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Redondo-Hasselerharm PE, Rico A, Koelmans AA. Risk assessment of microplastics in freshwater sediments guided by strict quality criteria and data alignment methods. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 441:129814. [PMID: 36075174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Determining the risks of microplastics is difficult because data is of variable quality and cannot be compared. Although sediments are important sinks for microplastics, no holistic risk assessment framework is available for this compartment. Here we assess the risks of microplastics in freshwater sediments worldwide, using strict quality criteria and alignment methods. Published exposure data were screened for quality using new criteria for microplastics in sediment and were rescaled to the standard 1-5000 µm microplastic size range. Threshold effect data were also screened for quality and were aligned to account for the polydispersity of environmental microplastics and for their bioaccessible fraction. Risks were characterized for effects triggered by food dilution or translocation, using ingested particle volume and surface area as ecologically relevant metrics, respectively. Based on species sensitivity distributions, we determined Hazardous Concentrations for 5% of the species (HC5, with 95% CI) of 4.9 × 109 (6.6 × 107 - 1.9 × 1011) and 1.1 × 1010 (3.2 × 108 - 4.0 × 1011) particles / kg sediment dry weight, for food dilution and translocation, respectively. For all locations considered, exposure concentrations were either below or in the margin of uncertainty of the HC5 values. We conclude that risks from microplastics to benthic communities cannot be excluded at current concentrations in sediments worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula E Redondo-Hasselerharm
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com, 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Avenida Punto Com, 2, 28805, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, C/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Albert A Koelmans
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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52
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Wang X, Zhang Q, Zhang T, Shao S, Wang Q, Dong Z, Zhao J. Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and digestive enzyme activities in Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to nanoplastics under different patterns of hypoxia. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 183:105849. [PMID: 36565507 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the marine environment, plastic pollution may occur simultaneously with hypoxia. However, current ecological risk assessments of nanoplastics have rarely considered the impact of additional environmental factors, such as hypoxia. In this study, we investigated the effect of polystyrene nanospheres (PS-NPs) on the digestive performance (antioxidant system and digestive enzymes) of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis under different patterns of hypoxia (normoxia, constant hypoxia, and fluctuating hypoxia). The result showed that PS-NPs caused oxidative damage in the digestive glands of mussels, while all patterns of hypoxia exacerbated this oxidative damage. Activities of four digestive enzymes (α-amylase, cellulase, trypsin, and lipase) were examined. Among these, the activity of the α-amylase was inhibited by PS-NPs, and the inhibition was aggravated by all the hypoxia patterns. The cellulase activity and trypsin activity was enhanced by PS-NPs, and the increase was further stimulated by hypoxia. Lipase activity was not affected by PS-NPs alone, but significant inhibition was detected after the coexposure to PS-NPs and hypoxia. Conclusively, the combined stress of hypoxia and nanoplastics can significantly affect the digestive performance of mussels and may alter the mussel nutrient uptake strategy. Our work has provided new insight into the ecological risk assessment of plastics under global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Muping Coastal Environmental Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Biological Resources Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Muping Coastal Environmental Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Biological Resources Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- Muping Coastal Environmental Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Biological Resources Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Shengyuan Shao
- Yantai Institute of China Agricultural University, Yantai, Shandong, 264670, PR China
| | - Qing Wang
- Muping Coastal Environmental Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Biological Resources Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China
| | - Zhijun Dong
- Muping Coastal Environmental Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Biological Resources Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, PR China
| | - Jianmin Zhao
- Muping Coastal Environmental Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Biological Resources Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong, 266071, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China.
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53
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Bergami E, Ferrari E, Löder MGJ, Birarda G, Laforsch C, Vaccari L, Corsi I. Textile microfibers in wild Antarctic whelk Neobuccinum eatoni (Smith, 1875) from Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114487. [PMID: 36265599 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Antarctica has been affected directly and indirectly by human pressure for more than two centuries and recently plastic pollution has been recognized as a further potential threat for its unique biodiversity. Global long-range transport as well as local input from anthropogenic activities are potential sources of plastic pollution in both terrestrial and marine Antarctic territories. The present study evaluated the presence of microplastics in specimens of the Antarctic whelk Neobuccinum eatoni, a key species in benthic communities of the Ross Sea, one of the largest marine protected areas worldwide. To this aim, a thermo-oxidative extraction method was applied for microplastic isolation and quantification, and polymer identification was performed by manual μ-FTIR spectroscopy. Textile (semi-)synthetic or composite microfibers (length range: 0.8-5.7 mm) were found in 27.3% of whelk specimens, suggesting a low risk of bioaccumulation along Antarctic benthic food webs in the Ross Sea. Their polymer composition (of polyethylene terephthalate and cellulose-polyamide composites) matched those of outdoor technical clothing in use by the personnel of the Italian "Mario Zucchelli" station near Terra Nova Bay in the Ross Sea. Such findings indicate that sewage from base stations may act as potential local sources of textile microplastic fibers in this remote environment. More in-depth monitoring studies aiming at defining the extent of microplastic contamination related to such sources in Antarctica are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bergami
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/D, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - E Ferrari
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - M G J Löder
- Department of Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - G Birarda
- SISSI-Chemical and Life Science Branch, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5, 34149, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - C Laforsch
- Department of Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - L Vaccari
- SISSI-Chemical and Life Science Branch, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5, 34149, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - I Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
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54
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Doyle D, Sundh H, Almroth BC. Microplastic exposure in aquatic invertebrates can cause significant negative effects compared to natural particles - A meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120434. [PMID: 36273689 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have now reported adverse effects of exposure to microplastics in aquatic organisms. Still, relatively few studies have compared the effects of MPs with those of natural particle controls, which makes it difficult to separate particle effects from chemical effects. In this study, we carry out a meta-analysis of 26 studies to compare the effects of MPs and natural particles on aquatic animals using three different endpoints - growth, reproduction, and mortality. This analysis showed that MPs have the capacity to induce more adverse effects on growth, reproduction, and mortality for some taxonomic groups. However, the effects of exposure to MPs are not consistent across each endpoint or between taxonomic groups. We were not able to clearly discern differing impacts resulting from exposure to specific polymer types or shapes, though more negative effects were associated with polylactic acid and polyethylene, as well as fragments as opposed to beads or fibres. Additionally, meta-regression indicated that larger MP sizes, higher experimental temperatures, and longer exposure periods were all generally associated with more adverse effects. Future studies should continue to make use of negative particle controls to allow for better risk assessment of microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darragh Doyle
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Medicinaregatan 18A, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Henrik Sundh
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Medicinaregatan 18A, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bethanie Carney Almroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Medicinaregatan 18A, Gothenburg, Sweden
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55
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Garrard SL, Spicer JI, Thompson RC. Tyre particle exposure affects the health of two key estuarine invertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120244. [PMID: 36152711 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tyre wear particles may be the largest source of microplastic to the natural environment, yet information on their biological impacts is inadequate. Two key estuarine invertebrates; the clam Scrobicularia plana and the ragworm Hediste diversicolor were exposed to 10% tyre particles in sediment for three days. Both species consumed the particles, although S. plana consumed 25x more than H. diversicolor (967 compared with 35 particles.g-1 wet weight, respectively). We then investigated the impact of 21 days exposure to different concentrations of tyre particles in estuarine sediments (0.2, 1, and 5% dry weight sediment) on aspects of the health of S. plana and H. diversicolor. Reductions in feeding and burial rates were observed for S. plana but not H. diversicolor, whilst both species showed a decrease in protein content in response to the greatest tyre particle concentration (5%), linked to an 18% decrease in energy reserves for H. diversicolor. Five percent tyre particle exposure led to an increase in total glutathione in the tissues of H. diversicolor, whilst lipid peroxidation decreased in the digestive glands of S. plana, possibly due to an increase in cell turnover. This study found that S. plana's health was impacted at lower concentrations than H. diversicolor, likely due to its consumption of large quantities of sediment. At the high exposure concentration (5%), the health of both invertebrates was impacted. This study did not separate the effects caused by the microplastic particles versus the effects of the chemical additives leaching from these particles, but our results do indicate that future studies should investigate effects in isolation and in combination, to determine the main drivers of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Garrard
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological & Marine Science University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK; Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK.
| | - J I Spicer
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological & Marine Science University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - R C Thompson
- Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological & Marine Science University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
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56
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Valentine K, Cross R, Cox R, Woodmancy G, Boxall ABA. Caddisfly Larvae are a Driver of Plastic Litter Breakdown and Microplastic Formation in Freshwater Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:3058-3069. [PMID: 36200670 PMCID: PMC9827824 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litter is now pervasive in the aquatic environment. Several marine and terrestrial organisms can fragment plastic with their feeding appendages, facilitating its breakdown and generating microplastics. However, similar studies with freshwater organisms are extremely limited. We explored the interactions between the caddisfly larvae Agrypnia sp. and polylactic acid (PLA) film. The use of plastic by larvae to build their protective cases was investigated, along with their ability to fragment the plastic film as they do with leaf litter. Caddisfly consistently incorporated PLA into their cases alongside leaf material. They also used their feeding appendages to rapidly fragment PLA-forming hundreds of submillimeter-sized microplastics. Although larvae showed a preference for leaf material when constructing cases, plastic use and fragmentation still occurred when leaf material was replete, indicating that this behavior is likely to occur in natural environments that are polluted with plastics. This is thought to be the first documented evidence of active plastic modification by a freshwater invertebrate and therefore reveals a previously unidentified mechanism of plastic fragmentation and microplastic formation in freshwater. Further work is now needed to determine the extent of this behavior across freshwater taxa and the potential implications for the wider ecosystem. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:3058-3069. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katey Valentine
- Department of Environment and GeographyUniversity of YorkHeslingtonUK
| | | | - Ruairidh Cox
- UK Centre for Ecology and HydrologyWallingfordUK
| | - Gina Woodmancy
- Department of Environment and GeographyUniversity of YorkHeslingtonUK
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57
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Silva SAM, Rodrigues ACM, Rocha-Santos T, Silva ALP, Gravato C. Effects of Polyurethane Small-Sized Microplastics in the Chironomid, Chironomus riparius: Responses at Organismal and Sub-Organismal Levels. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192315610. [PMID: 36497682 PMCID: PMC9741373 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater provides valuable services and functions to humankind. However, macroinvertebrates that underpin the delivery of many of those ecosystem services and functions are under an additional threat caused by microplastic pollution. Chironomids are one of the most abundant groups of macroinvertebrates in these environments and the most sensitive to microplastics. This investigation addressed the effects of polyurethane (PU-MPs; 7.0-9.0 µm) on the chironomid Chironomus riparius at the organism and sub-organism levels. For this purpose, two assays were carried out: (i) addressing the effects of PU-MPs on C. riparius partial life cycle traits (larval size and emergence parameters) in a 28 d assay considering concentrations up to 750 mg/Kg, and (ii) larvae behaviour (locomotion) as well as the biochemical responses (oxidative damage, aerobic energy production, and energy reserves) in a 10 d assay considering an environmentally relevant concentration with no observed effects on C. riparius previous life history traits (no observed effect concentration; NOEC = (375 mg/kg). Exposure to PU-MPs did not affect C. riparius larval length nor cumulative and time to emergence. Conversely, when exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration for 10 days, contaminated larvae were revealed to be lighter (but not smaller nor less nutritionally affected in terms of energy reserves) and more active when foraging, which was reflected in the activation of their aerobic metabolism when assessing the electron transport chain as a proxy. Notwithstanding, PU-MPs did not originate observable energy costs, either on protein, lipid, or sugar contents on contaminated larvae, which may justify the absence of effects on larval growth and emergence. Therefore, the increased production of energy used for the locomotion and functioning of larvae was at the expense of the fraction of energy that should have been allocated for the weight of the individuals. A long-term exposure involving a multigenerational assessment would bring intel on the potential (cumulative) sub-lethal effects of PU-MPs on C. riparius fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A. M. Silva
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Andreia C. M. Rodrigues
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L. Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Carlos Gravato
- Faculty of Sciences, CESAM, University of Lisbon, Campos Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
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58
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Lu HC, Ziajahromi S, Locke A, Neale PA, Leusch FDL. Microplastics profile in constructed wetlands: Distribution, retention and implications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 313:120079. [PMID: 36064057 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater and stormwater are both considered as critical pathways contributing microplastics (MPs) to the aquatic environment. However, there is little information in the literature about the potential influence of constructed wetlands (CWs), a commonly used wastewater and stormwater treatment system. This study was conducted to investigate the abundance and distribution of MPs in water and sediment at five CWs with different influent sources, namely stormwater and wastewater. The MP abundance in the water samples ranged between 0.4 ± 0.3 and 3.8 ± 2.3 MP/L at the inlet and from 0.1 ± 0.0 to 1.3 ± 1.0 MP/L at the outlet. In the sediment, abundance of MPs was generally higher at the inlet, ranging from 736 ± 335 to 3480 ± 4330 MP/kg dry sediment and decreased to between 19.0 ± 16.4 and 1060 ± 326 MP/kg dry sediment at the outlet. Although no significant differences were observed in sediment cores at different depth across the five CWs, more MPs were recorded in silt compared to sandy sediment which indicated sediment grain size could be an environmental factor contributing to the distribution of MPs. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibres were the dominant polymer type found in the water samples while polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) fragments were predominantly recorded in the sediment. While the size of MPs in water varied across the studied CWs, between 51% and 64% of MPs in the sediment were smaller than 300 μm, which raises concerns about the bioavailability of MPs to a wider range of wetland biota and their potential ecotoxicological effects. This study shows that CWs can not only retain MPs in the treated water, but also become sinks accumulating MPs over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Cheng Lu
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia.
| | - Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia
| | - Ashley Locke
- Central Analytical Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane Qld, 4000, Australia
| | - Peta A Neale
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld, 4222, Australia
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59
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Samadi A, Kim Y, Lee S, Kim YJ, Esterhuizen M. Review on the ecotoxicological impacts of plastic pollution on the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:2615-2638. [PMID: 35907204 PMCID: PMC9796382 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The environmental impacts of plastic pollution have recently attracted universal attention, especially in the aquatic environment. However, research has mostly been focused on marine ecosystems, even though freshwater ecosystems are equally if not more polluted by plastics. In addition, the mechanism and extent to which plastic pollution affects aquatic biota and the rates of transfer to organisms through food webs eventually reaching humans are poorly understood, especially considering leaching hazardous chemicals. Several studies have demonstrated extreme toxicity in freshwater organisms such Daphnia. When such keystone species are affected by ambient pollution, entire food webs are destabilized and biodiversity is threatened. The unremitting increase in plastic contaminants in freshwater environments would cause impairments in ecosystem functions and structure, leading to various kinds of negative ecological consequences. As various studies have reported the effects on daphnids, a consolidation of this literature is critical to discuss the limitations and knowledge gaps and to evaluate the risk posed to the aquatic environment. This review was undertaken due to the evident need to evaluate this threat. The aims were to provide a meaningful overview of the literature relevant to the potential impact of plastic pollution and associated contaminants on freshwater daphnids as primary consumers. A critical evaluation of research gaps and perspectives is conducted to provide a comprehensive risk assessment of microplastic as a hazard to aquatic environments. We outlined the challenges and limitations to microplastic research in hampering better-focused investigations that could support the development of new plastic materials and/or establishment of new regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Samadi
- Environmental Safety GroupKorea Institute of Science and Technology EuropeSaarbruckenGermany
| | - Youngsam Kim
- Environmental Safety GroupKorea Institute of Science and Technology EuropeSaarbruckenGermany
- Division of Energy & Environment TechnologyUniversity of Science & TechnologyDaejeonSouth Korea
| | - Sang‐Ah Lee
- Environmental Safety GroupKorea Institute of Science and Technology EuropeSaarbruckenGermany
| | - Young Jun Kim
- Environmental Safety GroupKorea Institute of Science and Technology EuropeSaarbruckenGermany
- Division of Energy & Environment TechnologyUniversity of Science & TechnologyDaejeonSouth Korea
| | - Maranda Esterhuizen
- Environmental Safety GroupKorea Institute of Science and Technology EuropeSaarbruckenGermany
- Ecosystems and Environment Research ProgrammeUniversity of HelsinkiLahtiFinland
- Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and ResourcesUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegManitobaCanada
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60
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Chen M, Yue Y, Bao X, Yu H, Tan Y, Tong B, Kumkhong S, Yu Y. Microplastics as Contaminants in Water Bodies and Their Threat to the Aquatic Animals: A Mini-Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2864. [PMID: 36290251 PMCID: PMC9597832 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), which are particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm, have been extensively studied due to their serious global pollution. Typically, MPs in water originate from terrestrial input. A number of studies have reported the presence of MPs as a stressor in water environments worldwide, and their potential threat to the aquatic animals, affecting the growth, oxidative stress responses, body composition, histopathology, intestinal flora, and immune and reproduction systems. During the plastic degradation process, a large variety of toxic substances are released. MPs have been proposed to be the carriers of toxic chemicals and harmful microorganisms. A study of the literature on MP pollution and stress on the aquatic animals associated with MPs was carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingshi Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Yuhua Yue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Xiaoxue Bao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Yuansheng Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
| | - Binbin Tong
- Sinopharm Group Dezhong (Foshan) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Foshan 528225, China
| | - Suksan Kumkhong
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Muban Chombueng Rajabhat University, 46 Moo 3, Chombueng, Ratchaburi 70150, Thailand
| | - Yingying Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, China
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61
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Lee SY, An J, Kim J, Kwon JH. Enhanced settling of microplastics after biofilm development: A laboratory column study mimicking wastewater clarifiers. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:119909. [PMID: 35970352 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The settling of microplastics (MPs) is crucial for their removal from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and sedimentation in static waterbodies, where they can accumulate in bottom sediments. Biofilm formation on MPs enhances their aggregation with other particles, thereby changing their density and size and altering their settling rates. However, only a few studies have investigated the settling of MPs of different sizes and materials. Specifically, the settling of small-sized MPs (<150 μm) has been poorly documented. In this study, cylindrical and fragmented particles of four polymer types (high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)) were used to investigate the settling or floating of reference MPs (20-130 μm) in a custom-made column that simulated a primary sedimentation tank in a typical WWTP before and after incubation in wastewater influent. The settling velocity of the reference MP particles was strongly influenced by the particle size and density. The settled fractions of all the cylindrical reference MPs increased significantly (up to 5 times) due to biofilm formation at overflow velocities of 0.15, 0.26, and 0.40 mm s-1. This was observed even for HDPE and PP (density <1 g cm-3) after biofilm formation. The fragmented reference MPs showed complex and rather unpredictable behavior, possibly due to their irregular shape. Generally, the settling of pristine PS and PET in the laboratory tests was consistent with the theoretical predictions obtained using Stokes' law. The experimental findings of this study can be used to develop models that predict the removal efficiencies of MPs in WWTPs and to estimate the sinking of MPs to bottom sediments of static waterbodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Young Lee
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyul An
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoo Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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62
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Sun J, Peng Z, Zhu ZR, Fu W, Dai X, Ni BJ. The atmospheric microplastics deposition contributes to microplastic pollution in urban waters. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 225:119116. [PMID: 36152440 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Identifying and understanding the potential sources delivering microplastics into the urban water environment is imperative for microplastic pollution control. However, how atmospheric deposition contributes to microplastic pollution in the urban water environment is unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the contribution of atmospheric deposition to microplastic pollution in urban waters based on the analysis of the atmospheric deposition characteristics in the urban area. The results showed that microplastic deposition fluxes during wet weather and dry weather varied from 1.1 × 103±0.06×103 to 3.5 × 103±0.3 × 103 particles/m2/day and 0.91×103±0.09×103 to 1.6 × 103±0.1 × 103 particles/m2/day, respectively. The microplastics deposition flux showed moderate to strong correlations to atmospheric particulate matter concentrations, especially the PM2.5 concentration (R2 = 0.76-0.93), suggesting the regularly monitored PM2.5 concentration might be served as an indicator for microplastics deposition flux estimation. The deposited microplastics were mainly transparent fragments with an average size of 51-67 μm. Polyethylene and polypropylene were the most abundant plastic polymer, followed by polyethylene terephthalate and polyamide. The comparison of microplastics collected during different weather conditions suggested that rain events could increase microplastics deposition fluxes when air quality conditions are similar. Particularly, rains promoted the deposition of fibrous microplastics as well as smaller microplastics. The estimated daily microplastics deposition in the whole city region suggested more microplastics were deposited in summer and winter. The total quantity of microplastics deposited in the urban environment could reach 1.7-12 times of those discharged from treated wastewater. Among them, 10% would directly deposit to urban waters in the studied city region, while the others may also enter the urban waters through runoff. The results of this study highlighted that the atmospheric microplastics deposition is an important source for microplastics, especially smaller ones, to enter the urban waters, which could not be ignored during microplastics pollution control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Zitong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhuo-Ran Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Weng Fu
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Xiaohu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater (CTWW), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
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63
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Wang K, Zhu L, Rao L, Zhao L, Wang Y, Wu X, Zheng H, Liao X. Nano- and micro-polystyrene plastics disturb gut microbiota and intestinal immune system in honeybee. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 842:156819. [PMID: 35738383 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Micro- (MPs) and nano-plastics (NPs) have become emerging pollutants in the environment. Their wide distribution and capacity as a vector of hazardous materials threaten various organisms. Honeybees have been used as bioindicators for pollutants as their gut microbiota offers advantages for addressing how it alters the host health and exploring the processes of environmental pollutants affecting gut community dynamics. In this study, the effects of plastic particles of different sizes on honeybees' health were investigated. Oral exposure to polystyrene (PS) particles with a diameter of 100 nm significantly decreased the whole-body weight and survival rate of honeybees and induced intestinal dysplasia. As the increase of the feeding time from Day 0 to Day 15, the MPs moved to and accumulated in the rectum, where most bee gut symbionts colonized. Scanning electron microscope observation showed that 100-nm PS particles adhered to the germination pore of pollen, while 1- and 10-μm PS particles were attached by gut bacteria. We found that 100-nm PS treatment decreased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the guts. Correspondingly, PS treatment stimulated immune inhibitory genes and depressed genes related to detoxification and energy balance. Furthermore, 100-nm PS treated honeybees became more susceptible to the pathogenic Hafnia alvei, leading to a five-times higher mortality rate. These results indicated the adverse impacts of NPs on honeybees, which extends our knowledge regarding the emerging health risks of plastic debris, especially at the nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewen Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Lab of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Non-Thermal Processing, Beijing, China
| | - Liya Zhu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Lab of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Non-Thermal Processing, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Rao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Lab of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Non-Thermal Processing, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Lab of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Non-Thermal Processing, Beijing, China
| | - Yongtao Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Lab of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Non-Thermal Processing, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Wu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Lab of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Non-Thermal Processing, Beijing, China.
| | - Hao Zheng
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Lab of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Non-Thermal Processing, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaojun Liao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Lab of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Non-Thermal Processing, Beijing, China
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64
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Jeong S, Jang S, Kim SS, Bae MA, Shin J, Lee KB, Kim KT. Size-dependent seizurogenic effect of polystyrene microplastics in zebrafish embryos. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 439:129616. [PMID: 36104895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The effects of polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP) size on neurotoxicity remain to be evaluated at various microsizes, and the seizurogenic effects of PS-MPs are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the swimming behavior of zebrafish larvae under light-dark transitions after exposure to four PS-MP sizes (i.e., 1, 6, 10, and 25 μm) at concentrations of 500, 5,000, and 50,000 particles/mL. Changes in electroencephalographic signals, seizure-related gene expression, and neurochemical concentrations were measured. Locomotor activity was inhibited only by 10-μm PS-MPs. According to electroencephalographic signals, the number and total duration of seizure-like events significantly increased by 10-μm PS-MPs, which was confirmed by the altered expression of seizure-related genes c-fos and pvalb5. Additionally, an increase in the levels of neurochemicals choline, betaine, dopamine, 3-methoxytyramine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid indicated that the observed hypoactivity and seizure-like behavior were associated with the dysregulation of the cholinergic, dopaminergic, and GABAergic systems. Overall, these findings demonstrate that exposure to PS-MPs can potentially cause seizurogenic effects in developing zebrafish embryos, and we highlight that PS-MPs 10 µm in size dominantly affect neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soomin Jeong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Sciences and Technology, Seoul 01811, the Republic of Korea
| | - Soogyeong Jang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Sciences and Technology, Seoul 01811, the Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soon Kim
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, the Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Ae Bae
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, the Republic of Korea
| | | | - Ki-Baek Lee
- Zefit Inc., Daegu 42988, the Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Tae Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Sciences and Technology, Seoul 01811, the Republic of Korea.
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65
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Qu M, Chen H, Lai H, Liu X, Wang D, Zhang X. Exposure to nanopolystyrene and its 4 chemically modified derivatives at predicted environmental concentrations causes differently regulatory mechanisms in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 305:135498. [PMID: 35777546 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics represented by nanopolystyrene (NPS) and its chemically modified derivatives are environmentally ecotoxicological hotpots in recent years, but their toxicity and underlying mechanisms have not been fully identified. Here we employed Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model to systematically compare the toxicity between nanopolystyrene and its 4 chemically modified derivatives (PS-PEG, PS-COOH, PS-SOOOH and PS-NH2) at predicted environmental concentrations. Our study demonstrated that compared with PS exposed group, PS-NH2 exposure (15 μg/L) caused a significant decline in lifespan by suppressed DAF-16/insulin signaling and shortened body length by inhibiting DBL-1/TGF β signaling. Different from PS-NH2 exposed group, PS-SOOOH exposure (15 μg/L) could not cause changes in lifespan, but shortened body length by inhibiting DBL-1/TGF β signaling. In addition, PS-COOH, PS-SOOOH or PS-NH2 exposure (1 μg/L or 15 μg/L) caused more serious toxicity in reducing locomotion behavior and causing gut barrier deficit. Hence the rank order in toxicity of PS-NH2>PS-SOOOH>PS-COOH>PS>PS-PEG was identified. Furthermore, we also presented evidence to support the contention that the observed toxic effects on nematodes were linked to oxide stress and activation of anti-oxidative molecules for reversing the adverse effects induced by nanopolystyrene and its 4 chemically modified derivatives. Our data highlighted nanoplastics may be charge-dependently toxic to environmental organisms, and the screened low toxic modification may support polystyrene nanoparticles continued application for daily consumer goods and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Qu
- School of Nursing & School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, China.
| | - He Chen
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Hanpeng Lai
- School of Nursing & School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, China
| | - Xing Liu
- School of Nursing & School of Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225000, China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering in Ministry of Education, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Nanjing, 210009, China
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66
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Silva CJM, Machado AL, Campos D, M V M Soares A, Pestana JLT. Combined effects of polyethylene microplastics and natural stressors on Chironomus riparius life-history traits. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 213:113641. [PMID: 35716817 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have shown that ingestion of microplastics causes adverse effects in aquatic organisms, including sediment-dwelling invertebrates. Most studies focus on evaluating the effects of plastic particles alone without testing the mediating effects of different natural stressors and thus lacking realistic exposure scenarios. The present study addresses the interactive effects of exposure to polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs; 2.5 g/kg) in the midge Chironomus riparius life history traits under different temperatures (15, 20 and 25 °C), a salinity gradient (0, 1 and 3 g L-1 sodium chloride - NaCl) and different levels of food (0.5, 0.25 and 0.125 mg macerated fish food larva-1day-1). By the analyses of linear models and independent action models applied to different life-history traits, such as larval growth, development time and imagoes body weight, the present work reveals that under temperatures lower than 20 °C or severe food shortage (<0.25 mg macerated fish food larva-1day-1), microplastics' effects can be stronger than those observed at standard toxicity test conditions (20 °C and 0.5 mg food larva-1day-1). Additionally, we also found that, in general, toxicity induced by PE-MPs to C. riparius larvae was reduced under warmer temperature (25 °C) and salinity. As observed, MPs toxicity can be mediated by natural stressors, which underlines the importance of co-exposure studies. In this sense, these results contribute to a more accurate risk assessment of microplastics. Despite the complex interactions between microplastics and natural factors here tested, were not found evidence that the deleterious effects of PE-MPs on C. riparius life cycle history are aggravated under increased temperature, food shortage, or salinisation of freshwaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J M Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Machado
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Diana Campos
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João L T Pestana
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
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67
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Song X, Zhuang W, Cui H, Liu M, Gao T, Li A, Gao Z. Interactions of microplastics with organic, inorganic and bio-pollutants and the ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial and aquatic organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156068. [PMID: 35598660 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As emerging contaminants, microplastics (MPs) have attracted global attention. They are a potential risk to organisms, ecosystems and human health. MPs are characterized by small particle sizes, weak photodegradability, and are good environmental carriers. They can physically adsorb or chemically react with organic, inorganic and bio-pollutants to generate complex binary pollutants or change the environmental behaviors of these pollutants. We systematically reviewed the following aspects of MPs: (i) Adsorption of heavy metals and organic pollutants by MPs and the key environmental factors affecting adsorption behaviors; (ii) Enrichment and release of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) on MPs and the effects of MPs on ARG migration in the environment; (iii) Formation of "plastisphere" and interactions between MPs and microorganisms; (iv) Ecotoxicological effects of MPs and their co-exposures with other pollutants. Finally, scientific knowledge gaps and future research areas on MPs are summarized, including standardization of study methodologies, ecological effects and human health risks of MPs and their combination with other pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocheng Song
- Institute of Eco-environmental Forensics, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Wen Zhuang
- Institute of Eco-environmental Forensics, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; Qingdao Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.
| | - Huizhen Cui
- Public (Innovation) Center of Experimental Teaching, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Min Liu
- Institute of Eco-environmental Forensics, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Teng Gao
- Institute of Eco-environmental Forensics, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; Qingdao Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Ao Li
- Institute of Eco-environmental Forensics, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; Qingdao Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Zhenhui Gao
- Institute of Eco-environmental Forensics, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; Qingdao Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
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68
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Venâncio C, Gabriel A, Oliveira M, Lopes I. Feeding exposure and feeding behaviour as relevant approaches in the assessment of the effects of micro(nano)plastics to early life stages of amphibians. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113476. [PMID: 35613634 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The sedimentation of micro and nanosized plastics is of considerable environmental relevance and the need to assess its sublethal effects to biota increasingly recognized. In their majority, as bottom, non-selective grazers, independent-feeding young life stages of amphibians, an already severely endangered worldwide group, may be particularly vulnerable to sedimented plastics. Alongside, they may be good model organisms for the assessment of the effects of micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) through ingestion. However, to our knowledge, few studies have assessed amphibians' exposure to MNPs through contaminated food or its effects in feeding behaviour assays. The available studies reveal a lack of consistent methodology: organisms, food type, media of exposure, or exposure conditions (temperature and light) in the assessment of effects. This perspective article, will address major differences found in the available studies, identifying type, size and concentrations of the polymers tested, species, and observed effects, aiming to highlight the importance of feeding exposure assays when attempting to evaluate the effect of MNPs in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Venâncio
- Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Antonieta Gabriel
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Miguel Oliveira
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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69
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Gao D, Liu X, Junaid M, Liao H, Chen G, Wu Y, Wang J. Toxicological impacts of micro(nano)plastics in the benthic environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 836:155620. [PMID: 35508242 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) have sparked growing public and scientific concerns as emerging pollutants in recent decades, due to their small size and potential for significant ecological and human health impacts. Understanding the toxicological effects of MNPs on aquatic organisms is of great importance; however, most of the available research on aquatic organisms has focused on the pelagic organisms, and studies on benthic organisms are lacking yet. Being bottom-dwelling creatures, benthos perhaps confronts more extreme pressure from MNPs. Therefore, this review summarizes the current literature on the impacts of MNPs on benthic organisms to reveal their toxicity on the survival, growth, development and reproductive systems. MNPs can accumulate in various tissues of benthos and probably cause tissue-specific damage, resulting in genotoxicity and reproductive toxicity to benthic organisms. And, in severe cases, they may also pass on the adverse effects to the next generations. The complexity of co-exposure to MNPs with other aquatic contaminants is also highlighted. Furthermore, we have comprehensively discussed the internal and external factors affecting the toxicity of MNPs in benthic organisms. Additionally, we also presented the current research gaps and potential future challenges, providing overall background information for a thorough understanding of the toxic effects of MNPs in the benthic aquatic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Gao
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Guangzhou Dublin International College of Life Sciences and Technology, College of International Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hongping Liao
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Guanglong Chen
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Guangzhou Environmental Monitoring Centre, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Institute of Eco-Environmental Research, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China.; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Zhuhai 528478, China.
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70
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Yıldız D, Yalçın G, Jovanović B, Boukal DS, Vebrová L, Riha D, Stanković J, Savić-Zdraković D, Metin M, Akyürek YN, Balkanlı D, Filiz N, Milošević D, Feuchtmayr H, Richardson JA, Beklioğlu M. Effects of a microplastic mixture differ across trophic levels and taxa in a freshwater food web: In situ mesocosm experiment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 836:155407. [PMID: 35469887 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MP) in aquatic ecosystems can affect organisms and communities in multiple ways. While MP research on aquatic organisms has primarily focused on marine ecosystems and laboratory experiments, the community-level effects of MP in freshwaters, especially in lakes, are poorly understood. To examine the impact of MP on freshwater lake ecosystems, we conducted the first in situ community-level mesocosm experiment testing the effects of MP on a model food web with zooplankton as main herbivores, odonate larvae as predators, and chironomid larvae as detritivores for seven weeks. The mesocosms were exposed to a mixture of the most abundant MP polymers found in freshwaters, added at two different concentrations in a single pulse to the water surface, water column and sediment. Water column MP concentrations declined sharply during the first two weeks of the experiment. Contrary to expectations, MP ingestion by zooplankton was low and limited mainly to large-bodied Daphnia, causing a decrease in biomass. Biomass of the other zooplankton taxa did not decrease. Presence of MP in the faecal pellets of odonate larvae that fed on zooplankton was indicative of a trophic transfer of MP. The results demonstrated that MP ingestion varies predictably with MP size, as well as body size and feeding preference of the organism, which can be used to predict the rates of transfer and further effects of MP on freshwater food webs. For chironomids, MP had only a low, short-term impact on emergence patterns while their wing morphology was significantly changed. Overall, the impact of MP exposure on the experimental food web and cross-ecosystem biomass transfer was lower than expected, but the experiment provided the first in situ observation of MP transfer to terrestrial ecosystems by emerging chironomids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilvin Yıldız
- Department of Biological Sciences, Limnology Laboratory, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey; Earth System Science, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Science, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Gülce Yalçın
- Department of Biological Sciences, Limnology Laboratory, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey; Ecosystem Research and Implementation Centre, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Boris Jovanović
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - David S Boukal
- Department of Ecosystem Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Czech Academy of Sciences, Biology Centre, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Vebrová
- Department of Ecosystem Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Derya Riha
- Department of Ecosystem Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jelena Stanković
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Dimitrija Savić-Zdraković
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Melisa Metin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Limnology Laboratory, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yasmin Naz Akyürek
- Department of Biological Sciences, Limnology Laboratory, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Balkanlı
- Department of Biological Sciences, Limnology Laboratory, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nur Filiz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Limnology Laboratory, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey; Ecosystem Research and Implementation Centre, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Djuradj Milošević
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Heidrun Feuchtmayr
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster, UK
| | - Jessica A Richardson
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster, UK
| | - Meryem Beklioğlu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Limnology Laboratory, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey; Ecosystem Research and Implementation Centre, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.
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71
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Batista D, Pradhan A, Pascoal C, Cássio F. Evidence of micro and macroplastic toxicity along a stream detrital food-chain. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 436:129064. [PMID: 35580497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems are subjected to plastic extensive pollution because they are the direct link between plastic wastes and marine ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of different sizes of polyethylene plastics (micro: µPs and macroplastics: PBs) on freshwater decomposers of plant litter. We exposed leaf associated microbial assemblages to µPs (0.5 or 1.5 g L-1) and discs of PBs as follows: green plastic bags (PB-G) alone or in mixtures with transparent plastic bags (PB-Mix). Then, we conducted a feeding preference experiment with the invertebrate shredder Limnephilus sp. to assess their capacity to distinguish leaf discs from PB discs of the same size (12 mm). Leaf decomposition, activities of fungal enzymes and sporulation were inhibited by µPs and PB-Mix, and shifts in fungal community composition were observed. The invertebrate shredders preferred to feed on leaves treated with µPs avoiding those exposed to PB-G/PB-Mix. Our results demonstrated that plastics can have a direct effect on stream-dwelling microbial decomposers and an indirect effect on higher trophic levels (shredders), highlighting that trophic transfer is a route of plastic exposure. The plastic properties (size, concentration, colour) appear to influence plastic toxicity to microbes and shredders, indicating the importance of considering physicochemical properties when assessing their risks to freshwater ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Batista
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Arunava Pradhan
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Pascoal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Cássio
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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72
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Palacio-Cortés AM, Horton AA, Newbold L, Spurgeon D, Lahive E, Pereira MG, Grassi MT, Moura MO, Disner GR, Cestari MM, Gweon HS, Navarro-Silva MA. Accumulation of nylon microplastics and polybrominated diphenyl ethers and effects on gut microbial community of Chironomus sancticaroli. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 832:155089. [PMID: 35398126 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are emerging contaminants with the capacity to bind and transport hydrophobic organic compounds of environmental concern, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The aim of this study was to investigate the ingestion of nylon (polyamide) MP alone and when associated with PBDEs and their effects on Chironomus sancticaroli larvae survival and microbiome structure. Survival, PBDE uptake and microbial community composition were measured in fourth instar larvae exposed for 96 h to BDEs- 47, 99, 100 and 153 in the presence and absence of 1% w/w MP in sediment. Microbiome community structures were determined through high throughput sequencing of 16S small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA). Initial experiments showed that larvae ingested MP faster at 0.5% w/w MP, while depuration was more efficient at 1% w/w MP, although retention of MP was seen even after 168 h depuration. No mortality was observed as a result of PBDEs and MP exposure. MP had a negative effect on PBDE concentration within larvae (η2 = 0.94) and a negative effect on sediment concentrations (η2 = 0.48). In all samples, microbial communities were dominated by Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. Bacterial alpha diversity was not significantly affected by PBDEs or MP exposure. However, the abundance of discrete bacterial taxa was more sensitive to MP (X2 = 45.81, p = 0.02), and PBDE exposure. Our results highlight that C. sancticaroli showed no acute response to MPs and PBDEs, but that MPs influenced bacterial microbiome structure even after only short-term acute exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice A Horton
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK; National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK.
| | - Lindsay Newbold
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK.
| | - David Spurgeon
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK.
| | - Elma Lahive
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 8BB, UK.
| | | | - Marco Tadeu Grassi
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of Paraná, CP 19032, CEP 81531-990 Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Mauricio Osvaldo Moura
- Zoology Department, Federal University of Paraná, CP 19020, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Geonildo Rodrigo Disner
- Genetic Department, Federal University of Paraná, CP 19031, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Marta Margaret Cestari
- Genetic Department, Federal University of Paraná, CP 19031, CEP 81531-980 Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Hyun S Gweon
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UR, UK.
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73
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De Marchi L, Renzi M, Anselmi S, Pretti C, Guazzelli E, Martinelli E, Cuccaro A, Oliva M, Magri M, Bulleri F. Polyethylene microplastics reduce filtration and respiration rates in the Mediterranean sponge Petrosia ficiformis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 211:113094. [PMID: 35292241 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution represents a distinctive mark of the Anthropocene. Despite the increasing efforts to determine the ecological impacts of MP on marine biodiversity, our understanding of their toxicological effects on invertebrate species is still limited. Despite their key functional roles, sponges (Phylum Porifera) are particularly understudied in MP research. These filter-feeders extract and retain particles from the water column, across a broad size range. In this study, we carried out a laboratory experiment to assess the uptake of MPs (polyethylene, PE) by the Mediterranean sponge Petrosia ficiformis, how MPs influence key biological process after different times of exposure (24h and 72h) and whether they can be subsequently eliminated. MP uptake increased with time of exposure, with 30.6% of the inoculated MP particles found in sponge samples after 72h. MPs impaired filtration and respiration rates and these effects were still evident 72h after sponges had been transferred in uncontaminated water. Our study shows that time of exposure represents a key factor in determining MP toxicity in sponges. In addition, our results suggest that sponges are able to incorporate foreign particles and may thus be a potential bioindicator for MP pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia De Marchi
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Monia Renzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Pretti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Livorno, Italy
| | - Elisa Guazzelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Martinelli
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessia Cuccaro
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Matteo Oliva
- Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia Applicata "G. Bacci" (CIBM), Livorno, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Bulleri
- Dipartimento di Biologia - Unità di Ecologia e Biologia Marina, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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74
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Park DH, Oh SB, Hong SC. In Situ Fluorescent Illumination of Microplastics in Water Utilizing a Combination of Dye/Surfactant and Quenching Techniques. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14153084. [PMID: 35956597 PMCID: PMC9370827 DOI: 10.3390/polym14153084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although plastics have benefited our lives in terms of cost and convenience, the disposal of end-of-life plastics poses environmental problems, such as microplastics (MPs). Although the separation (e.g., filtration) and staining of MPs with fluorescent dye/solvent are generally accepted steps to observe MPs in an environmental matrix, in this study, an in situ selective fluorescent illumination of the MPs in water was attempted with the aid of surfactant. Nonpolar fluorescent dye in combination with surfactant affords nanometer-sized dye particles in water, which adsorb on MPs and penetrate the polymer matrix for effective staining and stable fluorescent behaviors. The effects of different staining parameters, including different dyes, surfactants, staining temperatures, staining times, dye/surfactant ratios, dye/MP ratios, and MP concentrations in aqueous solutions were investigated to better understand staining conditions. More interestingly, non-adsorbed free dye molecules in the staining solution were almost completely fluorescence-quenched by introducing the quenching agent, aniline, while the fluorescence intensity of the stained MP was maintained. By staining MPs with a dye/surfactant combination and subsequently quenching with aniline, in situ selective fluorescent illumination of the MPs in water was successfully achieved, which may eliminate the tedious separation/filtration procedure of MPs to accomplish the quick detection or monitoring of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sung Chul Hong
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-3408-3750; Fax: +82-2-3408-4342
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75
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Balzani P, Galeotti G, Scheggi S, Masoni A, Santini G, Baracchi D. Acute and chronic ingestion of polyethylene (PE) microplastics has mild effects on honey bee health and cognition. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 305:119318. [PMID: 35447255 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The massive use of plastic has contributed to huge quantities of hazardous refuse at a global scale and represents one of the most prominent issues of the Anthropocene. Microplastics (MPs) have been detected in almost all environments and pose a potential threat to a variety of plant and animal species. Many studies have reported a variety of effects, from negligible to detrimental, of MPs to aquatic organisms. Conversely, much less is known about their effect on terrestrial biota, and particularly on animal behavior and cognition. We assessed the oral toxicity of polyethylene (PE) MPs at three different concentrations (0.5, 5, and 50 mg L-1), and at different timescales (1 day and 7 days of exposure) and tested for their effects on survival, food intake, sucrose responsiveness, habituation to sucrose and appetitive olfactory learning and memory in the honey bee Apis mellifera. We found that workers were not completely unaffected by acute and prolonged ingestion of this polymer. A significant effect of PE on bee mortality was found for the highest concentration but not for lower ones. PE affected feeding behavior in a concentration-dependent manner, with bees consuming more food than controls when exposed to low concentration PE. Regarding our behavioral and cognitive experiments, the high concentration PE was found to affect only bees' ability to respond consistently to sucrose but not sucrose sensitivity, habituation to sucrose or learning and memory abilities, even for prolonged exposure to PE. While these last results may look somewhat encouraging, we discussed why caution is warranted before ruling out the possibility that PE particles at environmental concentrations are harmful to honey bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paride Balzani
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università delgi Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Giorgia Galeotti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università delgi Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sara Scheggi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università delgi Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Alberto Masoni
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università delgi Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giacomo Santini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università delgi Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - David Baracchi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università delgi Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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76
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Höss S, Rauchschwalbe MT, Fueser H, Traunspurger W. Food availability is crucial for effects of 1-μm polystyrene beads on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in freshwater sediments. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 298:134101. [PMID: 35292277 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater sediments represent a sink for microplastic (<5 mm) through various processes. Thus, benthic organisms can be exposed to relatively high concentrations of microplastics. Surprisingly, studies on benthic organisms are still underrepresented in the field of ecotoxicological effect assessment of microplastics. Therefore, we studied the effects of 1-μm polystyrene (PS) beads on the reproduction of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans using a standardized protocol for toxicity testing in freshwater sediments (96 h; ISO 10872:2020), combined with ingestion experiments using fluorescent PS beads. To investigate the role of sediment properties (e.g., textures, organic contents) for ingestion and effects of PS beads, five different artificial and field-collected sediments were used. Body burdens of 1-μm PS beads in the intestinal tract of the nematodes after 96 h differed between the sediments, however, differences were not significant over the whole course of the experiment. EC10 and EC50-values of 1-μm PS beads for C. elegans' reproduction in the various sediments ranged from 0.9 to 2.0 and 4.8 to 11.3 mg PS/g dry sediment, respectively. The ECx-values showed to be considerably higher than values reported for water exposure (EC10/50: 0.2 and 0.6 mg PS/ml, respectively), which was probably due to higher food densities in sediment compared to water exposure. Based on the PS beads/bacteria ratio, ECx-values were comparable between sediment and water exposure, suggesting that also in sediments microplastic reduces the food availability for C. elegans causing lower reproduction. This indirect effect mechanism was confirmed by experiments with varying food densities. Thus, the nutritious conditions might play a crucial role for the overall ecological risk of microplastics in benthic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Höss
- Ecossa, Giselastr. 6, 82319, Starnberg, Germany; Bielefeld University, Animal Ecology, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | | | - Hendrik Fueser
- Bielefeld University, Animal Ecology, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Walter Traunspurger
- Bielefeld University, Animal Ecology, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
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77
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O'Connor JD, Lally HT, Mahon AM, O'Connor I, Nash R, O'Sullivan JJ, Bruen M, Heerey L, Koelmans AA, Marnell F, Murphy S. Microplastics in Eurasian otter (
Lutra lutra
) spraints and their potential as a biomonitoring tool in freshwater systems. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James D. O'Connor
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment Galway‐Mayo Institute of Technology Galway Ireland
| | - Heather T. Lally
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment Galway‐Mayo Institute of Technology Galway Ireland
| | - Anne Marie Mahon
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment Galway‐Mayo Institute of Technology Galway Ireland
| | - Ian O'Connor
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment Galway‐Mayo Institute of Technology Galway Ireland
| | - Róisín Nash
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment Galway‐Mayo Institute of Technology Galway Ireland
| | - John J. O'Sullivan
- UCD School of Civil Engineering UCD Earth Institute, UCD Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research Dublin Ireland
| | - Michael Bruen
- UCD School of Civil Engineering UCD Earth Institute, UCD Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research Dublin Ireland
| | - Linda Heerey
- UCD School of Civil Engineering UCD Earth Institute, UCD Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research Dublin Ireland
| | - Albert A. Koelmans
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Department of Environmental Science Wageningen University & Research Centre Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Ferdia Marnell
- Science & Biodiversity Unit National Parks and Wildlife Service Dublin Ireland
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment Galway‐Mayo Institute of Technology Galway Ireland
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78
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Choi JS, Kim K, Park K, Park JW. Long-term exposure of the Mediterranean mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis to polyethylene terephthalate microfibers: Implication for reproductive and neurotoxic effects. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134317. [PMID: 35364087 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As one of major types of microplastics (MPs), microfibers (MFs) are widely found in the marine ecosystem and can induce diverse impacts on various marine organisms. Sedentary species, such as mussels, can act as bioindicators for monitoring marine contamination. Hence, in this study, we used mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) to examine the toxicity of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MFs of 100 μm size at concentrations of 0.0005, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mg/L for 32 days. PET MFs accumulated only in the stomachs and intestines of the mussels and caused digestive tubule atrophy. After exposure to PET MFs, no alteration in the mortality rate, shell height, length, and weight of the mussels was observed. However, the gonadal index decreased with increasing concentrations of PET MFs. This is because PET MFs decrease the sex hormones estradiol and testosterone in mussels, even at environmentally relevant concentrations. Furthermore, chronic exposure to PET MFs increased the activities of antioxidant-related (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and neurotoxicity-related (acetylcholine esterase) enzymes in the digestive gland and gill tissues of mussels. In addition, cellular immune parameters of apoptosis and DNA damage were observed in mussel hemocytes. Thus, this study demonstrates the risks of MPs in real marine environments by assessing how long-term exposure to low concentrations of PET MFs can cause potential sublethal impacts and reproductive failure in mussels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Soo Choi
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17 Jegok-gil, Jinju, 52834, Republic of Korea
| | - Kanghee Kim
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17 Jegok-gil, Jinju, 52834, Republic of Korea; Human and Environmental Toxicology Program, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 217, Gajeong-ro, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungil Park
- Department of Aquatic Life Medicine, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Kunsan National University, 558, Daehak-ro, Gunsan, 54150, Republic of Korea
| | - June-Woo Park
- Environmental Exposure & Toxicology Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 17 Jegok-gil, Jinju, 52834, Republic of Korea; Human and Environmental Toxicology Program, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), 217, Gajeong-ro, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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79
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Gerstenbacher CM, Finzi AC, Rotjan RD, Novak AB. A review of microplastic impacts on seagrasses, epiphytes, and associated sediment communities. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 303:119108. [PMID: 35259472 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have been discovered ubiquitously in marine environments. While their accumulation is noted in seagrass ecosystems, little attention has yet been given to microplastic impacts on seagrass plants and their associated epiphytic and sediment communities. We initiate this discussion by synthesizing the potential impacts microplastics have on relevant seagrass plant, epiphyte, and sediment processes and functions. We suggest that microplastics may harm epiphytes and seagrasses via impalement and light/gas blockage, and increase local concentrations of toxins, causing a disruption in metabolic processes. Further, microplastics may alter nutrient cycling by inhibiting dinitrogen fixation by diazotrophs, preventing microbial processes, and reducing root nutrient uptake. They may also harm seagrass sediment communities via sediment characteristic alteration and organism complications associated with ingestion. All impacts will be exacerbated by the high trapping efficiency of seagrasses. As microplastics become a permanent and increasing member of seagrass ecosystems it will be pertinent to direct future research towards understanding the extent microplastics impact seagrass ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrien C Finzi
- Department of Biology, Boston University, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Randi D Rotjan
- Department of Biology, Boston University, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Alyssa B Novak
- Department of Earth and Environment, Boston University, MA, 02215, USA.
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80
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Ontogenetic Transfer of Microplastics in Bloodsucking Mosquitoes Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) Is a Potential Pathway for Particle Distribution in the Environment. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14121852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The uptake and accumulation of microplastics (MPs) by bloodsucking mosquitoes Aedes aegypti L., carriers of vector-borne diseases, were investigated in the laboratory. In the experimental group, polystyrene (PS) particles were registered in insects of all life stages from larvae to pupae and adults. Ae. aegypti larvae readily ingested MPs with food, accumulating on average 7.3 × 106 items per larva in three days. The content of PS microspheres significantly decreased in mosquitoes from the larval stage to the pupal stage and was passed to the adult stage from the pupal without significant loss. On average, 15.8 items were detected per pupa and 10.9 items per adult individual. The uptake of MPs by Ae. aegypti did not affect their survival, while the average body weight of mosquitoes of all life stages that consumed PS microspheres was higher than that of mosquitoes in the control groups. Our data confirmed that in insects with metamorphosis, MPs can pass from feeding larvae to nonfeeding pupae in aquatic ecosystems and, subsequently, to adults flying to land. Bloodsucking mosquitoes can participate in MP circulation in the environment.
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81
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Castro GB, Bernegossi AC, Felipe MC, Ogura AP, de Lima E Silva MR, Corbi JJ. Polyethylene microplastics and substrate availability can affect emergence responses of the freshwater insect Chironomus sancticaroli. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:679-688. [PMID: 35305165 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-022-02536-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pollution caused by polyethylene microplastics (MP) has been reported for aquatic environments worldwide. However, despite recurrent research for several aquatic organisms, the effects of MP on the emergence stage of freshwater insects from tropical environments are little known. This study is the first to assess the emergence of the Brazilian native species Chironomus sancticaroli Strixino & Strixino, 1981 when exposed to primary polyethylene microplastics (size 40-48 µm). We performed two exposure scenarios, with a substrate (standard assays) and without substrate (as a stressful experience), and recorded emergence responses. The MP did not affect the species' emergence rate, but these rates were statistically different for the standard and stressful exposure scenarios. In bioassays without substrate, the high concentrations of MP caused anticipation of the insect's emergence (5-6 days). On the other hand, female emergence time was longer than males in standard bioassays. The substrate absence caused a slight increase in the left female wing's length and the potential female fecundity. These findings suggest that the polyethylene microplastics and substrate availability can affect the emergence dynamics of the tropical insect C. sancticaroli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleyson B Castro
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Hydraulic and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Aline C Bernegossi
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Hydraulic and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Mayara C Felipe
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Hydraulic and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Allan P Ogura
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Hydraulic and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Juliano J Corbi
- Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, Department of Hydraulic and Sanitation, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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82
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Assessment of acute toxicity and developmental transformation impacts of polyethylene microbead exposure on larval daggerblade grass shrimp (Palaemon pugio). Sci Rep 2022; 12:6967. [PMID: 35484203 PMCID: PMC9051112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10999-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the ubiquity of microplastic contamination in coastal waters, there is potential for adverse impacts to organism development. One organism of interest is the daggerblade grass shrimp, Palaemon pugio, an ecologically important species in estuaries along the east coast of North America. We exposed larval grass shrimp to virgin polyethylene microbeads (35 and 58 µm) at a high (0.375 and 1.95 mg/L), medium (0.0375 and 0.195 mg/L), and a low concentration (0.00375 and 0.0195 mg/L), respectively for 23 days to assess mortality, transformation time from larval to juvenile stage, and weight. Average percent mortality was 3.7 to 4.8 times higher in the experimental treatments compared to controls. The greatest proportion of mortality was observed in the first 11 days. Median time for transformation ranged from 20.2 to 20.8 days. Shrimp exposed to the 35 µm beads in the high treatment (20.2 days) transformed significantly faster than the control shrimp (20.8 days). Although development was not delayed and size of the shrimp did not differ, the acute toxicity of microplastics on grass shrimp is a concern due to their role in energy cycling within tidal-creeks. These findings suggest potential population and community level effects following microplastic exposure.
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83
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Castro-Castellon AT, Horton AA, Hughes JMR, Rampley C, Jeffers ES, Bussi G, Whitehead P. Ecotoxicity of microplastics to freshwater biota: Considering exposure and hazard across trophic levels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 816:151638. [PMID: 34774956 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to marine ecosystems, the toxicity impact of microplastics in freshwater environments is poorly understood. This contribution reviews the literature on the range of effects of microplastics across and between trophic levels within the freshwater environment, including biofilms, macrophytes, phytoplankton, invertebrates, fish and amphibians. While there is supporting evidence for toxicity in some species e.g. growth reduction for photoautotrophs, increased mortality for some invertebrates, genetic changes in amphibians, and cell internalization of microplastics and nanoplastics in fish; other studies show that it is uncertain whether microplastics can have detrimental long-term impacts on ecosystems. Some taxa have yet to be studied e.g. benthic diatoms, while only 12% of publications on microplastics in freshwater, demonstrate trophic transfer in foodwebs. The fact that just 2% of publications focus on microplastics colonized by biofilms is hugely concerning given the cascading detrimental effects this could have on freshwater ecosystem function. Multiple additional stressors including environmental change (temperature rises and invasive species) and contaminants of anthropogenic origin (antibiotics, metals, pesticides and endocrine disruptors) will likely exacerbate negative interactions between microplastics and freshwater organisms, with potentially significant damaging consequences to freshwater ecosystems and foodwebs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice A Horton
- National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Jocelyne M R Hughes
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - Cordelia Rampley
- Oxford Molecular Biosensors, Centre for Innovation and Enterprise, Begbroke Science Park, Oxford OX5 1PF, UK
| | | | - Gianbattista Bussi
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - Paul Whitehead
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
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84
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Stanković J, Milošević D, Jovanović B, Savić-Zdravković D, Petrović A, Raković M, Stanković N, Stojković Piperac M. In Situ Effects of a Microplastic Mixture on the Community Structure of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in a Freshwater Pond. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:888-895. [PMID: 34003520 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Benthic communities contain some of the most threatened organisms in aquatic habitats due to different anthropogenic pressures. The high abundance of microplastics in sediments will continue to increase in the future, further increasing the probability of interactions between macroinvertebrates and microplastics. In the present study, a benthic community in a relatively pristine shallow pond was exposed either to an environmentally relevant high concentration of a microplastic mixture of 80 g m-2 in the sediment, or a control sediment, without the addition of microplastics. The mixture of microplastics contained irregularly shaped polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyamide in a ratio of 50:25:25%, respectively. The in situ experiment lasted for 100 d. The total number of taxa that colonized the microcosms was 22 (17 in the control and 18 in the microplastic treatment), and the colonization was not affected by the treatment. The most dominant group within the macroinvertebrate community was the dipteran family Chironomidae, in both the control and the microplastic treatment. No significant differences in the abundance and biomass at a community level were recorded between the groups by permutational multivariate analysis of variance (F = 0.993, p = 0.456 and F = 0.344, p = 0.797, respectively). The mixture of microplastics did not influence the abundance or biomass of the functional feeding groups (F = 1.810, p = 0.137 and F = 0.377, p = 0.736, respectively). The species richness, species abundance, species biomass, Shannon's diversity index, and Simpson's index of diversity showed no statistically significant differences between the control and treatment groups. Czekanowski's quantitative similarity index indicated that 84% of the community remained unaffected after microplastic exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:888-895. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Stanković
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Djuradj Milošević
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Boris Jovanović
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Ana Petrović
- Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research Siniša Stanković, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Raković
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nikola Stanković
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Milica Stojković Piperac
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
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85
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Buss N, Sander B, Hua J. Effects of Polyester Microplastic Fiber Contamination on Amphibian-Trematode Interactions. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:869-879. [PMID: 33683732 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination poses a global threat to aquatic organisms, yet we know little as to how microplastics may indirectly affect organismal health via their influence on species-species interactions (e.g., host-parasite interactions). This is problematic because microplastic-mediated alterations to host-parasite dynamics could negatively impact individual- population-level health of hosts. Using a larval amphibian (host) and free-living trematode (parasite) model, we asked whether 1) polyester microplastic fibers influence parasite survival; 2) whether polyester microplastic fiber ingestion by amphibians alters amphibian susceptibility to infection; and 3) whether simultaneous exposure of amphibians and trematodes to polyester microplastic fibers influences infection outcomes. Polyester microplastic fibers did not alter trematode survival, nor did their ingestion by amphibians increase amphibian susceptibility to infection. However, when amphibians and trematodes were exposed simultaneously to the fibers, the infection success of the parasite was reduced. Lastly, we conducted a field survey for microfiber contamination across multiple ponds and found microfibers across each of the sampled ponds. Overall, our results contribute to the limited knowledge surrounding the ecological consequences of microplastic contamination. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:869-879. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Buss
- Biological Sciences Department, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Brianna Sander
- Biological Sciences Department, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Hua
- Biological Sciences Department, Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton, New York, USA
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86
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Ribeiro-Brasil DRG, Brasil LS, Veloso GKO, Matos TPD, Lima ESD, Dias-Silva K. The impacts of plastics on aquatic insects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 813:152436. [PMID: 34971686 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contamination by plastics and its negative effect on biodiversity have been well-documented in several types of organisms, especially in marine environments. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the impacts of plastic on other organisms such as aquatic insects, which predominantly inhabit freshwaters. It is widely known that these organisms are sensitive to environmental change, especially by contamination. Therefore, this study aimed at testing the hypothesis that aquatic insects are impacted by plastic contamination. We made a systematic search for international papers related to plastics and aquatic insects in databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus. We obtained 1217 studies of which 40 discussed the impacts of contamination by plastics on aquatic insects. We identified two main impacts: the first one is caused by the use of black macroplastic to protect crops from contact with the soil in agriculture. These black macroplastics attract tons of adult aquatic insects (terrestrial stage) that mistake the plastic surface for water because they select oviposition sites through phototaxis or polarotaxis. The second one comes from water contamination that can originate from the inadequate disposal of plastics, which harms young aquatic insects (aquatic phase) when they feed, reproduce, and construct shelters. Our results show the negative impacts of plastics on both larvae and adult aquatic insects. Despite the large knowledge gap regarding the impacts of plastic on aquatic insects, the evidence above is sufficient to consider these organisms important in global discussions regarding the impacts of plastic on biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Regina Gomes Ribeiro-Brasil
- Ecology and Conservation Laboratory (LABECO), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Augusto Corrêa Street, n° 01, 66075-110, Guamá, Belém, PA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Ecology (PPGECO), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Augusto Corrêa Street, n° 01, 66075-110, Guamá, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Leandro Schlemmer Brasil
- Ecology and Conservation Laboratory (LABECO), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Augusto Corrêa Street, n° 01, 66075-110, Guamá, Belém, PA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Zoology (PPGZOO), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Augusto Corrêa Street, n° 01, 66075-110, Guamá, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Geysa Kelly Oliveira Veloso
- Aquatic Insect Ecology Laboratory (LEIA), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Ecology (PPGECO), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Augusto Corrêa Street, n° 01, 66075-110, Guamá, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Talissa Pio de Matos
- Aquatic Insect Ecology Laboratory (LEIA), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Conservation (PPGBC), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Silva de Lima
- Aquatic Insect Ecology Laboratory (LEIA), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Conservation (PPGBC), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil
| | - Karina Dias-Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Ecology (PPGECO), Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Augusto Corrêa Street, n° 01, 66075-110, Guamá, Belém, PA, Brazil; Aquatic Insect Ecology Laboratory (LEIA), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Biodiversity and Conservation (PPGBC), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FCB), Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Coronel José Porfírio Avenue 2515, 68372-040, São Sebastião, Altamira, PA, Brazil
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87
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Abstract
Steadily increasing inputs of microplastics pose a growing threat to aquatic fauna, but laboratory studies potentially lack realism to properly investigate its effects on populations and ecosystems. Our study investigates the trophic and ontogenetic transfer of microplastics in a near-natural exposure scenario. The controlled outdoor freshwater mesocosms were exposed to polyamide (PA) 5–50 µm in size in concentrations of 15 and 150 mg L−1 and a control without microplastic addition. To verify the uptake of particles via the food chain, larvae and imagines of the midges Chaoborus crystallinus and C. obscuripes were examined, which feed on zooplankton during their larval stage. Larvae were captured after 117 days and imagines were caught in emergence traps that were emptied weekly. To detect the microparticles within the organisms, 200 larvae and 100 imagines per application were macerated and treated with fluorescent dye before investigation under a fluorescent microscope. We could detect up to 12 PA particles per individual larvae, while nearly no plastic was found in the imagines. This shows that, while Chaoborus sp. takes up microplastics via predation, most of the pollutant is egested through regurgitation and remains in the water, where it can further accumulate and potentially harm other organisms.
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89
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Guo M, Zhao F, Tian L, Ni K, Lu Y, Borah P. Effects of polystyrene microplastics on the seed germination of herbaceous ornamental plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 809:151100. [PMID: 34695466 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Although microplastic (MP) pollution has become an environmental issue worldwide, most related research has been confined to marine ecosystems. The impacts of MPs on terrestrial ecosystems, and especially on terrestrial plants, are poorly studied. In our study, different particle sizes (2 μm and 80 nm) and different concentrations (0, 10, 50, 100, and 500 mg·L-1) of polystyrene MPs were selected as the experimental materials, and their effects on three herbaceous ornamental plants, Trifolium repens, Orychophragmus violaceus, and Impatiens balsamina, were investigated. Seed germination tendency, germination rate, and various physiological and biochemical indicators were observed in the treated plants. The germination rates and germination potentials of these plants decreased significantly as the polystyrene MP concentration increased. Root formation, as well as a decrease in root hair density, was observed. The catalase, superoxide dismutase, hydrogen peroxide, proline, soluble protein, and soluble sugar contents all showed overall trends that increased first and then decreased, which conformed to the "Plant-ES" equation. Thus, polystyrene MPs appeared to have significant inhibitory effects on the seed germination processes of herbaceous ornamental plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Guo
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, China.
| | - Furong Zhao
- College of Forestry and Bio-technology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, China
| | - Luwei Tian
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, China
| | - Kaijie Ni
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, China
| | - Yongquan Lu
- College of Forestry and Bio-technology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, China
| | - Priyanka Borah
- College of Forestry and Bio-technology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, China
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90
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Rozman U, Kalčíková G. Seeking for a perfect (non-spherical) microplastic particle - The most comprehensive review on microplastic laboratory research. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127529. [PMID: 34736190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, much attention has been paid to microplastic pollution, and research on microplastics has begun to grow exponentially. However, microplastics research still suffers from the lack of standardized protocols and methods for investigation of microplastics under laboratory conditions. Therefore, in this review, we summarize and critically discuss the results of 715 laboratory studies published on microplastics in the last five years to provide recommendations for future laboratory research. Analysis of the data revealed that the majority of microplastic particles used in laboratory studies are manufactured spheres of polystyrene ranging in size from 1 to 50 µm, that half of the studies did not characterize the particles used, and that a minority of studies used aged particles, investigated leaching of chemicals from microplastics, or used natural particles as a control. There is a large discrepancy between microplastics used in laboratory research and those found in the environment, and many laboratory studies suffer from a lack of environmental relevance and provide incomplete information on the microplastics used. We have summarized and discussed these issues and provided recommendations for future laboratory research on microplastics focusing on (i) microplastic selection, (ii) microplastic characterization, and (iii) test design of laboratory research on microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ula Rozman
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 113 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gabriela Kalčíková
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 113 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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91
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Silva CJM, Machado AL, Campos D, Rodrigues ACM, Patrício Silva AL, Soares AMVM, Pestana JLT. Microplastics in freshwater sediments: Effects on benthic invertebrate communities and ecosystem functioning assessed in artificial streams. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 804:150118. [PMID: 34798725 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The high levels of microplastics (MPs) found in freshwaters, particularly in riverine sediments, may impose a threat to the macroinvertebrate communities with possible consequences at ecosystem-level. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a mixture of different sizes of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on the composition and structure of macroinvertebrate communities and key-functions, such as primary production and leaf litter decomposition. MPs were mixed in the sediment at three different concentrations (0.1, 1, and 10 g kg-1) already found in freshwater sediments to enhance the relevance of the work. After eight days of exposure to PE-MPs, the observed changes in macroinvertebrate community structure were mostly due to the reduction in the abundance of deposit-feeders and grazers that were reduced by ca 31-50% and 34-39%, in the two highest MPs concentrations respectively, in comparison with the control treatment after 8 days of exposure. MPs internal concentrations were detected only in organisms exposed to plastic particles within artificial streams with chironomids and mayflies presenting higher MPs internal levels (average of 115 particles/individual found in chironomids, 166/individual for Baetis sp. and 415 particles/individual for Ephemerella sp.) suggesting higher ingestion of plastic microparticles. Nevertheless, the alterations in the community structure did not translate into impairments in the functional endpoints analysed, leaf litter decomposition and primary production, that were expected due to possible sub-lethal effects (e.g., feeding inhibition) on detritivores and grazers. This study represents one of the few assessments of MPs effects on freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate community structure and the first that simultaneously considered ecosystem-level functional endpoints. Further research combining different microplastics and longer exposure periods are needed to raise knowledge on potential ecological consequences of MPs to freshwaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J M Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Machado
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Diana Campos
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Andreia C M Rodrigues
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João L T Pestana
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Portugal
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92
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Varg JE, Kunce W, Outomuro D, Svanbäck R, Johansson F. Single and combined effects of microplastics, pyrethroid and food resources on the life-history traits and microbiome of Chironomus riparius. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 289:117848. [PMID: 34332169 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence of widespread contamination of freshwater ecosystems with microplastics. However, the effects of chronic microplastic ingestion and its interaction with other pollutants and stress factors on the life-history traits and the host-microbiome of aquatic invertebrates are not well understood. This study investigates the effects of exposure to sediment spiked with 1 μm polystyrene-based latex microplastic spheres, an environmentally realistic concentration of a pyrethroid pesticide (esfenvalerate), and a combination of both treatments on the life-history traits of the benthic-dwelling invertebrate, Chironomus riparius and its microbial community. The chironomid larvae were also exposed to two food conditions: abundant or limited food in the sediment, monitored for 28 and 34 days respectively. The microplastics and esfenvalerate had negative effects on adult emergence and survival, and these effects differed between the food level treatments. The microbiome diversity was negatively affected by the exposure to microplastics, while the relative abundances of the four top phyla were significantly affected only in the high food level treatment. Although the combined exposure to microplastics and esfenvalerate showed some negative effects on survival and emergence, there was little evidence for synergistic effects when compared to the single exposure. The food level affected all life-history traits and the microbiota, and lower food levels intensified the negative effects of the exposure to microplastics, esfenvalerate and their combination. We argue that these pollutants can affect crucial life-history traits such as successful metamorphosis and the host-microbiome. Therefore, it should be taken into consideration for toxicological assessment of pollutant acceptability. Our study highlights the importance of investigating possible additive and synergic activities between stressors to understand the effects of pollutants in the life story traits and host-microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Edo Varg
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Section of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Warren Kunce
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Section of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - David Outomuro
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Section of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Biological Sciences, Rieveschl Hall, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Richard Svanbäck
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Section of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Frank Johansson
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Section of Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
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93
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Hsieh SL, Wu YC, Xu RQ, Chen YT, Chen CW, Singhania RR, Dong CD. Effect of polyethylene microplastics on oxidative stress and histopathology damages in Litopenaeus vannamei. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117800. [PMID: 34329062 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There has been a significant increase in the microplastic (MP) polluting the ocean in recent time which is regarded as toxic for living organisms. In this study, Fluorescent red polyethylene microspheres (FRPE) were administered intramuscularly to Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles at the concentration of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 μg (g shrimp)-1, and the survival rate was recorded. Analysis of the hepatopancreas for antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression were done after seven days. Further tissue morphology and accumulation of FRPE was analysed. The results showed that FRPE at 0.5 and 1.0 μg (g shrimp)-1 reduce the survival rate of L. vannamei. FRPE at 0.5 and 1.0 μg (g shrimp)-1 reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; FRPE at different concentrations reduced catalase (CAT) activity; FRPE at 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 μg (g shrimp)-1 increased the lipid peroxide thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) content. FRPE at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 μg (g shrimp)-1 significantly affect the performance of SOD and CAT genes; FRPE at 0.2 and 0.5 μg (g shrimp)-1 significantly improves GPx gene performance; FRPE at 1.0 μg (g shrimp)-1 significantly reduced the expression of GPx genes. Analysis of tissue morphology shows that FRPE cause muscle, midgut gland, and hepatopancreas, and gill damage at different concentrations. In the results of accumulation of microplastic, FRPE accumulated in gill tissue at 0.2 and 0.5 μg (g shrimp)-1; FRPE accumulated in gill, muscle and hepatopancreas tissue at 1.0 μg (g shrimp)-1. Based on the above results, FRPE at 0.5 and 1.0 μg (g shrimp)-1 can regulate the antioxidant enzymes of L. vannamei, increase lipid peroxide content, cause tissue damage by accumulating in the tissues. The rate of survival decreased in L. vannamei, and the impact of FRPE at 1.0 μg (g shrimp)-1 was significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ling Hsieh
- Department of Seafood Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Wu
- Department of Seafood Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Ruo-Qi Xu
- Department of Seafood Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Chen
- Department of Seafood Science, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Wen Chen
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Reeta Rani Singhania
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Di Dong
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan.
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94
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Nikki R, Abdul Jaleel KU, Ragesh S, Shini S, Saha M, Dinesh Kumar PK. Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in commercially important bottom dwelling finfishes and shellfish of the Vembanad Lake, India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112803. [PMID: 34371342 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper characterize microplastics (MPs) in the heavily urbanized, brackish water Vembanad Lake (India), focussing on some commercially important bottom-feeding fishes and shellfish (Arius maculatus, Etroplus suratensis, E. maculatus and Villorita sp.). The average abundance of MPs was higher in the water column (872 ± 573 nos./m3) than in finfishes (15 ± 13 particles per fish) and shellfish (23 ± 20 nos./ind.). Fibre was the most abundant MP type in the water and the organisms examined. The size of MPs obtained from finfishes ranged between 0.04 and 4.73 mm (4 ± 3 mm), with a majority of particles being <4 mm. No correlation was found between biological features (e.g. gut length, mouth size) of fishes and the size of MPs in their gut. In Villorita sp., the abundance of MPs was positively correlated with the size of the individuals. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester in the samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramachandran Nikki
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Kochi 682018, Kerala, India
| | - K U Abdul Jaleel
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Kochi 682018, Kerala, India.
| | - Saraswathi Ragesh
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT), Cochin 682016, Kerala, India
| | - Shaji Shini
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Kochi 682018, Kerala, India
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, India
| | - P K Dinesh Kumar
- CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, Kochi 682018, Kerala, India
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95
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Li H, Chen H, Wang J, Li J, Liu S, Tu J, Chen Y, Zong Y, Zhang P, Wang Z, Liu X. Influence of Microplastics on the Growth and the Intestinal Microbiota Composition of Brine Shrimp. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:717272. [PMID: 34659145 PMCID: PMC8511709 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.717272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in the aquatic environment and can be frequently ingested by zooplankton, leading to various effects. Brine shrimp (Artemia parthenogenetica) has an important role in the energy flow through trophic levels in different seawater systems. In this work, the influence of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) MPs on the growth of brine shrimp and corresponding changes of gut microbiota were investigated. Our results showed that the MPs remarkably reduced the growth rate of brine shrimp, and the two types of MPs have different impacts. The average body length of brine shrimps was reduced by 17.92 and 14.95% in the PE group and PS group, respectively. MPs are mainly found in the intestine, and their exposure evidently affects the gut microbiota. By using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing, 32 phyla of bacteria were detected in the intestine, and the microbiome consisted mainly of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. MPs’ exposure significantly increased the gut microbial diversity. For the PE group, the proportion of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes increased by 45.26 and 2.73%, respectively. For the PS group, it was 54.95 and 1.27%, respectively. According to the analysis on genus level, the proportions of Ponticoccus, Seohaeicola, Polycyclovorans, and Methylophaga decreased by 46.38, 1.24, 1.07, and 2.66%, respectively, for the PE group and 57.87, 1.43, 0.88, and 2.24%, respectively, for the PS group. In contrast, the proportions of Stappia, Microbacterium, and Dietzia increased by 1.12, 23.27, and 11.59%, respectively, for the PE group, and 1.09, 3.79, and 42.96%, respectively, for the PS group. These experimental results demonstrated that the ingestion of MPs by brine shrimp can alter the composition of the gut microbiota and lead to a slow growth rate. This study provides preliminary data support for understanding the biotoxicity of MPs to invertebrate zooplankton and is conducive to the further risk assessment of MP exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongwei Chen
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiayao Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sitong Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianbo Tu
- Tianjin Marine Environment Monitoring Center Station of State Oceanic Administration, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanzhen Chen
- Tianjin Marine Environment Monitoring Center Station of State Oceanic Administration, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanping Zong
- Tianjin Marine Environment Monitoring Center Station of State Oceanic Administration, Tianjin, China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiyun Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianhua Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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96
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Khosrovyan A, Kahru A. Evaluation of the potential toxicity of UV-weathered virgin polyamide microplastics to non-biting midge Chironomus riparius. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 287:117334. [PMID: 34000673 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The relevance of the environmental hazard evaluation of virgin plastics particles is problematic, as plastics almost never occur in a virgin state after being discarded into the environment. However, the producers or importers must evaluate the environmental effect of their products as they are produced. Many plastic types e.g., polyamide, polyethylene are already under pre-registration, according to the database of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), in order to restrict the placing on the market of polymers (as defined by Article 3(5) of EU's REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization & Restriction of Chemicals), as a substance or in a mixture (ECHA, 2019). However, the hazard of microplastics could not be evaluated without relevant data on its (eco)toxic effects. In this work, the long-term toxicity of virgin polyamide microplastic (PA-MP) (size from 0 to 180 μm) and UV-weathered virgin PA-MP was investigated in the controlled life cycle experiments conducted in accordance with the OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals using Chironomus riparius (OECD test 218). In addition, a three-generation test was conducted to understand the trans-generational toxicity potential of virgin PA-MP. After UV irradiation (26 d) the buoyancy and color of the particles was changed and the share of smaller particles (of a few micrometer size range) increased. The exposure of C. riparius larvae to UV-weathered PA-MP (1000 mg kg-1) during their life cycle (28 d), negatively affected their development and subsequent emergence as adults. However, the exposure to virgin PA-MP throughout the life cycle and also over three consecutive generations did not significantly reduced the number of emerged adults. From the point of view of environmental hazard, the virgin polyamide plastics have probably no long-term hazard to chironomids. While it may not be relevant as environmental pollutant in the strict sense, UV-weathering may turn it hazardous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Khosrovyan
- Keemilise Ja Bioloogilise Fuusika Instituut, 23 Akadeemia Tee, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Anne Kahru
- Keemilise Ja Bioloogilise Fuusika Instituut, 23 Akadeemia Tee, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia; Estonian Academy of Sciences, Kohtu 6, 10130, Tallinn, Estonia
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97
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Ali MU, Lin S, Yousaf B, Abbas Q, Munir MAM, Ali MU, Rasihd A, Zheng C, Kuang X, Wong MH. Environmental emission, fate and transformation of microplastics in biotic and abiotic compartments: Global status, recent advances and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 791:148422. [PMID: 34412398 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The intensive use and wide-ranging application of plastic- and plastic-derived products have resulted in alarming levels of plastic pollution in different environmental compartments worldwide. As a result of various biogeochemical mechanisms, this plastic litter is converted into small, ubiquitous and persistent fragments called microplastics (<5 mm), which are of significant and increasing concern to the scientific community. Microplastics have spread across the globe and now exist in virtually all environmental compartments (the soil, atmosphere, and water). Although these compartments are often considered to be independent environments, in reality, they are very closely linked. Ample research has been done on microplastics, but there are still questions and knowledge gaps regarding the emission, occurrence, distribution, detection, environmental fate and transport of MPs in different environmental compartments. The current article is intended to provide a systematic overview of MP emissions, pollution conditions, sampling and analytical approaches, transport, fates and transformation mechanisms in different environmental compartments. It also identifies research gaps and future research directions and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ubaid Ali
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Siyi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Balal Yousaf
- Department of Environment Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey; CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China.
| | - Qumber Abbas
- Department of Environment Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey.
| | - Mehr Ahmed Mujtaba Munir
- CAS-Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and the Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, PR China.
| | - Muhammad Uzair Ali
- Business School of Xiangtan University, Xiangtan University, Hunan, China.
| | - Audil Rasihd
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Gujrat, Gujrat 50700, Pakistan.
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xingxing Kuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
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98
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Ge J, Li H, Liu P, Zhang Z, Ouyang Z, Guo X. Review of the toxic effect of microplastics on terrestrial and aquatic plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 791:148333. [PMID: 34412379 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As a new pollutant, microplastics (MPs) exhibited more and more significant influence on the organisms in the environment. Especially, the effects on the growth and development of plants by MPs attracted wide attentions in recent period. In the review article, we summarized the important influences of MPs on terrestrial and aquatic plants. The properties, including type, size and oxygen-containing group of MPs on their physical injures toward plants were critically reviewed, which were significantly correlated to the toxicity to plants. The secondary risks of MPs including the additives and MP-derived organic products and the adsorbed environmental pollutants to plants were clearly revealed. The hydrophobic organic pollutants released from MPs showed significant chemical effects on the plants. We also outlined the effects of MPs to the various regions (e.g. the seed and rhizome) of plants and compared the toxic difference of MPs on terrestrial and aquatic plants. Generally, the seed and rhizome of plants were susceptible to MPs, and the effects of MPs on terrestrial and aquatic plants were different. The review paper improves the understanding of potential toxicity of MP themselves and the released and adsorbed chemicals to plants in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Ge
- School of Earth and Environment, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China
| | - Huang Li
- School of Earth and Environment, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Zhiping Zhang
- School of Earth and Environment, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zhuozhi Ouyang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China.
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99
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Terrestrial Biota as Bioindicators for Microplastics and Potentially Toxic Elements. COATINGS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings11101152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Plastic products used in our daily life remain in the environment for a long time. Plastics decompose gradually into smaller fragments (<5 mm) known as microplastics. There are different sources of microplastics contamination, including plastic bags, masks, synthetic textiles, and various coatings. Microplastics’ smaller size enhances toxic pollutants’ adsorption, through which they are easily digested by small biota and finally accumulated along the food chain. Many studies are found concerning marine microplastic distribution and pollution; however, rarely do they address terrestrial contamination. The terrestrial species Eobania vermiculata, Rumina decollata, Porcellio, Armadillo, Lumbricus terrestris, and Scolopendra were evaluated as bioindicators for soil pollution by microplastics and some potentially toxic metallic elements. Microplastics were isolated with the help of caustic potash. The particles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); some associated potentially toxic metals were assessed in the filtrate by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP). The following polymers were present in all studied samples: copolyamide, nylon, high- and low-density polyethylene, polyamide, and polyester. In addition, the metallic elements antimony, iron, aluminum, selenium, and zinc were determined with different concentrations. Thus, terrestrial biota can serve as bioindicators for microplastic pollution of soil, which could act as a vector for potentially toxic elements.
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100
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Muhammad A, Zhou X, He J, Zhang N, Shen X, Sun C, Yan B, Shao Y. Toxic effects of acute exposure to polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics on the model insect, silkworm Bombyx mori. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 285:117255. [PMID: 33964560 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs, respectively) are major contaminants of environmental concern due to their potentially detrimental effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, little is known about their potential toxicity in terrestrial organisms. Here, we used the model insect silkworm (Bombyx mori) to evaluate the potential hazardous effects of acute exposure (72 h) to polystyrene (PS) MPs and NPs at physiological, molecular, and biochemical levels as well as their impact on pathogen infection. Our results revealed no significant changes in larval body mass or survival. Nevertheless, exposure led to significant alterations in the expression of immunity-related genes (Cecropin A, Lysozyme, SOD, and GST) and antioxidant-mediated protective response (SOD, GST, and CAT enzymes) which differed in the PS-MP and PS-NP groups. Interestingly, PS-MPs induced a stronger immune response (higher expressions of Lysozyme, SOD, and GST genes along with increased activities of SOD, GST, and CAT enzymes) while the PS-NP response was more that of an inhibitory nature (decreased SOD activity and expression). As a result, upon infection with the natural pathogen Serratia marcescens Bm1, the PS-MP-exposed individuals survived the infection better whereas, PS-NP-exposed individuals exhibited significantly higher mortality. Thus, we infer that PS-MPs/NPs present ecological toxicity, which is closely related to their size, and that their exposure may render the organisms vulnerable or confer resistance to pathogen infections and ecotoxicants. Given the suitability of silkworm as a model organism, this study may promote its application for further investigation of the mechanism of adverse outcome pathways and in studies on bio-nano interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Muhammad
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jintao He
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Shen
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Analysis Center of Agrobiology and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongqi Shao
- Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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