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Gimme green
A social history of one of our most recognizable national symbols - the residential lawn.
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Mechanisms of Generation and Ecological Impacts of Nano- and Microplastics from Artificial Turf Systems in Sports Facilities
The worldwide adoption of artificial turf in sports facilities and urban landscapes, alongside the systematic transition from natural grass and soil-based grounds, has raised growing concerns about its contribution to the significant source of nano- and microplastics in ecosystems. This review examines current knowledge on the mechanisms of nano- and microplastic generation from artificial turf systems and their environmental impacts. Combined mechanical stress, ultra-violet radiation, and weathering processes contribute to the breakdown of synthetic grass fibers and infill materials, generating particles ranging from nanometer to millimeter scales. These nano- and microplastics are detected in drainage systems and surrounding soils near sports facilities. Laboratory studies demonstrate that artificial turf-derived nano- and microplastics can adversely affect soil microbial communities, aquatic organisms, and potentially human health, through various exposure pathways. While current mitigation approaches include hybrid turf, particle retention systems, and improved maintenance protocols, emerging research focuses on developing novel, environmentally friendly materials as alternatives to conventional synthetic turf components. However, field data on emission rates and environmental fate remain limited, and standardized methods for particle characterization and quantification are lacking. This review identifies critical knowledge gaps, underscoring the need for comprehensive research on long-term ecological impacts and highlights the future goal of mitigating nano- and microplastic emissions from artificial turf systems into the ecosystem.
Journal Article
A Prospective Analysis of the Injury Incidence of Young Male Professional Football Players on Artificial Turf
The effects of synthetic surfaces on the risk of injuries is still debated in literature and the majority of published data seems to be contradictory. For such reasons the understanding of injury incidence on such surfaces, especially in youth sport, is fundamental for injury prevention.
The aim of this study was to prospectively report the epidemiology of injuries in young football players, playing on artificial turfs, during a one sports season.
80 young male football players (age 16.1 ± 3.7 years; height 174 ± 6.6 cm; weight 64.2 ± 6.3 kg) were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. The participants were then divided in two groups; the first included players age ranging from 17 to 19 (OP) whereas the second included players age ranging from 13 to 16 (YP). Injury incidence was recorded prospectively, according to the consensus statement for soccer.
A total of 107 injuries (35 from the OP and 72 from the YP) were recorded during an exposure time of 83.760 hours (incidence 1.28/1000 per player hours); 22 during matches (incidence 2.84/1000 per player hours, 20.5%) and 85 during training (incidence 1.15/1000 per player hours, 79.5%). Thigh and groin were the most common injury locations (33.6% and 21.5%, respectively) while muscle injuries such as contractures and strains were the most common injury typologies (68.23%). No statistical differences between groups were displayed, except for the rate of severe injuries during matches, with the OP displaying slightly higher rates compared to the YP. Severe injuries accounted for 10.28% of the total injuries reported. The average time lost due to injuries was 14 days. Re-injuries accounted for 4.67% of all injuries sustained during the season.
In professional youth soccer injury rates are reasonably low. Muscle injuries are the most common type of injuries while groin and thigh the most common locations. Artificial turf pitches don't seem to contribute to injury incidence in young football players.
Journal Article
Playground lead levels in rubber, soil, sand, and mulch surfaces in Boston
Rubber surfacing is often used in playgrounds due to its potential injury prevention benefits and as a way to recycle waste tires. Available research on chemicals in recycled rubber has focused on synthetic turf applications, but is limited for playground rubber surfacing. Potential lead contamination from vulcanizing agents used in rubber surfacing are a possible concern; however this has not been researched. We examined levels of lead in poured-in-place rubber and compared them to levels in soil, sand, and wood mulch materials from 28 randomly selected playgrounds in Boston, MA, USA using X-ray fluorescence. To evaluate the association between material type and lead concentrations, we conducted a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and built a linear regression model controlling for distance to major roadway, neighborhood-level status as an environmental justice area, peeling paint on the playground, and rubber condition. Average lead levels were 65.7 μg/g for soil, 22.0 μg/g for rubber, 8.5 μg/g for sand, and 9.0 μg/g for mulch. Our finding of lower concentrations of lead in sand and mulch compared to rubber and soil should be used to inform playground design to optimize children's health, alongside other chemical and safety considerations.
Journal Article
A Novel Methodology for Simulating Skin Injury Risk on Synthetic Playing Surfaces
Artificial turf provides a consistent and durable surface; however, it has historically been associated with a high skin injury risk, or a ‘friction burn’, when a player falls or slides. Second-generation surfaces feature a short carpet pile, whilst third generation (3G) carpet piles are longer, enabling the integration of a performance infill. 3G surfaces provide sufficient energy absorption characteristics to be approved as Rugby Turf; however, such pitches can still cause skin injuries, despite being assessed using a friction-based test. Reducing skin injury risk motivates this study to develop a more sensitive testing methodology. A new test apparatus and impactor are proposed, achieving kinematics representative of an elite male rugby tackle. A commercially available skin simulant is employed to ensure the collection of repeatable and valid data. Photography and thresholding were used to assess surface abrasion and material transfer, whilst a thermal camera captured surface temperature change. Accelerometers quantified the surface resistance during the impact and sliding phases. These metrics were compiled into the Maxwell Tribo Index (MTI), providing a single measure of skin injury risk. The results demonstrated good repeatability and validity when four teams tested four different 3G surfaces. These results compared favourably to an expert panel’s ranked order.
Journal Article