundings thereby acting as transport vectors; and simultaneously can leach out chemicals (additives). Plastics in marine undergo splintering and shriveling to form micro/nanoparticles owing to the mechanical and photochemical processes accelerated by waves and sunlight, respectively. Microplastics differ in color and density, considering the type of polymers, and are generally classified according to their origins, i.e., primary and secondary. About 54.5% of microplastics floating in the ocean are polyethylene, and 16.5% are polypropylene, and the rest includes polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyester, and polyamides. Polyethylene and polypropylene due to its lower density in comparison with marine water floats and affect the oceanic surfaces while materials having higher density sink affecting seafloor. The effects of plastic debris in the water and aquatic systems from various literature and on how COVID-19 has become a reason for microplastic pollution are reviewed in this paper.

Review of manufacturing three-dimensional-printed membranes for water treatment.

Abstract: With the exacerbation of industrialization, water treatment has become a necessary step for the eradication of dyes, heavy metals, oils, pharmaceuticals, and illicit drugs. These pollutants pose an impending threat to the health of humans by causing chronic or acute poisoning. Albeit they are noxious, the presence of some metals in lower concentrations is indispensable for human health. 3D printing (additive manufacturing) (3DP) can contrive nearly any complicated geometric form in a wide array of objects among various scales by a layer-wise method of manufacturing, which is more indubitably designed than any other conventional method. 3DP could remodel the existing patterns of membrane housing and possibly trim down the power demand and chemical use in saltwater desalinating and wastewater purification plants. Membranes that are 3D printed with correctly arranged apertures and shapes enhance material transport and flow athwart the surface of the membrane and at once lessen membrane soiling. This kind of technology forges membranes of polymers, biopolymers, alloys, metals, and ceramics via computer-aided design (CAD). A polylactic acid porous super-hydrophobic membrane with pore size in the range 40-600 μm showed 99.4% oil-water separating power and 60 kL h-1 m-2 flux when the pore size was tuned to 250 μm via CAD-aided 3D printing technology. This review focuses on the ability of 3D-printed membranes for the efficient removal of toxic pollutants from wastewater. Graphical abstract 3D-printed membranes for water treatment.

Effect of microplastics in water and aquatic systems.

Abstract: Surging dismissal of plastics into water resources results in the splintered debris generating microscopic particles called microplastics. The reduced size of microplastic makes it easier for intake by aquatic organisms resulting in amassing of noxious wastes, thereby disturbing their physiological functions. Microplastics are abundantly available and exhibit high propensity for interrelating with the ecosystem thereby disrupting the biogenic flora and fauna. About 71% of the earth surface is occupied by oceans, which holds 97% of the earth's water. The remaining 3% is present as water in ponds, streams, glaciers, ice caps, and as water vapor in the atmosphere. Microplastics can accumulate harmful pollutants from the surroundings thereby acting as transport vectors; and simultaneously can leach out chemicals (additives). Plastics in marine undergo splintering and shriveling to form micro/nanoparticles owing to the mechanical and photochemical processes accelerated by waves and sunlight, respectively. Microplastics differ in color and density, considering the type of polymers, and are generally classified according to their origins, i.e., primary and secondary. About 54.5% of microplastics floating in the ocean are polyethylene, and 16.5% are polypropylene, and the rest includes polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyester, and polyamides. Polyethylene and polypropylene due to its lower density in comparison with marine water floats and affect the oceanic surfaces while materials having higher density sink affecting seafloor. The effects of plastic debris in the water and aquatic systems from various literature and on how COVID-19 has become a reason for microplastic pollution are reviewed in this paper.

Microplastics in agroecosystems-impacts on ecosystem functions and food chain

Abstract: This work reviews microplastic's impact on agroecosystem components and possible effects on the food chain. Microplastics are sized

A review of 3D printing techniques for environmental applications.

Abstract: With a wide variety of techniques and compatible materials, three-dimensional (3D) printing is becoming increasingly useful in environmental applications in air, water, and energy. Through the advantages of quick production, cost-effectiveness, customizable design, the ability to produce complex geometries, and more, 3D printing has supported improvements to air quality monitors, filters, membranes, separation devices for water treatment, microbial fuel cells, solar cells, and wind turbines. It also supports sustainable manufacturing through reduced material waste, energy use, and carbon emissions. Applications of 3D printing within four environmental disciplines are described in this article: sustainable manufacturing, air quality, water and wastewater, and alternative energy sources.

Microplastics in agroecosystems-impacts on ecosystem functions and food chain

Abstract: This work reviews microplastic's impact on agroecosystem components and possible effects on the food chain. Microplastics are sized < 5 µm, made up of diverse chemical constituents, and come from several sources. The agroecosystems reportedly receive an estimated 1.15 to 2.41 million tonnes of plastic wastes annually. Microplastic factors like increasing anthropogenic activities, tiny sizes, ubiquity, sheer volume, and composite chemicals greatly influence the environment. Their impact could be directly on the food substances or indirectly on the ecosystems that support the primary producers of the food chain: alters plant's growth and developments, blocks organisms’ digestive/roots system, attachment for multiplying organisms, vectors of toxic compounds, disrupts the activities of microbial decomposers and nutrient cycles, etc. Microplastic contamination of the agroecosystems reduce food yields, impact the food chain components negatively, food security, and human health. The adoption of regenerative agriculture is staging the cultivation of food substances away from contaminable systems while using sustainable sources of water and minerals. The consequences of increasing microplastic volume and attendant impacts make researchers evaluate alternative solutions for microplastic abatement: bio-based plastics and the adoption of clean remedial biotechnologies. These alternate solutions are expedient as the total elimination of plastic (microplastic) waste may not be fully feasible- considering their recalcitrance and non-biodegradability. Also, policymakers should promulgate laws that mitigate and replace single-use and non-biodegradable plastic materials with bio-based or biodegradable alternatives.