Publications

Seasonal distribution of microplastics in the surface waters of the Yellow Sea, China
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In this study, a survey over four seasons was conducted during 2017–2018 in the surface seawater of the Yellow Sea to understand the baseline data and seasonal variations of the surfacewaters. A microplastic abundance of about 0.63 ± 0.57 particles/m3 was observed. The seasonal abundance variation of microplastic was found to be higher during the spring, followed by summer, winter, and autumn. The main categories of microplastics that were observed were foam, line, and fragments, accounting for about 32%, 19%, and 19% of the total amount, respectively. The dominant components were polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, accounting for 38%, 22%, and 22% of the particles, respectively.

Latest Posts

1
Extreme weather events as an important factor for the evolution of plastisphere but not for the degradation process

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[…]

2
Performance and Degradation of Nonwoven Mulches Made of Natural Fibres and PLA Polymer—Open Field Study

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[…]

3
Characterization of the degradation products of biodegradable and traditional plastics on UV irradiation and mechanical abrasion

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[…]

4
Mitigating the Negative Effects of Plastic Pollution for Sustainable Economic Growth in Nigeria

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[…]

5
Microplastics in the environment: A critical overview on its fate, toxicity, implications, management, and bioremediation strategies

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,[…]