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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Chemical Engineering and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2021) | Viewed by 199795

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. María Ángeles Martín-Lara

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: biomass gasification, pyrolysis, and torrefaction; adsorption of contaminants (mainly heavy metals) by porous solids; advances in mineral processing and management of mining waste; plastic waste management; life cycle assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Mónica Calero de Hoces

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: biomass gasification, pyrolysis, and torrefaction; adsorption of contaminants (mainly heavy metals) by porous solids; advances in mineral processing and management of mining waste; plastic waste management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

Plastic waste is becoming extremely threatening to the environment due to the high quantities generated, which pose serious harm to both the environment and its inhabitants. A major victim of this menace is the marine environment. Plastic wastes generated on land find their way to water bodies, where they cause detrimental effects such as flooding and poisoning of the animals in the marine ecosystem. The plastics in the marine environment, which are ingested by fish, are also deleterious to human health if such fish are consumed. Notable attempts such as source reduction, reuse, and landfilling have been employed to reduce the critical amount of plastic waste generated annually. However, owing to rapid developments, there has been a persistent increase in the amount of plastic waste generated. Therefore, finding effective alternative ways to recycle this plastic waste will go a long way towards ensuring a sustainable environment. This Special Issue will emphasize topics such as:

Plastic waste generation and characterization studies;
Environmental issues emanating from plastic disposal;
Process and practices of plastic recycling to value-added products;
Plastics in a circular economy: challenges and opportunities;
Latest innovations on plastic packaging;
Limitations to the application of plastic wastes;
Marine Litter: microplastics in the environment;
Sources, impacts, and solutions;
Biodegradable plastics.

Prof. Dr. María Ángeles Martín-Lara
Prof. Dr. Mónica Calero de Hoces
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

plastic waste
plastic recycling
circular economy
plastic packaging
marine litter
microplastics

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 5898 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Thermal Analysis-Based Approach to Identify Different Waste Macroplastics in Beach Litter: The Case Study of Aquatina di Frigole NATURA 2000 Site (IT9150003, Italy)

by Mariaenrica Frigione, Gabriele Marini and Maurizio Pinna

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3186; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13063186 - 14 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2228

Abstract

The dispersion of commercial plastics in the marine environments is a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services of the last decades. The lower density of the plastics with respect to marine water density determines their floating, transferring, and accumulation in sandy beaches. Sandy beaches represent a natural sink ecosystem for marine plastics, where the latter are fragmented and photo-degraded in relation to the kind of polymer. Here, we propose an accurate and cost-effective method, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), to identify different polymers from plastic samples collected on the Aquatina di Frigole beach (Apulia Region, Southeast of Italy), included in the NATURA 2000 Site coded as IT9150003. Our results reveal the exclusive presence of thermoplastic polymers in the beach plastic samples, mostly belonging to the polyolefin family. They appear to be remnants of larger plastic fragments, which could impact biodiversity and ecosystem services such as beach recreation activities and tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plastic Waste and Pollution)

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13 pages, 1526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PET-Bottled Water Consumption in View of a Circular Economy: The Case Study of Salento (South Italy)

by Isabella Gambino, Francesco Bagordo, Benedetta Coluccia, Tiziana Grassi, Giovanni De Filippis, Prisco Piscitelli, Biagio Galante and Federica De Leo

Sustainability 2020, 12(19), 7988; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12197988 - 27 Sep 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3947

Abstract

Polyethylenterephtalate (PET) is the preferred packaging material in the bottled water industry and represents the main cause of waste production. This work investigated the drinking water consumption habits, with particular reference to PET-bottled water, of people living in the province of Lecce (Apulia Region, Southern Italy) by age and geographical groups. Their perception about the quality of tap water was also explored. The survey was performed by the administration of a questionnaire to 4137 citizens. Bottled mineral water was consumed by about the 90.4% of respondents with an average consumption of 387.7 L/year per capita (375.2 L/year in PET-bottles, 12.5 L/year in glass bottles). Public supply system was used by the 61.5% of respondents with an average consumption of 169.4 L/year per capita. The consumption of tap water was negatively related to the perception of its bad quality and the residence in a big city (Lecce); while it was positively associated with the age group

\leq 16

years old. Effective communications strategies must be developed in order to promote the consumption of tap water and implement good practice of circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plastic Waste and Pollution)

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15 pages, 1921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Different Catalysts for the In Situ Cracking of the Oil-Waxes Obtained by the Pyrolysis of Polyethylene Film Waste

by Lucía Quesada, Mónica Calero de Hoces, M. A. Martín-Lara, Germán Luzón and G. Blázquez

Sustainability 2020, 12(13), 5482; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12135482 - 07 Jul 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2915

Abstract

Currently, society is facing a great environmental problem, due to the large amount of plastic waste generated, most of which is not subjected to any type of treatment. In this work, polyethylene film waste from the non-selectively collected fraction was catalytically pyrolyzed at 500 °C, 20 °C/min for 2 h, in a discontinuous reactor using nitrogen as an inert gas stream. The main objective of this paper is to find catalysts that decrease the viscosity of the liquid fraction, since this property is quite meaningful in thermal pyrolysis. For this purpose, the three products of catalytic pyrolysis, the gaseous fraction, the solid fraction and the liquid fraction, were separated, obtaining the yield values. After that, the aspect of the liquid fraction was studied, differentiating which catalysts produced a larger quantity of waxy fraction and which ones did not. The viscosity of these samples was measured in order to confirm the catalysts that helped to obtain a less waxy fraction. The results showed that the zeolites Y and the zeolites β used in this study favor the obtaining of a compound with a smaller amount of waxes than for example catalysts such as FCC, ZSM-5 or SnCl₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plastic Waste and Pollution)

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16 pages, 2032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microplastics as Vectors of Chromium and Lead during Dynamic Simulation of the Human Gastrointestinal Tract

by Verónica Godoy, Antonio Martínez-Férez, María Ángeles Martín-Lara, José Antonio Vellido-Pérez, Mónica Calero and Gabriel Blázquez

Sustainability 2020, 12(11), 4792; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12114792 - 11 Jun 2020

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 4145

Abstract

The human body is exposed to the ingestion of microplastics that are often contaminated with other substances, which can be released into our body. In this work, a dynamic in-vitro simulator of the gastrointestinal tract based on a membrane reactor has been used for the first time to study the release, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) from polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics previously contaminated in the laboratory. The results showed that 23.11% of the initial Cr and 23.17% of the initial Pb present in microplastics were able to cross the tubular membrane, simulating the intestinal absorption phase. The pH evolution during the gastric phase and the duodenal phase, the interaction mechanisms with physiological fluids, and the properties of the polymers, such as specific surface, porosity, and/or surface degradation, affected the kinetics of release from the microplastics and the behavior of both heavy metals. Cr was released very early in the gastric phase, but also began simultaneously to precipitate quite fast, while Pb was released slower and in less quantity than Cr, and did not precipitate until the beginning of the duodenal phase. This study shows, for the first time, how useful the dynamic gastrointestinal simulator is to study the behavior of microplastics and some problematic heavy metals along the human gastrointestinal tract, and can serve as a reference for future studies focused on the effects of these substances in the human body. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plastic Waste and Pollution)

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Review

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41 pages, 2259 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Ecosystem Services, Sustainable Development Goals, and Need to Focus on Circular Economy and Policy Interventions

by Rakesh Kumar, Anurag Verma, Arkajyoti Shome, Rama Sinha, Srishti Sinha, Prakash Kumar Jha, Ritesh Kumar, Pawan Kumar, Shubham, Shreyas Das, Prabhakar Sharma and P. V. Vara Prasad

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9963; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13179963 - 06 Sep 2021

Cited by 246 | Viewed by 145523

Abstract

Plastic pollution is ubiquitous in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Plastic waste exposed to the environment creates problems and is of significant concern for all life forms. Plastic production and accumulation in the natural environment are occurring at an unprecedented rate due to indiscriminate use, inadequate recycling, and deposits in landfills. In 2019, the global production of plastic was at 370 million tons, with only 9% of it being recycled, 12% being incinerated, and the remaining left in the environment or landfills. The leakage of plastic wastes into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is occurring at an unprecedented rate. The management of plastic waste is a challenging problem for researchers, policymakers, citizens, and other stakeholders. Therefore, here, we summarize the current understanding and concerns of plastics pollution (microplastics or nanoplastics) on natural ecosystems. The overall goal of this review is to provide background assessment on the adverse effects of plastic pollution on natural ecosystems; interlink the management of plastic pollution with sustainable development goals; address the policy initiatives under transdisciplinary approaches through life cycle assessment, circular economy, and sustainability; identify the knowledge gaps; and provide current policy recommendations. Plastic waste management through community involvement and socio-economic inputs in different countries are presented and discussed. Plastic ban policies and public awareness are likely the major mitigation interventions. The need for life cycle assessment and circularity to assess the potential environmental impacts and resources used throughout a plastic product’s life span is emphasized. Innovations are needed to reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover plastics and find eco-friendly replacements for plastics. Empowering and educating communities and citizens to act collectively to minimize plastic pollution and use alternative options for plastics must be promoted and enforced. Plastic pollution is a global concern that must be addressed collectively with the utmost priority. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plastic Waste and Pollution)

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21 pages, 832 KiB

Open AccessReview

Plastic Waste Management: A Review of Existing Life Cycle Assessment Studies

by Hatem Alhazmi, Faris H. Almansour and Zaid Aldhafeeri

Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5340; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13105340 - 11 May 2021

Cited by 72 | Viewed by 27112

Abstract

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a tool that can help to quantify the impacts of different processes to facilitate comparison and decision making. There are many potential methods for managing plastic waste, but it can be difficult to determine which methods are preferable in terms of environmental impact. Suitable existing LCA studies are identified through a screening process and the methodologies used and their outputs are compared. When undertaking an LCA, the researchers must define their scope and select their parameters, according to their aims and context, which leads to a wide variation in the approach taken. In this study, six parameters have been considered to analyze research progress in these fields regarding LCA, i.e., goals and scope, functional units, impact assessment categories, system boundaries, geographical context, and uncertainty analysis. These studies include the similar type of different studies considering plastic waste recycling, each taking a different approach to defining the system boundaries, revealing how the decision to include or exclude factors such as transport can have a significant impact on the outcomes. Additionally, compared to these similar studies on mixed-plastic waste management, different available options are used to quantitatively compare the impact outcomes, revealing how the context and parameter selection can affect the results. This review aims to highlight the prospect of LCA during the development of a waste management framework as an efficient waste recycling tool and recommend a research gap for the development of an improved management framework in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plastic Waste and Pollution)

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31 pages, 1951 KiB

Open AccessReview

Soil Pollution from Micro- and Nanoplastic Debris: A Hidden and Unknown Biohazard

by Shamina Imran Pathan, Paola Arfaioli, Tommaso Bardelli, Maria Teresa Ceccherini, Paolo Nannipieri and Giacomo Pietramellara

Sustainability 2020, 12(18), 7255; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12187255 - 04 Sep 2020

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 9597

Abstract

The fate, properties and determination of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in soil are poorly known. In fact, most of the 300 million tons of plastics produced each year ends up in the environment and the soil acts as a log-term sink for these plastic debris. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss MP and NP pollution in soil as well as highlighting the knowledge gaps that are mainly related to the complexity of the soil ecosystem. The fate of MPs and NPs in soil is strongly determined by physical properties of plastics, whereas negligible effect is exerted by their chemical structures. The degradative processes of plastic, termed ageing, besides generating micro-and nano-size debris, can induce marked changes in their chemical and physical properties with relevant effects on their reactivity. Further, these processes could cause the release of toxic oligomeric and monomeric constituents from plastics, as well as toxic additives, which may enter in the food chain, representing a possible hazard to human health and potentially affecting the fauna and flora in the environment. In relation to their persistence in soil, the list of soil-inhabiting, plastic-eating bacteria, fungi and insect is increasing daily. One of the main ecological functions attributable to MPs is related to their function as vectors for microorganisms through the soil. However, the main ecological effect of NPs (limited to the fraction size < than 50 nm) is their capacity to pass through the membrane of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Soil biota, particularly earthworms and collembola, can be both MPs and NPs carriers through soil profile. The use of molecular techniques, especially omics approaches, can gain insights into the effects of MPs and NPs on composition and activity of microbial communities inhabiting the soil and into those living on MPs surface and in the gut of the soil plastic-ingesting fauna. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plastic Waste and Pollution)

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