Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80–90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10–20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8–85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.
Satellite remote sensing data, in addition to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), offers an excellent alternative to conventional
mapping techniques in monitoring and mapping of geo-hazards areas. One of the most sustainable development projects in Egypt
has been accomplished in Sinai, especially along and around the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez. Variations along the coastal
zone of the Gulf of Aqaba have been identified through the analysis of multi-temporal satellite images with the aid of GIS
analysis. The study area is subject to rapid and increasing changes in land-use/land-cover that resulting from natural and
human activities such as flash flooding, seismic activity, landslides, and tourist and urban activities. This is in addition
to the construction projects of roads, ports, PowerStation stations, mineral exploration, beaches, and tourist villages resulting
from major environmental impacts. The current study aims to use Remote Sensing and GIS tools to investigate, monitor, and
assess geo-hazards through the building of a geographical database. Several techniques have been developed over the last decade
mostly to study the geological and geomorphologic characteristics of the terrain; land-use and land-cover changes. These are
based on satellite imagery and Digital Elevation Models (DEM) to determine the topographic features, and geo-hazards maps.
It is concluded that integrated approaches to monitoring can successfully be used to assess the environmental impacts along
the Gulf of Aqaba coastal zone. 相似文献
In this paper, a cross-shore profile evolution model, Uniform Beach Sediment Transport-Time-Averaged Cross-Shore (UNIBEST-TC),
is used. The model was developed at WL/Delft hydraulic laboratory in the Netherlands. The model is used to predict wave height
in a barred beach (Egmond site, The Netherlands) and the results show that there is a good agreement between the measured
and predicted values by the model. In the present study, Morlet wavelet is used to distinguish the breaking waves; it is integrated
over frequency to provide the temporal variation of localized total energy. The study shows that the local peaks of the energy
densities correspond to the events of wave breaking in the predicted–wave time series. Furthermore, the wave energy distribution
shows a tendency to decrease in the off-shore direction of the inner bar. 相似文献
The fractionation of phosphorus (P) in shallow Lake Maryout surficial sediments was investigated in order to understand its potential availability in relation to the eutrophication status of this lake. The rank order of P fractions was NaOH-P > HCl-P > NH4Cl-P > BD-P. The metal oxide-bound P (NaOH-P) averaged 43% in this hypereutrophic lake and would be potentially available under low oxygen conditions. The highly available, loosely sorbed P (NH4Cl-P) represented 20% of the sedimentary inorganic P on average, while the reductant P (BD-P) averaged 15% and is also considered highly available under low oxygen conditions. The less available calcium-bound P (HCl-P) represented 22% of sedimentary inorganic P. Lake Maryout exhibits high potential for release of P from sediment in forms available to algae, which is undesirable for eutrophication control. The range of potentially available P in tested sediments was 1,541 to 3,990 mg/kg (ppm), a very high quantity capable of supporting algal blooms independent of external loading. 相似文献
Heat pipe cooling is widely used in computer processors. Advances in microprocessor technology have resulted in reduced heat transfer surface area. Maintaining an efficient cooling process is therefore challenging. The main goal of this experimental study is to perform a parametric study on heat pipe performance using nanofluids. Nanofluids of 1 and 3 vol% of alumina nanoparticles of 20–50 nm diameters in deionized water versus deionized water as a base fluid were considered in the present study. The nanofluids are prepared in our laboratory using two-step method. The nanofluids thermal properties are measured to confirm the properties enhancement that could indicate a corresponding performance enhancement of the heat pipe. A 10 mm inner diameter, 200 mm long brass tube with 50 mm long evaporator, and 50 mm long water cooled condenser were used. Heat pipe wall temperature is reduced with nanofluids as is the temperature difference between the evaporator and condenser. The thermal diffusivity of the nanofluids is increased by 10%. The pipe pressure in case of deionized water was higher than the corresponding one for the nanofluids by 20–32%. 相似文献
Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Global warming is one of the major challenges facing humanity. The increase in the Earth’s temperature and thawing of ancient ice release viable... 相似文献
Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Breast and colon carcinomas are two types of common cancers which lead to cancer-related deaths. Due to their cytotoxic potential against cancer... 相似文献
Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Acrylamide is a chemical monomer; its polymer compounds are used in the manufacture of plastic, papers, adhesive tapes, dyes, and food packaging.... 相似文献
Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Improving poultry production, increasing poultry immunity, and reducing the disease spreading can be achieved by adding various potentially valuable... 相似文献