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Sivaraman M, Fan L, Yan W. Quantitative analysis of microplastics in beach sand via low-temperature solvent extraction and thermal degradation: Effects of particle size and sample depth. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:176009. [PMID: 39233074 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Quantifying trace levels of microplastics in complex environmental media remains a challenge. In this study, an approach combining field collection of samples from different depths, sample size fractionation, and plastic quantification via pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) was employed to identify and quantify microplastics at two public beaches along the northeast coast of the U.S. (Salisbury beach, MA and Hampton beach, NH). A simple sampling tool was used to collect beach sand from depth intervals of 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm, respectively. The samples were sieved to give three size fractions: coarse (>1.2 mm), intermediate (100 μm-1.2 mm), and fine (1.2 μm-100 μm) particles. Following density separation and wet peroxide oxidation, a low-temperature solvent extraction protocol involving 2-chlorophenol was used to extract polyester (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The extract was analyzed using Py-GC-MS for the respective polymers, while the solid residue was pyrolyzed separately for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). The one-step solvent extraction method significantly simplified the sample matrix and improved the sensitivity of analysis. Among the samples, PET was detected in greater quantities in the fine fraction than in the intermediate size fraction, and PET fine particles were located predominantly in the surface sand. Similar to PET, PS was detected at higher mass concentrations in the fine particles in most samples. These results underscore the importance of beach environment for plastic fragmentation, where a combination of factors including UV irradiation, mechanical abrasion, and water exposure promote plastic breakdown. Surface accumulation of fine plastic particles may also be attributed to transport of microplastics through wind and tides. The proposed sample treatment and analysis methods may allow sensitive and quantitative measurements of size or depth-related distribution patterns of microplastics in complex environmental media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mythreyi Sivaraman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Lingfei Fan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Weile Yan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA, United States.
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2
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Fernández CE, Luna-Jorquera G, González Encinas V, Auger Lancelloti A, Lantadilla C, Aguilar-Pulido R, Kiessling T, Knickmeier K, Varela AI, Thiel M. Seabirds as biovectors in the transport of plastic debris across ecosystem borders: A case study from the Humboldt Current Upwelling System. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 952:175938. [PMID: 39218118 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Seabirds have become biovectors of plastic pollutants between marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and transport of plastics to their nesting sites becomes relevant due to increasing levels of pollution. To determine the pathways by which plastic reaches their colonies, we analysed the abundance of plastics at the nesting sites of five seabird species (Humboldt penguin Spheniscus humboldti, Peruvian booby Sula variegata, kelp gull Larus dominicanus, grey gull Leucophaeus modestus, Markham's storm-petrel Hydrobates markhami) nesting in northern Chile. Seabirds were primarily grouped according to their nesting behaviour, but two species foraging in contrasting habitats (kelp gull and Markham's storm-petrel) were also compared directly. The abundance, type, and polymer of macro-, meso- and microplastics were analysed in the soil of colonies and control sites, and microplastic ingestion was evaluated for selected species. Densities of plastics in colonies of surface-nesting seabirds ranged from 0 to 21.4 items m-2 (mainly plastic bags and thin films), and 0.002 to 19.7 items m-2 (mainly hard fragments) in colonies of burrow-nesting seabirds. Mean microplastic loads in the stomachs of seabirds were between 3.7 ± 4.2 plastic items individual-1. Overall, the abundances of plastic items in all seabird colonies were low, suggesting a limited transfer of plastics from sea to land. For kelp gulls, the results indicate transfer of macroplastic items to colonies, reaching the colony via regurgitates, with landfills considered as the main plastic source. Our results suggest that contrasting nesting behaviour and foraging habitats among species can explain differential plastic accumulation in seabird colonies, but also other factors, such as wind, contribute to the accumulation of plastic debris in colonies. Proper management of sanitary landfills are key to reduce plastic contamination of coastal seabirds and their colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia E Fernández
- Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas; Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Guillermo Luna-Jorquera
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
| | | | | | | | | | - Tim Kiessling
- Kiel Science Factory, Kiel University & Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katrin Knickmeier
- Kiel Science Factory, Kiel University & Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andrea I Varela
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD, USA
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Garcés-Ordóñez O, Córdoba-Meza T, Sáenz-Arias S, Blandón L, Espinosa-Díaz LF, Pérez-Duque A, Thiel M, Canals M. Potentially pathogenic bacteria in the plastisphere from water, sediments, and commercial fish in a tropical coastal lagoon: An assessment and management proposal. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 479:135638. [PMID: 39217937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics in aquatic ecosystems harbor numerous microorganisms, including pathogenic species. The ingestion of these microplastics by commercial fish poses a threat to the ecosystem and human livelihood. Coastal lagoons are highly vulnerable to microplastic and microbiological pollution, yet limited understanding of the risks complicates management. Here, we present the main bacterial groups, including potentially pathogenic species, identified on microplastics in waters, sediments, and commercial fish from Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM), the largest coastal lagoon in Colombia. DNA metabarcoding allowed identifying 1760 bacterial genera on microplastics, with Aeromonas and Acinetobacter as the most frequent and present in all three matrices. The greatest bacterial richness and diversity were recorded on microplastics from sediments, followed by waters and fish. Biochemical analyses yielded 19 species of potentially pathogenic culturable bacteria on microplastics. Aeromonas caviae was the most frequent and, along with Pantoea sp., was found on microplastics in all three matrices. Enterobacter roggenkampii and Pseudomonas fluorescens were also found on microplastics from waters and fish. We propose management strategies for an Early Warning System against microbiological and microplastic pollution risks in coastal lagoons, illustrated by CGSM. This includes forming inter-institutional alliances for research and monitoring, accompanied by strengthening governance and health infrastructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ostin Garcés-Ordóñez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras "José Benito Vives de Andréis" -INVEMAR, calle 25 No. 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia; Sustainable Blue Economy Chair, GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Grupo de Investigación Territorios Semiáridos del Caribe, Universidad de La Guajira, Colombia.
| | - Tania Córdoba-Meza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras "José Benito Vives de Andréis" -INVEMAR, calle 25 No. 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Sol Sáenz-Arias
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras "José Benito Vives de Andréis" -INVEMAR, calle 25 No. 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Lina Blandón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras "José Benito Vives de Andréis" -INVEMAR, calle 25 No. 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Luisa F Espinosa-Díaz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras "José Benito Vives de Andréis" -INVEMAR, calle 25 No. 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Alejandra Pérez-Duque
- Centro de Bioinformática y Biología Computacional de Colombia - BIOS, Manizales, Colombia
| | - Martin Thiel
- MarineGEO Program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), Edgewater, USA; Facultad Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Center for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Miquel Canals
- Sustainable Blue Economy Chair, GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Reial Acadèmia de Ciències i Arts de Barcelona (RACAB), La Rambla 115, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Estudis Catalans (IEC), Secció de Ciències i Tecnologia, Carme 47, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Durkin AM, Zou R, Boucher JM, Boyles MS, van Boxel J, Bustamante M, Christopher EA, Dadvand P, Dusza HM, van Duursen M, Forsberg MM, Galea KS, Legler J, Mandemaker LD, Meirer F, Muncke J, Nawrot TS, Přibylová P, Robuck AR, Saenen ND, Scholz-Böttcher BM, Shao K, Vrijheid M, Walker DI, Zimmermann L, Zoutendijk LM, Lenters V, Vermeulen R. Investigating Exposure and Hazards of Micro- and Nanoplastics During Pregnancy and Early Life (AURORA Project): Protocol for an Interdisciplinary Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e63176. [PMID: 39378424 DOI: 10.2196/63176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging pollutants of concern with ubiquitous presence in global ecosystems. MNPs pose potential implications for human health; however, the health impacts of MNP exposures are not yet understood. Recent evidence suggests that MNPs can cross the placental barrier, underlying the urgent need to understand their impact on reproductive health and development. OBJECTIVE The Actionable eUropean ROadmap for early-life health Risk Assessment of micro- and nanoplastics (AURORA) project will investigate MNP exposures and their biological and health effects during pregnancy and early life, which are critical periods due to heightened vulnerability to environmental stressors. The AURORA project will enhance exposure assessment capabilities for measuring MNPs, MNP-associated chemicals, and plastic additives in human tissues, including placenta and blood. METHODS In this interdisciplinary project, we will advance methods for in-depth characterization and scalable chemical analytical strategies, enabling high-resolution and large-scale toxicological, exposure assessment, and epidemiological studies. The AURORA project performs observational studies to investigate determinants and health impacts of MNPs by including 800 mother-child pairs from 2 existing birth cohorts and 110 women of reproductive age from a newly established cohort. This will be complemented by toxicological studies using a tiered-testing approach and epidemiological investigations to evaluate associations between maternal and prenatal MNP exposures and health perturbations, such as placental function, immune-inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, accelerated aging, endocrine disruption, and child growth and development. The ultimate goal of the AURORA project is to create an MNP risk assessment framework and identify the remaining knowledge gaps and priorities needed to comprehensively assess the impact of MNPs on early-life health. RESULTS In the first 3 years of this 5-year project (2021-2026), progress was made toward all objectives. This includes completion of recruitment and data collection for new and existing cohorts, development of analytical methodological protocols, and initiation of the toxicological tiered assessments. As of September 2024, data analysis is ongoing and results are expected to be published starting in 2025. CONCLUSIONS As plastic pollution increases globally, it is imperative to understand the impact of MNPs on human health, particularly during vulnerable developmental stages such as early life. The contributions of the AURORA project will inform future risk assessment. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/63176.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Durkin
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Runyu Zou
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Matthew Sp Boyles
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biomedicine and Global Health, School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jeske van Boxel
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, section Environmental Health and Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Payam Dadvand
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hanna M Dusza
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Majorie van Duursen
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, section Environmental Health and Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Karen S Galea
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Juliette Legler
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Laurens Db Mandemaker
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis Group, Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry and Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Florian Meirer
- Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis Group, Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry and Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Petra Přibylová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anna R Robuck
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nelly D Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Barbara M Scholz-Böttcher
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Kuanliang Shao
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Douglas I Walker
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Laura M Zoutendijk
- Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis Group, Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry and Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Virissa Lenters
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, section Environmental Health and Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Department of Global Public Health and Bioethics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Zhang Y, Shi P, Cui L. Microplastics in riverine systems: Recommendations for standardized sampling, separation, digestion and characterization. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 207:116950. [PMID: 39243470 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a global concern, prompting numerous studies on MP detection. Due to the remaining methodological challenges, it affects the accuracy and reliability of MP's impact assessment on river systems. To address this, the establishment of standardized operating protocols is crucial, encompassing sampling, separation, digestion, and characterization methods. This study evaluates the current tools used for identifying and quantifying MPs in riverine ecosystems, aiming to offer harmonized guidelines for future protocols. Recommendations include adopting a consistent format for reporting MP concentrations and providing improved information on sampling, separation, and digestion for enhanced cross-study comparisons. The importance of quality assurance and quality control is also discussed. Furthermore, we highlight unresolved issues, proposing avenues for further investigation. Suggestions encompass standardizing river sampling methods, optimizing technical steps and analysis processes, and enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of detection data to advance our understanding of MPs in river environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Earth Surface System and Environmental Carrying Capacity, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Peng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Eco-hydraulics in Northwest Arid Region, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710048, China.
| | - Lingzhou Cui
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
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Pakhomova S, Berezina A, Zhdanov I, Mekhova O, Ilinskaya A, Golyakov A, Polivanova T, Gebruk A, Lusher AL, Yakushev E. Floating microplastics in Svalbard fjords: High spatial variability requires methodological consistency in estuarine systems. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 207:116803. [PMID: 39116467 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution was studied in surface waters of Isfjorden, Svalbard in July 2021 as a part of an international regional harmonisation exercise. Surface microplastics (0.5-5 mm) were sampled with a neuston net in triplicate per study site in several branches of Isfjorden, covering populated and unpopulated fjords. High spatial variability of microplastic abundance (0-32,700 items/km2) was observed within a single fjord resulting from the hydrodynamic pattern formed through the interaction of surface currents, freshwater runoff, and wind conditions. Maximum microplastic abundance was not correlated with the distance from the local source and was instead defined by local small-scale hydrodynamics. Future recommendations for correct assessment of surface microplastics concentration in estuarine environments are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Pakhomova
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anfisa Berezina
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Igor Zhdanov
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nakhimovskii prosp. 36, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Mekhova
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nakhimovskii prosp. 36, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alisa Ilinskaya
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Larsgårdsvegen 2, 6009 Ålesund, Norway
| | - Alexey Golyakov
- North-West Branch of RPA "Typhoon", Beringa str. 38, 199397 St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatiana Polivanova
- Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Nakhimovskii prosp. 36, Moscow, Russia; Geography Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Gebruk
- University of Edinburgh, School of GeoSciences, The King's Buildings, James Hutton Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FE, UK
| | - Amy L Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
| | - Evgeniy Yakushev
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Økernveien 94, 0579 Oslo, Norway
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Hajji S, Ben-Haddad M, Abelouah MR, Rangel-Buitrago N, Ait Alla A. Microplastic characterization and assessment of removal efficiency in an urban and industrial wastewater treatment plant with submarine emission discharge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:174115. [PMID: 38908571 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are significant contributors to microplastic (MP) pollution in marine ecosystems when they are inefficient. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of microplastic removal from the effluent of the Anza WWTP (Morocco), which processes industrial and urban wastewater using a lamellar decantation system combined with a submarine emissary for treated water discharge. Additionally, this study investigated the presence of microplastics in the Atlantic seawater where treatment plant effluent is released. Microplastics were collected and extracted from wastewater and seawater samples to assess their abundance, shape, size, polymer type, and removal rates in the treatment plant. The findings revealed an average MP concentration of 1114 ± 90 MPs/L in the influent and 607 ± 101 MPs/L in the effluent, indicating a removal efficiency of 46 %. Seasonal analysis revealed the highest MP concentrations during the summer, with 2181.33 MPs/L in the influent and 1209 MPs/L in the effluent. Seawater samples from the discharge zone of the submarine emissary had an average MP concentration of 1600 MPs/m3. Characterization of the MPs revealed that fibers were the most common form of MPs in all the samples. The 500-100 μm size fraction was predominant in the WWTP samples, while MPs smaller than 1 mm were more abundant in the seawater samples. Seven polymer types were identified using attenuated total reflection fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), with PET, PE, PVC, PA, PS, PP, and EVA being the most prevalent. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) revealed various degrees of weathering and chemical elements adhering to the MP surfaces. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of conventional treatment systems in removing microplastics and offer a reference for developing management strategies to mitigate MP pollution in Morocco's marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hajji
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Ben-Haddad
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco.
| | - Mohamed Rida Abelouah
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Basicas, Universidad del Atlantico, Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia
| | - Aicha Ait Alla
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Environments (AQUAMAR), Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco
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8
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Axworthy JB, Lasdin KS, Padilla-Gamiño JL. Low incidence of microplastics in coral reefs of Kāne'ohe Bay, Hawai'i, USA. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 208:116996. [PMID: 39326332 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated microplastic and other micro-debris pollution in sediment, seawater, sea cucumbers, and corals from fringing and patch reefs in Kāne'ohe Bay, O'ahu, Hawai'i, USA. Microplastic pollution in Kāne'ohe Bay Bay was low compared to other tropical coral reefs. Microplastics were detected in sediments (29 %), sea cucumbers (9 %), and coral (0-2 %) samples but were not quantifiable. Seawater had quantifiable microplastic (< 0.5 mm) and macroplastic (> 0.5 mm) pollution, with mean concentrations ranging from 0.0061 to 0.081 particles m-3. Most particles detected in seawater samples were larger, floating plastic debris consisting mostly of polyethylene, polypropylene fragments, and fibers. Across the other matrices, the most detected particles were polyester, polypropylene, and cotton fibers. These results provide baseline data for this important coral reef ecosystem, and further monitoring is recommended to understand the seasonal and long-term trends in microplastic pollution and its potential future impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy B Axworthy
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St., Seattle, Washington 98105, USA.
| | - Katherine S Lasdin
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St., Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Jacqueline L Padilla-Gamiño
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, 1122 NE Boat St., Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
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9
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Graham PM, Pattinson NB, Bakir A, McGoran AR, Nel HA. Determination of microplastics in sediment, water, and fish across the Orange-Senqu River basin. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 266:122394. [PMID: 39265218 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are increasingly recognised as posing a significant environmental threat across systems. Their pervasive presence in freshwater poses a serious concern, given the heavy reliance of both humans and biodiversity on healthy, functioning freshwater ecosystems. Acknowledgment of the potential risks led the transboundary Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) to include sampling for microlitter (primarily microplastics) in riverine sediment, surface water, and fishes, across Southern Africa as part of the third Joint Basin Survey (JBS3) in 2021. The aim was to establish a first, basin-wide estimate of microlitter contamination across compartments, setting a baseline for further monitoring. The survey showed that the abundance of microlitter in riverine sediment (0 - 4000 particles.kg-1 dry weight (dw)) and riverine water (1.00 ± 0.71 - 69.75 ± 68.55 SD items.L-1) varied considerably between sample sites, with no correlation between the two. The abundance of microlitter in fishes was low (average of 0.7 ± 0.4 items.individual-1). Course resolution analyses suggested that microlitter concentrations in riverine sediment and riverine water at each site did not correlate with land use directly upstream, though variation in microlitter abundance did isolate some hotspots of contamination. Discharge data collected from nine gauging stations near sampling sites confirmed that low flows prevailed in the system during the study, with high flows occurring approximately 5 months prior during the summer months. There is some variation in river flow across the catchment which is a likely driver of microlitter transport. This was evident in the polymer composition for sediment and water samples. Based on the average discharge at each gauging station and microlitter concentrations measured in riverine water, the estimated microlitter load ranged from ∼889 particles.s-1 to ∼17.9 million particles.s-1, with a substantial amount ending likely up in the mudbelt adjacent to the Orange River mouth. This assessment provides a first insight into the characterisation and distribution of microlitter in multiple compartments across the Orange-Senqu River basin. Overall, the findings highlight the need for continued monitoring across compartments at catchment scales to improve our understanding of microplastic pathways into and within riverine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Graham
- GroundTruth, Hilton, Kwa-Zulu Natal 3245, South Africa; University of KwaZulu-Natal, Centre for Water Resources Research, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal 3201, South Africa.
| | - N B Pattinson
- GroundTruth, Hilton, Kwa-Zulu Natal 3245, South Africa
| | - A Bakir
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Rd, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - A R McGoran
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Rd, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - H A Nel
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Rd, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
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10
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Ziajahromi S, Lu HC, Dwyer J, Fernandes M, Griffith M, Leusch FD. Transport and Accumulation of Microplastics from Biosolids to Australian Agricultural Soils: Detection of Microplastics Down to 1 μm. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39252669 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c04661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
The shift toward sustainable agriculture involves replacing inorganic fertilizers with organic alternatives like biosolids. However, concerns arise over emerging contaminants, such as microplastics (MPs), which remain largely unregulated. Despite their common use in Australia, the transfer of MPs from biosolids to agricultural soils remains largely unknown. Herein, we have investigated the abundance, characteristics, and transport of MPs resulting from biosolids application in two Queensland agricultural sites. MP concentrations were significantly higher in biosolid-amended soils (average of 1137 MPs/kg) than in reference sites (average of 36 MPs/kg), correlating with the volume, time since application, and frequency of biosolids application. MPs > 25 μm were predominantly polyethylene, polypropylene, and poly(methyl methacrylate) fragments (up to 85%). Fibers constitute only 15-30% of MPs and mainly in larger sizes (average 1011 μm), whereas fragments (average 188 μm) and beads (average 72 μm) had smaller size ranges. Despite analytical challenges using Raman spectroscopy, detected smaller MPs (1-25 μm) were fragments composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, and poly(vinyl alcohol). This study provides the first report of MPs down to 1 μm in Australian agricultural soils. Our findings suggest a need to assess the long-term impact of MPs in biosolids on soil health and food safety. We call on policymakers to consider the implementation of effective MP source control strategies and the development of guidelines for acceptable biosolids application rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Qld, Southport 4222, Australia
| | - Hsuan-Cheng Lu
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Qld, Southport 4222, Australia
| | - Jason Dwyer
- Urban Utilities, 31 Duncan Street, Brisbane QLD, Fortitude Valley 4006, Australia
| | - Milena Fernandes
- South Australian Water Corporation, 250 Victoria Square, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, 1284 South Rd, Adelaide SA 5001, Australia
| | - Merran Griffith
- Sydney Water Corporation, 1 Smith St, Parramatta, NSW 2150, Australia
| | - Frederic Dl Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Qld, Southport 4222, Australia
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11
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Deo L, Benjamin LK, Osborne JW. Critical review on unveiling the toxic and recalcitrant effects of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems and their degradation by microbes. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:896. [PMID: 39230754 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-13023-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Production of synthetic plastic obtained from fossil fuels are considered as a constantly growing problem and lack in the management of plastic waste has led to severe microplastic pollution in the aquatic ecosystem. Plastic particles less than 5mm are termed as microplastics (MPs), these are pervasive in water and soil, it can also withstand longer period of time with high durability. It can be broken down into smaller particles and can be adsorbed by various life-forms. Most marine organisms tend to consume plastic debris that can be accumulated easily into the vertebrates, invertebrates and planktonic entities. Often these plastic particles surpass the food chain, resulting in the damage of various organs and inhibiting the uptake of food due to the accumulation of microplastics. In this review, the physical and chemical properties of microplastics, as well as their effects on the environment and toxicity of their chemical constituents are discussed. In addition, the paper also sheds light on the potential of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae which play a pivotal role in the process of microplastics degradation. The mechanism of microbial degradation, the factors that affect degradation, and the current advancements in genetic and metabolic engineering of microbes to promote degradation are also summarized. The paper also provides information on the bacterial, algal and fungal degradation mechanism including the possible enzymes involved in microplastic degradation. It also investigates the difficulties, limitations, and potential developments that may occur in the field of microbial microplastic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loknath Deo
- Department of Plant Pathology and Entomology, VIT-School of Agricultural Innovation and Advanced Learning, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Lincy Kirubhadharsini Benjamin
- Department of Plant Pathology and Entomology, VIT-School of Agricultural Innovation and Advanced Learning, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jabez William Osborne
- Department of Biosciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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12
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Wootton N, Gillanders BM, Leterme S, Noble W, Wilson SP, Blewitt M, Swearer SE, Reis-Santos P. Research priorities on microplastics in marine and coastal environments: An Australian perspective to advance global action. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116660. [PMID: 38981192 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Plastic and microplastic contamination in the environment receive global attention, with calls for the synthesis of scientific evidence to inform actionable strategies and policy-relevant practices. We provide a systematic literature review on microplastic research across Australian coastal environments in water, sediment and biota, highlighting the main research foci and gaps in information. At the same time, we conducted surveys and workshops to gather expert opinions from multiple stakeholders (including researchers, industry, and government) to identify critical research directions to meet stakeholder needs across sectors. Through this consultation and engagement process, we created a platform for knowledge exchange and identified three major priorities to support evidence-based policy, regulation, and management. These include a need for (i) method harmonisation in microplastic assessments, (ii) information on the presence, sources, and pathways of plastic pollution, and (iii) advancing our understanding of the risk of harm to individuals and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Wootton
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Bronwyn M Gillanders
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Sophie Leterme
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Warwick Noble
- Water Quality, Environment Protection Authority, GPO Box 2607, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Scott P Wilson
- AUSMAP, Total Environment Centre, PO Box K61, Haymarket, New South Wales 1240, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle Blewitt
- AUSMAP, Total Environment Centre, PO Box K61, Haymarket, New South Wales 1240, Australia
| | - Stephen E Swearer
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Patrick Reis-Santos
- School of Biological Sciences and the Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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13
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Milne MH, Helm PA, Munno K, Bhavsar SP, Rochman CM. Microplastics and Anthropogenic Particles in Recreationally Caught Freshwater Fish from an Urbanized Region of the North American Great Lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:77004. [PMID: 39016599 PMCID: PMC11253813 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics are a pervasive contaminant cycling through food webs-leading to concerns regarding exposure and risk to humans. OBJECTIVES We aimed to quantify and characterize anthropogenic particle contamination (including microplastics) in fish caught for human consumption from the Humber Bay region of Lake Ontario. We related quantities of anthropogenic particles to other factors (e.g., fish size) that may help in understanding accumulation of microplastics in fish. METHODS A total of 45 samples of six fish species collected from Humber Bay in Lake Ontario near Toronto, Ontario, Canada, were examined for anthropogenic particles in their gastrointestinal (GI) tracts and fillets. Using microscopy and spectroscopy, suspected anthropogenic particles were identified and characterized. RESULTS We observed anthropogenic particles in the GI tracts and fillets of all species. Individual fish had a mean ± standard deviation of 138 ± 231 anthropogenic particles, with a single fish containing up to 1,508 particles. GI tracts had 93 ± 226 particles/fish (9.8 ± 32.6 particles/gram), and fillets had 56 ± 61 particles/fish (0.5 ± 0.8 particles/gram). Based on a consumption rate of 2 servings/week, the average yearly human exposure through the consumption of these fish fillets would be 12,800 ± 18,300 particles. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that consumption of recreationally caught freshwater fish can be a pathway for human exposure to microplastics. The elevated number of particles observed in fish from Humber Bay highlights the need for large-scale geographic monitoring, especially near sources of microplastics. Currently, it is unclear what the effects of ingesting microplastics are for humans, but given that recreationally caught freshwater fish are one pathway for human exposure, these data can be incorporated into future human health risk assessment frameworks for microplastics. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13540.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine H. Milne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul A. Helm
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keenan Munno
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Satyendra P. Bhavsar
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chelsea M. Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Lambert S, Vercauteren M, Catarino AI, Li Y, Van Landuyt J, Boon N, Everaert G, De Rijcke M, Janssen CR, Asselman J. Aerosolization of micro- and nanoplastics via sea spray: Investigating the role of polymer type, size, and concentration, and potential implications for human exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124105. [PMID: 38710359 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) can enter the atmosphere via sea spray aerosols (SSAs), but the effects of plastic characteristics on the aerosolization process are unclear. Furthermore, the importance of the transport of MNPs via these SSAs as a possible new exposure route for human health remains unknown. The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) to examine if a selection of factors affects aerosolization processes of MNPs, and (2) to estimate human exposure to MNPs via aerosols inhalation. A laboratory-based bubble bursting mechanism, simulating the aerosolization process at sea, was used to investigate the influence of MNP as well as seawater characteristics. To determine the potential human exposure to microplastics via inhalation of SSAs, the results of the laboratory experiments were extrapolated to the field based on sea surface microplastic concentrations and the volume of inhaled aerosols. Enrichment seemed to be influenced by MNP size, concentration and polymer type. With higher enrichment for smaller particles and denser polymers. Experiments with different concentrations showed a larger range of variability but nonetheless lower concentrations seemed to result in higher enrichment, presumably due to lower aggregation. In addition to the MNP characteristics, the type of seawater used seemed to influence the aerosolization process. Our human exposure estimate to microplastic via inhalation of sea spray aerosols shows that in comparison with reported inhaled concentrations in urban and indoor environments, this exposure route seems negligible for microplastics. Following the business-as-usual scenario on plastic production, the daily plastic inhalation in coastal areas in 2100 is estimated to increase but remain far below 1 particle per day. This study shows that aerosolization of MNPs is a new plastic transport pathway to be considered, but in terms of human exposure it seems negligible compared to other more important sources of MNPs, based on current reported environmental concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Lambert
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400, Oostende, Belgium.
| | - Maaike Vercauteren
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400, Oostende, Belgium.
| | - Ana Isabel Catarino
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), Research Department Ocean and Human Health, InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400, Oostende, Belgium.
| | - Yunmeng Li
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400, Oostende, Belgium; Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), Research Department Ocean and Human Health, InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400, Oostende, Belgium.
| | - Josefien Van Landuyt
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Nico Boon
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Gert Everaert
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), Research Department Ocean and Human Health, InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400, Oostende, Belgium.
| | - Maarten De Rijcke
- Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), Research Department Ocean and Human Health, InnovOcean Campus, Jacobsenstraat 1, 8400, Oostende, Belgium.
| | - Colin R Janssen
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400, Oostende, Belgium; Ghent University Environmental Toxicology Lab (Ghentoxlab), Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jana Asselman
- Blue Growth Research Lab, Ghent University, Bluebridge, Wetenschapspark 1, 8400, Oostende, Belgium.
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15
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Gonzalez-Pineda M, Salvadó H, Avila C. Do Antarctic bivalves present microdebris? The case of Livingston Island. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124086. [PMID: 38692387 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Marine microdebris (MD) seem to be widespread in benthic invertebrates, even in the most remote areas of the planet such as Antarctica, although the information available is still very scarce. Here we provide a detailed quantification and characterization of the MD found on three common bivalve species (Aequiyoldia eightsii, Thracia cf. meridionalis, and Cyclocardia astartoides) inhabiting shallow areas in Johnsons' Bay, Livingston Island (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica) as a snapshot of the MD present. On average, these bivalves contained 0.71 ± 0.89 items per individual and 1.49 ± 2.35 items per gram, being comparable to the few previous existing studies in other Antarctic areas. Nearly half of the organisms analysed here (45.6 %), contained at least one item. No significant differences were found in the three bivalve species. As far as we know, this is the first study to analyse and compare MD in three bivalve species in the Antarctic Peninsula. Although our results indicate bivalves are as not as polluted as in other areas of the planet, this is remarkable since this is considered one of the last pristine areas of the world. Our results point to local activities as the main source of MD pollution in Livingston Island, although global pollution cannot be discarded. We believe this research provides a useful baseline for future studies and will contribute to develop policies and strategies to preserve Antarctic marine ecosystems from MD pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariona Gonzalez-Pineda
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Humbert Salvadó
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Conxita Avila
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences & Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, 08028, Catalonia, Spain
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16
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Sharma S, Bhardwaj A, Thakur M, Saini A. Understanding microplastic pollution of marine ecosystem: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:41402-41445. [PMID: 37442935 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are emerging as prominent pollutants across the globe. Oceans are becoming major sinks for these pollutants, and their presence is widespread in coastal regions, oceanic surface waters, water column, and sediments. Studies have revealed that microplastics cause serious threats to the marine ecosystem as well as human beings. In the past few years, many research efforts have focused on studying different aspects relating to microplastic pollution of the oceans. This review summarizes sources, migration routes, and ill effects of marine microplastic pollution along with various conventional as well as advanced methods for microplastics analysis and control. However, various knowledge gaps in detection and analysis require attention in order to understand the sources and transport of microplastics, which is critical to deploying mitigation strategies at appropriate locations. Advanced removal methods and an integrated approach are necessary, including government policies and stringent regulations to control the release of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Aprajita Bhardwaj
- Department of Biotechnology, Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Monika Thakur
- Department of Microbiology, Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Anita Saini
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, India.
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17
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Jakovljevic K, Aarhaug T, Gaertner H, Arnesen K, Kero I, Tranell G. Laboratory method for investigating the influence of industrial process conditions on the emission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from carbonaceous materials. MethodsX 2024; 12:102687. [PMID: 38617897 PMCID: PMC11015522 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This work is dedicated to developing a laboratory method for assessing emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from different carbon-based materials at elevated temperatures. The method will additionally contribute to enhancing the fundamental knowledge about the formation and decomposition of these compounds during various process conditions. Developing a method entails designing a setup for laboratory-scale experiments utilizing different furnace configurations and off-gas capturing media. To demonstrate the method's applicability, different carbon materials were tested under identical conditions, and analysis results for the same material in different furnace setups were compared. In this article, we have focused on the procedure for obtaining the "fingerprint" of PAH emissions under conditions characteristic of industrial processes.•Two setups for investigation of the influence of temperature on PAH emissions were designed and tested for three types of carbon materials.•The collected off-gas samples underwent analysis in two different laboratories to capture intra-laboratory differences and to evaluate the significance of the instrument detection limit.•The results of PAH 16 (16 EPA PAH) and PAH 42 analysis were compared to showcase the influence of the expanded list on the overall emission of PAH. The novel methodology enables the determination and comparison of PAH emissions during the thermal treatment of individual carbon materials under laboratory conditions. This could potentially be a new approach for predicting the PAH emissions in metallurgical industries that use these carbon materials as reducing agents in their processes and their control by optimizing process parameters and raw materials used. In addition to being suitable for simulating various conditions in the metallurgical industry, the utilization of low-hazard PAH solvents makes it a promising method.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thor Aarhaug
- SINTEF Industry, S P Andersens vei 3, Trondheim 7031, Norway
| | - Heiko Gaertner
- SINTEF Industry, Alfred Getz’ vei 2B, Trondheim 7034, Norway
| | | | - Ida Kero
- SINTEF Industry, Alfred Getz’ vei 2B, Trondheim 7034, Norway
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18
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Lin HT, Schneider F, Aziz MA, Wong KY, Arunachalam KD, Praveena SM, Sethupathi S, Chong WC, Nafisyah AL, Parthasarathy P, Chelliapan S, Kunz A. Microplastics in Asian rivers: Geographical distribution, most detected types, and inconsistency in methodologies. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123985. [PMID: 38621450 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics pose a significant environmental threat, with potential implications for toxic chemical release, aquatic life endangerment, and human food chain contamination. In Asia, rapid economic growth coupled with inadequate waste management has escalated plastic pollution in rivers, positioning them as focal points for environmental concern. Despite Asia's rivers being considered the most polluted with plastics globally, scholarly attention to microplastics in the region's freshwater environments is a recent development. This study undertakes a systematic review of 228 scholarly articles to map microplastic hotspots in Asian freshwater systems and synthesize current research trends within the continent. Findings reveal a concentration of research in China and Japan, primarily investigating riverine and surface waters through net-based sampling methods. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) emerge as the predominant microplastic types, frequently observed as fibers or fragments. However, the diversity of sampling methodologies and reporting metrics complicates data synthesis, underscoring the need for standardized analytical frameworks to facilitate comparative analysis. This paper delineates the distribution of microplastic hotspots and outlines the prevailing challenges and prospects in microplastic research within Asian freshwater contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Tien Lin
- National Cheng Kung University, Department of Environmental Engineering, No.1 University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan.
| | - Falk Schneider
- National Cheng Kung University, Department of Environmental Engineering, No.1 University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Muhamad Afiq Aziz
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Keng Yinn Wong
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | | | - Sarva Mangala Praveena
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sumathi Sethupathi
- Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar Perak, Malaysia
| | - Woon Chan Chong
- Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Bandar Sungai Long, Cheras, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ayu Lana Nafisyah
- Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga, Campus C UNAIR Mulyorejo, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
| | - Purushothaman Parthasarathy
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, 603 203, India
| | - Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan
- Department of Engineering & Technology, Razak Faculty of Technology & Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, 54100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Alexander Kunz
- Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Sec. 2, Academia Road, 115201 Taipei City, Taiwan
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19
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De-la-Torre GE, Santillán L, Dioses-Salinas DC, Yenney E, Toapanta T, Okoffo ED, Kannan G, Madadi R, Dobaradaran S. Assessing the current state of plastic pollution research in Antarctica: Knowledge gaps and recommendations. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141870. [PMID: 38570048 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Antarctica stands as one of the most isolated and pristine regions on our planet. Regardless, recent studies have evidenced the presence of plastic pollution in Antarctic environments and biota. While these findings are alarming and put into perspective the reach of plastic pollution, it is necessary to assess the current knowledge of plastic pollution in Antarctica. In the present review, an updated literature review of plastic pollution in multiple Antarctic environmental compartments and biota was conducted. Studies were cataloged based on environmental compartments (e.g., sediments, seawater, soil, atmosphere) and biota from different ecological niches. A detailed analysis of the main findings, as well as the flaws and shortcomings across studies, was conducted. In general terms, several studies have shown a lack of adequate sampling and analytical procedures for plastic research (particularly in the case of microplastics) and standard procedures; thus, compromising the reliability of the data reported and comparability across studies. Aiming to guide future studies and highlight research needs, a list of knowledge gaps and recommendations were provided based on the analysis and discussion of the literature and following standardized procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru.
| | - Luis Santillán
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Emma Yenney
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), Landau, Germany
| | - Tania Toapanta
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Elvis D Okoffo
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Gunasekaran Kannan
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Reyhane Madadi
- Environmental Research Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen, Germany
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20
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Biefel F, Geist J, Connon RE, Harper B, Brander SM. Interactive effects between water temperature, microparticle compositions, and fiber types on the marine keystone species Americamysis bahia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123906. [PMID: 38561036 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Recently, there has been an increasing emphasis on examining the ecotoxicological effects of anthropogenic microparticles (MPs), especially microplastic particles, and related issues. Nevertheless, a notable deficiency exists in our understanding of the consequences on marine organisms, specifically in relation to microfibers and the combined influence of MPs and temperature. In this investigation, mysid shrimp (Americamysis bahia), an important species and prey item in estuarine and marine food webs, were subjected to four separate experimental trials involving fibers (cotton, nylon, polyester, hemp; 3 particles/ml; approximately 200 μm in length) or fragments (low-density Polyethylene: LDPE, polylactic acid: PLA, and their leachates; 5, 50, 200, 500 particles/ml; 1-20 μm). To consider the effects in the context of climate change, three different temperatures (22, 25, and 28 °C) were examined. Organismal growth and swimming behavior were measured following exposure to fragments and microfibers, and reactive oxygen species and particle uptake were investigated after microfiber exposure. To simulate the physical characteristics of MP exposure, such as microfibers obstructing the gills, we also assessed the post-fiber-exposure swimming behavior in an oxygen-depleted environment. Data revealed negligible fragment, but fiber exposure effects on growth. PLA leachate triggered higher activity at 25 °C and 28 °C; LDPE exposures led to decreased activity at 28 °C. Cotton exposures led to fewer behavioral differences compared to controls than other fiber types. The exposure to hemp fibers resulted in significant ROS increases at 28 °C. Microfibers were predominantly located within the gastric and upper gastrointestinal tract, suggesting extended periods of residence and the potential for obstructive phenomena over the longer term. The combination of increasing water temperatures, microplastic influx, and oxidative stress has the potential to pose risks to all components of marine and aquatic food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Biefel
- Aquatic Systems Biology Unit, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Germany; School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, University of California Davis, 95616, CA, USA; Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Oregon State University, 97365, OR, USA.
| | - J Geist
- Aquatic Systems Biology Unit, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Germany
| | - R E Connon
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, University of California Davis, 95616, CA, USA
| | - B Harper
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Oregon State University, 97331, OR, USA
| | - S M Brander
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Oregon State University, 97365, OR, USA
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21
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Langknecht T, Pelletier M, Robinson S, Burgess RM, Ho KT. The distribution of sediment microplastics assemblages is driven by location and hydrodynamics, not sediment characteristics, in the Gulf of Maine, USA. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116393. [PMID: 38669855 PMCID: PMC11162549 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are found in marine sediments across the globe, but we are just beginning to understand their spatial distribution and assemblages. In this study, we quantified MP in Gulf of Maine, USA sediments. MP were extracted from 20 sediment samples, followed by polymer identification using Raman spectroscopy. We detected 27 polymer types and 1929 MP kg-1 wet sediment, on average. Statistical analyses showed that habitat, hydrodynamics, and station proximity were more important drivers of MP assemblages than land use or sediment characteristics. Stations closer to one another were more similar in their MP assemblages, tidal rivers had higher numbers of unique plastic polymers than open water or embayment stations, and stations closer to shore had higher numbers of MP. There was little evidence of relationships between MP assemblages and land use, sediment texture, total organic carbon, or contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Langknecht
- ORAU c/o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA; Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Bureau of Natural Resources, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908, USA
| | - Marguerite Pelletier
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Sandra Robinson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Robert M Burgess
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA.
| | - Kay T Ho
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
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22
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Schirrmeister S, Kurzweg L, Gjashta X, Socher M, Fery A, Harre K. Regression analysis for the determination of microplastics in sediments using differential scanning calorimetry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-33100-8. [PMID: 38616225 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33100-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
This research addresses the growing need for fast and cost-efficient methods for microplastic (MP) analysis. We present a thermo-analytical method that enables the identification and quantification of different polymer types in sediment and sand composite samples based on their phase transition behavior. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed, and the results were evaluated by using different regression models. The melting and crystallization enthalpies or the change in heat capacity at the glass transition point were measured as regression analysis data. Ten milligrams of sea sand was spiked with 0.05 to 1.5 mg of microplastic particles (size: 100 to 200 µm) of the semi-crystalline polymers LD-PE, HD-PE, PP, PA6, and PET, and the amorphous polymers PS and PVC. The results showed that a two-factorial regression enabled the unambiguous identification and robust quantification of different polymer types. The limits of quantification were 0.13 to 0.33 mg and 0.40 to 1.84 mg per measurement for semi-crystalline and amorphous polymers, respectively. Moreover, DSC is robust with regard to natural organic matrices and allows the fast and non-destructive analysis of microplastic within the analytical limits. Hence, DSC could expand the range of analytical methods for microplastics and compete with perturbation-prone chemical analyses such as thermal extraction-desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or spectroscopic methods. Further work should focus on potential changes in phase transition behavior in more complex matrices and the application of DSC for MP analysis in environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Schirrmeister
- Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Division of Physical Chemistry of Polymeric Materials, Technical University Dresden, Mommsenstraße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lucas Kurzweg
- Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Division of Physical Chemistry of Polymeric Materials, Technical University Dresden, Mommsenstraße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Xhoen Gjashta
- Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Socher
- Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Fery
- Leibniz Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Institute for Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Hohe Str. 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Division of Physical Chemistry of Polymeric Materials, Technical University Dresden, Mommsenstraße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kathrin Harre
- Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Friedrich-List-Platz 1, 01069, Dresden, Germany.
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23
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Cowger W, Markley LAT, Moore S, Gray AB, Upadhyay K, Koelmans AA. How many microplastics do you need to (sub)sample? ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 275:116243. [PMID: 38522288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Analysis of microplastics in the environment requires polymer characterization as a confirmation step for suspected microplastic particles found in a sample. Material characterization is costly and can take a long time per particle. When microplastic particle counts are high, many researchers cannot characterize every particle in their sample due to time or monetary constraints. Moreover, characterizing every particle in samples with high plastic particle counts is unnecessary for describing the sample properties. We propose an a priori approach to determine the number of suspected microplastic particles in a sample that should be randomly subsampled for characterization to accurately assess the polymer distribution in the environmental sample. The proposed equation is well-founded in statistics literature and was validated using published microplastic data and simulations for typical microplastic subsampling routines. We report values from the whole equation but also derive a simple way to calculate the necessary particle count for samples or subsamples by taking the error to the power of negative two. Assuming an error of 0.05 (5 %) with a confidence interval of 95 %, an unknown expected proportion, and a sample with many particles (> 100k), the minimum number of particles in a subsample should be 386 particles to accurately characterize the polymer distribution of the sample, given the particles are randomly characterized from the full population of suspected particles. Extending this equation to simultaneously estimate polymer, color, size, and morphology distributions reveals more particles (620) would be needed in the subsample to achieve the same high absolute error threshold for all properties. The above proposal for minimum subsample size also applies to the minimum count that should be present in samples to accurately characterize particle type presence and diversity in a given environmental compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Win Cowger
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, 120 N Marina Drive Long Beach, CA 90803, USA; University of California, Riverside, USA.
| | | | - Shelly Moore
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, 120 N Marina Drive Long Beach, CA 90803, USA
| | | | | | - Albert A Koelmans
- Wageningen University, Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, PO Box 47, Wageningen 6700 AA, the Netherlands
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24
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K S V, Prapanchan VN, Selvan VNI, Karmegam N, Kim W, Barcelo D, Govarthanan M. Microplastics, their abundance, and distribution in water and sediments in North Chennai, India: An assessment of pollution risk and human health impacts. JOURNAL OF CONTAMINANT HYDROLOGY 2024; 263:104339. [PMID: 38564944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2024.104339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Plastic particles, measuring <5 mm in size, mainly originate from larger plastic debris undergoing degradation, fragmenting into even smaller fragments. The goal was to analyze the spatial diversity and polymer composition of microplastics (MPs) in North Chennai, South India, aiming to evaluate their prevalence and features like composition, dimensions, color, and shape. In 60 sediment samples, a combined count of 1589 particles were detected, averaging 26 particles per 5 g-1 of dry sediment. The water samples from the North Chennai vicinity encompassed a sum of 1588 particles across 71 samples, with an average of 22 items/L. The majority of MPs ranged in size from 1 mm to 500 μm. The ATR-FTIR results identified the predominant types of MPs as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene in sediment and water. The spatial variation analysis revealed high MPs concentration in landfill sites, areas with dense populations, and popular tourist destinations. The pollution load index in water demonstrated that MPs had contaminated all stations. Upon evaluating the polymeric and pollution risks, it was evident that they ranged from 5.13 to 430.15 and 2.83 to 15,963.2, which is relatively low to exceedingly high levels. As the quantity of MPs and hazardous polymers increased, the level of pollution and corresponding risks also escalated significantly. The existence of MPs in lake water, as opposed to open well water, could potentially pose a cancer risk for both children and adults who consume it. Detecting MPs in water samples highlights the significance of implementing precautionary actions to alleviate the potential health hazards they create.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh K S
- Centre for Occupational Safety and Health, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - V N Prapanchan
- Department of Geology, Anna University, Chennai 600025, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - V N Indhiya Selvan
- Department of Geography, University of Madras, Chennai 600025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Natchimuthu Karmegam
- PG and Research Department of Botany, Government Arts College (Autonomous), Salem 636007, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Woong Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Damia Barcelo
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India; Chemistry and Physics Department, University of Almeria, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Muthusamy Govarthanan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomaterials, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India.
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25
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Tan H, Othman MHD, Chong WT, Kek HY, Wong SL, Nyakuma BB, Mong GR, Wahab RA, Wong KY. Turning plastics/microplastics into valuable resources? Current and potential research for future applications. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 356:120644. [PMID: 38522274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials, mainly consisting of polymers. The use of plastics has increased to over 300 million metric tonnes in recent years, and by 2050, it is expected to grow to 800 million. Presently, a mere 10% of plastic waste is recycled, with approximately 75% ended up in landfills. Inappropriate disposal of plastic waste into the environment poses a threat to human lives and marine species. Therefore, this review article highlights potential routes for converting plastic/microplastic waste into valuable resources to promote a greener and more sustainable environment. The literature review revealed that plastics/microplastics (P/MP) could be recycled or upcycled into various products or materials via several innovative processes. For example, P/MP are recycled and utilized as anodes in lithium-ion (Li-ion) and sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries. The anode in Na-ion batteries comprising PP carbon powder exhibits a high reversible capacity of ∼340 mAh/g at 0.01 A/g current state. In contrast, integrating Fe3O4 and PE into a Li-ion battery yielded an excellent capacity of 1123 mAh/g at 0.5 A/g current state. Additionally, recycled Nylon displayed high physical and mechanical properties necessary for excellent application as 3D printing material. Induction heating is considered a revolutionary pyrolysis technique with improved yield, efficiency, and lower energy utilization. Overall, P/MPs are highlighted as abundant resources for the sustainable production of valuable products and materials such as batteries, nanomaterials, graphene, and membranes for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyi Tan
- Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, University Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Universiti Teknlogi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Wen Tong Chong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hong Yee Kek
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Syie Luing Wong
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Bemgba Bevan Nyakuma
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Computing, Pen Resource University, P. M. B. 08, Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria
| | - Guo Ren Mong
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Keng Yinn Wong
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia; Process Systems Engineering Centre (PROSPECT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
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26
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Jones NR, de Jersey AM, Lavers JL, Rodemann T, Rivers-Auty J. Identifying laboratory sources of microplastic and nanoplastic contamination from the air, water, and consumables. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133276. [PMID: 38128232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic and nanoplastic research has proliferated in recent years in response to the escalating plastic pollution crisis. However, a lack of optimised methods for sampling and sample processing has potential implications for contaminating samples resulting in an overestimation of the quantity of microplastics and nanoplastics present in environmental samples. In response, a series of recommendations have been made, but most have not been quantified or validated sources of contamination. In the present study, we investigated sources of plastic contamination in common laboratory procedures including water sources (e.g., Milli-Q), consumables (e.g., unburnt glassware), airflow (e.g., fume hood) and dust. Using flow cytometry, we identified water, air flow and dust as sources of significant contamination. Milli-Q and reverse osmosis were the least contaminated sources when compared with tap water. Interestingly, current recommendations are to use glass consumables in replacement of plastic consumables, however, we have identified glassware and glass consumables as a significant source of contamination. Current best practice is to cover the glass tube with aluminium foil to reduce airborne contamination, but we found fresh aluminium foil to be a significant source of contamination, bringing light to the limitations foil has as a contamination control measure. Lastly, we identified significant quantities of microplastics and nanoplastics present in dust collected within the laboratory, suggesting this is a widespread and underestimated source of contamination. We have provided validated sources of contamination for both consumables and common laboratory procedures and provided mitigation strategies based on these. Additional recommendations include the appropriate design of experimental controls to quantify levels of introduced contamination based on methods and the detection techniques utilised. The application of these mitigation strategies and appropriate experimental design will allow for more accurate estimations on the level of microplastic and nanoplastic contamination within environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina R Jones
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia; Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Alix M de Jersey
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Bird Group, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom; Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales 2678, Australia.
| | - Thomas Rodemann
- Central Science Laboratory, College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 74, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Jack Rivers-Auty
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
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27
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Luo D, Chu X, Wu Y, Wang Z, Liao Z, Ji X, Ju J, Yang B, Chen Z, Dahlgren R, Zhang M, Shang X. Micro- and nano-plastics in the atmosphere: A review of occurrence, properties and human health risks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133412. [PMID: 38218034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitous occurrence of micro/nano plastics (MNPs) poses potential threats to ecosystem and human health that have attracted broad concerns in recent decades. Detection of MNPs in several remote regions has implicated atmospheric transport as an important pathway for global dissemination of MNPs and hence as a global health risk. In this review, the latest research progress on (1) sampling and detection; (2) origin and characteristics; and (3) transport and fate of atmospheric MNPs was summarized. Further, the current status of exposure risks and toxicological effects from inhaled atmospheric MNPs on human health is examined. Due to limitations in sampling and identification methodologies, the study of atmospheric nanoplastics is very limited today. The large spatial variation of atmospheric MNP concentrations reported worldwide makes it difficult to compare the overall indoor and outdoor exposure risks. Several in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies demonstrate adverse effects of immune response, apoptosis and oxidative stress caused by MNP inhalation that may induce cardiovascular diseases and reproductive and developmental abnormalities. Given the emerging importance of atmospheric MNPs, the establishment of standardized sampling-pretreatment-detection protocols and comprehensive toxicological studies are critical to advance environmental and health risk assessments of atmospheric MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Luo
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xinyun Chu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhenfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhonglu Liao
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xiaoliang Ji
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jingjuan Ju
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Pingyang County Health Inspection Center, Wenzhou 325405, China.
| | - Zheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Randy Dahlgren
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Minghua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China; Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Xu Shang
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health of Zhejiang Province, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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28
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Milne MH, De Frond H, Rochman CM, Mallos NJ, Leonard GH, Baechler BR. Exposure of U.S. adults to microplastics from commonly-consumed proteins. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123233. [PMID: 38159628 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
We investigated microplastic (MP) contamination in 16 commonly-consumed protein products (seafoods, terrestrial meats, and plant-based proteins) purchased in the United States (U.S.) with different levels of processing (unprocessed, minimally-processed, and highly-processed), brands (1 - 4 per product type, depending on availability) and store types (conventional supermarket and grocer featuring mostly natural/organic products). Mean (±stdev) MP contamination per serving among the products was 74 ± 220 particles (ranging from 2 ± 2 particles in chicken breast to 370 ± 580 in breaded shrimp). Concentrations (MPs/g tissue) differed between processing levels, with highly-processed products containing significantly more MPs than minimally-processed products (p = 0.0049). There were no significant differences among the same product from different brands or store types. Integrating these results with protein consumption data from the American public, we estimate that the mean annual exposure of adults to MPs in these proteins is 11,000 ± 29,000 particles, with a maximum estimated exposure of 3.8 million MPs/year. These findings further inform estimations of human exposure to MPs, particularly from proteins which are important dietary staples in the U.S. Subsequent research should investigate additional drivers of MPs in the human diet, including other understudied food groups sourced from both within and outside the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine H Milne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Hannah De Frond
- Ocean Conservancy, 1300 19th St NW 8th floor, Washington, DC, 20036, USA; University of Toronto Trash Team, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada; University of Toronto Trash Team, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Mallos
- Ocean Conservancy, 1300 19th St NW 8th floor, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
| | - George H Leonard
- Ocean Conservancy, 1300 19th St NW 8th floor, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
| | - Britta R Baechler
- Ocean Conservancy, 1300 19th St NW 8th floor, Washington, DC, 20036, USA.
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Ziajahromi S, Slynkova N, Dwyer J, Griffith M, Fernandes M, Jaeger JE, Leusch FDL. Comprehensive assessment of microplastics in Australian biosolids: Abundance, seasonal variation and potential transport to agroecosystems. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 250:121071. [PMID: 38171181 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.121071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Striving towards a circular economy, the application of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) to land is an opportunity to improve the condition of the soil and add essential nutrients, in turn reducing the need for fertilisers. However, there is an increasing concern about microplastic (MP) contamination of biosolids and their transport to terrestrial ecosystems. In Australia, agriculture is the largest biosolids end-user, however, there is limited understanding of MPs in Australian biosolids. Also, while the method to isolate MPs from biosolid is established, a need to extract and analyse MPs more efficiently is still pressing. In this study, we comprehensively quantified and characterised MPs in 146 biosolids samples collected from thirteen wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) including different seasons. We have optimised an oxidative-enzymatic purification method to overcome current limitations for MP identification in complex samples and accurately report MPs in biosolids. This method enabled removal of >93 % of dry weight of organic material and greatly facilitated the MPs instrumental analysis. The concentration of MPs (>20 µm) in all biosolids samples ranged from 11 to 150 MPs/g dry weight. Abundance of MPs was affected by seasons with higher abundance of MPs usually found during cold and wet seasons. Despite seasonal variations, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane and polymethyl methacrylate were the most abundant polymers. Smaller MPs (20 to 200 µm) comprised >70 % of all detected MPs with a clear negative linear relationship observed between MP size and abundance. Per capita concentration of MPs in biosolids across all studied WWTPs was 0.7 to 21 g MPs per person per year. Therefore, biosolids are an important sink and source of MPs to agroecosystems, emphasising the need to more comprehensively understand the fate, impact and risks associated with MPs on agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport QLD 4222, Australia.
| | | | | | | | - Milena Fernandes
- South Australian Water Corporation, SA 5000, Australia; College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Julia E Jaeger
- Eurofins Environment Testing Australia, VIC 3175, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport QLD 4222, Australia
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Negrete Velasco A, Ellero A, Ramseier Gentile S, Zimmermann S, Ramaciotti P, Stoll S. Impact of a nanofiltration system on microplastic contamination in Geneva groundwater (Switzerland). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:13512-13522. [PMID: 38253831 PMCID: PMC10881595 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31940-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been observed in the oceans, fresh waters, karstic water and remote water bodies. However, little is known on groundwater contamination, which is a natural resource of utmost importance for millions of people and is often perceived as a reliable source of water. Moreover, nanofiltration is perceived as a reliable technology to remove contaminants from water. In this study, large sample volumes of a silty-sandy gravel aquifer and the corresponding nanofiltered water were analysed for the presence of MPs (> 20 µm) using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy. Concentration in ground water was 8 ± 7 MPs/m3 and increased to 36 ± 11 MPs/m3 in nanofiltered water. All MPs had a maximum Ferret diameter lower than 500 µm. Size distribution of MPs was towards the small size class (20-50 µm). In groundwater, 33% of MPs were detected in the smallest size class (20-50 µm) and 67% in the 50-100-µm-size class. In comparison, around 52% of MPs in nanofiltered water were observed in the 20-50 µm size class. Moreover, 33% of the MPs observed in nanofiltered water were in the 50-100 µm size class and 15% in the 100-500-µm-size class. From a chemical point of view, different plastic polymers were identified in groundwater and in nanofiltered water, such as polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene (vinyl acetate) copolymer (EVA), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and other polymer materials (such as polystyrene-based copolymers, vinyl-based copolymers). Fibres were observed in all samples, but only a small number of fibres (near 1%) were identified as PP synthetic fibres in nanofiltered water. Furthermore, no clear difference of fibre concentrations was observed between groundwater (232 ± 127 fibres/m3) and nanofiltered water (247 ± 118 fibres/m3). Groundwater had extremely low levels of microplastics, and although the nanofiltration effectively removes suspended particulate matter, it slightly contaminates the filtered water with MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Negrete Velasco
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Science, Group of Environmental Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 66, Boulevard Carl-Vogt, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Alicia Ellero
- SIG, Industrial Boards of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Serge Stoll
- Department F.-A. Forel for Environmental and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Science, Group of Environmental Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 66, Boulevard Carl-Vogt, CH-1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
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31
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Upadhyay K, Bajpai S. Urban tropical freshwater ponds as microplastics hotspots-insight on abundance and characteristics using an improved sampling technique. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:73. [PMID: 38129741 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12188-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This study elucidates the distribution and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in 20 tropical freshwater ponds, located in the urban settlement of Raipur city in state of Chhattisgarh, India. The ponds were divided into 4 groups based on the habitat types to understand the influence of land use patterns and human activity on the distribution of MPs. Here, we provide an improved sampling technique that is economical, traditional, indigenous, independent of vessels or structures, and replicable for smaller waterbodies. The efficiency of the proposed method is closer to the traditional boat-based net sampling technique. MPs are ubiquitous in surface water samples of all 20 ponds. The average abundance of MPs was 2.52 ± 1.28 particles/L for bucket samples and 2.93 ± 1.34 particles/L for net samples. Among extracted MPs, fragments, films, and foams were dominant. MPs within size class 1 mm to 500 μm were prevailing for both bucket samples and tube-net samples. Color-wise, white/transparent and black MPs were abundant in both types of samples while the majority of MPs were polyethylene and polystyrene. The tube-net sampling method is economical and replicable and provides comparable results. This can help study MPs distribution in smaller inland waterbodies where boats and structures are not readily available to conduct net sampling. We provide the first insight into the distribution of MPs in urban ponds, and the results can be used to determine the ubiquity of MPs in urban ponds located in different regions of the subcontinent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshitij Upadhyay
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India.
| | - Samir Bajpai
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India
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Rodrigues S, Espincho F, Elliott M, Almeida C, Ramos S. Methodology optimization to quantify microplastic presence in planktonic copepods, chaetognaths and fish larvae. MethodsX 2023; 11:102466. [PMID: 37954969 PMCID: PMC10632946 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Two of the groups most impacted by microplastics (MPs) are zooplankton and fish larvae, either through MPs ingestion or absorption. Although there has been an increase of studies focusing on MPs ingestion by these organisms, there is still no standardized methodology for the quantification of MPs present in plankton. For example, some reagents normally used to digest plankton and recover MPs appear adversely to affect some plastic characteristics. This can potentially lead to underestimating the amount and types of MPs present in the organisms analyzed. Hence, this work aimed to optimize a methodology to quantify MPs present in plankton, namely zooplankton and fish larvae, and ensuring MPs integrity. Hence, the planktonic organism tissues were digested using 30% (v/v) H2O2 solution at different temperatures and incubation periods while preserving the integrity and polymer characteristics of 13 types of MPs. MPs' characteristics were register before and after the tests, by visual inspection and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, to evaluate the integrity and features of MPs. With this methodology, MPs recovery was above 85% for all types of plastic tested. The proposed methodology is a rapid protocol, with a maximum of 7 h of incubation, that ensures simultaneously the full digestion of the organism tissues and the complete preservation of all the plastic characteristics, namely color, size and polymer type.•A methodology was optimized to quantify microplastics present in zooplankton (copepods, chaetognaths and fish larvae).•Thirteen types of microplastics (fibers and fragments of different polymers) were used to test the efficiency of the methodology ensuring the maintenance of the integrity of plastics.•With this methodology, microplastic recovery was above 85% for all the types of microplastic tested and no changes in their characteristics were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.M. Rodrigues
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, Matosinhos 4450-208, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira no 228, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - F. Espincho
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, Matosinhos 4450-208, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira no 228, Porto 4050-313, Portugal
| | - M. Elliott
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
- International Estuarine & Coastal Specialists (IECS) Ltd., Leven, UK
| | - C. Marisa R. Almeida
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, Matosinhos 4450-208, Portugal
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 687, Porto 4169-007, Portugal
| | - S. Ramos
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, Matosinhos 4450-208, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, Porto 4169– 007, Portugal
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Franco AA, Iglesias-Arroyo D, Egea-Corbacho Á, Martín-García AP, Quiroga JM, Coello MD. Influence of tourism on microplastic contamination at wastewater treatment plants in the coastal municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:165573. [PMID: 37459988 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The tourism is one of the most important sources of the economy in the Bay of Cadiz. Specifically, the municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera, with a population lower than 90,000 citizens, located in the southeast of Spain. During the summer season the population duplicates leading to an increment in flow at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). These facilities have been reported as a source of microplastics (MPs) into marine ecosystems, therefore the aim of the present study is to investigate if the tourism affects the presence, discharge and in the receiving environment. Samples were taken at the influent and effluent of the municipal WWTPs (one located at the urban area and other located at resort area) during 2021 (including low and high season). MPs were collected and extracted from wastewater matrixes following the method recommended by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and UTS treatment to reduce organic matter and cellulose, respectively. The analysis of the samples was performed according to their abundance, shape, size, and type of polymer, along with the removal rates of MPs at WWTPs. The results showed heterogeneous MPs abundance ranging from 1246.4 to 345.7 MPs/L and 72.9 to 4.2, in the influent and effluent, respectively, increasing the presence of MPs at resort WWTP during high season. Fibers were the predominant shape within all the samples. A total of 17 polymers were identified, by ATR-FTIR, where Acrylates, PE and PA were the largest polymers found. Despite the high MPs retention performance of the WWTPs analyzed (84.1-99.3 %), a combined contribution of approximately 1.4 × 107-5.9 × 108 MPs/d to the aquatic environment was estimated. Finally, these results indicate that the increase of MPs in the wastewater at WWTP-B was related with the population increase as a consequence of summer tourism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Amelia Franco
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, INMAR-Marine Research Institute, CEIMAR International Campus of Excellence of the Sea, University of Cadiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Diana Iglesias-Arroyo
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, INMAR-Marine Research Institute, CEIMAR International Campus of Excellence of the Sea, University of Cadiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Ágata Egea-Corbacho
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, INMAR-Marine Research Institute, CEIMAR International Campus of Excellence of the Sea, University of Cadiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Cadiz, Spain; Materials and Sustainability Group, Department of Engineering, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Avda. de las Universidades s/n, 41704 Dos Hermanas, Seville, Spain.
| | - Ana Pilar Martín-García
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, INMAR-Marine Research Institute, CEIMAR International Campus of Excellence of the Sea, University of Cadiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Cadiz, Spain
| | - José María Quiroga
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, INMAR-Marine Research Institute, CEIMAR International Campus of Excellence of the Sea, University of Cadiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Maria Dolores Coello
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, INMAR-Marine Research Institute, CEIMAR International Campus of Excellence of the Sea, University of Cadiz, Campus Universitario de Puerto Real, 11510 Cadiz, Spain
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Sol D, Solís-Balbín C, Laca A, Laca A, Díaz M. A standard analytical approach and establishing criteria for microplastic concentrations in wastewater, drinking water and tap water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165356. [PMID: 37422236 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) in natural water bodies reflects the global issue regarding these micropollutants. The main problem of MPs lies on the difficulty of removing these particles from water during wastewater and drinking water treatments. The release of MPs to the environment in treated wastewater contributed to the dispersion of these micropollutants, which enhances the harmful effect of MPs on fauna and flora. In addition, their presence in tap water entails a potential risk to human health since MPs can be directly consumed. The first step is being able to quantify and characterise these microparticles accurately. In this work, a comprehensive analysis on the presence of MPs in wastewater, drinking water and tap water has been conducted with emphasis on sampling methods, pre-treatment, MP size and analytical methods. Based on literature data, a standard experimental procedure has been proposed with the objective of recommending a methodology that allows the homogenisation of MP analysis in water samples. Finally, reported MP concentrations for influents and effluents of drinking and wastewater treatment plants and tap water have been analysed, in terms of abundance, ranges and average values, and a tentative classification of different waters based on their MP concentrations is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sol
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carmen Solís-Balbín
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Amanda Laca
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Adriana Laca
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mario Díaz
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Oviedo, C/ Julián Clavería s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
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Azeem I, Shakoor N, Chaudhary S, Adeel M, Zain M, Ahmad MA, Li Y, Zhu G, Shah SAA, Khan K, Khan AA, Xu M, Rui Y. Analytical challenges in detecting microplastics and nanoplastics in soil-plant systems. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 204:108132. [PMID: 37918078 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPx) and nanoplastics (NPx) are increasingly accumulating in terrestrial ecosystems, heightening concerns about their potential adverse effects on human health via the food chain. Techniques aimed at recovering the most challenging colloidal fractions of MPx and NPx, especially for analytical purposes, are limited. This systematic review emphasises the absence of a universal, efficient, and cost-effective analytical method as the primary hindrance to studying MPx and NPx in soil and plant samples. The study reveals that several methods, including density separation, organic matter removal, and filtration, are utilized to detect MPx or NPx in soil through vibrational spectroscopy and visual identification. Instruments such as Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GCMS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy are employed to identify MPx and NPx in plant tissue. In extraction procedures, organic solvents and sonication are used to isolate NPx from plant tissues, while Pyrolysis GC-MS quantifies the plastics. SEM and TEM serve to observe and characterize NPx within plant tissues. Additionally, FTIR and fluorescence microscopy are utilized to identify polymers of MPx and NPx based on their spectral characteristics and fluorescence signals. The findings from this review clarify the identification and quantification methods for MPx and NPx in soil and plant systems and provide a comprehensive methodology for assessing MPx/NPx in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Azeem
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Noman Shakoor
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Sadaf Chaudhary
- Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adeel
- BNU-HKUST Laboratory of Green Innovation, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, 18 Jinfeng Road, Tangjiawan, Zhuhai, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Muhammad Zain
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, College of Agriculture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, PR China
| | - Muhammad Arslan Ahmad
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China
| | - Yuanbo Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Guikai Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Syed Aizaz Ali Shah
- College of Horticulture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Kashif Khan
- College of Harbin, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Adnan Anwar Khan
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Botany, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Yukui Rui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Farmland Soil Pollution Prevention and Remediation and College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
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Bertoldi C, Lara LZ, Fernandes AN. Revealing microplastic dynamics: the impact of precipitation and depth in urban river ecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:111231-111243. [PMID: 37807031 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30241-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Research on microplastics in Latin America is limited compared to a global perspective. Brazil plays a significant role in this context, as it possesses 12% of the world's freshwater reserves, constituting 53% of South America's water resources. There has been growing concern regarding the plastic pollution of the country's freshwater systems in recent years. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of plastic pollution on the Guaíba River, a significant watercourse in the southern region of Brazil that is subjected to high anthropogenic pressure. Additionally, we examined correlations between the presence of microplastics and key factors influencing their distribution in the river. Thus, freshwater was collected in seven sampling campaigns from 2019 to 2020, totaling 66 samples. The microplastics were quantified and characterized according to their color, shape, and polymeric composition. The concentration of microplastics varied between 2.9 and 53.8 items m-3, and the distribution and transport were positively influenced by the population density, precipitations, and depth of each sampling point. White-transparent color category (51%) and fragment shape (89%) were predominant among the found particles. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) represented 37% and 57% of the analyzed particles. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) analysis indicated that similar contamination sources, such as domestic sewage, could influence three out of ten sampled points. Several microplastics presented the formation of cracks, with sizes smaller than 10 μm on their surface, which might indicate an erosion process, resulting in the formation of nanoplastics. The color fading observed in microplastics suggests that the particles were subjected to environmental stressors, leading to the leaching or degradation of the dye on the plastic. The results confirmed the ubiquity of microplastics in Guaíba River, highlighting the importance of improving the regulations on plastic waste disposal in the country to prevent the contamination of freshwater bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crislaine Bertoldi
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS, 950091501-970, Brazil.
| | - Larissa Z Lara
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS, 950091501-970, Brazil
| | - Andreia N Fernandes
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS, 950091501-970, Brazil
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37
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Carlotti F, Gérigny O, Bienvenu D, Ravel C, Fierro-González P, Guilloux L, Makhlouf N, Onrubia JT, Pagano M. Microplastics in the maximum chlorophyll layer along a north-south transect in the Mediterranean Sea in comparison with zooplankton concentrations. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115614. [PMID: 37837786 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize and quantify microplastics (MPs) at the chlorophyll maximum layer (CML), around 30 to 60 m depth, during a cruise dedicated to the study of contaminants in plankton, the MERITE-HIPPOCAMPE project, along a north-south transect in the western Mediterranean Sea (Tedetti et al., 2023). Plankton were collected by horizontal net tows in this layer using a multinet Hydrobios Midi equipped with 60 μm mesh-size nets. The collected plankton were fractionated through a sieve column for various later contaminant measurements and for zooplankton analysis (Fierro-González et al., 2023). For all stations, samples were also fully examined for microplastics (MPs) for fractions >300 μm. MPs were found at all stations in the CML layer (mean: 42.9 ± 45.4 MPs m-3), of which 96 ± 4 % were fibers. The ratios of mesozooplankton/MPs and detritus/MPs in this CML were respectively 223 ± 315 and 2544 ± 2268. These data are analyzed together with MPs concentrations from sea- surface sampled with a 300 μm net-size Manta net at the same stations. Overall, our observations highlight the very high density of fibers at the CML, mainly associated with aggregates, raising the hypothesis of their interactions with marine snow. Therefore, the importance of marine snow and vertical layering will have to be considered in future MP distribution modelling efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Carlotti
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France.
| | - Olivia Gérigny
- Ifremer, Unité Littoral, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence Azur Corse, Zone portuaire de Brégaillon, CS 20330, 83507 La Seyne-sur-Mer Cedex, France
| | - Dorian Bienvenu
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Ravel
- Ifremer, Unité Littoral, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence Azur Corse, Zone portuaire de Brégaillon, CS 20330, 83507 La Seyne-sur-Mer Cedex, France
| | - Pamela Fierro-González
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Loïc Guilloux
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Nouha Makhlouf
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France; Université de Carthage, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Bizerte, Tunisia; Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement, Biologie et Physiologie des Organismes Aquatiques, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Javier Tesán Onrubia
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Marc Pagano
- Aix Marseille Univ, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, MIO UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
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Gupta S, Kumar R, Rajput A, Gorka R, Gupta A, Bhasin N, Yadav S, Verma A, Ram K, Bhagat M. Atmospheric Microplastics: Perspectives on Origin, Abundances, Ecological and Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:107435-107464. [PMID: 37452254 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28422-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has aroused a tremendous amount of public and scientific interest worldwide. MPs are found widely ranging from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems primarily due to the over-exploitation of plastic products and unscientific disposal of plastic waste. There is a large availability of scientific literature on MP pollution in the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, especially the marine environments; however, only recently has greater scientific attention been focused on the presence of MPs in the air and its retrospective health implications. Besides, atmospheric transport has been reported to be an important pathway of transport of MPs to the pristine regions of the world. From a health perspective, existing studies suggest that airborne MPs are priority pollutant vectors, that may penetrate deep into the body through inhalation leading to adverse health impacts such as neurotoxicity, cancer, respiratory problems, cytotoxicity, and many more. However, their effects on indoor and outdoor air quality, and on human health are not yet clearly understood due to the lack of enough research studies on that and the non-availability of established scientific protocols for their characterization. This scientific review entails important information concerning the abundance of atmospheric MPs worldwide within the existing literature. A thorough comparison of existing sampling and analytical protocols has been presented. Besides, this review has unveiled the areas of scientific concern especially air quality monitoring which requires immediate attention, with the information gaps to be filled have been addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivali Gupta
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006.
| | - Akanksha Rajput
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006
| | - Ruby Gorka
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006
| | - Antima Gupta
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006
| | - Nazuk Bhasin
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006
- IESD, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, 221005
| | - Sudesh Yadav
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, 110067
| | - Anju Verma
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, 110067
| | - Kirpa Ram
- IESD, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, 221005
| | - Madulika Bhagat
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Jammu (J&K), Jammu, India, 180006
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da Costa ID, Costa LL, Zalmon IR. Microplastics in water from the confluence of tropical rivers: Overall review and a case study in Paraiba do Sul River basin. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139493. [PMID: 37451634 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are known for carrying out a fundamental role in the transportation of human debris from continental areas to the marine environment and have been identified as hotspots for plastic pollution. We characterized microplastics (MPs) along confluence areas in the Paraíba do Sul River basin, the biggest river in southeastern Brazil. This water body crosses highly industrialized areas, with the highest population density, and the major water demand in South America. Considering the important ecological function of this extensive watershed and the implications of MP pollution, we evaluate the spatial variation of MP concentration in the confluence areas and upstream from the confluence. Samples were taken from the superficial layer of the water column in February and June 2022, using manta net with 300 μm mesh size. A total of 19 categories and 2870 plastic particles were determined. The confluences areas of rivers showed the highest concentration of MPs, highlighting the confluences of the Paraiba do Sul and Muriaé rivers (0.71 ± 0.25 MP/m3), followed by Paraíba do Sul and Dois Rios rivers (0.42 ± 0.23 MP/m3) and Paraíba do Sul and Pomba rivers (0.38 ± 0.14 MP/m3). Black fibers were the main category, followed by blue fibers and blue fragments. The MPs in the surface waters of Paraíba do Sul River is significantly influenced by the sampling points spatiality. This result corroborates other studies around the world and reinforces the argument that affluents are important sources for the introduction of MPs in larger rivers. Nevertheless, our results provide a better understanding of the different contributing factors and occurrence of MPs in river basins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor David da Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Biológicas e da Terra, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Santo Antônio de Pádua, 28470-000, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Regulação de Recursos Hídricos, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, 76900-726, Rondônia, Brazil; Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Lopes Costa
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Solar Brasil de Desenvolvimento Saúde e Pesquisa, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Ilana Rosental Zalmon
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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da Costa ID, Costa LL, Cordeiro CAMM, Zalmon IR. Ecological traits do not predict the uptake of microplastics by fishes in a Neotropical River. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:94850-94864. [PMID: 37540415 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29013-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Pollution by synthetic polymers is even more problematic to the environment when this material is fragmented into small portions, forming microplastics (MPs). We analyzed the contamination of ichthyofauna by MPs in an important river of the Atlantic Rainforest in regard to abundance, diversity of morphotypes, polymers, colors, and sizes of the synthetic particles in 20 species of fish. Fish were collected in November 2019 and in March 2020 in five sites along the Pomba River. Of the 101 fish analyzed, 49 (49%) presented MPs in at least one organ. Of the 20 species of fish collected 13 included individuals with at least one MP in their analyzed organs. The organs, trophic categories and feeding areas did not affect the general abundance of MPs types. Blue MPs were predominant, followed by the colors black, red, and white. MP fibers represented 91% of total MPs. Most MPs were between 2 and 3 mm in size. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyvinylidene chloride "Nylon" (PVDC), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were detected in the fishes. The exposure of the fish species to MPs was associated mainly with individual size and species-specific aspects, regardless of ecological traits. Considering that 55% of the fish species studied are consumed by humans, it is necessary to study the potential impact of MP ingestion on human health and to understand to what extent we may be consuming both plastic particles and contaminants that are adsorbed to MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor David da Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas, Biológicas e da Terra, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Santo Antônio de Pádua, Rio de Janeiro, 28470-000, Brazil.
- Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Regulação de Recursos Hídricos, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Ji-Paraná, Rondônia, 76900-726, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Lopes Costa
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | | | - Ilana Rosental Zalmon
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
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Thornton Hampton LM, De Frond H, Gesulga K, Kotar S, Lao W, Matuch C, Weisberg SB, Wong CS, Brander S, Christansen S, Cook CR, Du F, Ghosal S, Gray AB, Hankett J, Helm PA, Ho KT, Kefela T, Lattin G, Lusher A, Mai L, McNeish RE, Mina O, Minor EC, Primpke S, Rickabaugh K, Renick VC, Singh S, van Bavel B, Vollnhals F, Rochman CM. The influence of complex matrices on method performance in extracting and monitoring for microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 334:138875. [PMID: 37187379 PMCID: PMC10441247 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have evaluated method performance for quantifying and characterizing microplastics in clean water, but little is known about the efficacy of procedures used to extract microplastics from complex matrices. Here we provided 15 laboratories with samples representing four matrices (i.e., drinking water, fish tissue, sediment, and surface water) each spiked with a known number of microplastic particles spanning a variety of polymers, morphologies, colors, and sizes. Percent recovery (i.e., accuracy) in complex matrices was particle size dependent, with ∼60-70% recovery for particles >212 μm, but as little as 2% recovery for particles <20 μm. Extraction from sediment was most problematic, with recoveries reduced by at least one-third relative to drinking water. Though accuracy was low, the extraction procedures had no observed effect on precision or chemical identification using spectroscopy. Extraction procedures greatly increased sample processing times for all matrices with the extraction of sediment, tissue, and surface water taking approximately 16, 9, and 4 times longer than drinking water, respectively. Overall, our findings indicate that increasing accuracy and reducing sample processing times present the greatest opportunities for method improvement rather than particle identification and characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah De Frond
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Room 3055, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Kristine Gesulga
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Syd Kotar
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Wenjian Lao
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Cindy Matuch
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Stephen B Weisberg
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Charles S Wong
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Susanne Brander
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, And Conservation Sciences, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, 97365, USA
| | - Silke Christansen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramics Technology and Systems (IKTS), Äußere Nürnberger Str. 62, 91301, Forchheim, Germany; Institute for Nanotechnology and Correlative Microscopy (INAM), Äußere Nürnberger Str. 62, 91301, Forchheim, Germany
| | - Cayla R Cook
- Hazen and Sawyer, 1400 East Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ, 85282, USA; Carollo Engineers, 4600 E Washington St Ste 500, Phoenix, AZ, 85034, USA
| | - Fangni Du
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Sutapa Ghosal
- Environmental Health Laboratory, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
| | - Andrew B Gray
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jeanne Hankett
- BASF Corporation, 1609 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, MI, 48192, USA
| | - Paul A Helm
- Environmental Monitoring & Reporting Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 125 Resources Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M9P 3V6
| | - Kay T Ho
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA
| | - Timnit Kefela
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California Santa Barbara, 2400 Bren Hall, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Gwendolyn Lattin
- The Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, Long Beach, CA, 90803, USA
| | - Amy Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lei Mai
- Center for Environmental Microplastics Studies, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China
| | - Rachel E McNeish
- Department of Biology, California State University Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
| | - Odette Mina
- The Energy and Environmental Sustainability Laboratories, The Pennsylvania State University, 123 Land and Water Research Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Minor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Large Lakes Observatory, University of Minnesota Duluth, 2205 East 5th St, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade 201, D-27498, Helgoland, Germany
| | | | - Violet C Renick
- Orange County Sanitation District, 10844 Ellis Ave, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708, USA
| | - Samiksha Singh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | | | - Florian Vollnhals
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Correlative Microscopy (INAM), Äußere Nürnberger Str. 62, 91301, Forchheim, Germany
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Room 3055, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3B2, Canada
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Farooq M, Nisa FU, Manzoor Z, Tripathi S, Thulasiraman AV, Khan MI, Khan MYA, Gani KM. Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in a freshwater river in northwestern Himalayas, India - Scenario of riverbank solid waste disposal sites. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 886:164027. [PMID: 37169190 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are one of the challenging and established contaminants that have adverse implications on human health. The focus of this study was to quantify and analyze the contribution of unscientific municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal sites to the MPs in the Jhelum River and the risk associated with it. Quantitative analysis of our study showed a mean MP concentration of 1474 ± 1026 particles/m3 for the entire stretch of the river. All the sites confirmed the presence of MPs with the concentration ranging from 600 particles/m3 to 2500 particles/m3. The size distribution of MPs suggested that 34 % of the microplastics ranged between 300 μm to 75 μm while 66 % of the particles varied between 300 μm to 5 mm. The concentrations of MPs downstream of unscientific disposal sites were found to increase threefold to that of upstream. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the presence of polyethylene (PE) in the majority followed by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP). The flakes were dominant throughout the river followed by filaments, fragments, and spherules. Count based Pollution level indexing (PLI) estimated 3-14 times MP contamination in the river with respect to contamination in glacial runoffs. The risk assessment study of the MPs indicated an increase of around 10.2 % in ingestion rates of MPs due to the unscientific disposal of MSW on the banks of the freshwater body. The values of polymer hazard index (PHI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were in the extreme case of pollution (PHI>1000 and PERI>1200). This study manifests the adversities of unscientific municipal solid waste disposal for timely waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneeb Farooq
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Farhat Un Nisa
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Zahoor Manzoor
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Sachin Tripathi
- Sustainability Cluster, Department of HSE and Civil Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India
| | | | - Mohammad Imran Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Yawar Ali Khan
- Department of Hydrogeology, Faculty of Earth Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Muzamil Gani
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
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43
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Noonan MJ, Grechi N, Mills CL, de A. M. M. Ferraz M. Microplastics analytics: why we should not underestimate the importance of blank controls. MICROPLASTICS AND NANOPLASTICS 2023; 3:17. [PMID: 37533492 PMCID: PMC10390371 DOI: 10.1186/s43591-023-00065-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen considerable scientific attention devoted towards documenting the presence of microplastics (MPs) in environmental samples. Due to omnipresence of environmental microplastics, however, disentangling environmental MPs from sample contamination is a challenge. Hence, the environmental (collection site and laboratory) microplastics contamination of samples during processing is a reality that we must address, in order to generate reproducible and reliable data. Here we investigated published literature and have found that around 1/5 of studies failed to use blank controls in their experiments. Additionally, only 34% of the studies used a controlled air environment for their sample processing (laminar flow, fume hood, closed laboratory, clean room, etc.). In that regard, we have also shown that preparing samples in the fume hood, leads to more microplastics > 1 μm) contamination than preparing it in the laboratory bench and the laminar flow. Although it did not completely prevent microplastics contamination, the processing of sample inside the laminar flow is the best option to reduce sample contamination during processing. Overall, we showed that blank controls are a must in microplastics sample preparation, but it is often overlooked by researchers. Graphical Abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43591-023-00065-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Noonan
- The Irving K. Barber School of Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7 Canada
| | - Nicole Grechi
- Clinic of Ruminants, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Sonnenstr. 16, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Feodor-Lynen Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - C. Lauren Mills
- The Irving K. Barber School of Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7 Canada
| | - Marcia de A. M. M. Ferraz
- Clinic of Ruminants, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Sonnenstr. 16, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Feodor-Lynen Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Garcés-Ordóñez O, Castillo-Olaya V, Espinosa-Díaz LF, Canals M. Seasonal variation in plastic litter pollution in mangroves from two remote tropical estuaries of the Colombian Pacific. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115210. [PMID: 37385182 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Mangroves in estuaries are highly vulnerable to the impacts of plastic litter pollution, because their location at river mouths and the high capacity of mangrove trees to trap plastic items. Here, we present new results on the abundance and characteristics of plastic litter during high and low rainfall seasons in mangrove waters and sediments of the Saija and Timbiqui River estuaries in the Colombian Pacific. In both estuaries, microplastics were the most common size (50-100 %), followed by mesoplastics (13-42 %) and macroplastics (0-8 %). Total abundances of plastic litter were higher during the high rainfall season (0.17-0.53 items/m-3 in surface waters and 764-832 items/m-2 in sediments), with a moderately positive relationship between plastic abundances recorded in both environmental matrices. The most common microplastics were foams and fragments. Continuous research and monitoring are required for a better understanding and management of these ecosystems and their threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ostin Garcés-Ordóñez
- Programa Calidad Ambiental Marina, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras José Benito Vives de Andréis - INVEMAR, calle 25 # 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia; GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Red de Vigilancia para la Conservación y Protección de las aguas marinas y costeras de Colombia-REDCAM, Santa Marta, Colombia.
| | - Victoria Castillo-Olaya
- Programa Calidad Ambiental Marina, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras José Benito Vives de Andréis - INVEMAR, calle 25 # 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Luisa F Espinosa-Díaz
- Programa Calidad Ambiental Marina, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras José Benito Vives de Andréis - INVEMAR, calle 25 # 2-55 Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia; Red de Vigilancia para la Conservación y Protección de las aguas marinas y costeras de Colombia-REDCAM, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Miquel Canals
- GRC Geociències Marines, Departament de Dinàmica de la Terra i de l'Oceà, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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45
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Munno K, Lusher AL, Minor EC, Gray A, Ho K, Hankett J, T Lee CF, Primpke S, McNeish RE, Wong CS, Rochman C. Patterns of microparticles in blank samples: A study to inform best practices for microplastic analysis. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 333:138883. [PMID: 37169088 PMCID: PMC11181520 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) techniques are critical to analytical chemistry, and thus the analysis of microplastics. Procedural blanks are a key component of QA/QC for quantifying and characterizing background contamination. Although procedural blanks are becoming increasingly common in microplastics research, how researchers acquire a blank and report and/or use blank contamination data varies. Here, we use the results of laboratory procedural blanks from a method evaluation study to inform QA/QC procedures for microplastics quantification and characterization. Suspected microplastic contamination in the procedural blanks, collected by 12 participating laboratories, had between 7 and 511 particles, with a mean of 80 particles per sample (±SD 134). The most common color and morphology reported were black fibers, and the most common size fraction reported was 20-212 μm. The lack of even smaller particles is likely due to limits of detection versus lack of contamination, as very few labs reported particles <20 μm. Participating labs used a range of QA/QC techniques, including air filtration, filtered water, and working in contained/'enclosed' environments. Our analyses showed that these procedures did not significantly affect blank contamination. To inform blank subtraction, several subtraction methods were tested. No clear pattern based on total recovery was observed. Despite our results, we recommend commonly accepted procedures such as thorough training and cleaning procedures, air filtration, filtered water (e.g., MilliQ, deionized or reverse osmosis), non-synthetic clothing policies and 'enclosed' air flow systems (e.g., clean cabinet). We also recommend blank subtracting by a combination of particle characteristics (color, morphology and size fraction), as it likely provides final microplastic particle characteristics that are most representative of the sample. Further work should be done to assess other QA/QC parameters, such as the use of other types of blanks (e.g., field blanks, matrix blanks) and limits of detection and quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keenan Munno
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Amy L Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Oslo, Norway; University of Bergen, Department of Biological Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Elizabeth C Minor
- Large Lakes Observatory and Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Andrew Gray
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Kay Ho
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA
| | - Jeanne Hankett
- BASF Corporation, 1609 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, MI, 48192, USA
| | - Chih-Fen T Lee
- Water Quality Laboratory, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, La Verne, CA, 91750, United States
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade 201, 27498, Helgoland, Germany
| | - Rachel E McNeish
- Department of Biology, California State University, 9001 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA, 93311, USA
| | - Charles S Wong
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, 3535 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA, 92656, USA
| | - Chelsea Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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46
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Rani M, Ducoli S, Depero LE, Prica M, Tubić A, Ademovic Z, Morrison L, Federici S. A Complete Guide to Extraction Methods of Microplastics from Complex Environmental Matrices. Molecules 2023; 28:5710. [PMID: 37570680 PMCID: PMC10420958 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustainable development is a big global challenge for the 21st century. In recent years, a class of emerging contaminants known as microplastics (MPs) has been identified as a significant pollutant with the potential to harm ecosystems. These small plastic particles have been found in every compartment of the planet, with aquatic habitats serving as the ultimate sink. The challenge to extract MPs from different environmental matrices is a tangible and imperative issue. One of the primary specialties of research in environmental chemistry is the development of simple, rapid, low-cost, sensitive, and selective analytical methods for the extraction and identification of MPs in the environment. The present review describes the developments in MP extraction methods from complex environmental matrices. All existing methodologies (new, old, and proof-of-concept) are discussed and evaluated for their potential usefulness to extract MPs from various biotic and abiotic matrices for the sake of progress and innovation. This study concludes by addressing the current challenges and outlining future research objectives aimed at combating MP pollution. Additionally, a set of recommendations is provided to assist researchers in selecting appropriate analytical techniques for obtaining accurate results. To facilitate this process, a proposed roadmap for MP extraction is presented, considering the specific environmental compartments under investigation. By following this roadmap, researchers can enhance their understanding of MP pollution and contribute to effective mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Rani
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Serena Ducoli
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Laura Eleonora Depero
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
| | - Miljana Prica
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandra Tubić
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Zahida Ademovic
- Faculty of Forestry, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Liam Morrison
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, University of Galway, H91TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Stefania Federici
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia and INSTM Research Unit of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy (S.D.); (L.E.D.)
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47
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Negrete Velasco A, Ramseier Gentile S, Zimmermann S, Le Coustumer P, Stoll S. Contamination and removal efficiency of microplastics and synthetic fibres in a conventional drinking water treatment plant in Geneva, Switzerland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 880:163270. [PMID: 37023809 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Although it is known that freshwater resources are contaminated with microplastics (MPs), still limited information is known about the efficiency of large drinking water treatment plants (DWTP) to remove microplastics. Moreover, reported concentrations of MPs in drinking water variates from some units to thousands of units per litre and the sampling volumes used for MPs analysis are generally heterogeneous and limited. The present study evaluates the removal of MPs and synthetic fibres in the main DWTP of Geneva, Switzerland, by considering large sampling volumes at different time intervals. Furthermore, contrary to other studies, this DWTP does not count with a clarification process before sand filtration and coagulated water is sent directly to sand filtration. In this study a distinction is made between microplastics as fragments, films, pellets, and synthetic fibres. Raw water and effluents of each filtering mass (sand and activated carbon filtration) are analysed for the presence of MPs and synthetic fibres with sizes ≥63 μm using infrared spectroscopy. Concentrations of MPs in raw water range from 25.7 to 55.6 MPs/m3 and in treated water from 0 to 4 MPs/m3, respectively. Results show that 70 % of MPs are retained during sand filtration and total removal is equal to 97 % in treated water after activated carbon filtration. Concentration of identified synthetic fibres is low (average value of 2 synthetic fibres/m3) and constant in all steps of water treatment. Chemical composition of microplastics and synthetic fibres is found more heterogeneous in raw water than after sand filtration and activated carbon filtration, indicating the persistence of some types of plastics (like polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate) in water treatment processes. Heterogeneities in MP concentrations are observed from one sampling campaign to another, indicating significant variations of MP concentrations in raw water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Negrete Velasco
- Department F.-A. Forel for environmental and aquatic sciences, University of Geneva, Faculty of Science, Uni Carl Vogt, Group of Environmental Physical Chemistry, 66, boulevard Carl-Vogt, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Philippe Le Coustumer
- EA CNRS Géoressources & Environnement, Université Bordeaux Montaigne, 1 allée F. Daguin, F-3607 Pessac, France; CNRS-INRA-Université de Bordeaux UMS 3420, Bordeaux Imaging Center, 146 rue Léo Saignat, CS 61292, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Serge Stoll
- Department F.-A. Forel for environmental and aquatic sciences, University of Geneva, Faculty of Science, Uni Carl Vogt, Group of Environmental Physical Chemistry, 66, boulevard Carl-Vogt, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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48
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Mladinich K, Holohan BA, Shumway SE, Ward JE. The relationship between microplastics in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and surrounding environmental compartments in Long Island Sound. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 189:106040. [PMID: 37321021 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP, <5 mm) are found in coastal waters across various environmental compartments (biota, water, marine snow, sediment). The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a commercially important species that ingests MP; however, oysters are discriminant suspension feeders that do not consume all particles to which they are exposed. This study explored the relationship between MP in oysters on a recreational oyster bed and the surrounding environmental compartments in Long Island Sound (LIS; USA). The quantity and types of MP in oysters, water, marine snow, and sediment samples were determined. Precautions were taken to minimize and monitor MP contamination in the field and laboratory to improve the quality of data collected. Microplastics were isolated from samples via chemical digestion, and any suspected particles were identified using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A total of 86 MP were identified out of 885 suspected particles across environmental media. The highest MP count in an individual oyster was nine, indicating low concentrations of MP in oysters and the surrounding environment. Few polymers, except polyethylene terephthalate, were shared between oysters and the surrounding environmental compartments. Sediments contained the highest number of MP across all environmental compartments (42 total). These data aid in determining the types of MP (polymer composition, shape, size) to which oysters are exposed and identified those ingested. The low numbers of MP recorded, coupled with the lack of alignment of polymers between oysters and their surrounding environment, demonstrates further that oysters are a poor bioindicator species for MP pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Mladinich
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States.
| | - Bridget A Holohan
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
| | - Sandra E Shumway
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
| | - J Evan Ward
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecosset Rd, Groton, CT, 06340, United States
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49
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Lao W, Wong CS. How to establish detection limits for environmental microplastics analysis. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 327:138456. [PMID: 36966933 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Establishing analytical detection limits is crucial. Common methods to do so are suitable only for variables with continuous distributions. Because count data for microplastic particles is a discrete variable following the Poisson distribution, currently-used approaches for estimating the detection limit in microplastics analysis are inadequate. Here we evaluate detection limits with techniques for low-level discrete observations to develop proper approaches for estimating the minimum detectable amount (MDA) in microplastic particle analysis, using blank sample data from an interlaboratory calibration exercise for clean water (representing drinking water), dirty water (ambient water), sediment (porous media) and fish tissue (biotic tissues). Two MDAs are applicable: MDAA to evaluate analytical methods, estimated with replicate blank data; and MDAB for individual sample batches, calculated with a single blank count. For illustrative purposes, this dataset's overall MDAA values were 164 counts (clean water), 88 (dirty water), 192 (sediment), and 379 (tissue). MDA values should be reported on a laboratory-specific basis and for individual size fractions, as this provides more useful information about capabilities of individual laboratories. This is due to wide variation in blank levels, as noted by MDAB values (i.e., among different laboratories) from 14 to 158 (clean water), 9 to 86 (dirty water, 9 to 186 (sediment), and 9 to 247 (tissue). MDA values for fibers were considerably greater than for non-fibers, suggesting that separate MDA values should be reported. This study provides a guideline for estimation and application of microplastics MDA for more robust data to support research activities and environmental management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjian Lao
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Charles S Wong
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA.
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50
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Malafaia G. A commentary on the paper "identification of microplastics in human placenta using laser direct infrared spectroscopy": Reflections on identification and typing of microplastics in human biological samples. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162650. [PMID: 36889410 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Malafaia
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil; Brazilian Academy of Young Scientists (ABJC), Brazil.
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