The toxicity and valorization options of cigarette butts

Kurmus, Halenur; Mohajerani, Abbas

doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2020.01.011

Cited by 102 publications

(58 citation statements)

References 65 publications

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“…Cigarette butts and waste from tobacco products contain toxins, carcinogens, and nicotine that can be washed out in salt and fresh water [53]. Since filters are made of cellulose acetate, it takes up to ten years for them to decompose, and heavy metals and toxic chemicals such as PAHs can be released during this period [192]. Studies have shown that these components are toxic to aquatic microorganisms and fish.…”

Section: Receptors Of Macroplasticmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Way of Macroplastic through the Environment

et al. 2020

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With the focus on microplastic in current research, macroplastic is often not further considered. Thus, this review paper is the first to analyse the entry paths, accumulation zones, and sinks of macroplastic in the aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environment by presenting transport paths and concentrations in the environment as well as related risks. This is done by applying the Source–Pathway–Receptor model on macroplastic in the environment. Based on this model, the life cycle of macroplastic is structurally described, and knowledge gaps are identified. Hence, current research aspects on macroplastic as well as a sound delimitation between macro- and microplastic that can be applied to future research are indicated. The results can be used as basic information for further research and show a qualitative assessment of the impact of macroplastic that ends up in the environment and accumulates there. Furthermore, the applied model allows for the first time a quantitative and structured approach to macroplastic in the environment.

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Section: Receptors Of Macroplasticmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Way of Macroplastic through the Environment

et al. 2020

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“…Torkashvand and Farzadkia (2019) focused on developing control models for CB littering, while Marinello et al (2019) analysed possible recycling techniques for CBs and evaluated the disadvantages and advantages of those methods studied [ 14 , 19 ]. In contrast, Kurmus and Mohajerani (2020) reviewed key research studies on the recycling of CBs and investigated their toxicological properties [ 20 ]. The paper explored the effectiveness, sustainability, and efficiency of those recycling methods.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implementation of Recycling Cigarette Butts in Lightweight Bricks and a Proposal for Ending the Littering of Cigarette Butts in Our Cities

et al. 2020

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Our cities, parks, beaches, and oceans have been contaminated for many years with millions of tonnes of unsightly and toxic cigarette butts (CBs). This study presents and discusses some of the results of an ongoing study on recycling in fired-clay bricks. Energy savings: the energy value of CBs with remnant tobacco was found to be 16.5 MJ/kg. If just 2.5% of all bricks produced annually worldwide included 1% CB content, all of the CBs currently produced could be recycled in bricks, and it is estimated that global firing energy consumption could be reduced by approximately 20 billion MJ (megajoules). This approximately equates to the power used by one million homes in Victoria, Australia, every year. Bacteriological study: CBs were investigated for the presence of ten common bacteria in two pilot studies. Staphylococcus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected in fresh used CB samples, and Listeria spp. were detected in old used CB samples. All of the CB samples except the dried sample had significant counts of Bacillus spp. Some species of the detected bacteria in this study are pathogenic. Further confirmation and comprehensive microbiological study are needed in this area. The contact of naphthalene balls with CBs had a significant disinfecting effect on Bacillus spp. The implementation procedure for recycling CBs in bricks, odour from Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions in CBs, sterilization methods, CB collection systems, and safety instructions were investigated, and they are discussed. Proposal: when considering the combined risks from many highly toxic chemicals and possible pathogens in cigarette butts, it is proposed that littering of this waste anywhere in cities and the environment be strictly prohibited and that offenders be heavily fined.

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“…The presence of metals and, in particular, heavy metals in cigarettes is imputed to the growth and cultivation of tobacco, soil contamination, use of pesticide and herbicide, cigarette manufacturing process, and the use of brightening agents on the paper. The presence of Pb and Cd is extremely varied in several cigarette brands [ 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Clean Process for Obtaining High-Quality Cellulose Acetate from Cigarette Butts

2020

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The main purpose of this study is to introduce a modified method for recovering and recycling huge number of cigarette butts (CBs) and convert them into a fashion product. CBs are non-biodegradable waste, generally, discarded improperly into the environment. CBs consist of cellulose acetate, which can be recovered through extraction and purification processes. CBs are the most numerically frequent form of waste in the world. A relevant portion of CBS are discarded improperly into the environment. The principal filter components are plasticized cellulose acetate fibers that have the slowest degradation rate (up to years). In fact, a limiting step is the hydrolysis of cellulose acetate polymer into cellulose and acetic acid, which is extremely slow under ambient conditions and represents a relevant environmental risk. A number of studies have been realized on recycling cigarette butts with encouraging results, and several methods have been studied, including recycling of cigarette butts in asphalt concrete and fired clay bricks, as a carbon source, sound-absorbing material, corrosion inhibitor, biofilm carrier, and many more. In this study, we propose a novel, green, low cost, simple, and efficient extraction method of cellulose acetate fibers (CA) from discarded cigarette butts (DCBs). CBs extraction procedure involves a two-step process consisting of washings in water and some subsequent washings in ethanol. The obtained samples of CA are dried at 60 °C for 60 min in the oven. The quality and properties of cellulose acetate extracted and purified are comparable to the pure cellulose acetate fiber used for cigarette butts. The preliminary results obtained on the recovered CA look promising to the use of this recovery material from cigarette butts to obtain a wide consumption fashion product, such as eyeglass frames.

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The toxicity and valorization options of cigarette butts

Cited by 102 publications

References 65 publications

The Way of Macroplastic through the Environment

The Way of Macroplastic through the Environment

Implementation of Recycling Cigarette Butts in Lightweight Bricks and a Proposal for Ending the Littering of Cigarette Butts in Our Cities

A Clean Process for Obtaining High-Quality Cellulose Acetate from Cigarette Butts

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