In this study, atmospheric MP samples were collected and analysed from six sampling sites in the Wuliangsuhai Lake area from March to June 2021 to determine the atmospheric depositional fluxes of MPs to the lake surface. The average atmospheric depositional flux of MPs to the Wuliangsuhai Lake area (3371 ± 1423 n/d·m2) was found to be several times higher than the rates measured in other areas. MPs were predominately composed of small (0.05–0.5 mm) transparent fibers. The results of the study revealed that MPs were composed of either polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polystyrene (PS). The former polymer types indicated fibres from textile plants in adjacent cities, whereas the latter (PS) type is presumably derived from degraded food containers and other items associated with tourism. The presence of PE was also identified in association with thin films, which were likely to be derived from bags or agricultural plastics. The results derived from this study provide a theoretical basis for assessing atmospheric MP deposition within inland lake areas as well as for the prevention and control of MP pollution.
This paper characterizes the fungal and bacterial colonizers of 5 types of plastic films (High-Density Polyethylene, Low-Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, and Polyethylene Terephthalate) throughout a 242-day incubation in the south-eastern Mediterranean and relates them to the chemical changes observed on the surface of the samples via ATR-FTIR. Neither bacterial nor fungal community structures were related[…]
This paper provides insights into the sustainable alternatives that can replace conventional plastic mulches, such as biodegradable mulches made from natural fibers and biopolymers. The microscopic and FTIR analyses conducted during the study showed the degradation of the fibers from the mulches during the exposure time to a certain extent. The nonwoven mulches provide higher[…]
This paper investigates the degradation of biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactic acid (PBAT/PLA) and traditional polyethylene (PE) plastic under two typical abiotic conditions: ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and mechanical abrasion (MA) for up to nine months. The quantitative analysis of the degradation products was carried out using membrane filtration and total organic carbon determination (MF-TOCD). The results[…]
This paper identifies technological innovation, policy formulation, advocacy and sensitization, and bioremediation as some of the approaches that are currently used for the mitigation of plastic pollution in Nigeria. This chapter also highlights the need to encourage, enhance, and disseminate scientific research on mitigating the harmful effects of plastic pollution in Nigeria. It concluded with[…]
This review provides insights into the sources of microplastics, the ecotoxicity of microplastics, and the impact microplastics have on aquatic and marine life, management, and bioremediation of microplastics. Policies and strategies adopted by the government to combat microplastic pollution are also discussed in this review. Microplastics tend to accumulate in many aquatic systems, contaminate them,[…]