Plasticisers in the terrestrial environment: sources, occurrence and fate
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a quantitative information of the terrestrial occurrence, fate and exposure of phthalate and non-phthalate plasticisers, which may pose a risk to ecosystems and human health.
Abstract: Environmental context Many human activities cause the release of plastic and associated plasticisers to land, where chemicals may persist for extended periods and be taken up by organisms. However, quantitative information of the terrestrial occurrence, fate and exposure of phthalate and non-phthalate plasticisers is lacking. Research into this field is needed, especially as society moves away from phthalates to the next generation of plasticisers which may themselves represent an emerging risk. Abstract Modern society is widely dependent upon plastic. Therefore, it is unsurprising that macro- and microplastic pollution is found in every environmental compartment on earth. Plasticisers are chemicals added to plastics to increase their flexibility. Like plastics themselves, plasticisers are also widely present in the environment. Plasticisers and plastic debris may undergo long-range transport in the atmosphere and the oceans, contaminating even the most remote areas of land. In addition, although plasticisers typically degrade in a matter of weeks–months, they can persist in soil for decades and have been shown to occur in all land uses studied. Some plasticisers are genotoxic and can be taken up by soil organisms, which may pose a risk to ecosystems and human health. To date the majority of data on plasticisers exists for phthalates. However, plasticisers are a diverse range of chemicals and with the increasing transfer to non-phthalate alternatives, research into the fate and effects of emerging plasticisers is required to determine their environmental risk and management options. Data on the occurrence and ecotoxicity of emerging plasticisers, in addition to the impacts of all plasticisers on terrestrial ecosystems, therefore, remain a key research need within the wider plastics debate.
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TL;DR: A review summarises the current knowledge on the effects of microplastics and their additives on organisms living in the aquatic environment, particularly invertebrates and fish as discussed by the authors , concluding that microplastic are highly recalcitrant materials in both freshwater and marine environments.
23 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , a worst-case hazard quotient (HQ) was generated for each chemical to generate a worstcase ranking of the detected substances in groundwater and surface water. And the worst case ranking was then used to generate ranking lists for GC-MS and LC-MS detected substances.
12 citations
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TL;DR: In this article , the acute and chronic effects of pure and commercial polyethylene microplastics (PEMP) at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.01-0.5%) on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were evaluated.
Abstract: Microplastics are introduced into the agroecosystem through the application of wastewater and biosolids, plastic mulch films, greenhouse materials, and soil conditioners. Microplastics accumulation can alter the soil ecosystem and cause adverse effects on soil organisms. Therefore, this study for the first time evaluated the acute and chronic effects of pure and commercial polyethylene microplastics (PEMP) at environmentally relevant concentrations (0.01–0.5%) on earthworms (Eisenia fetida). Exposure to PEMP in the soil at 0.5 % concentration caused ≥70% reduction in earthworm reproduction for both parents (F0) and first filial (F1) generations compared to PEMP unamended control soil. Moreover, significant DNA damage was observed in F0 generations after 28 days. Also, this study demonstrated the release of phthalates used as additives in plastic and their accumulation by earthworms exposed to PEMP-amended soils. Thus the findings of this study have great implications for the risk assessment of PEMPs in the environment.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the effect of biochar-assisted vermicomposting on soil DEHP degradation and the underlying mechanisms were investigated in farmland soils using earthworms, biochar, or their combination.
6 citations
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TL;DR: It is shown that microscopic plastic fragments and fibers are also widespread in the marine environment and may persist for centuries.
Abstract: Millions of metric tons of plastic are produced annually. Countless large items of plastic debris are accumulating in marine habitats worldwide and may persist for centuries ([ 1 ][1]–[ 4 ][2]). Here we show that microscopic plastic fragments and fibers ([Fig. 1A][3]) are also widespread in the
4,067 citations
TL;DR: This review critically evaluates the current literature on the presence, behaviour and fate of microplastics in freshwater and terrestrial environments and, where appropriate, draws on relevant studies from other fields including nanotechnology, agriculture and waste management.
1,864 citations
TL;DR: The present overview highlights the waste management and pollution challenges, emphasising on the various chemical substances contained in all plastic products for enhancing polymer properties and prolonging their life.
1,740 citations
TL;DR: The origins and applications of stimuli-responsive polymer systems and polymer therapeutics such as polymer-protein and polymer-drug conjugates are reviewed and the latest developments in polymers capable of molecular recognition or directing intracellular delivery are surveyed to illustrate areas of research advancing the frontiers of drug delivery.
Abstract: Polymers have played an integral role in the advancement of drug delivery technology by providing controlled release of therapeutic agents in constant doses over long periods, cyclic dosage, and tunable release of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. From early beginnings using off-the-shelf materials, the field has grown tremendously, driven in part by the innovations of chemical engineers. Modern advances in drug delivery are now predicated upon the rational design of polymers tailored for specific cargo and engineered to exert distinct biological functions. In this review, we highlight the fundamental drug delivery systems and their mathematical foundations and discuss the physiological barriers to drug delivery. We review the origins and applications of stimuli-responsive polymer systems and polymer therapeutics such as polymer-protein and polymer-drug conjugates. The latest developments in polymers capable of molecular recognition or directing intracellular delivery are surveyed to illustrate areas of research advancing the frontiers of drug delivery.
1,199 citations
TL;DR: Interest in the biodegradation mechanisms and environmental fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is prompted by their ubiquitous distribution and their potentially deleterious effects on human health.
Abstract: Interest in the biodegradation mechanisms and environmental fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is prompted by their ubiquitous distribution and their potentially deleterious effects on human health. PAHs constitute a large and diverse class of organic compounds and are generally
1,125 citations