Garuda - Garba Rujukan Digital

Phytoremediation of Microplastics: A Perspective on Its Practicality Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel
Industrial and Domestic Waste Management Volume 3 - Issue 2 - 2023
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/idwm.v3i2.291

Microplastics have permeated all parts of the environment, rendering their removal essential. Numerous strategies ranging from the physical removal of mismanaged plastic items to the biodegradation of microplastics with microorganisms and biocatalysts have been proposed to alleviate microplastic pollution. Phytoremediation is one of the plastic-removing strategies, but it has not received much attention. This perspective paper aims to review the phytoremediation of microplastics and discuss its practicality. The paper shows that plants could act as interceptors and a temporary sink of microplastics by facilitating their deposition, adsorbing them, trapping them in the root zone, enabling them to cluster on the roots, taking them up, translocating them, and accumulating them in various plant parts. However, there was a lack of evidence pointing to the degradation of microplastics after they were adsorbed, taken up, and stored. Weak adsorption and environmental factors may cause the trapped microplastics to desorb, resuspend, or evade, thus also making plants a source of microplastics. The microplastics trapped and accumulated in plants may be transferred to the higher trophic levels of the food chain through ingestion and raise concerns over their ecotoxicities. Unlike localized pollution, microplastic pollution is widespread, which limits the applicability of phytoremediation. Besides, microplastics could adversely impact plant health and the ability of plants to remove other environmental pollutants. These drawbacks may reduce the attractiveness of phytoremediation unless it can be effectively combined with bioremediation to degrade microplastics.

Implications of Artificial Intelligence for Teaching and Learning Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel
Acta Pedagogia Asiana Volume 3 - Issue 2 - 2024
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/apga.v3i2.404

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed teaching and learning, facilitating a shift from teacher-centered to student-centered education. This review outlines the broad implications of AI for education and synthesizes both the opportunities and challenges associated with its implementation. Examining over 55 papers related to the impacts of AI on education, the review encompasses various educational contexts, avoiding a singular focus on specific types of education or the teaching of AI alone. According to the review, AI introduces new opportunities for creating intelligent content that enhances learning experiences, fostering interactivity and a student-centered approach. Smart content enables instructors to integrate multimedia, interactive tools, AI-related wearables, and information technologies, diversifying learning modes and engaging students more effectively. The creation of smart content aligns with smart education frameworks to ensure efficient content development. AI also contributes to the development of intelligent tutoring systems, which simulate human tutors to deliver personalized and adaptive educational experiences. These systems can host smart content, enabling independent learning. Additionally, AI improves virtual learning environments by analyzing student data to tailor content and delivery methods based on individual needs. It automates tasks such as grading and feedback, allowing teachers to concentrate on other essential responsibilities. While AI brings significant benefits, it is not without limitations. Challenges include infrastructure requirements, considerations of inclusion and equity, teacher readiness and preparation, data quality and inclusivity, profit orientation, data privacy and ethical concerns, and the potential for unequal access. Addressing these limitations is crucial for maximizing the positive impacts of AI in the realm of education.

Phytoremediation of perfluorochemicals: A review of its advances, feasibility and limitations Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel
Environmental and Toxicology Management Vol. 3 No. 1 (2023): Environmental factors and their impacts
Publisher : Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33086/etm.v3i1.3724

The detection of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in various environmental compartments has raised attention and driven countermeasures to reduce their prevalence. Phytoremediation provides a feasible option for PFCs removal from the environment. Crops such as maize, carrots, lettuce, tomato and spinach have demonstrated the ability to phytoextract and phytoaccumulate PFCs. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of PFCs in plants widely vary with plant types, plant parts, the types of PFCs and the properties of soil. Maize straw for instance was shown to have a high BCF (35.23) for perfluorobutanoic acid in comparison to maize kernel with a BCF of only 0.229 for the same compound. Maize leaves have a BCF of 9.39 for perfluorohexane sulphonic acid and maize roots have a BCF of 8.82 for perfluorooctane sulphonic acid. Carrots were found to degrade fluorotelomers whereas silver birch and long beechfern are good accumulators of numerous PFCs. BCFs of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids are usually negatively correlated to the carbon chain lengths due to decreasing aqueous solubilities with increasing carbon chain lengths which impede root uptake of the compounds. PCFs phytoremediation is low cost, less energy intensive, operationally simple and environmentally friendly but has the drawbacks of inconsistent performance, long duration, and lacking evidence on mineralization of perfluoroalkyl substances. The use of non-crop plants for PFCs phytoremediation is promulgated due to concern of food wastage and the biomass generated from phytoremediating plants should ideally be suitable as feedstock for bioenergy production. This review contributes to further advancement of PFCs phytoremediation by addressing its current limitations.

Microplastics in and Near Landlocked Countries of Central and East Asia: A Review of Occurrence and Characteristics Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel
Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 3 - Issue 2 - 2023
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v3i2.262

The detection of microplastics in the water and sediment samples of the landlocked countries in central and eastern Asia means the relatively less populous countries are not spared from microplastic pollution. It is crucial to understand the severity of microplastic pollution in and near those countries since there are significantly fewer regional studies on microplastic pollution conducted for those countries. This review aims to systematically present the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in and near the landlocked countries to shed light on the severity of microplastic pollution therein. It analyzed the contents of more than 38 papers to achieve its aim. Of all the landlocked countries, Mongolia has the most studies on microplastic pollution, while there are none for Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. For dried sediment samples, the microplastic contents ranged from 862 items/kg in the Tuul River of Mongolia to 15–46 items/kg on the Iranian side of the Caspian Sea near Turkmenistan. Lake Hovsgol in Mongolia recorded a microplastic density of 20,264 items/km2, whereas the Selenga River system had a mean microplastic density of 120.14 items/km2. Microplastics concentrations in the Caspian Sea varied, with areas near the southwest of Turkmenistan having microplastics concentrations ranging from 0.000246 items/l to 0.710 items/l. The microplastics levels in the countries are comparable to those of other regions in the world, indicating the impacts of human activities on microplastic pollution. Some microplastics might also have entered the countries through long-range transport by air and water from areas of higher human activity.

A Review of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Regulatory Frameworks: Their Implications on Malaysia Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel
Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 3 - Issue 2 - 2023
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v3i2.282

The increasing emphasis on sustainability has led many nations to introduce ESG-related regulatory frameworks. These frameworks aim to regulate and guide financial investments based on the ESG performance of companies while ensuring transparency to prevent the manipulation of sustainability-related information concerning investment products. This article reviews the regulatory and disclosure frameworks implemented in different nations and regions to identify their key components. The review reveals that these regulatory frameworks capture the environmental aspects encompassing climate change adaptation and mitigation, identification, evaluation and management of climate risks, circular economy practices, and pollution prevention. They also cover the social aspects, which include community development, employee welfare, and human rights. Additionally, governance aspects comprising anti-corruption measures, diversity within company boards and management, and the implementation of due diligence were included. The increased emphasis on transparency underscores the importance of disclosure. In this regard, the disclosure frameworks largely align with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, which cover governance, strategies for identifying and assessing risks and opportunities, their impacts on a company's finances and operations, resilience-building through scenario analyses, risk management integration with the overall organizational risk management, and the use of metrics and targets to measure performance. Malaysia could benefit from adopting comprehensive regulatory and disclosure frameworks that address ESG holistically, with elements related to the circular economy and dual materiality included in the frameworks. Future studies could focus on standardizing the development of metrics and targets to facilitate performance comparisons.

Microplastics and Antibiotics in Aquatic Environments: A Review of Their Interactions and Ecotoxicological Implications Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel
Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 4 - Issue 1 - 2024
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v4i1.446

Microplastics and antibiotics are two significant emerging pollutants found together in water bodies, raising concerns about their mutual effects. This review delves into how microplastics and antibiotics interact in aqueous environments and the ecotoxicological implications of such interactions, particularly the bioavailability of antibiotics and the prevalence of antibiotic-resistance genes. It outlines that antibiotics attach to microplastics primarily through hydrophobic, hydrogen-bonding, and electrostatic interactions. Other bonds, comprising halogen bonding, cation−π interaction, and negative charge-assisted hydrogen bonds, may also be involved to better explain antibiotic adsorption patterns. The adsorption of antibiotics to microplastics often follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and in some instances, the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The common adsorption isotherms governing this interaction are the linear and Freundlich models. Microplastics may increase the biodegradation of adsorbed antibiotics due to the presence of antibiotic-degrading bacteria in the biofilms. They could also hamper direct photodegradation but facilitate indirect photodegradation of adsorbed antibiotics. However, their photodegradative effect remains inconclusive. Microplastics and antibiotics exhibit significant toxicity to algae, while their effects on fish and daphnia are less noticeable, suggesting that their combination does not pose an immediate threat to the well-being and proliferation of larger aquatic organisms. In some instances, microplastics reduce the deleterious effects of antibiotics on aquatic life. Microplastics serve as catalysts for gene transfer, enhancing the propagation of antibiotic-resistance genes in these ecosystems. This review underscores the importance of understanding the regulatory mechanisms of microplastics on antibiotic-resistance gene diversity, particularly at the gene expression level.

A Narrative Review of How Students Perceive a Good Teacher Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel
Acta Pedagogia Asiana Volume 4 - Issue 2 - 2025
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/apga.v4i2.593

Students come to class with various perceptions of what constitutes a good teacher. These affect how a teacher is evaluated in increasingly student-centered classrooms where students’ needs, interests, and learning styles are prioritized. To better understand how students perceive a good teacher, this review comprehensively presents the perceptions of students at different educational levels on the traits of a good teacher. It discusses the nuances in these perceptions and whether they are justifiable. It reviewed more than 75 papers to achieve its aims. This review indicates that effective teachers possess characteristics like desirable personality, interpersonal skills, and instructional methods. It highlights the complex role teachers play in influencing students' academic and emotional growth. The shift from teaching skills in primary to relationship-oriented traits in secondary education shows that a student's developmental stage significantly affects their view of effective teaching. Secondary students often emphasize relational elements, such as appreciation and empathy, due to their need for autonomy and peer-like connections. University students value subject expertise, effective communication, and motivation. Like secondary students, they view traits like empathy, respect, and approachability as important. The perceptions of a good teacher, particularly the ability to create a safe and supportive environment, relational skills, and competence in delivering content, are largely justifiable. However, the emphasis on rendering socio-emotional support and a student-consumer mentality in universities that prompts students’ needs to be prioritized could add to teachers’ already heavy workload and result in burnout. While serving as motivators, teachers themselves need motivation to perform their work more effectively.

Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in the Soil of a Higher Education Institution in China Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel; Luo, Yuxin
Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 3 - Issue 1 - 2023
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v3i1.152

While microplastics have been detected in various spheres of the environment, there are few studies examining their abundance in higher education institutions, where their exposure to students and staff could raise concern. This study aims to quantify and characterise the microplastics in the soil of a higher education institution in China. Surface soil samples were collected in triplicate from nine sampling sites distributed evenly across teaching, recreational, and residential areas on campus. The soil samples were sieved with a 5 mm screen, and the fractions passing through the sieve were digested with 30% hydrogen peroxide. Microplastics were density-separated from the digested soil and observed under the microscope. ATR-FTIR was used to determine their compositions. This study reveals a higher abundance of microplastics in teaching and residential areas (150–700 items/kg and 50–650 items/kg, respectively) as compared to recreational areas (0–450 items/kg), with the highest mean abundance (516.7 items/kg) recorded for residential areas. Fibrous and fragment microplastics (31.5% and 33.3%, respectively) were most common in the soil samples, with the former more prevalent in residential areas. There were more black microplastics (36.4%) and white microplastics (29.1%) than those of other colors. Microplastics  0.5 mm constituted the largest fraction (64.3%) of total microplastics recovered and polyethylene microplastics were most abundant (35.2%). This study contributes to a better understanding of microplastic pollution in the compounds of higher education institutions, which could be positively linked to the human activities within those institutions.

Microplastics in Soil: Uncovering Their Hidden Chemical Implications Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel
Tropical Aquatic and Soil Pollution Volume 5 - Issue 1 - 2025
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publishing

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53623/tasp.v5i1.703

This review synthesizes findings from over 100 recent studies to examine the multifaceted impacts of microplastics on soil health. Microplastics affect soil nutrient dynamics through mechanisms such as chemical leaching, nutrient adsorption, microbial shifts, and physical alterations in soil structure. Their influence varies by polymer type, particle morphology, concentration, and environmental conditions. While some microplastics may enhance nutrient retention, many contribute to nitrogen and phosphorus depletion, undermining soil fertility and agricultural productivity. Microplastics also modify soil pH in inconsistent ways, either increasing or decreasing it, thereby disrupting nutrient availability and microbial functions. The effects of microplastics on soil organic matter are equally complex. Biodegradable microplastics can stimulate microbial respiration and increase dissolved organic carbon, but they may also destabilize carbon pools, depending on the environmental context and soil conditions. Additionally, microplastics act as vectors or sinks for organic pollutants and heavy metals through diverse sorption–desorption mechanisms. Their interactions with contaminants such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and metals like lead, cadmium, and zinc are influenced by polymer type, surface aging, and coexisting soil constituents. Microplastics not only impair nutrient cycling but also alter microbial community composition, enzymatic activity, and pollutant degradation, raising concerns about the function of soil ecosystems and food safety. Future research should prioritize long-term, multi-factorial experiments under realistic environmental conditions. Key areas include disentangling the effects of conventional versus biodegradable microplastics, developing mechanistic models of pollutant interactions, and assessing the role of environmental parameters in mediating metal binding. Such efforts are vital for accurate risk assessments and informed mitigation strategies in terrestrial ecosystems.

Reflection of an Online Climate Change Course and Its Pedagogies: Retrospection and Prospect Tang, Kuok Ho Daniel
Acta Pedagogia Asiana Volume 2 - Issue 1 - 2023
Publisher : Tecno Scientifica Publisher

The impetus to raise awareness and impart positive attitude change toward climate action as one of the sustainability goals has catalyzed the introduction of climate change courses in universities, particularly in developing countries. An online climate change course has been developed and delivered as an elective to the first-year students of a university in China. A reflection of the course in terms of its teaching and learning and assessment was conducted based on the Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle with SWOT employed for evaluation and analysis of the experience. The course has the strength of incorporating abundant audio-visual elements, highlighting important points in slides, employing gamification, and simulating community projects in assignments. However, online teaching could be more time-consuming than face-to-face teaching in certain aspects, such as preparation of activities and games, and responding to students after office hours. Despite this, students felt that more interactions could be integrated, and teamwork might lead to advantage-taking and unequal task distribution in certain groups. This reflection calls for further improvement with the greater use of online interactive platforms and databases; interactions with experts and scientists in the field; delivery of community projects or talks to a real audience; and cross-varsity and cross-regional collaborations.

Title

Found 15 Documents
Search

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Title Search

Found 15 Documents Search

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Title

Found 15 Documents
Search