Application of Index Models for Assessing Freshwater Microplastics Pollution

Due to the differences in reporting units and methodology on microplastics (MP) studies, there has been some difficulty in comparing results across studies. In this study, we presented index models that can be address this issue. Index models for pollution and health risks assessment was applied to MP data obtained from rivers in Nwangele L.G.A. Models such as microplastics contamination factor (MPCF), microplastics pollution load index (MPPLI), Microplastics polymer risk indices (Hi) and pollution risk index (MPR) for pollution and contamination assessment. Health risk models such estimated daily intake (EDI) and microplastic carcinogenic risks (MPCR) through oral and dermal pathway were also presented and applied. Results showed that there is no direct correlation of MP abundance with MPR. However, Hi correlated but with MPR. Increased MPs pollution risks and levels were extensively subject to the presence of harmful MPs polymers, just as the high MPs pollution loads index (MPPLI). The index models enabled easy comparison of MP pollution of the different rivers and provided concise information on the status of MPs in the rivers

Psychosocial Impact of Covid-19 among Bangladeshi Young Adults (18-34 years): An Online-Based Cross-Sectional Study

COVID-19 pandemic is at the fourth stage of boundless local transmission in Bangladesh. The objective of this study was to assess the psychosocial impact of Covid-19 on adult Bangladeshi population. An online-based cross-sectional study was performed among 213 Bangladeshi young adults aged between 18 and 34 years. More than 90% of participants were responded to possess a good awareness of Covid-19. However, the behavioral characteristics of young individuals in Bangladesh were not impressive. In this cohort, 24.4% of participants showed moderate change and 5.2%-little changes in their behavior due to COVID 19. Approximately 58.2% of participants had some symptoms of mental distress while 59.7% of participants were somewhat worried about COVID 19. In order to control the spread of Covid-19, existing unconsciousness in young adult could turn this situation into a disaster throughout the nation which therefore must be understood by the government and policymakers to incorporate successful measures

The role of social media in delivering news related to the COVID-19 pandemic: Moroccan community as a case study

The study aims to assess the Moroccan community’s using rate of social media, especially during the imposed lockdown, and analyze how the community is using and exploring the news published on Facebook. In this order, we prepared and shared a survey questionnaire among Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp users. The obtained responses exhibit that only 5% of respondents share the news immediately without verifying the source, while 54 % share news only after verifying the source; the rest did not prefer to share COVID-19 related news. This may reflect the awareness level of the sampled population about the importance of verifying the source of information before sharing it, especially during such conditions. However, 64% of participants think that Social Media platforms are not sufficient and appropriate to warn and inform the population about this sanitary crisis as not all Moroccan citizens have access to the internet and do not use social media. Besides, the COVID-19 period has known a rapid spread of misinformation and fake news through these platforms, impacting community mental health. Although, it is recommended to consider warning people about the best practices and use of shared information through these platform

First record of plastiglomerates, pyroplastics, and plasticrusts in South America

Beaches in the Anthropocene carry the heavy burden of human-derived pollution, like that induced by plastic litter. For decades, plastic debris has been classified based on its source or physical size. In recent years, studies described and documented new forms of plastic formations, including plastiglomerates, plasticrusts, and pyroplastics. However, reports of these newly described formations are substantially lacking. Therefore, in the present study, we reported the first evidence of plasticrusts (plastic encrusting rock surfaces), plastiglomerates (organic/inorganic composite materials in a plastic matrix), and pyroplastics (burned and weathered plastics) in Peru. The plastic pollutants were recovered from the field through marine litter surveys on four beaches where illegal litter burning and campfires take place. All the suspected plastic formations were analyzed and confirmed using Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and one of each type was analyzed by X-Ray fluorescence (EDX) spectrometry. Plastiglomerates consisted of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) matrix with rock and sand inclusions. Pyroplastics were found in various stages of weathering and consisted of various polymers, including HDPE, PP, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamide (PA). Interestingly, our field observations suggest a new plasticrust formation pathway based on plastic burning and filling of rock crevices with molten plastic. The latter was identified as either PP or HDPE. Elements typically found in the sand and seawater (e.g., Na, Cl, Ca, Si, Fe) were identified on the surface of the plastic formations, as well as others that could potentially be associated with the leaching of additives (e.g., Ti, Br). Although the present study contributed to the knowledge concerning the occurrence of the new types of plastic formations, as well as possible formation pathways, there are still many questions to answer. Hence, we encourage future studies to focus on the toxicity that new plastic formations may induce in contrast with conventional plastics, the release of secondary contaminants (e.g., microplastics, additives), and their degradation in the environment. Lastly, standardized sampling and data treatment protocols are required

Are we underestimating floating microplastic pollution? A quantitative analysis of two sampling methodologies

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in the water column of several aquatic ecosystems. Thus, the sampling methodology is considered as a basic factor influencing MPs abundance. In this baseline, a total of 67 investigations were chosen to conduct a quantitative analysis between two sampling methods: Trawl and bulk. The aim is to report a general overview of the MPs abundance and characteristic differences based on the sampling procedures and provide methodological recommendations. MPs abundance reported by bulk studies is 3500 higher than trawl studies. Furthermore, the morphological types and polymers abundances were statistically affected by the type of sampling tool. Conversely, MPs size ranges were significantly different between sampling procedures, suggesting that trawling underestimates the smaller MPs fractions. The analysis confirms that the sampling methods should be selected based on the research objectives. In this sense, it is recommended to combine both types of sampling procedures to obtain comprehensive data

Impact of Industrially Affected Soil on Humans: A Soil-Human and Soil-Plant-Human Exposure Assessment

Heavy metal (HM) contaminated soil can affect human health via ingestion of foodstuffs, inhalation of soil dust, and skin contact of soil. This study estimates the level of some heavy metals in soils of industrial areas, and their exposures to human body via dietary intake of vegetables and other pathways. Mean concentrations of Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, As and Pb in the studied soil were found to be 61.27, 27,274, 42.36, 9.77, 28.08 and 13.69 mg/kg, respectively, while in vegetables the respective values were 0.53, 119.59, 9.76, 7.14, 1.34 and 2.69 mg/kg. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb originated from lithogenic sources, while Cr and As are derived from anthropogenic sources. A moderate enrichment was noted by Cr, As, and Pb in the entire sampling site, indicating a progressive depletion of soil quality. The bioaccumulation factor (BCF) value for all the vegetables was recorded as BCF &lt; 1; however, the metal pollution index (MPI) stipulates moderately high value of heavy metal accumulation in the vegetable samples. Hazard Index (HI) of &gt;0.1 was estimated for adults but &gt;1 for children by direct soil exposure, whereas HI &lt; 1 for both children and adults via dietary intake of vegetables. Estimated Total carcinogenic risk (TCR) value due to soil exposure showed safe for adults but unsafe for children, while both the population groups were found to be safe via food consumption. Children are found more vulnerable receptors than adults, and health risks (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) via direct soil exposure proved unsafe. Overall, this study can be used as a reference for similar types of studies to evaluate heavy metal contaminated soil impact on the population of Bangladesh and other countries as well.</jats:p