Environmental science. Advances最新文献

{"title":"Design of inexpensive, magnetically separable MnFe2O4/poly meta-amino phenol (PmAP) heterostructure: catalyst for bisphenol A & reactive blue 19 mineralisation†","authors":"Chirasmayee Mohanty, Priyanka P. Mishra, Alaka Samal, Nigamananda Das and Ajaya K. Behera","doi":"10.1039/D3VA00394A","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D3VA00394A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Organic effluents from industries, especially bisphenol A (BPA) and dyes, pose a growing threat to living creatures due to their resistance to biodegradation and carcinogenic nature. This research emphasizes the design and fabrication of an inexpensive and magnetically separable MnFe<small>₂</small>O<small>₄</small>/poly meta-aminophenol heterostructure as a catalyst for the mineralization of two persistent pollutants <em>viz.</em> BPA and Reactive Blue 19 (RB-19). The structural and magnetic properties of the MnFe<small>₂</small>O<small>₄</small>/PmAP heterostructure (MnP-10) revealed its potential as an efficient and magnetically recoverable catalyst highlighting its practical usability and repeated use in wastewater purification. The heterostructure of MnP-10 was confirmed through various techniques by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM/HRTEM as well as BET surface area and optical property measurements. The stability and recyclability of the MnP-10 catalyst were confirmed through XRD and VSM studies of fresh and reused catalyst. The catalyst showed 100% efficiency for mineralization of BPA and RB-19 within 60 min of visible light illumination. The TOC and GC-MS analyses confirmed the efficient removal of organic contents after the reaction. The cost-effectiveness and stability of the developed catalyst make it an attractive contender for wastewater treatment applications, addressing the growing concerns connected with the removal of stubborn organic contaminants.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/va/d3va00394a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140044846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation of the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Africa – progress, challenges, and recommendations after 20 years†","authors":"Olumide Emmanuel Akinrinade, Foluso O. Agunbiade, Rose Alani and Olusegun O. Ayejuyo","doi":"10.1039/D3VA00347G","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D3VA00347G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants is an effective global instrument for the eradication of hazardous chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment. The Convention has so far been successful in the mitigation of worldwide POPs over 20 years of its entering into force. However, concerns still arise on POP-related waste management and elevating trend of POPs in Africa. Recent documents indeed indicated significant concentrations of POPs, particularly polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a top global range or higher with a potential for this elevating trend to continue. The high concentrations and increasing trends are likely similar for the newly listed POPs, but current data are insufficient to examine this hypothesis. Several concerted efforts have been made by the Stockholm Convention Secretariat and relevant stakeholders to support POP eradication programmes in Africa but projections for the decline of many POPs are yet to be visible due to challenges of inadequate policy and regulatory frameworks, capacity to self-manage relevant socio-economic data and others as fully discussed in this review. Africa currently requires full range financial and technical support. We, however, highlight that for effective mitigation efforts, this support should be channelled into the development of capacity and competency to enable African-led programs for POP monitoring, waste disposal, and public awareness, rather than reliance on external groups. Harmonising economical, industrial development, scientific and political interests will be crucial to future self-sustainability of mitigation goals of the Stockholm Convention on POPs in Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/va/d3va00347g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139979336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of soft tissue simulant performance against economic and environmental impact","authors":"James Read, Ken McNaught, Rachael Hazael and Richard Critchley","doi":"10.1039/D3VA00403A","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D3VA00403A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Soft tissue simulants are traditionally used to provide a post impact medium suitable for replicating human anatomy. Performance of materials is therefore paramount, and the analysis of such experimentation relies on responses that mimic the various tissue, bone and muscle groups contained within the human body. However, with an increasing global push to reduce carbon emissions and increase sustainability, current materials require examination to ensure research establishments remain at the forefront of environmentally friendly practices. To date, the literature contains little in relation to how environmentally friendly the use and supply of soft tissue simulants is. The aim of the research is to provide researchers with primary data to support decisions on material selection for ballistic simulation research. The need arises due to the high cost and environmental impact of existing materials. To explore this research gap, a series of 5.5 mm ball bearings were fired from a gas gun at velocity ranges between 122 and 526 m s<small>⁻¹</small> to examine the performance characteristics of six commercially available soft tissue simulants and a foodstuffs grade gelatine that represented a more cost effective environmentally friendly alternative. A structured multi-criteria decision analysis approach was employed to compare the overall effectiveness of the alternative materials. It was found that whilst PermaGel, 20 and 10% ballistic gelatine performed the most advantageously respectively during experimental testing, qualitative environmental assessment showed ballistic soap, PermaGel and foodstuffs gelatine to be most advantageous. The information provided within this study will enable researchers to make more informed decisions on both economic and environmental implications when sourcing materials for use within survivability assessment, whilst further work would increase awareness and viability of alternative materials.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/va/d3va00403a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139928165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Carbon farming: a circular framework to augment CO2 sinks and to combat climate change","authors":"Shalini Singh, Boda Ravi Kiran and S. Venkata Mohan","doi":"10.1039/D3VA00296A","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D3VA00296A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Addressing the climate crisis is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Confronting climate change and meeting the 1.5 °C target set by the Conference of Parties (COP 28) requires the implementation of long-term carbon-sink measures. Carbon farming (CF) is a scalable, cost-effective, and efficient approach to achieving negative emissions that aligns with the larger goals of sustainability and climate resilience. CF is a carbon management system that facilitates the accumulation and storage of greenhouse gases within the Earth's systems. Notably, one-third of the Earth's land is used for crops and grazing, creating a significant opportunity to capture atmospheric CO<small>₂</small> and convert it into soil organic carbon (SOC). CF enables to establish a mechanism for sequestering carbon in long-term storage forms by improving soil health and agricultural output in the framework of nature-based solutions (NBS). In the midst of growing global efforts to combat climate change, the implementation of sustainable agriculture and soil conservation services (SCS) <em>via</em> ‘carbon farming’ is emerging as a critical approach to addressing environmental issues and promoting a resilient future. Voluntary participation in future carbon offset markets may provide incentives for this approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/va/d3va00296a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139922410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Environmental contamination and climate change in Antarctic ecosystems: an updated overview","authors":"Roberto Bargagli and Emilia Rota","doi":"10.1039/D3VA00113J","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D3VA00113J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Abiotic and biotic components of Antarctic ecosystems are valuable archives of past and current trends in global processes and play an important role in assessing emissions and long-range transport of persistent contaminants. After the ban on the production and use of alkyl-lead fuel additives, lead concentrations in Antarctic environmental matrices (snow, ice, sediments and biota) have decreased, just as the hole in the Antarctic stratospheric ozone layer is slowly shrinking following the ban on ozone-depleting gases. With the entry into force of the Stockholm Convention, the occurrence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Antarctic ecosystems could also decrease. However, the increasing anthropogenic sources of POPs in the Southern Hemisphere and the remobilization of those previously deposited in Antarctic ice could counteract the possible decreasing trend. Legacy pollutant concentrations in Antarctica are among the lowest reported in the global environment, with an exception of the bioaccumulation in various marine organisms of mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) naturally occurring in Southern Ocean waters, or that of POPs in some long-lived seabirds with particular migration routes and life histories. However, despite the protection guidelines, long-range transport processes and especially the increase in human activities in Antarctica are sources of many persistent contaminants not yet subject to regulatory criteria and often lacking standardized sampling and analytical procedures. Chronic exposure to anthropogenic contaminants (legacy and of emerging interest) and pathogenic microorganisms near coastal scientific stations could cause synergistic or additive effects on marine biota. Most Antarctic marine organisms are endemic, with unique ecophysiological adaptations, and are also exposed to climate-related stressors. Warming and acidification of Southern Ocean waters along with increased melting of ice will likely affect the transport, pathways and environmental fate of persistent contaminants and could interfere with the metabolic processes of Antarctic organisms involved in the uptake and detoxification of environmental contaminants. Therefore, to implement environmental protection protocols around the coastal stations, the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs should evaluate the possible cumulative impact on biotic communities in the context of changing climatic and environmental conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/va/d3va00113j?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139771482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regenerable chitosan-embedded magnetic iron oxide beads for nitrate removal from industrial wastewater†","authors":"Muntaha Nasir, Farhan Javaid, M. Talha Masood, Dr Muhammad Arshad, Muhammad Yasir, Vladimir Sedlarik, Muhammad Abdel Qadir, Hazim Qiblawey, Wenjuan Zhang, Kashif Mairaj Deen, Edouard Asselin and Nasir M. Ahmad","doi":"10.1039/D3VA00351E","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D3VA00351E","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Industrial sites worldwide significantly contribute to water pollution. Nitrates are a common effluent pollutant from such sites. Effective means to remove nitrate ions (NO<small>₃</small><small>⁻</small>) from polluted waters are needed. Chitosan beads, which are a non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer, are used for this purpose in this research. Iron-oxide nanoparticles are synthesized <em>via</em> the co-precipitation route and embedded into chitosan by chemical co-precipitation to form ion exchange chitosan beads (IECBs) for NO<small>₃</small><small>⁻</small> removal. The performance of the IECBs in a batch system was studied against NO<small>₃</small><small>⁻</small> adsorption from industrial water. Morphological, structural, and chemical characterization was performed by SEM, EDX mapping, BET, XRD, and FTIR, while the extent of NO<small>₃</small><small>⁻</small> adsorption was quantified using UV-vis spectroscopy. Different factors influencing the adsorption of NO<small>₃</small><small>⁻</small> on the IECBs were investigated, including the adsorbent dosage, pH of the solution, initial concentration, and interaction time. It is demonstrated that pseudo-second-order isothermal and kinetic models were best fits to the experimental data. It was found that the IECBs had a maximum adsorption capacity of 47.07 mg g<small>⁻¹</small> and could load up to ∼93% of the NO<small>₃</small><small>⁻</small> from the batch system. The regeneration efficiency for the IECBs over 5 cycles remained high in the range of 93% to 79%, indicating their potential for industrial water treatment use.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/va/d3va00351e?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139771892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges for reliable analysis of uranium in natural waters using laser-induced fluorimetry/LED-fluorimetry in the presence of fluoride and diverse humic substances in hot arid regions and future advances – review","authors":"D. P. S. Rathore, P. K. Tarafder and V. Balaram","doi":"10.1039/D3VA00318C","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D3VA00318C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The presence of fluoride and diverse humic substances in arid regions results in changes in the content of uranium, major cations and anions if there is a time interval between sample collection and analysis, and this disrupts the reliable analysis of uranium in natural waters using laser/LED-fluorimetry, and this is discussed in this review. Complete and unequivocal preservation of samples, whether domestic waste water or natural water, is a practical impossibility. The physico-chemical and biological changes continue inevitably after sample collection due to changes in dynamic equilibrium. Thus, the use of a mobile geochemical laboratory for on the spot/quick analysis of water samples, preferably on the same day, is required. Laser-induced fluorimetry/pulsed LED-fluorimetry is a well documented, highly sensitive, and versatile technique for the determination of uranium in water samples at μg L<small>⁻¹</small> levels. This is made more challenging due to the wide variety of types of water samples, which differ in total dissolved salts found, and these include saline water, diverse humic substances and fluoride content, especially in hot arid regions as well as due to the practical impossibility of preserving natural water samples. Therefore, it is the time interval between sample collection and analysis that is the most critical factor for the reliable analysis of uranium in hot arid regions. A high level of total dissolved solids (TDS) in water samples results in greater variation in the major cations and anions, and uranium content with respect to the time interval between sample collection and analysis. Moreover, there is no availability of certified reference materials for such matrices to cross-check/ensure the reliability of the results.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/va/d3va00318c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139656917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transboundary transport of air pollution in eastern Canada†","authors":"Robin Stevens, Charles Poterlot, Nicole Trieu, Henry Alejandro Rodriguez and Patrick L. Hayes","doi":"10.1039/D3VA00307H","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D3VA00307H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >We assess the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model against observations from the Quebec Air Quality Monitoring Network (RSQAQ) for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO<small>_<em>X</em></small>; nitrogen oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO<small>₂</small>)), fine particles having a diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM<small>_2.5</small>), ozone (O<small>₃</small>), sulphur dioxide (SO<small>₂</small>), and elemental carbon (EC), a component of PM<small>_2.5</small> known to have effects on both human health and climate. These pollutants have lifetimes that span from hours to weeks, allowing them to cross national borders and affect air quality far from their emission sites. We then investigate the sources of air pollution in Quebec through two complementary methods: back trajectory analysis using potential source contribution function (PSCF) and chemical transport modelling using GEOS-Chem. We perform three sensitivity studies with GEOS-Chem to determine the contributions from three source regions (Quebec, the rest of Canada, and the United States) to the concentrations of each of the investigated pollutants in Quebec. The PSCF calculations show that southern Quebec (local sources), the east coast of the United States, and southeastern Ontario are associated with days of high concentrations of several pollutants. Depending on the season, southern Quebec is associated with high concentrations of NO<small>_<em>X</em></small>, SO<small>₂</small>, and CO; the east coast of the United States with high concentrations of PM<small>_2.5</small>, NO<small>_<em>X</em></small>, O<small>₃</small>, and CO; and southeastern Ontario with high concentrations of PM<small>_2.5</small> and EC. The GEOS-Chem results reveal that anthropogenic emissions from Quebec contribute the greatest amount (53%, 58%, 30%, and 44%) to concentrations of NO<small>_<em>X</em></small>, SO<small>₂</small>, PM<small>_2.5</small>, and EC in Quebec. Anthropogenic emissions from the US were the greatest contributor to CO concentrations (11%) and summertime O<small>₃</small> concentrations (17%). We find that removing all anthropogenic emissions from Quebec would reduce the fraction of the population of Quebec living in regions that exceed the recommended annual mean WHO PM<small>_2.5</small> concentration threshold of 5.0 μg m<small>⁻³</small> from 87.7% to about 0.0%. While an absolute cessation of anthropogenic emissions is neither feasible nor desirable, our results suggest that substantial improvements in air quality in Quebec would be possible through reductions in local emissions alone despite the strong influence of transboundary transport.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/va/d3va00307h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139657150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A preliminary investigation of microbial communities on the Athabasca Glacier within deposited organic matter†","authors":"Milena Esser, Phillip Ankley, Caroline Aubry-Wake, Yuwei Xie, Helen Baulch, Cameron Hoggarth, Markus Hecker, Henner Hollert, John P. Giesy, John W. Pomeroy and Markus Brinkmann","doi":"10.1039/D3VA00176H","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D3VA00176H","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Glacier ecosystems are shrinking at an accelerating rate due to changes in climate and also increased darkening from allochthonous and autochthonous carbon leading to subsequent changes in the absorption of light, associated heat, and microbial communities. In this study, in combination with measurement of nutrients and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), compositions of microbial communities on surfaces of the Athabasca Glacier (Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada) were measured and characterized by use of metabarcoding and scanning electron microscopy. Three matrices, glacier ice, cryoconite hole, and supraglacial surface sediment, were analyzed to gain a first insight into microbial communities on the Athabasca Glacier. Both, eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbial biodiversity was positively correlated with PAH concentrations of Benzo[<em>a</em>]pyrene, Indeno[123-<em>cd</em>]pyrene, Chrysene, Benzo[<em>ghi</em>]perylene, and Dibenz[<em>ah</em>]anthracene. Furthermore, the combustion of petroleum was identified as a major source of PAHs found on the Athabasca Glacier. The high levels of deposition and nutrients observed in this study may lead to an increase in microbial activity and growth that could accelerate glacier melting by further reducing surface albedo. More research is needed to understand the impacts of microbial activity and biodiversity on surface albedo and its effects on glacier meltwater, in the context of global climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/va/d3va00176h?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139647975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Weathering of agricultural polyethylene films in cold climate regions: which parameters influence fragmentation?†","authors":"Laura Rowenczyk, Heidi Jahandideh, Nicholas Lin and Nathalie Tufenkji","doi":"10.1039/D3VA00255A","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D3VA00255A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Plastic agricultural mulch films are used to improve the productivity of cultivable fields; however, their weathering and fragmentation could lead to release of microplastics and nanoplastics, both of which are considered potential health and environmental hazards. In this study, we examined the changes in physical and chemical properties of various plastic mulch films as they underwent different weathering processes. For this purpose, three commercially available polyethylene mulch films (one clear and two dark films) were evaluated under the following weathering conditions: laboratory treatments to evaluate the impacts of moisture, ultraviolet irradiation, pH, and freeze–thaw, as well as natural weathering conditions of a cold climate region. The morphologies and physicochemical properties of the polyethylene films were systematically studied following exposure to controlled and natural weathering. The three films, one of which was marketed as UV-resistant, underwent significant modifications. All weathered films were found to have increased surface roughness, suggesting that this could be the origin of microplastics or nanoplastics. While the dark pigments in the UV-resistant film protected the film against UV oxidation to some degree, they did not prevent deterioration caused by other types of weathering such as moisture, freeze–thaw, or natural weathering. The results of this study provide insights to understanding the fragmentation of polyethylene films into microplastics in winter and cold climate conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72941,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science. Advances","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2024/va/d3va00255a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139582390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}