Biochar-derived dissolved and particulate matter effects on the phytotoxicity of polyvinyl chloride nanoplastics.

Nanoplastics in environments are potentially detrimental to plant growth. Appropriate doses of biochar can alleviate the phytotoxicity of nanoplastics under hydroponic conditions. However, the specific mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, the effects of biochar-derived dissolved matter (BCDM) and biochar-derived particulate matter (BCPM) on the phytotoxicity of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoplastics were investigated and the underlying influencing mechanisms were elucidated. The results showed that PVC nanoplastics can be adsorbed and taken up by lettuce roots, inducing oxidative damage to lettuce shoots and roots and reducing their fresh weight. BCDM can promote the aggregation and sedimentation of PVC nanoplastics, and BCPM can adsorb PVC nanoplastics and cause barrier effect, which will reduce the exposure dose of PVC nanoplastics. Furthermore, nutrients in BCDM can promote lettuce growth. As a result, the presence of both BCDM and BCPM significantly mitigated the oxidative stress of lettuce shoots and roots as demonstrated by the decrease in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, lettuce biomass was significantly increased after addition of BCDM and BCPM compared to the single PVC treatment group (p < 0.05). This study provides a theoretical basis for finding solutions to alleviate the phytotoxicity of nanoplastics.

Acute Trimethyltin Poisoning Caused by Exposure to Polyvinyl Chloride Production: 8 Cases.

This manuscript aimed to describe and analyze acute trimethyltin poisoning caused by exposure to polyvinyl chloride production and review the literature. Combined with an analysis of occupational hygiene survey data, the clinical data of 8 cases of acute trimethyltin poisoning were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical manifestations of acute trimethyltin poisoning are mainly related to central nervous system damage, hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis in patients with severe poisoning. Early positive potassium supplementation and symptomatic treatment are beneficial to the improvement of the condition. The early recognition of central nervous system manifestations and hypokalemia is beneficial for early diagnosis and correct treatment.

Quantitative cell culture biocompatibility testing of medical devices and correlation to animal tests.

The biocompatibility of a wide variety of biomaterials was quantitatively assessed, in a physiologically normal environment" as to cytotoxicity induced in WI-38 cells by cell culture medium extracts. Materials tested included PVC plastic, rubber, silicone rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, acetal, polyurethane, Teflon, nylon, epoxy, and polystyrene. Cell culture test results were correlated to U.S.P. animal tests. Potential test artifacts, lead, barium, cadmium, and endotoxin were tested for cytotoxicity in WI-38 cells. Cell culture methods yielded more positive tests, particularly rubber, PVC plastic and silicone rubber compounds, than observed in U.S.P. animal tests. Positivity in animal tests did not correlate quantitatively to cytotoxic titers in cell culture. Discrepancies between cell cultures tests and animal tests, specifically rubber compounds, were attributable, in some instances, to differentials in elution efficiency between saline, cottonseed oil, and complete MEM cell culture medium. In other instances, particularly PVC plastics, differences between cell culture and animal test results were due to an inherent difference in the two indicator systems to respond to specific toxic moieties.