Generation of Eroded Nanoplastics from Domestic Wastes and Their Impact on Macrophage Cell Viability and Gene Expression.

This study reports an innovative approach for producing nanoplastics (NP) from various types of domestic waste plastics without the use of chemicals. The plastic materials used included water bottles, styrofoam plates, milk bottles, centrifuge tubes, to-go food boxes, and plastic bags, comprising polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and Poly (Ethylene-co-Methacrylic Acid) (PEMA). The chemical composition of these plastics was confirmed using Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, and they were found to have irregular shapes. The resulting NP particles ranged from 50 to 400 nm in size and demonstrated relative stability when suspended in water. To assess their impact, the study investigated the effects of these NP particulates on cell viability and the expression of genes involved in inflammation and oxidative stress using a macrophage cell line. The findings revealed that all types of NP reduced cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Notably, PS, HDPE, and PP induced significant reductions in cell viability at lower concentrations, compared to PEMA and PET. Moreover, exposure to NP led to differential alterations in the expression of inflammatory genes in the macrophage cell line. Overall, this study presents a viable method for producing NP from waste materials that closely resemble real-world NP. Furthermore, the toxicity studies demonstrated distinct cellular responses based on the composition of the NP, shedding light on the potential environmental and health impacts of these particles.

Valorisation of Agri-Food Waste for Bioactive Compounds: Recent Trends and Future Sustainable Challenges.

Worldwide, a massive amount of agriculture and food waste is a major threat to the environment, the economy and public health. However, these wastes are important sources of phytochemicals (bioactive), such as polyphenols, carotenoids, carnitine, coenzymes, essential oils and tocopherols, which have antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties. Hence, it represents a promising opportunity for the food, agriculture, cosmetics, textiles, energy and pharmaceutical industries to develop cost effective strategies. The value of agri-food wastes has been extracted from various valuable bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, dietary fibre, proteins, lipids, vitamins, carotenoids, organic acids, essential oils and minerals, some of which are found in greater quantities in the discarded parts than in the parts accepted by the market used for different industrial sectors. The value of agri-food wastes and by-products could assure food security, maintain sustainability, efficiently reduce environmental pollution and provide an opportunity to earn additional income for industries. Furthermore, sustainable extraction methodologies like ultrasound-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pulse electric field-assisted extraction, ultrasound microwave-assisted extraction and high hydrostatic pressure extraction are extensively used for the isolation, purification and recovery of various bioactive compounds from agri-food waste, according to a circular economy and sustainable approach. This review also includes some of the critical and sustainable challenges in the valorisation of agri-food wastes and explores innovative eco-friendly methods for extracting bioactive compounds from agri-food wastes, particularly for food applications. The highlights of this review are providing information on the valorisation techniques used for the extraction and recovery of different bioactive compounds from agricultural food wastes, innovative and promising approaches. Additionally, the potential use of these products presents an affordable alternative towards a circular economy and, consequently, sustainability. In this context, the encapsulation process considers the integral and sustainable use of agricultural food waste for bioactive compounds that enhance the properties and quality of functional food.

One pot synthesis of furan-modified lignin from agricultural waste via lignin-first approach.

This study investigated a lignin-first approach to produce furan-modified lignin from sugarcane bagasse (SB), rice hull (RH), and sunn hemp biomass (SHB) using 5 methylfurfural (MF) and 5 methul-2-furanmethanol (MFM). The reaction time (5 h) was selected based on the delignification of SB using methanol and Ru/C catalyst which yielded the highest hydroxyl content. Delignification of SB with various MF weight ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1, and 3:1) revealed that 1:1 and 2:1 ratios produced the highest hydroxyl content (7.7 mmol/g) and bio-oil yield (23.2 % wt% total weight). Further exploration identified that RH and MF at 1:1 ratio and SHB and MF at a 2:1 ratio produced the highest hydroxyl content (13.0 mmol/g) and bio-oil yield (31.6 % wt% tot. weight). This study developed a one-step method to extract and modify lignin with furan compounds simultaneously while opening new avenues for developing value-added products.

Enzyme modified biodegradable plastic preparation and performance in anaerobic co-digestion with food waste.

A modified biodegradable plastic (PLA/PBAT) was developed by through covalent bonding with proteinase K, porcine pancreatic lipase, or amylase, and was then investigated in anaerobic co-digestion mixed with food waste. Fluorescence microscope validated that enzymes could remain stable in modified the plastic, even after co-digestion. The results of thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion showed that, degradation of the plastic modified with Proteinase K increased from 5.21 ± 0.63 % to 29.70 ± 1.86 % within 30 days compare to blank. Additionally, it was observed that the cumulative methane production increased from 240.9 ± 0.5 to 265.4 ± 1.8 mL/gVS, and the methane production cycle was shortened from 24 to 20 days. Interestingly, the kinetic model suggested that the modified the plastic promoted the overall hydrolysis progression of anaerobic co-digestion, possibly as a result of the enhanced activities of Bacteroidota and Thermotogota. In conclusion, under anaerobic co-digestion, the modified the plastic not only achieved effective degradation but also facilitated the co-digestion process.

Low molecular weight chitosan from Pleurotus ostreatus waste and its prebiotic potential.

The booming mushroom industry envisages economic merits, and massive unutilized waste production (∼ 20 %) creates an opportunity for valorization. Chitosan, a bioactive polysaccharide, has drawn immense attention for its invaluable therapeutic potential. Thus, the present study was conducted to extract chitosan from mushroom waste (MCH) for its prebiotic potential. The structural characterization of MCH was carried out using NMR, FTIR, and XRD. The CP/MAS-13CNMR spectrum of MCH appeared at δ 57.67 (C2), 61.19 (C6), 75.39 (C3/C5), 83.53 (C4), 105.13 (C1), 23.69 (CH3), and 174.19 (C = O) ppm. The FTIR showed characteristic peaks at 3361 cm-1, 1582 cm-1, and 1262 cm-1 attributed to -NH stretching, amide II, and amide III bands of MCH. XRD interpretation of MCH exhibited a single strong reflection at 2θ =20.19, which may correspond to the "form-II" polymorph. The extracted MCH (∼ 47 kDa) exhibited varying degrees of deacetylation from 79 to 84 %. The prebiotic activity score of 0.73 to 0.82 was observed for MCH (1 %) when supplemented with probiotic strains (Lactobacillus casei, L. helveticus, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus). MCH enhanced the growth of Lactobacillus strains and SCFA's levels, particularly in L. rhamnosus. The MCH also inhibited the growth of pathogenic strains (MIC of 0.125 and 0.25 mg/mL against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively) and enhanced the adhesion efficiency of probiotics (3 to 8 % at 1 % MCH supplementation). L. rhamnosus efficiency was higher against pathogens in the presence of MCH, as indicated by anti-adhesion assays. These findings suggested that extracted polysaccharides from mushroom waste can be used as a prebiotic for ameliorating intestinal dysbiosis.

Marine litter pollution in a subantarctic beach of the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas, Chile.

This study assessed the presence of marine litter along the beach of the city of Punta Arenas, Chile. The sampling period coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 239 plastic waste items were identified out of a total of 638 litter items. The Clean Coast Index reported within this study ranged from Clean (CCI 2-5) to Extremely dirty (CCI >20), especially near the port. The majority of litter items has been classified as originating from varied origins, as it is not possible to pinpoint a precise origin in most items. The results indicate that the predominant plastic litter in Punta Arenas is PVC. The results are discussed in relation to the sources and composition of the residues, the morpho dynamics of the coast, and the CCI is compared with other locations around the globe.

A quantitative comparison of macro-plastic debris between undisturbed and populous coastal ecosystems of West Bengal, India.

Unmanaged plastic debris from both terrestrial and aquatic sources is causing havoc on Indian coastlines. Tajpur Beach and Haliday Island were selected as two distinct coastal ecosystems in West Bengal for inventorying sighted macro-plastics, aiming to assess their distribution and compare pollution levels. This study employs a comprehensive methodological approach, integrating field-based observations along with lab-based measurements, and information derived from geospatial analysis. Total 34 random points across two study sites were considered for the physical, chemical, and biological characterization of macro-plastics to assess their relative abundance. Areas with higher human footfalls exhibited greater accumulation of plastic debris, with polypropylene, either alone or in combination with polyurethane and polystyrene, identified as highly toxic. Fragmented plastic debris was prevalent at both test sites, yet undisturbed Haliday Island exhibited an abundance of less fragmented materials. Emphasis was also given on implementing appropriate management regimes to achieve plastic-free diverse coastal landscapes.

Extraction of lignin-containing nanocellulose fibrils from date palm waste using a green solvent.

Lignin-containing nanocellulose (LNC) is a compelling alternative to traditional nanocellulose (NC), it offers enhanced yields and a reduction in the demand for toxic chemicals. This research involves the isolation of LNC from date palm waste using a green hydrolysis process and its subsequent characterization. The potential of using ionic liquids (ILs) as green solvents to isolate LNC has not yet been explored. Our findings suggest that 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim]Cl) can hydrolyze partially delignified and unbleached lignocellulose, achieving LNC synthesis. The obtained LNC showed a higher yield than its NC counterpart and exhibited rod-shaped fibers with nanoscale diameters and micrometer lengths, indicating a high aspect ratio. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) results indicate average particle sizes of 143.20 nm for NC and 282.30 nm for LNC, with a narrow particle size distribution conforming their monodisperse behavior. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry revealed high thermal stability (initial degradation temperature = 222.50 °C and glass transition temperature = 84.45°C) of LNC. Moreover, the obtained LNC fibers were crystalline (crystallinity index = 52.76 %). Their activation energy (124.95 kJ/mol) was determined using the Coats-Redfern method by employing eight solid-state diffusion models. Overall, this study motivates the use of ILs as green solvents to produce lignocellulose derivatives that are suitable for various applications.

Mismanaged plastic waste and the environmental Kuznets curve: A quantile regression analysis.

The relationship between economic growth, governance, and environmental outcomes, particularly mismanaged plastic waste (MPW) leaking out to the ocean, has been a focal point of policy and academic debates. This study aims to understand the dynamics of income and control of corruption across different levels of MPW. Utilizing Quantile Regression models, we explore the generalized and quantile-specific relationships between the variables. The findings confirm the validity of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), revealing an initial increase in MPW with economic growth, followed by a decline after surpassing a specific economic threshold. However, the EKC is not validated for all quantiles and the shifting point may vary across the distribution. Moreover, control of corruption emerged as a significant factor in determining MPW levels, emphasizing its moderating role at the highest levels of mismanagement. This study underscores the need for synergizing economic strategies with robust environmental policies, guided by strong governance mechanisms.

Coastal groynes reduce beach litter accumulation along the East coast of England.

Anthropogenic marine litter (AML) is a global environmental concern. One of the most conspicuous effects of AML is beach litter accumulation, the distribution of which is typically heterogenous. Little information is available on the potential effects of coastal topographic features on litter dispersal. We analysed the abundance, composition, and sources of beach litter on the East coast of England in relation to the presence of coastal groyne structures. Six beaches were surveyed in autumn and winter 2021 using the OSPAR methodology for monitoring beach litter. Litter abundance was lower on beaches with groynes present, which could infer that groynes deflect or bury AML. The presence of groynes had no significant effect on the composition/sources of beach litter. Single-use plastic packaging, fishing waste, and sewage-related debris were the largest contributors of beach litter in this region. Our findings indicate that man-made topographic features may affect marine litter dispersal and coastal accumulation.

Shrimp Waste Upcycling: Unveiling the Potential of Polysaccharides, Proteins, Carotenoids, and Fatty Acids with Emphasis on Extraction Techniques and Bioactive Properties.

Shrimp processing generates substantial waste, which is rich in valuable components such as polysaccharides, proteins, carotenoids, and fatty acids. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the valorization of shrimp waste, mainly shrimp shells, focusing on extraction methods, bioactivities, and potential applications of these bioactive compounds. Various extraction techniques, including chemical extraction, microbial fermentation, enzyme-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and pressurized techniques are discussed, highlighting their efficacy in isolating polysaccharides, proteins, carotenoids, and fatty acids from shrimp waste. Additionally, the bioactivities associated with these compounds, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties, among others, are elucidated, underscoring their potential in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical applications. Furthermore, the review explores current and potential utilization avenues for these bioactive compounds, emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource management and circular economy principles in maximizing the value of shrimp waste. Overall, this review paper aims to provide insights into the multifaceted aspects of shrimp waste valorization, offering valuable information for researchers, industries, and policymakers interested in sustainable resource utilization and waste-management strategies.

Reproductive output and other adult life-history traits of black soldier flies grown on different organic waste and by-products.

The interest in mass-rearing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae for food and feed is rapidly increasing. This is partly sparked by the ability of the larvae to efficiently valorise a wide range of organic waste and by-products. Primarily, research has focused on the larval stage, hence underprioritizing aspects of the adult biology, and knowledge on reproduction-related traits such as egg production is needed. We investigated the impact of different organic waste and by-products as larval diets on various life-history traits of adult black soldier flies in a large-scale experimental setup. We reared larvae on four different diets: spent Brewer's grain, ground carrots, Gainesville diet, and ground oranges. Traits assessed were development time to pupa and adult life-stages, adult body mass, female lifespan, egg production, and egg hatch. Larval diet significantly impacted development time to pupa and adult, lifespan, body size, and egg production. In general, flies reared on Brewer's grain developed up to 4.7 d faster, lived up to 2.3 d longer, and produced up to 57% more eggs compared to flies reared on oranges on which they performed worst for these traits. There was no effect of diet type on egg hatch, suggesting that low-nutritious diets, i.e. carrots and oranges, do not reduce the quality but merely the quantity of eggs. Our results demonstrate the importance of larval diet on reproductive output and other adult traits, all important for an efficient valorisation of organic waste and by-products, which is important for a sustainable insect-based food and feed production.

Sea Urchin Food Waste into Bioactives: Collagen and Polyhydroxynaphtoquinones from P. lividus and S. granularis.

Approximately 75,000 tons of different sea urchin species are globally harvested for their edible gonads. Applying a circular economy approach, we have recently demonstrated that non-edible parts of the Mediterranean Sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus can be fully valorized into high-value products: antioxidant pigments (polyhydroxynaphthoquinones-PHNQs) and fibrillar collagen can be extracted to produce innovative biomaterials for biomedical applications. Can waste from other edible sea urchin species (e.g., Sphaerechinus granularis) be similarly valorised? A comparative study on PHNQs and collagen extraction was conducted. PHNQ extraction yields were compared, pigments were quantified and identified, and antioxidant activities were assessed (by ABTS assay) and correlated to specific PHNQ presence (i.e., spinochrome E). Similarly, collagen extraction yields were evaluated, and the resulting collagen-based biomaterials were compared in terms of their ultrastructure, degradation kinetics, and resistance to compression. Results showed a partially similar PHNQ profile in both species, with significantly higher yield in P. lividus, while S. granularis exhibited better antioxidant activity. P. lividus samples showed higher collagen extraction yield, but S. granularis scaffolds showed higher stability. In conclusion, waste from different species can be successfully valorised through PHNQ and collagen extraction, offering diverse applications in the biomedical field, according to specific technical requirements.

Targeting of Antifungal Metabolites from Grapevine Byproducts by UPLC-HRMS/MS Approaches Using Bioactivity-Based Molecular Networking.

This study focuses on countering Fusarium graminearum, a harmful fungal pathogen impacting cereal crops and human health through mycotoxin production. These mycotoxins, categorized as type B trichothecenes, pose significant health risks. Research explores natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides, particularly investigating phenolics in grapevine byproducts. Thirteen eco-extracts from five French grape varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon blanc, Tannat, and Artaban) exhibited substantial antifungal properties, with ten extracts displaying remarkable effects. Extracts from grapevine stems and roots notably reduced fungal growth by over 91% after five days. Through UHPLC-HRMS/MS analysis and metabolomics, the study identified potent antifungal compounds such as ampelopsin A and cyphostemmin B, among other oligomeric stilbenes. Interestingly, this approach showed that flavan-3-ols have been identified as markers for extracts that induce fungal growth. Root extracts from rootstocks, rich in oligostilbenes, demonstrated the highest antifungal activity. This research underscores grapevine byproducts' potential both as a sustainable approach to control F. graminearum and mycotoxin contamination in cereal crops and the presence of different metabolites from the cultivars of grapevine, suggesting different activities.

Plasticlusters: A marine litter microhabitat in a marina of Tunisia, N Africa.

Plastic debris is a significant and rapidly developing ecological issue in coastal marine ecosystems, especially in areas where it accumulates. This study introduces "plasticlusters", a new form of floating debris agglomeration found in the Yasmine Hammamet marina (Tunisia, North-Africa), loosely attached to pontoon ropes around the water surface level. The analysis of two samples revealed that they were formed primarily by average 2.11 mm polystyrene fragments, 3.43 mm fibers, 104 mm polypropylene and polyethylene sheets, and 122 mm decomposing seagrass leaves. They were inhabited by several taxa, including at least 2 cryptogenic and 5 non-indigenous species (NIS). Unlike other plastic formations, plasticlusters provide a novel and potentially temporal microhabitat to fouling assemblages due to their loose and unconsolidated structure which, combined with marinas being NIS hubs, could enhance NIS dispersion. The results of this study raise concerns about the combined ecological effects of debris accumulation and biocontamination inside marinas.

The impact of microbial inoculants on large-scale composting of straw and manure under natural low-temperature conditions.

Understanding large-scale composting under natural conditions is essential for improving waste management and promoting sustainable agriculture. In this study, corn straw (400 tons) and pig manure (200 tons) were composted with microbial inoculants. The thermophilic phase of composting lasted for fourteen weeks, resulting in an alkaline final product. Microbial systems with low-temperature initiation and high-temperature fermentation played a crucial role in enhancing lignocellulose degradation and humic substances (HS) formation. Adding microbes, including Rhodanobacter, Pseudomonas, and Planococcus, showed a positive correlation with degradation rates of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Bacillus, Planococcus, and Acinetobacter were positively correlated with HS formation. Microorganisms facilitated efficient hydrolysis of lignocelluloses, providing humic precursors to accelerate composting humification through phenolic protein and Maillard pathways. This study provides significant insights into large-scale composting under natural conditions, contributing to the advancement of waste management strategies and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.

Continuous valorization of food waste and oily food waste using bacteria-pumice and bacteria-smectite nanocomposites: Alternative cell immobilization and zooplankton lifespan impact.

Recycling waste into commercial products is a profitable strategy but the lifetime of immobilized cells for long-term waste treatment remains a problem. This study presents alternative cell immobilization methods for valorizing food waste (FW) and oily food waste (OFW) to microbial carotenoids and proteins. Carriers (pumice or smectite), magnetite nanoparticles, and isolated photosynthetic bacteria were integrated to obtain magnetically recoverable bacteria-pumice and bacteria-smectite nanocomposites. After recycling five batches (50 d), chemical oxygen demand removal from FW reached 76% and 78% with the bacteria-pumice and bacteria-smectite nanocomposite treatments, respectively, and oil degradation in OFW reached 71% and 62%, respectively. Destructive changes did not occur, suggesting the durability of nanocomposites. The used nanocomposites had no impact on the lifespan of Moina macrocopa or water quality as assessed by toxicity analysis. Bacteria-pumice and bacteria-smectite nanocomposites are efficient for food waste recycling and do not require secondary treatment before being discharged into the environment.

[Neurological Complications Associated with Kidney Disease].

The kidneys filter the blood to excrete waste products and excess salt from the body as urine, while reabsorbing what the body needs and keeping it in the body. For this reason, when the function of the kidneys deteriorates, urine cannot be produced, and homeostasis of electrolytes and acid-bases cannot be maintained. As a result, waste products accumulate in the body, resulting in uremia and the need for dialysis induction or kidney transplant. This paper provides an overview of the neurological complications that appear in kidney disease and their treatment.

Characterisation and agronomic evaluation of acidified food waste anaerobic digestate products.

Raw liquid anaerobic digestate was synthesised into nutrient-dense solid digestates via acidification and evaporation. Acidification retained ammonium in the digestate whilst also donating the anion to free ammonium to form an ammonium salt. Digestate was treated with the addition of sulphuric, nitric, and phosphoric acid resulting in the formation of ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and ammonium phosphate, respectively then evaporated into a solid fertiliser product. FTIR, XRD and SEM-EDS collectively confirm that the addition of acids completely converted the free ammonium in the raw digestate into their respective ammonium salt counterparts. Compounds of potassium chloride, silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium ammonium phosphate, sodium nitrate, and sodium chloride were identified in all solid digestate samples. Plant growth and grain yield was higher in urea ammonium nitrate, raw liquid digestate and acidified digestate products compared to control and unacidified solid digestate. Urea ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate solid digestate had the highest dry shoot, likely due to the high available nitrogen found in both fertilisers. Overall, acidification and evaporation of liquid digestate can efficiently transform it into a valuable solid fertiliser with a high nutrient density. This process not only has the potential to mitigate handling and storage constraints of low nutrient density digestate in anaerobic digestion facilities but also offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilisers.

Carboxymethyl cellulose-based multifunctional film integrated with polyphenol-rich extract and carbon dots from coffee husk waste for active food packaging applications.

Sustainable carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based active composite films were developed through the addition of polyphenol-rich extract from coffee husk (CHE) and carbon dots (CDs) prepared using the biowaste residue of CHE extraction. The influences of various CDs contents on the physicochemical and functional characteristics of composite films have been researched. The 6% (w/w) CHE and 3% (w/w) CDs were uniformly dispersed within the CMC matrix to produce a homogenous film with enhanced mechanical properties. The CMC/CHE/CDs3% film exhibited outstanding UV-light blocking, improved water and gas barriers, potent antioxidant activity with above 95% DPPH and ABTS scavenging rates, and effective antibacterial capabilities against L. monocytogenes and E. coli. The food packaging experiment demonstrated that this active composite film slowed the rotting of fresh-cut apples and extended their shelf-life to 7 days at 4 °C storage. Therefore, the obtained multifunctional film showed promise as an environmentally friendly food packaging material.