The aim of this study is to fabricate biodegradable composite films from leather shavings (LS) and leather buffing (LB) blended with linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) by twin-screw extrusion process with blow molding mechanism. Various quantities of leather fiber is used to fabricate the compos-

The pervasiveness of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems has become a major environmental issue in recent years. The gradual dumping of plastic wastes, inadequate standard detection methods with specific removal techniques, and slow disposal rate of microplastics make it ubiquitous in the environment. Evidence shows that microplastics act as a potential vector by adsorbing different heavy metals, pathogens, and other chemical additives widely used in different raw plastic production. Microplastics are ingested by aquatic creatures such as fish and different crustaceans, and finally, people ingest them at the tertiary level of the food chain. This phenomenon is responsible for blocking the digestion tracts, disturbing the digestive behavior, finally decreasing the reproductive growth of entire living organisms. Because of these consequences, microplastics have become an increasing concern as a newly emerging potential threat, and therefore, the control of microplastics in aquatic media is required. This paper provides a critical analysis of existing and newly developed methods for detecting and separating microplastics from discharged wastewater, which are the ultimate challenges in the microplastic treatment systems. A critical study on the effect of microplastics on aquatic organisms and human health is also discussed. Thus, this analysis provides a complete understanding of entire strategies for detecting and removing microplastics and their associated issues to ensure a waste discharge standard to minimize the ultimate potential impact in aquatic environments.

The toxic impact of microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) in plants and the food chain has recently become a top priority. Several research articles highlighted the impact of MPs/NPs on the aquatic food chain; however, very little has been done in the terrestrial ecosystem. A number of studies revealed that MPs/NPs uptake and subsequent translocation in plants alter plant morphological, physiological, biochemical, and genetic properties to varying degrees. However, there is a research gap regarding MPs/NPs entry into plants, associated factors influencing phytotoxicity levels, and potential remediation plans in terms of food safety and security. To address these issues, all sources of MPs/NPs intrusion in agroecosystems should be revised to avoid these hazardous materials with special consideration as preventive measures. Furthermore, this review focuses on the routes of accumulation and transmission of MPs/NPs into plant tissues, related aspects influencing the intensity of plant stress, and potential solutions to improve food quality and quantity. This paper also concludes by providing an outlook approach of applying exogenous melatonin and introducing engineered plants that would enhance stress tolerance against MPs/NPs. In addition, an overview of inoculation of beneficial microorganisms and encapsulated enzymes in soil has been addressed, which would make the degradation of MPs/NPs faster. Graphical Abstract

Inorganic-polymer hybrid, thinfilm nanocomposite nanofiltration (TFN-NF) membranes prepared by in situ interfacial polymerization of branched polyethyleneimine and trimesoyl chloride, with simultaneous impregnation of as-synthesized hexagonal wurtzite ZnO nanocrystals (nano-ZnO), either through aqueous or organic phase, have been extensively characterized. XPS analysis revealed that there was no inter-atomic charge transfer between nano-ZnO and host polyamide matrix, indicating that no formation of chemical bonding occurred between them in the skin layers of the membranes. The type of interaction present within the nanocomposite polyamide matrices of the membranes was through formation of noncovalent type secondary chemical interactions with peripheral hydroxyl groups of nano-ZnO and polyamide network as substantiated through FTIR analysis. SEM revealed the formation of distinct patterns and coils, through multiple-point interactions between the nano-ZnO and the polyamide network in the membranes' skin surfaces when introduced through aqueous amine phase.However, when introduced through the organic phase, nanomaterials remained distributed as discrete clusters within the membranes' skin layers because of lack of polar environment around the reaction zone, further emphasizing the role of the medium in which the nanomaterials are incorporated. AFM showed variation of surface roughness features with change in the precursor medium of introduced nano-ZnO. Nanofiltration performance towards different solutes, providing differential rejections in the order of MgCl 2 > NaCl $ Na 2 SO 4 , revealed that the membranes were distinctly positively charged.Solvent fluxes of the membranes were significantly higher when nanomaterials were introduced through the aqueous phase as compared to the organic phase.

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The objective of this research is to use zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) combined with buffing dust to develop footwear insole with antibacterial properties. In addition, performance analysis (mechanical, chemical, and thermal) of fabricated insole is also the integral consideration of this study. With such aim, antimicrobial composite insoles were fabricated via simple solution mixing of ZnONPs and natural rubber latex (NRL) binder along with buffing dusts with optimum ratio. Then, removal of water was considered by mechanical pressing followed by natural drying in sunlight. The chemical bonding and material interactions of composites were investigated using FT-IR and XRD, respectively. TGA analysis confirmed the thermal stability of composites, while SEM and OTR are elucidating the surface morphology and gas barrier properties, respectively. Tensile strength, elongation, flexibility, hardness, and water absorption of prepared composite with optimum NRL content were increased by 39, 31, 30, 38, and 28%, respectively. Finally, 78% antimicrobial performance was achieved against the suspension of ( 1.5 × 10 6   CFU / mL ) bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus.

Thin film composite (TFC) type positively-charged nanofiltration membranes, bearing fixed quaternary ammonium moieties, have been developed and studied. Branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) was functionalized by reaction with glycidyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (GTACl) to introduce quaternary ammonium chloride. Positively-charged TFC membranes were prepared by in situ interfacial polymerization of functionalized PEI and terephthaloyl chloride. The effects of variation of chemical compositions and other experimental conditions such as curing temperature and duration of curing on the performances of the membrane were studied. ATR FT-IR spectroscopy was done to establish the presence of charge-bearing groups in the membrane. The membranes were tested using single solute feed solutions of NaCl, Na 2 SO 4 , CaCl 2 , and MgSO 4 . Positive charges on the membranes were estimated in terms of their ionexchange capacities (IEC). The values were also correlated to the solute-rejection properties of the membranes.