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AuthorSarra N., Dimassi
AuthorHahladakis, John N.
AuthorChamkha, Mohamed
AuthorAhmad, Mohammad I.
AuthorAl-Ghouti, Mohammad A.
AuthorSayadi, Sami
Available date2024-03-03T03:57:39Z
Publication Date2024-02-20
Publication NameScience of The Total Environment
Identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168870
ISSN00489697
URIhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723074995
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/52537
AbstractThis work investigates the biodegradation of polyethylene (PE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and the leaching of their harmful additives. Micro/macro-plastics of both types were subjected to different laboratory-controlled conditions for 3 months. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC–MS) results revealed that leachate concentrations ranged from 0.40 ± 0.07 μg/L to 96.36 ± 0.11 μg/L. It was concluded that the additives' leaching process was promoted by light. However, light was not the only factor examined; microorganisms, pH, salinity, aeration/mixing and temperature influenced the biodegradation process, too. GC–MS results showed a prodigious impact on the biodegradation process when Pseudomonas aeruginosa was added to the artificial seawater compared to plastics exposed to light/air only. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs demonstrated a significant alteration in the plastics' morphologies. Similarly, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed obvious changes in plastics characteristic peaks, especially microplastics. Furthermore, it was shown that PE was more susceptible to degradation/biodegradation than LDPE. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) findings showed that some toxic metals were present in water samples after experiments, with concentrations above the permissible limits. For instance, bio-augmentation/bio-stimulation experiments showed that the concentrations of Pb, Sr, and Zn were 0.59 mg/L, 70.09 mg/L, and 0.17 mg/L, respectively; values above the permissible limits. It is crucial to emphasise that plastics must be meticulously engineered to avoid environmental and human impacts, originated from their degradation by-products. Furthermore, a holistic approach engaging stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, industries and consumers, is essential to effectively tackle the global challenge of marine plastic pollution.
SponsorThis work was carried out in the framework of QU Marubeni Grants - Qatar-Japan Research Collaboration Project QJRC-2020-3. The findings achieved herein are solely the responsibility of the authors. The FTIR, SEM, ICP-OES and GC–MS analyses were performed in the Central Laboratories unit, Qatar University.
Languageen
PublisherElsevier
SubjectBiodegradation
Plastics
Leachates
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Halomonas venusta
TitleInvestigation on the effect of several parameters involved in the biodegradation of polyethylene (PE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) under various seawater environments
TypeArticle
Volume Number912
ESSN1879-1026
dc.accessType Full Text


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