We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Appraisement And Categorization Of Compostable And Non-Compostable Plastic Bags Using HHXRF Spectrophotometer, A Study On Brands In Islamabad
Summary
This paper is not about microplastics per se; it uses X-ray fluorescence to compare the heavy metal content of degradable and non-degradable plastic bags from Pakistani markets, finding that degradable bags may actually release more toxic metals as their polymer chains break down.
The rapid development in industries manufacturing plastic bags is taking serious consideration to save the environment and human health, one way or the other. This study examines the composition of degradable and non-degradable plastic bags collected from the markets of different sectors of Islamabad. Hundred samples of both Degradable and non-degradable plastic bags were collected from the open market. The concentrations, proportion, and patterns of different heavy metals (additives) were used in the production of both degradable and non-degradable plastic bags by using the standard method with the help of Hands Held X-Ray Fluorescent (HHXRF) instrument. Samples results of the study showed Titanium, Calcium and Copper used in massive amounts, some of the toxic metals i.e., Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium and Mercury were also detected. This study also reveals that degradable plastic bags might be more hazardous than non-degradable plastic bags because due to the Photolytic properties of additives used in degradable plastic bags when the chains of polymers break, the heavy metals are released in environment and become the part of it. So, concern department like Ministry of climate change and Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency should take serious step to control these serious issues.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Adsorption and desorption characteristics of heavy metals onto conventional and biodegradable plastics.
This study compared how conventional polyethylene plastic bags and biodegradable polylactic acid bags adsorb heavy metals like lead and cadmium from water. Both types adsorbed significant amounts of heavy metals, suggesting that biodegradable plastics, before they decompose, can still act as vectors transporting toxic metals through aquatic food chains.
Comparison of Various Plastics Wastes Using X-ray Fluorescence
This study used X-ray fluorescence analysis to compare the elemental composition of different types of plastic waste, finding characteristic elemental profiles that could help sort plastics by resin type for recycling. Improved sorting of plastic waste is important for increasing recycling rates and reducing the fraction that ends up as environmental microplastic contamination.
Insights into interactions of biodegradable and non-biodegradable microplastics with heavy metals
Researchers found that biodegradable polylactic acid microplastics can adsorb heavy metals like cadmium, copper, and chromium at rates comparable to or exceeding conventional non-biodegradable plastics, suggesting biodegradable microplastics may also serve as carriers of toxic metals in the environment.
Mapping of heavy metal contamination associated with microplastics marine debris - A case study: Dubai, UAE
XRF analysis of 480 microplastic pieces extracted from Dubai beach sediments identified 14 heavy metals including five EPA priority pollutants (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) sorbed onto PE and PP microplastics, demonstrating microplastics serve as carriers for toxic metals in coastal marine environments.
Assessment of the Biodegradability and Compostability of Finished Leathers: Analysis Using Spectroscopy and Thermal Methods
Researchers assessed the biodegradability and compostability of flexible packaging films, testing whether they meet international standards for industrial composting. Results showed that only materials explicitly designed for composting degraded sufficiently, while conventional films persisted and generated microplastic fragments.