Spatial distribution of microplastic concentration around landfill sites and its potential risk on groundwater.

Plastic plays a major role in today's human life; moreover, it becomes a part of our life, yet it is a most challenging threat for the freshwater ecosystems in the future. The present study identifies, characterizes, and quantifies the microplastics in groundwater samples around Perungudi and Kodungaiyur municipal solid waste dumpsites in South India. To evaluate and assess the microplastic abundance, characteristics (composite, size, colour, shape, and surface morphology), detection methods of plastic particles, and potential risk factors from the absorption of microplastic in groundwater. Further, the microplastic particle classification was performed using LB-340 Zoom Stereo Microscope with LED Illumination, ATR-FTIR fitted with SEM with EDX analyzer. The groundwater samples (n = 20) were found contaminated with microplastic particles in the range of 2-80 items/L with coloured particles, white (38%), black (27%), green (8%), red (18%), blue (6%), and yellow (2%). The polymer type was found to occur in the following order: nylon (70%), pellets (18%), foam (6%), fragments (3%), fibers/PVC (2%), and polythene (1%). In both sampling sites, 90% of microplastics are derived from the buried plastics and waste fragmentation which are predominantly of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS). Micro and nano plastics abundance in groundwater is of paramount importance as it has a major impact on human health. This study throws light on the characteristics and quantification of the microplastics in groundwater that initiates further research by which microplastics enter into the environment.

Microplastics as an emerging threat to the freshwater ecosystems of Veeranam lake in south India: A multidimensional approach.

In the current scenario, microplastic, as a contaminant, is becoming an ecological threat to the freshwater ecosystem. The present study attempted to determine the quality and quantity of microplastic contaminants in water and soil samples at Veeranam lake in Tamil Nadu, India. It is very important to mention that the Veeranam lake in Tamil Nadu, is a major urban water source of the capital district of Tamil Nadu. Using Van Veen grab-sampling equipment and trawl methods, the study detected the presence of microplastics in 28 sediment samples and 31 water samples from the collected samples. In addition to this, the density separation was performed with zinc chloride solution using the Sediment-Microplastic Isolation (SMI) unit. The quantum of total plastic particle present in surface water were in the range of 13-54 items/km2 with a mean value of 28 items/km2. In the case of sediment samples, the amount of total plastic particle was found in the range of 92-604 items/kg with a mean value of 309 items/kg. The abundance of microplastic particles in water and sediments in various shape, colour, and composition as in the order of nylons > polythene > fibres/PVC > fragments > foam > pellets; dominant colours as white > red > black > green > blue and yellow at the sampling sites. In term of percentage of contaminant distribution, the study found that the collected water and sediment samples deposited with polymer type of plastic particles were nylon (39%), polyethylene (23%), polystyrene (19%), polypropylene (15%), and polyvinyl chloride (4%). The research work is a baseline study for the proposed site of Veeranam lake for microplastics contamination.

Assessment of plastic debris in remote islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, India.

An attempt was made in during August 2018 to study the plastic debris present in beach sediments at the remote islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, India. The maximum number of plastic debris was noticed in the North and Middle Andaman Island sector and the Nicobar Island sector. White, irregular shaped polyethylene and polypropylene debris were the predominant plastic varieties found in the study area. The plastic litters disposed in the marine environment could be carried away by currents, which then circulate around the island and finally reach the coastal areas of the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago. The plastic litter was contributed from tourist, shipping activities and improper handling of solid wastes.

Comparison of Apical Axial Derotation between Adolescent Idiopathic and Neuromuscular Scoliosis with Pedicle Screw Instrumentation

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of apical derotation with pedicle screws in idiopathic and neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: No information about apical derotation in NMS with pedicle screws is available. METHODS: We performed deformity correcting surgery using pedicle screw constructs on 12 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients (mean age 14.1 years) and 16 NMS patients (mean age 16.5 years). Preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up radiographs were analyzed for Cobb's angle and pelvic obliquity, while apical rotation was measured on CT scans using the Aaro-Dahlborn method. RESULTS: For AIS, the mean preoperative Cobb's angle, pelvic obliquity, and apical rotation values were 57.3degrees, 2.8degrees, and 20.4degrees, respectively, and postoperatively they were 16.8degrees, 1.1degrees and 14.7degrees, respectively, showing significant correction. For NMS, the mean preoperative Cobb's angle, pelvic obliquity, and apical rotation values were 75.6degrees, 13.7degrees, and 42.9degrees, respectively, and postoperatively they were 27.1degrees, 5.8degrees, and 34.1degrees, respectively, also showing significant correction. There were no significant differences between AIS and NMS patients Cobb's angle p=0.306, pelvic obliquity p=0.887 and apical derotation p=0.113degrees. There were no differences in curve severity in the three groups (AIS, NMS >80degreesand NMS 80 NMS group (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Apical axial derotation can be achieved with posterior only pedicle screw fixation in NMS without anterior release, with comparable results in idiopathic scoliosis.

Muscle Imbalance in Volleyball Players Initiates Scoliosis in Immature Spines: A Screening Analysis

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study using radiographs and clinical findings. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that asymmetric loading of immature spines in young athletes initiates scoliosis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Scoliosis in athletes has been reported in the literature, but its causative factors have not been investigated. METHODS: We compared the incidence, type and magnitude of scoliotic curves in volleyball players with those in the non-player population. One hundred sixteen adolescent volleyball players were grouped for selective screening. Data regarding their playing duration, handedness, age, height, and menarchal status (in girls) were recorded, along with clinical examination and radiological investigation when necessary. We analyzed data from 46,428 non-player school children, and their data were compared to athletes to determine differences. RESULTS: Volleyball players had a statistically significant increase in the incidence of scoliotic spinal curves. Playing hand dominance was related to the curve direction. Cobb angle had no significant correlation with the duration of playing. CONCLUSIONS: There is a five-fold increase in the incidence of mild scoliosis in volleyball players. A high percentage (41%) of asymmetry was present on the Adams forward bending test, as compared to controls. The curves were either thoracic or thoracolumbar.