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Papers
8 resultsShowing papers from University of Balamand
ClearPlastic pollution in food packaging systems: impact on human health, socioeconomic considerations and regulatory framework
This review examines how plastics from food packaging migrate into our food and enter the body through eating, breathing, and skin contact, where particles smaller than 3 micrometers can penetrate biological barriers. Research shows these microplastics can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, organ damage, and disrupt stem cell function, highlighting the urgent need for safer packaging alternatives.
Recent Advances in Photocatalytic Removal of Microplastics: Mechanisms, Kinetic Degradation, and Reactor Design
This review examines how photocatalytic processes, which use light-activated materials to generate reactive molecules, can be used to break down microplastics in water. Researchers surveyed the mechanisms behind photocatalytic degradation of common plastics like polyethylene and polystyrene, as well as reactor designs that could make the technology practical. The study highlights photocatalysis as a promising approach for tackling microplastic pollution but notes that scaling up these systems remains a major challenge.
Plastics pollution: pathways, impacts, and regulatory challenges in marine environments
This review synthesizes research on microplastic pollution across the world's oceans, covering sources from land-based activities, rivers, fishing, and aquaculture. Researchers found that polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene account for over 60% of recovered ocean microplastics and that these particles affect organisms from single-celled life to large marine animals. The estimated economic losses from microplastic damage to marine ecosystem services range from 1.18 to 2.16 trillion USD, roughly 2% of global GDP.
Tiny pollutants, big consequences: investigating the influence of nano- and microplastics on soil properties and plant health with mitigation strategies
Researchers reviewed the impact of nanoplastics and microplastics on soil properties and plant health, examining absorption and translocation mechanisms in plants. The study suggests that plastic particles alter soil structure and microbial communities, impair plant growth and nutrient uptake, and proposes mitigation strategies to address these emerging threats to agricultural ecosystems.
Correction: Tiny pollutants, big consequences: investigating the influence of nano- and microplastics on soil properties and plant health with mitigation strategies
This is a correction notice for a previously published review paper about how nano- and microplastics affect soil and plant health. The original paper examined how these tiny plastic particles change soil properties and harm plants. No new findings are presented in this correction.
Awareness of Citizens for the Single-Use Plastics: Comparison between a High-Income and an Upper-Middle-Income Economy of the Easter Mediterranean Region, Greece and Lebanon
Public awareness of single-use plastic regulations was compared between consumers in Greece and Lebanon through surveys, finding differences in knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to change behavior linked to national regulatory context and socioeconomic factors. The study highlights the importance of public engagement and education alongside policy implementation for reducing single-use plastic consumption.
Adsorptive Removal of Malachite Green Dye onto Coal-Associated Soil and Conditions Optimization
Researchers investigated the adsorptive removal of malachite green dye from water using coal-associated soil as an adsorbent, characterising the material by SEM and FTIR and optimising batch parameters including adsorbent dose, pH, temperature, and contact time to achieve maximum dye removal.
Recent Advances in Photocatalytic Removal of Microplastics: Mechanisms, Kinetic Degradation, and Reactor Design
This review examines photocatalytic and photo-Fenton approaches for degrading microplastics including PE, PP, PVC, PS, PMMA, and PA66, covering reaction mechanisms, kinetic degradation models, characterization techniques for the major polymer types, and the design and scale-up of photocatalytic reactors as practical tools for microplastic removal from water.