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Orona-Návar C, García-Morales R, Loge FJ, Mahlknecht J, Aguilar-Hernández I, Ornelas-Soto N. Microplastics in Latin America and the Caribbean: A review on current status and perspectives. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 309:114698. [PMID: 35183939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A literature review was carried out to analyze the current status of microplastic research in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Specifically, this work focused on publications pertaining to (1) occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the environment, including water, sediments, and soil and (2) the environmental impact of MPs, particularly their presence and effects on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The review included peer-reviewed articles from Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar and two iberoamerican open access databases (Redalyc and SciELO). It was found that LAC has only contributed to 5% of the global scientific output on microplastics, and overall the highest contributor within the region was Brazil (52%), followed by Chile (16%) and Mexico (13%). An additional section analyzing the barriers to conducting microplastic research in LAC and their exacerbation by the current COVID-19 pandemic was included to provide additional context behind the relatively low scientific production and improve recommendations encouraging research in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Orona-Návar
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, N.L., 64849, Mexico
| | - Raul García-Morales
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, N.L., 64849, Mexico; Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada Km. 107, C.P. 22860, Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
| | - Frank J Loge
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jürgen Mahlknecht
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, N.L., 64849, Mexico
| | - Iris Aguilar-Hernández
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, N.L., 64849, Mexico.
| | - Nancy Ornelas-Soto
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, N.L., 64849, Mexico.
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52
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Gambino I, Bagordo F, Grassi T, Panico A, De Donno A. Occurrence of Microplastics in Tap and Bottled Water: Current Knowledge. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5283. [PMID: 35564678 PMCID: PMC9103198 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A narrative review was carried out to describe the current knowledge related to the occurrence of MPs in drinking water. The reviewed studies (n = 21) showed the presence of microplastics (MPs) in tap (TW) and bottled (BW) water, increasing concerns for public health due to the possible toxicity associated with their polymeric composition, additives, and other compounds or microorganism adsorbed on their surface. The MP concentration increase by decreasing particles size and was higher in BW than in TW. Among BW, reusable PET and glass bottles showed a higher MP contamination than other packages. The lower MP abundance in TW than in natural sources indicates a high removal rate of MPs in drinking water treatment plants. This evidence should encourage the consumers to drink TW instead of BW, in order to limit their exposure to MPS and produce less plastic waste. The high variability in the results makes it difficult to compare the findings of different studies and build up a general hypothesis on human health risk. A globally shared protocol is needed to harmonize results also in view of the monitoring plans for the emerging contaminants, including MPs, introduced by the new European regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tiziana Grassi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (I.G.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (A.D.D.)
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53
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Xu Y, Ou Q, Jiao M, Liu G, van der Hoek JP. Identification and Quantification of Nanoplastics in Surface Water and Groundwater by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:4988-4997. [PMID: 35373559 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c07377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs) are currently considered an environmental pollutant of concern, but the actual extent of NP pollution in environmental water bodies remains unclear and there is not enough quantitative data to conduct proper risk assessments. In this study, a pretreatment method combining ultrafiltration (UF, 100 kDa) with hydrogen peroxide digestion and subsequent detection with pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was developed and used to identify and quantify six selected NPs in surface water (SW) and groundwater (GW), including poly(vinylchloride) (PVC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The results show that the proposed method could detect NPs in environmental water samples. Nearly all selected NPs could be detected in the surface water at all locations, while PVC, PMMA, PS, and PET NPs were frequently below the detection limit in the groundwater. PP (32.9-69.9%) and PE (21.3-44.3%) NPs were the dominant components in both surface water and groundwater, although there were significant differences in the pollution levels attributed to the filtration efficiency of riverbank, with total mass concentrations of 0.283-0.793 μg/L (SW) and 0.021-0.203 μg/L (GW). Overall, this study quantified the NPs in complex aquatic environments for the first time, filling in gaps in our knowledge about NP pollution levels and providing a useful methodology and important reference data for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanghui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100085 Beijing, P. R. China
- Section of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Qin Ou
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100085 Beijing, P. R. China
- Section of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Meng Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100085 Beijing, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100085 Beijing, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Section of Sanitary Engineering, Department of Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands
- Waternet, Department Research & Innovation, P.O. Box 94370, 1090 GJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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54
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Review of Current Issues and Management Strategies of Microplastics in Groundwater Environments. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14071020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination has become widespread in natural ecosystems around the globe as a result of the tremendous rise in plastic production over the last 70 years. However, microplastic pollution in marine and riverine habitats has received more attention than that of terrestrial environments or even groundwater. This manuscript reviews the current issues, potential occurrences, and sources of the emerging problem of microplastic contamination in groundwater systems. The most prevalent types of plastic detected in groundwater are polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate, and fibers and fragments represent the most commonly found shapes. The vertical transportation of microplastics in agricultural soils can affect groundwater aquifer systems, which is detrimental to those who use groundwater for drinking as well as to microorganisms present in the aquifers. Moreover, this review sheds light on the interlinkage between sustainable development goals and groundwater microplastic contamination issues as part of the strategies for the management of microplastic contamination in groundwater. Overall, this review reveals a lack of interest and a gap in knowledge regarding groundwater microplastic pollution and highlights future perspectives for research in this area.
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55
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Zhang X, Liu C, Liu J, Zhang Z, Gong Y, Li H. Release of microplastics from typical rainwater facilities during aging process. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 813:152674. [PMID: 34971679 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152674] [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: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As the demand for urban flood prevention and drainage increases, a large number of plastic rainwater facilities are in use. Microplastics will be released inevitably into stormwater systems during aging and hydraulic scouring processes, which could cause potential pollution risk. This study simulated the release behavior of microplastics from three typical plastic rainwater facilities including a rainwater inspection well, rainwater storage module, and rainwater pipe (mainly composed of high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride, respectively) under the effects of aging and hydraulic scouring. After 15-45 days of UV aging and 72 h of hydraulic scouring, the surfaces of the three facilities were found to exhibit increases in roughness, cracks, folds, and cavities, with the most pronounced changes occurring in the rainwater storage module. As the aging time increased, oxygen-containing functional groups formed and led to carbon chain scission. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of facility surfaces showed that the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups was an important factor affecting the release of microplastics. The amount of microplastics released from the three facilities ranged from 160 to 1905 items/g (microplastics/facilities), following in the order of rainwater inspection well > rainwater storage module > rainwater pipe. The particle size of the released microplastics ranged from 3 to 1363 μm, with 10-30 μm accounting for the greatest proportion of particles, 50.10%. The size of microplastics released from the rainwater inspection well and rainwater storage module increased with the aging degree, while the release from the rainwater pipe decreased. The release behavior depends mainly on the composition of the materials and the aging time. Thus, microplastics can be released from plastic rainwater facilities under suitable conditions. The results can be used to further evaluate microplastic pollution caused by urban rainwater facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 102616, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Urban Sewage System Construction and Risk Control, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 102616, China; Beijing Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Urban Sewage System Construction and Risk Control, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Beijing Vocational College of Agriculture, Beijing 102442, China.
| | - Ziyang Zhang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Urban Sewage System Construction and Risk Control, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yongwei Gong
- Key Laboratory of Urban Stormwater System and Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 102616, China
| | - Haiyan Li
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Urban Sewage System Construction and Risk Control, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China.
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56
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Li Y, Wang Z, Guan B. Separation and identification of nanoplastics in tap water. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112134. [PMID: 34597658 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112134] [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: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution in freshwater has attracted global attentions, but when microplastics are broken into nanoplastics, they may present higher toxicity mainly due to their greater potential to cross biological membranes. So far almost no work has been done on the separation and identification of nanoplastics in tap water. Herein we removed large particles from tap water by 0.45 μm filter and then sequentially screened nanoparticles in filtrate by Anopore with pore size of 200, 100, and 20 nm, the most frequent particle sizes of which concentrate at 255 nm, 148 nm, and 58 nm, respectively. Based on characterization of FTIR, AFM-IR and Pyr-GC/MS, the polymers were identified to be polyolefins, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, and some plastic additives. The abundance of nanoplastics with the most frequent particle sizes in range of 58-255 nm was 1.67-2.08 μg/L in tap water. This work provides a feasible method for separation and identification of nanoplastics in tap water, and manifests the existence of nanoplastics, which poses a potential threat to the health of residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Zeqian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China
| | - Baohong Guan
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.
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57
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Chen J, Wu J, Sherrell PC, Chen J, Wang H, Zhang W, Yang J. How to Build a Microplastics-Free Environment: Strategies for Microplastics Degradation and Plastics Recycling. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2103764. [PMID: 34989178 PMCID: PMC8867153 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are an emergent yet critical issue for the environment because of high degradation resistance and bioaccumulation. Unfortunately, the current technologies to remove, recycle, or degrade microplastics are insufficient for complete elimination. In addition, the fragmentation and degradation of mismanaged plastic wastes in environment have recently been identified as a significant source of microplastics. Thus, the developments of effective microplastics removal methods, as well as, plastics recycling strategies are crucial to build a microplastics-free environment. Herein, this review comprehensively summarizes the current technologies for eliminating microplastics from the environment and highlights two key aspects to achieve this goal: 1) Catalytic degradation of microplastics into environmentally friendly organics (carbon dioxide and water); 2) catalytic recycling and upcycling plastic wastes into monomers, fuels, and valorized chemicals. The mechanisms, catalysts, feasibility, and challenges of these methods are also discussed. Novel catalytic methods such as, photocatalysis, advanced oxidation process, and biotechnology are promising and eco-friendly candidates to transform microplastics and plastic wastes into environmentally benign and valuable products. In the future, more effort is encouraged to develop eco-friendly methods for the catalytic conversion of plastics into valuable products with high efficiency, high product selectivity, and low cost under mild conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junliang Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620China
| | - Jing Wu
- Co‐Innovation Center for Textile IndustryInnovation Center for Textile Science and TechnologyDonghua UniversityShanghai201620China
| | - Peter C. Sherrell
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoria3010Australia
| | - Jun Chen
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials ScienceIntelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI)Australian Institute of Innovative Materials (AIIM)University of WollongongWollongongNew South Wales2522Australia
| | - Huaping Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620China
- Co‐Innovation Center for Textile IndustryInnovation Center for Textile Science and TechnologyDonghua UniversityShanghai201620China
| | - Wei‐xian Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and EngineeringState Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources ReuseTongji UniversityShanghai200092P. R. China
| | - Jianping Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620China
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58
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Yusuf A, Sodiq A, Giwa A, Eke J, Pikuda O, Eniola JO, Ajiwokewu B, Sambudi NS, Bilad MR. Updated review on microplastics in water, their occurrence, detection, measurement, environmental pollution, and the need for regulatory standards. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118421. [PMID: 34756874 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The gravity of the impending threats posed by microplastics (MPs) pollution in the environment cannot be over-emphasized. Several research studies continue to stress how important it is to curb the proliferation of these small plastic particles with different physical and chemical properties, especially in aquatic environments. While several works on how to monitor, detect and remove MPs from the aquatic environment have been published, there is still a lack of explicit regulatory framework for mitigation of MPs globally. A critical review that summarizes recent advances in MPs research and emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks devoted to MPs is presented in this paper. These frameworks suggested in this paper may be useful for reducing the proliferation of MPs in the environment. Based on all reviewed studies related to MPs research, we discussed the occurrence of MPs by identifying the major types and sources of MPs in water bodies; examined the recent ways of detecting, monitoring, and measuring MPs routinely to minimize projected risks; and proposed recommendations for consensus regulatory actions that will be effective for MPs mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Yusuf
- Chemical Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed Sodiq
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adewale Giwa
- Chemical Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Joyner Eke
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Kentucky, 177 F Paul Anderson Tower Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Oluwadamilola Pikuda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Jamiu O Eniola
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bilkis Ajiwokewu
- Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nonni Soraya Sambudi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, Perak, 32610, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Roil Bilad
- Faculty of Integrated Technologies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, BE 1410, Brunei Darussalam
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59
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Alfonso MB, Arias AH, Ronda AC, Piccolo MC. Continental microplastics: Presence, features, and environmental transport pathways. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 799:149447. [PMID: 34371405 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous contaminants of great concern for the environment. MPs' presence and concentration in the air, soil, marine, and freshwater environments have been reported as a matter of priority in recent years. This review addresses the current knowledge of the main pathways of MPs in air, soil, and freshwater reservoirs in order to provide an integrated understanding of their behaviors in the continental environment. Therefore, MPs' occurrence (as particle counts), sources, and how their features as shape, size, polymer composition, and density could influence their transport and final sink were discussed. Wind resuspension and atmospheric fallout, groundwater migration, runoff from catchments, and water flow from rivers and effluents were pointed as the principal pathways. MPs' size, shape, polymer composition, and density interact with environmental variables as soil structure and composition, precipitation, wind, relative humidity, water temperature, and salinity. Sampling designs for MPs research should further consider soil characteristics, climate variability and extreme events, time lag and grasshopper effects, morphological and hydrological features of aquatic systems, and water currents, among others. Furthermore, long-term monitoring and lab experiments are still needed to understand MPs' behavior in the environment. This information will provide a unified understanding of the continental MPs pathways, including the key main findings, knowledge gaps, and future challenges to understand this emerging contaminant.
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Affiliation(s)
- María B Alfonso
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Florida 8000, Complejo CCT CONICET Bahía Blanca, Edificio E1, B8000BFW Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga 816-8580, Japan.
| | - Andrés H Arias
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Florida 8000, Complejo CCT CONICET Bahía Blanca, Edificio E1, B8000BFW Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Avenida Alem 1253, B8000DIC Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Ana C Ronda
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Florida 8000, Complejo CCT CONICET Bahía Blanca, Edificio E1, B8000BFW Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Avenida Alem 1253, B8000DIC Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María C Piccolo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS)-CONICET, Florida 8000, Complejo CCT CONICET Bahía Blanca, Edificio E1, B8000BFW Bahía Blanca, Argentina; Departamento de Geografía y Turismo, Universidad Nacional del Sur, 12 de Octubre 1198 4°Piso, B8000CTX Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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60
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Kirstein IV, Gomiero A, Vollertsen J. Microplastic pollution in drinking water. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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61
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Busch M, Kämpfer AAM, Schins RPF. An inverted in vitro triple culture model of the healthy and inflamed intestine: Adverse effects of polyethylene particles. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 284:131345. [PMID: 34216924 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As environmental pollution with plastic waste is increasing, numerous reports show the contamination of natural habitats, food and drinking water with plastic particles in the micro- and nanometer range. Since oral exposure to these particles is virtually unavoidable, health concerns towards the general population have been expressed and risk assessment regarding ingested plastic particles is of great interest. To study the intestinal effects of polymeric particles with a density of <1 g/cm³ in vitro, we spatially inverted a triple culture transwell model of the healthy and inflamed intestine (Caco-2/HT29-MTX-E12/THP-1), which allows contact between buoyant particles and cells. We validated the inverted model against the original model using the enterotoxic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac and subsequently assessed the cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects of polyethylene (PE) microparticles. The results show that the inverted model exhibits the same distinct features as the original model in terms of barrier development and inflammatory parameters. Treatment with 2 mM diclofenac causes severe cytotoxicity, DNA damage and complete barrier disruption in both models. PE particles induced cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory effects in the inverted model, which would have remained undetected in conventional in vitro approaches, as no effect was observed in non-inverted control cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Busch
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Angela A M Kämpfer
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Roel P F Schins
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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62
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Jjagwe J, Olupot PW, Menya E, Kalibbala HM. Synthesis and Application of Granular Activated Carbon from Biomass Waste Materials for Water Treatment: A Review. JOURNAL OF BIORESOURCES AND BIOPRODUCTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jobab.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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63
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Chen X, Wang Y, Chen S, Sun Y, Tan Q, Ding Z, Lu Y, Yu Y. Microplastics as carbon-nutrient sources and shaper for microbial communities in stagnant water. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 420:126662. [PMID: 34329077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants as vectors for microbial colonization, but their role as nutrients sources for microbial communities has rarely been reported. This study explored the impact of six types of MPs on assimilable organic carbon (AOC) and microbial communities over eight weeks. The following were the primary conclusions: (1) MPs contributed to AOC increment and subsequently increased bacterial regrowth potential. The maximum AOC reached 722.03 μg/L. The increase in AOC formation corresponded to AOC NOX, except in PVC samples where AOC P17 primarily increased. (2) The MPs accelerated bacterial growth and changed the bacterial distribution between the biofilm and water phases. A high MP surface-area-to-volume ratio or low MPs density contributed to bacterial accumulation and biofilm formation around the plastisphere, thereby decreasing the relative microbial proportion in the water phase. (3) High-throughput sequencing and scanning electron microscope revealed that different MPs shaped various microbial communities temporally and spatially. (4) Biofilm formatting and formatted models were established and simulated to explain the kinetic interaction between the AOC and bacteria inhabiting the plastisphere. Finally, the challenges that plastic-deprived AOC represent in terms of anti-bacterial measures and chemical safety are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chen
- College of Defense Engineering, The Army Engineering University of PLA, Nanjing 210007, China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Defense Engineering, The Army Engineering University of PLA, Nanjing 210007, China.
| | - Sheng Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yiran Sun
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qiaowen Tan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhibin Ding
- College of Defense Engineering, The Army Engineering University of PLA, Nanjing 210007, China.
| | - Yaofeng Lu
- College of Defense Engineering, The Army Engineering University of PLA, Nanjing 210007, China
| | - Yingjun Yu
- College of Defense Engineering, The Army Engineering University of PLA, Nanjing 210007, China
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Ivleva NP. Chemical Analysis of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Challenges, Advanced Methods, and Perspectives. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11886-11936. [PMID: 34436873 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics have become emerging particulate anthropogenic pollutants and rapidly turned into a field of growing scientific and public interest. These tiny plastic particles are found in the environment all around the globe as well as in drinking water and food, raising concerns about their impacts on the environment and human health. To adequately address these issues, reliable information on the ambient concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics is needed. However, micro- and nanoplastic particles are extremely complex and diverse in terms of their size, shape, density, polymer type, surface properties, etc. While the particle concentrations in different media can vary by up to 10 orders of magnitude, analysis of such complex samples may resemble searching for a needle in a haystack. This highlights the critical importance of appropriate methods for the chemical identification, quantification, and characterization of microplastics and nanoplastics. The present article reviews advanced methods for the representative mass-based and particle-based analysis of microplastics, with a focus on the sensitivity and lower-size limit for detection. The advantages and limitations of the methods, and their complementarity for the comprehensive characterization of microplastics are discussed. A special attention is paid to the approaches for reliable analysis of nanoplastics. Finally, an outlook for establishing harmonized and standardized methods to analyze these challenging contaminants is presented, and perspectives within and beyond this research field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia P Ivleva
- Institute of Hydrochemistry, Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Mukotaka A, Kataoka T, Nihei Y. Rapid analytical method for characterization and quantification of microplastics in tap water using a Fourier-transform infrared microscope. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 790:148231. [PMID: 34380239 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Studies have recently focused on microplastics (MPs) in tap and drinking water. Directly comparing the results of different studies is difficult owing to the use of various methodologies. In particular, a study of particles on a part of the filter to reduce the analysis time can lead to uncertainty regarding the number of MPs in tap water. In this study, the analysis of particles on the whole filtration area using a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microscope was achieved in approximately 1 h using a filtration unit with a smaller filtration area (0.13 cm2) and a large-opening (26 μm) filter. Forty-two samples collected from five countries were analyzed using this method. The concentrations of the MPs at each site ranged from 1.9 to 225 particles L-1, with a mean concentration of all samples of 39 ± 44 particles L-1. The size ranged from 19.2 μm to 4.2 mm. Fragments were the predominant shape while fibers and spheres were also observed. Based on a combination of the shape, size, and chemical composition of the MPs, we discussed their sources. The MPs could have caused contamination after processing by a water treatment plant because we detected a significant number of polyester fibers > 100 μm, which were previously detected in the air, and PVC fragments > 50 μm, which are often used in water pipes. This study proposed technical improvements to the whole filtration area technique to detect MPs in tap water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arata Mukotaka
- Department of Civil Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan.
| | - Tomoya Kataoka
- Department of Civil Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Yasuo Nihei
- Department of Civil Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
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66
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Oßmann BE. Microplastics in drinking water? Present state of knowledge and open questions. Curr Opin Food Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Llorca M, Farré M. Current Insights into Potential Effects of Micro-Nanoplastics on Human Health by in-vitro Tests. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2021; 3:752140. [PMID: 35295102 PMCID: PMC8915894 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.752140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans are exposed to micro and nanoplastics (MNPLs) through inhalation, ingestion and, to a lesser extent, dermal contact. In recent years, new insights indicate the potential of MNPLs to cause damages to human health. Particle toxicity can include oxidative stress, inflammatory lesions, and then increased internalization or translocation through tissues. On the other hand, plastic additives are used in plastic particles, once internalized, can release toxic substances. It is noteworthy that the potential effects of MNPLs encompass a wide range of polymers and chemical additives, showing various physicochemical and toxicological properties, and the size, shape and surface properties are other variables influencing their effects. In spite of the research carried out recently, MNPLs research is in its early stages, and further investigation is required. In this review article, the knowledge of human exposure routes and the recent results on the toxicological effects of MNPLs in human health are presented and discussed. Finally, the current limitations and the main gaps in the body of knowledge are summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Llorca
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marinella Farré
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
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68
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Liu Q, Chen Z, Chen Y, Yang F, Yao W, Xie Y. Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Emerging Contaminants in Food. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:10450-10468. [PMID: 34473500 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c04199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
As current concerns about food safety issues around the world are still relatively serious, more and more food safety issues have become the focus of people's attention. What's more serious is that environmental pollution and changes in human lifestyles have also led to the emergence of contaminants in food, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) being typical representatives. MPs and NPs (M/NPs) in food are gradually becoming recognized by regulatory authorities and the public. Most published reviews on M/NPs have been focused on the environmental ecosystems. In those papers, it is only sporadically mentioned that M/NPs can also appear in food. As far as we know, there has not been a systematic review of the pollution and existing status of M/NPs in food. This Review focuses on the harmfulness of M/NPs, the ways in which M/NPs contaminate food, the residual amount of M/NPs in food, and the current analysis and detection methods for M/NPs in food. Current analysis and detection methods have problems such as being time-consuming, involving cumbersome operation, and giving poor accuracy. In the future, it will be necessary to increase the research on methods for efficient and sensitive separation and detection of M/NPs in food. Finally, it is hoped that this Review will arouse more people's awareness of and attention to the seriousness of M/NPs in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingrun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yulun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Engineering Research Center of Dairy Quality and Safety Control Technology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fangwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Engineering Research Center of Dairy Quality and Safety Control Technology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Weirong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yunfei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Food Safety, Jiangnan University, No. 1800 Lihu Avenue, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
- Engineering Research Center of Dairy Quality and Safety Control Technology, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
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69
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Environmental Microplastic Particles vs. Engineered Plastic Microparticles-A Comparative Review. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13172881. [PMID: 34502921 PMCID: PMC8434362 DOI: 10.3390/polym13172881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastic particles (MPs) pose a novel threat to nature. Despite being first noticed in the 1970s, research on this topic has only surged in recent years. Researchers have mainly focused on environmental plastic particles; however, studies with defined microplastic particles as the sample input are scarce. Furthermore, comparison of those studies indicates a discrepancy between the particles found (e.g., in the environment) and those used for further research (e.g., exposure studies). Obviously, it is important to use particles that resemble those found in the environment to conduct appropriate research. In this review, different categories of microplastic particles are addressed, before covering an overview of the most common separation and analysis methods for environmental MPs is covered. After showing that the particles found in the environment are mostly irregular and polydisperse, while those used in studies with plastic microparticles as samples are often not, different particle production techniques are investigated and suggestions for preparing realistic plastic particles are given.
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70
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Kannan K, Vimalkumar K. A Review of Human Exposure to Microplastics and Insights Into Microplastics as Obesogens. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:724989. [PMID: 34484127 PMCID: PMC8416353 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.724989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous exposure of humans to microplastics (MPs) through inhalation of particles in air and ingestion in dust, water, and diet is well established. Humans are estimated to ingest tens of thousands to millions of MP particles annually, or on the order of several milligrams daily. Available information suggests that inhalation of indoor air and ingestion of drinking water bottled in plastic are the major sources of MP exposure. Little is known on the occurrence of MPs in human diet. Evidence is accumulating that feeding bottles and medical devices can contribute to MP exposure in newborns and infants. Biomonitoring studies of human stool, fetus, and placenta provide direct evidence of MP exposure in infants and children. MPs <20 µm were reported to cross biological membranes. Although plastics were once perceived as inert materials, MP exposure in laboratory animals is linked to various forms of inflammation, immunological response, endocrine disruption, alteration of lipid and energy metabolism, and other disorders. Whereas exposure to MPs itself is a concern, MPs can also be sources of exposure to plastic additives and other toxicants. Exposure of human cell lines to MP additives such as phthalates, bisphenols, and organotins causes adverse effects through the activation of nuclear receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α, β, and γ, and retinoid X receptor (RXR), leading to oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, thyroid hormone disruption, and altered adipogenesis and energy production. The size, shape, chemical composition, surface charge, and hydrophobicity of MPs influence their toxicity. Maternal transfer of MPs to the developing fetus has been demonstrated in exposed laboratory animals and through the analysis of human placenta. In laboratory animal studies, maternal exposure to MPs altered energy and lipid metabolism in offspring and subsequent generations. Moreover, concomitant with the global increase in plastics production, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in human populations has increased over the past five decades, and there is evidence to support the hypothesis that MPs and their additives are potential obesogens. Even though MP exposures are ubiquitous and toxic effects from such exposures are a concern, systematic studies on this topic remain urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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71
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Kutralam-Muniasamy G, Pérez-Guevara F, Martínez IE, Shruti VC. Overview of microplastics pollution with heavy metals: Analytical methods, occurrence, transfer risks and call for standardization. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 415:125755. [PMID: 34088209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The identification and quantification of metals in microplastics are necessary to determine their exposure levels as well as to understand their potential toxicity in the environment linked to the ubiquity of microplastics. The readiness of effective protocols and measurement techniques for accurate metal quantification is of utmost importance. This first review, based on 28 original articles, provides a systematic assessment of the current protocols for extraction, detection and quantification of metals in microplastics and the challenges associated with them. Quality assurance and quality control measures are also summarized. Great variations of microplastic samples in terms of characteristics, number, mass and unit were noted. Wet acid and microwave acid digestion methods were commonly employed for metal extraction from microplastics using a combination of acids such as HF, HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4 at different concentrations and reaction conditions. Adaptation of one or multiple characterization techniques including, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy has been considered. The discrepancies in methodology and elements analyzed between studies produce variable results and troublesome comparison. Having considered the need for a standard procedure, this review highlighted several suggestions towards standardization and recommended perspectives for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - I Elizalde Martínez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Mexicano para la Producción más Limpia (CMP+L), Av. Acueducto s/n, Col. Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, México, D.F., Mexico
| | - V C Shruti
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Mexicano para la Producción más Limpia (CMP+L), Av. Acueducto s/n, Col. Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, México, D.F., Mexico.
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72
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K MB, Natesan U, R V, R PK, R R, S S. Spatial distribution of microplastic concentration around landfill sites and its potential risk on groundwater. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 277:130263. [PMID: 33770695 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plastic plays a major role in today's human life; moreover, it becomes a part of our life, yet it is a most challenging threat for the freshwater ecosystems in the future. The present study identifies, characterizes, and quantifies the microplastics in groundwater samples around Perungudi and Kodungaiyur municipal solid waste dumpsites in South India. To evaluate and assess the microplastic abundance, characteristics (composite, size, colour, shape, and surface morphology), detection methods of plastic particles, and potential risk factors from the absorption of microplastic in groundwater. Further, the microplastic particle classification was performed using LB-340 Zoom Stereo Microscope with LED Illumination, ATR-FTIR fitted with SEM with EDX analyzer. The groundwater samples (n = 20) were found contaminated with microplastic particles in the range of 2-80 items/L with coloured particles, white (38%), black (27%), green (8%), red (18%), blue (6%), and yellow (2%). The polymer type was found to occur in the following order: nylon (70%), pellets (18%), foam (6%), fragments (3%), fibers/PVC (2%), and polythene (1%). In both sampling sites, 90% of microplastics are derived from the buried plastics and waste fragmentation which are predominantly of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS). Micro and nano plastics abundance in groundwater is of paramount importance as it has a major impact on human health. This study throws light on the characteristics and quantification of the microplastics in groundwater that initiates further research by which microplastics enter into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manikanda Bharath K
- Institute for Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600025, India.
| | - Usha Natesan
- Centre for Water Resource, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600025, India
| | - Vaikunth R
- Department of Civil Engineering, St. Joseph's College of Engineering, Chennai, Tami Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Praveen Kumar R
- Department of Civil Engineering, St. Joseph's College of Engineering, Chennai, Tami Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Ruthra R
- Department of Civil Engineering, St. Joseph's College of Engineering, Chennai, Tami Nadu, 600119, India
| | - Srinivasalu S
- Institute for Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600025, India
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Kumar AS, Varghese GK. Microplastic pollution of Calicut beach - Contributing factors and possible impacts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112492. [PMID: 34051522 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Annual monitoring was carried out in the shoreline sediments of the Calicut beach, from 2016 to 2019 to understand the distribution and abundance of microplastics and its environmental implications. Further, the impact of the severe fluvial floods of Kerala during the August months of 2018 and 2019, on the microplastic pollution of the Calicut beach was also determined. Microplastic concentrations ranged between 80.56 items/kg of dry sand to 467.13 items/kg of dry sand during the sampling period. Polyethylene type was consistently higher in all the samples. There was a surge in microplastics concentration during both the floods with a higher proportion of low-retention-period microplastics. Among the different oceanographic parameters, it was found that significant wave height and surface wind speed are positively correlated to the number of the microplastics in Calicut beach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Suresh Kumar
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, India
| | - George K Varghese
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, India.
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Schymanski D, Oßmann BE, Benismail N, Boukerma K, Dallmann G, von der Esch E, Fischer D, Fischer F, Gilliland D, Glas K, Hofmann T, Käppler A, Lacorte S, Marco J, Rakwe ME, Weisser J, Witzig C, Zumbülte N, Ivleva NP. Analysis of microplastics in drinking water and other clean water samples with micro-Raman and micro-infrared spectroscopy: minimum requirements and best practice guidelines. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:5969-5994. [PMID: 34283280 PMCID: PMC8440246 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03498-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a widespread contaminant found not only in various natural habitats but also in drinking waters. With spectroscopic methods, the polymer type, number, size, and size distribution as well as the shape of microplastic particles in waters can be determined, which is of great relevance to toxicological studies. Methods used in studies so far show a huge diversity regarding experimental setups and often a lack of certain quality assurance aspects. To overcome these problems, this critical review and consensus paper of 12 European analytical laboratories and institutions, dealing with microplastic particle identification and quantification with spectroscopic methods, gives guidance toward harmonized microplastic particle analysis in clean waters. The aims of this paper are to (i) improve the reliability of microplastic analysis, (ii) facilitate and improve the planning of sample preparation and microplastic detection, and (iii) provide a better understanding regarding the evaluation of already existing studies. With these aims, we hope to make an important step toward harmonization of microplastic particle analysis in clean water samples and, thus, allow the comparability of results obtained in different studies by using similar or harmonized methods. Clean water samples, for the purpose of this paper, are considered to comprise all water samples with low matrix content, in particular drinking, tap, and bottled water, but also other water types such as clean freshwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darena Schymanski
- Chemical and Veterinary Analytical Institute Münsterland-Emscher-Lippe (CVUA-MEL), Joseph-König-Straße 40, 48147, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Food Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstr. 45, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Barbara E Oßmann
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Eggenreuther Weg 43, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nizar Benismail
- Nestle Quality Assurance Center Vittel, 1020 Avenue Georges Clemenceau, 88800, Vittel, France
| | | | - Gerald Dallmann
- SGS Institut Fresenius GmbH, Königsbrücker Landstr. 161, 01109, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisabeth von der Esch
- Institute of Hydrochemistry, Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Fischer
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF), Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Franziska Fischer
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF), Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Douglas Gilliland
- Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission, 21027, Ispra, Italy
| | - Karl Glas
- Chair of Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Straße 34, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Thomas Hofmann
- Chair of Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Straße 34, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Andrea Käppler
- SGS Institut Fresenius GmbH, Königsbrücker Landstr. 161, 01109, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sílvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Julie Marco
- Danone Waters, 11 Avenue du Général Dupas, 74500, Evian les Bains, France
| | | | - Jana Weisser
- Chair of Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Straße 34, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Cordula Witzig
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser (German Water Centre), Karlsruher Straße 84, 76139, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Nicole Zumbülte
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser (German Water Centre), Karlsruher Straße 84, 76139, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Natalia P Ivleva
- Institute of Hydrochemistry, Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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75
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Almaiman L, Aljomah A, Bineid M, Aljeldah FM, Aldawsari F, Liebmann B, Lomako I, Sexlinger K, Alarfaj R. The occurrence and dietary intake related to the presence of microplastics in drinking water in Saudi Arabia. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:390. [PMID: 34100164 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The implications and health effects of microplastics (MPs) ingestion are still unclear, yet researchers and organizations around the world are increasingly examining the levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment. This study investigated the presence and the quantity of microplastics in bottled and tap water from five regions in Saudi Arabia and estimated the dietary intake of microplastics. Thirty samples of drinking water were collected from the retail markets in Saudi Arabia. The samples included plastic bottled drinking water, 2 glass bottles, and 2 samples of tap water to represent ground water and desalinated seawater. Sample preparation in the laboratory involved a vacuum-assisted filtration with an inorganic filter membrane (0.2-µm pore size). Identification and classification of microplastics particles using Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIR microspectroscopy). The particle size range screened for in this study was 25-500 μm. Microplastics were identified in 17 out of 30 samples. The average of the detected microplastic particles was 1.9 pcs/L (lower bound estimate, LB) and 4.7 pcs/L (upper bound estimate, UB), respectively. The most frequently identified plastic type was polyethylene (PE), followed by polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Given an average recommended water intake of 3.7 and 2.7 L per day for men and women, respectively, the corresponding daily exposure to microplastics would result in 0.1-0.2 pcs/kg bw. The estimate for high water consumers increases to a daily exposure of 1.7-1.9 pcs/kg bw based on the recommended intake for water in hot weather by the WHO. From these results, we conclude that the level of dietary intake of microplastics from drinking water in Saudi Arabia is low, and according to current state of knowledge, microplastics from drinking water do not pose any concern to the consumers in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lama Almaiman
- The Executive Department of Monitoring and Risk Assessment, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Alaa Aljomah
- The Executive Department of Monitoring and Risk Assessment, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Bineid
- The Executive Department of Monitoring and Risk Assessment, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Futoon M Aljeldah
- The Executive Department of Monitoring and Risk Assessment, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Aldawsari
- Reference Drug Lab Department, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bettina Liebmann
- Environment Agency Austria, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Ievgeniia Lomako
- Environment Agency Austria, Spittelauer Lände 5, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | | | - Rashed Alarfaj
- The Executive Department of Monitoring and Risk Assessment, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Sharma S, Basu S, Shetti NP, Nadagouda MN, Aminabhavi TM. Microplastics in the environment: Occurrence, perils, and eradication. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2021; 408:127317. [PMID: 34017217 PMCID: PMC8129922 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.127317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) with sizes < 5 mm are found in various compositions, shapes, morphologies, and textures that are the major sources of environmental pollution. The fraction of MPs in total weight of plastic accumulation around the world is predicted to be 13.2% by 2060. These micron-sized MPs are hazardous to marine species, birds, animals, soil creatures and humans due to their occurrence in air, water, soil, indoor dust and food items. The present review covers discussions on the damaging effects of MPs on the environment and their removal techniques including biodegradation, adsorption, catalytic, photocatalytic degradation, coagulation, filtration and electro-coagulation. The main techniques used to analyze the structural and surface changes such as cracks, holes and erosion post the degradation processes are FTIR and SEM analysis. In addition, reduction in plastic molecular weight by the microbes implies disintegration of MPs. Adsorptive removal by the magnetic adsorbent promises complete elimination while the biodegradable catalysts could remove 70-100% of MPs. Catalytic degradation via advanced oxidation assisted by S O 4 • - or O H • radicals generated by peroxymonosulfate or sodium sulfate are also adequately covered in addition to photocatalysis. The chemical methods such as sol-gel, agglomeration, and coagulation in conjunction with other physical methods are discussed concerning the drinking water/wastewater/sludge treatments. The efficacy, merits and demerits of the currently used removal approaches are reviewed that will be helpful in developing more sophisticated technologies for the complete mitigation of MPs from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Sharma
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147004, India
| | - Soumen Basu
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147004, India
| | - Nagaraj P. Shetti
- Center for Electrochemical Science and Materials, Department of Chemistry, K.L.E. Institute of Technology, Hubballi-580 027, Karnataka, India
| | - Mallikarjuna N. Nadagouda
- The United States Environmental Protection Agency, ORD, CESER, WID, CMTB, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
- Corresponding authors. (M.N. Nadagouda), (T.M. Aminabhavi)
| | - Tejraj M. Aminabhavi
- Pharmaceutical Engineering, SET’s College of Pharmacy, Dharwad 580 002, Karnataka, India
- Corresponding authors. (M.N. Nadagouda), (T.M. Aminabhavi)
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77
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Senathirajah K, Attwood S, Bhagwat G, Carbery M, Wilson S, Palanisami T. Estimation of the mass of microplastics ingested - A pivotal first step towards human health risk assessment. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 404:124004. [PMID: 33130380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics in the food web has been established. However, the mass of microplastics exposure to humans is not defined, impeding the human health risk assessment. Our objectives were to extract the data from the available evidence on the number and mass of microplastics from various sources, to determine the uncertainties in the existing data, to set future research directions, and derive a global average rate of microplastic ingestion to assist in the development of human health risk assessments and effective management and policy options. To enable the comparison of microplastics exposure across a range of sources, data extraction and standardization was coupled with the adoption of conservative assumptions. Following the analysis of data from fifty-nine publications, an average mass for individual microplastics in the 0-1 mm size range was calculated. Subsequently, we estimated that globally on average, humans may ingest 0.1-5 g of microplastics weekly through various exposure pathways. This was the first attempt to transform microplastic counts into a mass value relevant to human toxicology. The determination of an ingestion rate is fundamental to assess the human health risks of microplastic ingestion. These findings will contribute to future human health risk assessment frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kala Senathirajah
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials(GICAN), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Simon Attwood
- The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), 354 Tanglin Road, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Geetika Bhagwat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Maddison Carbery
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Scott Wilson
- Department of Environmental Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thava Palanisami
- Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials(GICAN), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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78
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Weber F, Kerpen J, Wolff S, Langer R, Eschweiler V. Investigation of microplastics contamination in drinking water of a German city. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:143421. [PMID: 33183796 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The drinking water of a German city was investigated for microplastics. Random samples were taken from three house connections, one transfer station, and five consumption taps in an educational institution, an apartment, a single-family house, a residential building, and a commercial enterprise. The sample volumes ranged from 0.25-1.3 m3. A stainless-steel membrane served as a sampling filter. HCl was used for the acidic digestion of the inorganic precipitates. Raman micro spectroscopy was used for the analysis of microplastic particles. The detection limit was 10 μm. Particles and fibers ≥100 μm were measured on 100% of the filter area, while particles and fibers <100 μm were measured on 50% of the filter area. The analytical procedure was validated by determining recovery rates and analyses of blanks. In addition to microplastics, pigmented particles and fibers were also analyzed. Neither microplastic particles and fibers nor pigmented particles and fibers were detected at house connections and the transfer station. No microplastics were detected in any sample at consumption taps. At one tap, 113 ± 83 copper phthalocyanine particles m-3 were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Weber
- Institute for Environmental and Process Engineering, Hochschule RheinMain, University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 3251, 65022 Wiesbaden, Germany.
| | - Jutta Kerpen
- Institute for Environmental and Process Engineering, Hochschule RheinMain, University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 3251, 65022 Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wolff
- Institute for Environmental and Process Engineering, Hochschule RheinMain, University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 3251, 65022 Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - René Langer
- Institute for Environmental and Process Engineering, Hochschule RheinMain, University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 3251, 65022 Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Vanessa Eschweiler
- Institute for Environmental and Process Engineering, Hochschule RheinMain, University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 3251, 65022 Wiesbaden, Germany
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79
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Busch M, Bredeck G, Kämpfer AAM, Schins RPF. Investigations of acute effects of polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride micro- and nanoplastics in an advanced in vitro triple culture model of the healthy and inflamed intestine. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110536. [PMID: 33253701 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The continuous degradation of plastic waste in the environment leads to the generation of micro- and nanoplastic fragments and particles. Due to the ubiquitous presence of plastic particles in natural habitats as well as in food, beverages and tap water, oral exposure of the human population with plastic particles occurs worldwide. We investigated acute toxicological effects of polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) micro- and nanoparticles in an advanced in vitro triple culture model (Caco-2/HT29-MTX-E12/THP-1) mimicking the healthy and inflamed human intestine to study the effect of inflammatory processes on plastic particle toxicity. We monitored barrier integrity, cytotoxicity, cell layer integrity, DNA damage, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) and mucus distribution after 24 h of particle exposure. In addition, we investigated cytotoxicity, DNA damage and IL-1β release in monocultures of the three cell lines. Amine-modified polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NH2) served as a positive control for particle-induced toxicity. No acute effects in the investigated endpoints were observed in the model of the healthy intestine after PS or PVC exposure. However, during active inflammatory processes, exposure to PVC particles was found to augment the release of IL-1β and to cause a loss of epithelial cells. Our results suggest that prevalent intestinal inflammation might be an important factor to consider when assessing the hazard of ingested micro- and nanoplastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Busch
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gerrit Bredeck
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Angela A M Kämpfer
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Roel P F Schins
- IUF - Leibniz-Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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80
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Johannessen C, Shetranjiwalla S. Role of Structural Morphology of Commodity Polymers in Microplastics and Nanoplastics Formation: Fragmentation, Effects and Associated Toxicity in the Aquatic Environment. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 259:123-169. [PMID: 34652560 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
With the continued growth in plastic production, its ubiquitous use and insufficient waste management and disposal, the increased levels of plastics in the environment have led to growing ecological concerns. The breakdown of these plastic macromolecules to smaller micro and nanosized particles and their detection in the aerial, aquatic, marine and terrestrial environments has been reviewed extensively, especially for thermoplastics. However, the formation of micro and nanoplastics has typically been explained as a physical abrasion process, largely overlooking the underlying chemical structure-morphology correlations to the degradation mechanisms of the plastics. This is particularly true for the common commodity thermosets. This review focuses on the degradation pathways for the most widely produced commodity thermoplastics and thermosets into microplastics (MP)s and nanoplastics (NP)s, as well as their behaviour and associated toxicity. Special emphasis is placed on NPs, which are associated with greater risks for toxicity compared to MPs, due to their higher surface area to volume ratios. This review also assesses the current state of standardized detection and quantification methods as well as comprehensive regulations for these fragments in the aquatic environment.
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81
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Vighi M, Bayo J, Fernández-Piñas F, Gago J, Gómez M, Hernández-Borges J, Herrera A, Landaburu J, Muniategui-Lorenzo S, Muñoz AR, Rico A, Romera-Castillo C, Viñas L, Rosal R. Micro and Nano-Plastics in the Environment: Research Priorities for the Near Future. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 257:163-218. [PMID: 34487249 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litter dispersed in the different environmental compartments represents one of the most concerning problems associated with human activities. Specifically, plastic particles in the micro and nano size scale are ubiquitous and represent a threat to human health and the environment. In the last few decades, a huge amount of research has been devoted to evaluate several aspects of micro/nano-plastic contamination: origin and emissions, presence in different compartments, environmental fate, effects on human health and the environment, transfer in the food web and the role of associated chemicals and microorganisms. Nevertheless, despite the bulk of information produced, several knowledge gaps still exist. The objective of this paper is to highlight the most important of these knowledge gaps and to provide suggestions for the main research needs required to describe and understand the most controversial points to better orient the research efforts for the near future. Some of the major issues that need further efforts to improve our knowledge on the exposure, effects and risk of micro/nano-plastics are: harmonization of sampling procedures; development of more accurate, less expensive and less time-consuming analytical methods; assessment of degradation patterns and environmental fate of fragments; evaluating the capabilities for bioaccumulation and transfer to the food web; and evaluating the fate and the impact of chemicals and microorganisms associated with micro/nano-plastics. The major gaps in all sectors of our knowledge, from exposure to potentially harmful effects, refer to small size microplastics and, particularly, to the occurrence, fate and effects of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Bayo
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Gago
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Vigo, Spain
| | - May Gómez
- EOMAR: Marine Ecophysiology Group, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Javier Hernández-Borges
- Departamento de Química, Unidad Departamental de Química Analítica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Alicia Herrera
- EOMAR: Marine Ecophysiology Group, IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | | | - Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada, Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Antonio-Román Muñoz
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA-Water Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Romera-Castillo
- Department of Marine Biology and Oceanography, Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Viñas
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Vigo, Spain
| | - Roberto Rosal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
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82
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Kirstein IV, Hensel F, Gomiero A, Iordachescu L, Vianello A, Wittgren HB, Vollertsen J. Drinking plastics? - Quantification and qualification of microplastics in drinking water distribution systems by µFTIR and Py-GCMS. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 188:116519. [PMID: 33091805 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
While it seems indisputable that potable water contains microplastics (MP), the actual concentrations are much debated and reported numbers vary many orders of magnitude. It is difficult to pinpoint the cause of these differences, but it might be variation between waters, variation between quantification methods, and that some studies did not live up to rigorous analytical standards. Despite the urgent need to understand human exposure by drinking water, there is a lack of trustable methods generating reliable data. Essentially, proper MP assessment requires that quality assurance is in place and demonstrated, that an adequate volume of drinking water is assessed, and that differences in analytical methods are understood. This study presents a systematic and robust approach where MP down to 6.6 µm were assessed in potable water distribution systems in terms of quantity, size, shape, and material. For the first time, sub-samples were analysed by two of the most validated and complementary analytical techniques: µFTIR imaging and Py-GCMS. Both methods successfully determined low contents in drinking water. However, µFTIR and Py-GCMS identified different polymer types in samples with overall low MP content. With increasing concentration of a given polymer type, the values determined by the techniques became more comparable. Most detected MPs were smaller than 150 µm, and 32% were smaller than 20 µm. Our results indicate a potential annual uptake of less than one MP per person, suggesting that drinking potable water produced at a high-performance drinking water treatment plant represents a low risk for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga V Kirstein
- Aalborg University, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | - Fides Hensel
- Aalborg University, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Lucian Iordachescu
- Aalborg University, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Alvise Vianello
- Aalborg University, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Jes Vollertsen
- Aalborg University, Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg, Denmark
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83
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Zhou Y, Wang J, Zou M, Jia Z, Zhou S, Li Y. Microplastics in soils: A review of methods, occurrence, fate, transport, ecological and environmental risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 748:141368. [PMID: 32798871 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The global prevalence of microplastics (MPs) poses a potential threat and unpredictable risk to the function and health of environmental systems. However, the research progress of soil MPs is restricted by the inherent technical inconformity and difficulties in analyzing particles in complex matrices. Here, we reviewed a selection of papers and then extrapolated a tentative standardized method for such analyses. The multiple sources of soil MPs in soil need to be quantified. Global monitoring data of soil MPs is far from sufficient. The interaction between MPs and different properties and environmental factors controls the migration and retention of MPs in soil. The migration behavior and key mechanisms of MPs in real-world environments remain to be determined. The presence of MPs threatens soil microbial-plant-animal ecosystem function and health, and may enter the human body through the food chain, although the extent of these hazards is currently debated. In particular, attention should be paid to the potential transport and ecotoxicological mechanisms of contaminants derived and adsorptive from MPs and of harmful microorganisms (such as pathogens) attached as biofilms. Although there exist preliminary studies on soil MPs, it is urgent to consider the diversity of MPs as a suite of contaminants and to systematically understand the sources, flux and effects of these artificial pollutants in time and space from the perspective of plastic environmental cycle. More comprehensive quantification of their environmental fate is undertaken to identify risks to global human and ecological systems. From the perspective of controlling soil MP pollution, the responsibility assignment of government manage-producer-consumer system and the strategy of remediation should be implemented. This review is helpful for providing an important roadmap and inspiration for the research methods and framework of soil MPs and facilitates the development of waste management and remediation strategies for regional soil MP contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Junxiao Wang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Mengmeng Zou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Zhenyi Jia
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Shenglu Zhou
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Exploitation and Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources, Nanjing 210024, China.
| | - Yan Li
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing 210037, Jiangsu, China.
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84
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Kutralam-Muniasamy G, Pérez-Guevara F, Elizalde-Martínez I, Shruti VC. Review of current trends, advances and analytical challenges for microplastics contamination in Latin America. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115463. [PMID: 32866877 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics accumulation is an emerging environmental issue and a threat to marine life and human health. There is a growing number of investigations on the abundance and distribution of microplastics in different water bodies and biota worldwide, with relatively few studies conducted in Latin America, however, the current knowledge of microplastics sources, occurrence, transport, fate and potential impacts remains largely unexplored. This review presents the current trends and advances of microplastics on a lesser known region of the world by compiling the research performed to date in different environmental compartments. The sampling techniques and methods for microplastics extraction in the existing literature data are also summarized. Among 78 published studies reviewed, 34% of studies were from Brazil and 46% of studies have mainly focused on biota. The main findings showed that microplastics are not negligible across Latin America significantly varying in their distribution, with the prevalence of fibers comprising 62% of the total. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene have been identified as the most common polymer types, accounting for 80% of the total. Limited studies and lack of standardized methodologies render difficulties to establish fundamental information on microplastics abundance and types in most countries of this region. Therefore, this review will primarily serve as a baseline when evaluating the environmental relevance of microplastics in Latin America and would stimulate discussions focusing on this topic, calling for more research in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fermín Pérez-Guevara
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Program, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - I Elizalde-Martínez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Mexicano para La Producción Más Limpia (CMP+L), Av. Acueducto S/n, Col. Barrio La Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, México, D.F., Mexico
| | - V C Shruti
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Centro Mexicano para La Producción Más Limpia (CMP+L), Av. Acueducto S/n, Col. Barrio La Laguna Ticomán, Del Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, México, D.F., Mexico.
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85
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Microplastic contamination of salt intended for human consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-03749-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMicroplastics (MPs) are an emerging contaminant ubiquitous in the environment. There is growing concern regarding potential human health effects, a major human exposure route being dietary uptake. We have undertaken a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis to identify all relevant research on MP contamination of salt intended for human consumption. Three thousand nine hundred and nineteen papers were identified, with ten fitting the inclusion criteria. A search of the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science, from launch date to September 2020, was conducted. MP contamination of salt varied significantly between four origins, sea salt 0–1674 MPs/kg, lake salt 8–462 MPs/kg, rock and well salt 0–204 MPs/kg. The majority of samples were found to be contaminated by MPs. Corresponding potential human exposures are estimated to be 0–6110 MPs per year (for all origins), confirming salt as a carrier of MPs. A bespoke risk of bias (RoB) assessment tool was used to appraise the quality of the studies, with studies demonstrating moderate to low RoB. These results suggest that a series of recurring issues need to be addressed in future research regarding sampling, analysis and reporting to improve confidence in research findings.
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86
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Pivokonský M, Pivokonská L, Novotná K, Čermáková L, Klimtová M. Occurrence and fate of microplastics at two different drinking water treatment plants within a river catchment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 741:140236. [PMID: 32603938 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging globally distributed pollutants of aquatic environments, and little is known about their fate at drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), which provide a barrier preventing MPs from entering water for human consumption. This study investigated MPs ≥ 1 μm in raw and treated water of two DWTPs that both lie on the same river, but the local quality of water and the treatment technology applied differ. In the case of the more complex DWTP, MPs were analysed at 4 additional sampling sites along the treatment chain. The content of MPs varied greatly between the DWTPs. There were 23 ± 2 and 14 ± 1 MPs L-1 in raw and treated water, respectively, at one DWTP, and 1296 ± 35 and 151 ± 4 MPs L-1 at the other. Nevertheless, MPs comprised only a minor proportion (<0.02%) of all detected particles at both DWTPs. With regard to size and shape of MPs, the majority (>70%) were smaller than 10 μm, and only fragments and fibres were found, while fragments clearly prevailed. The most frequently occurring materials were cellulose acetate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Much higher total removal of MPs was achieved at the DWTP with a higher initial MP load and more complicated treatment (removal of 88% versus 40%); coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation, deep-bed filtration through clay-based material, and granular activated carbon filtration contributed to MP elimination by 62%, 20%, and 6%, respectively. Additionally, results from this more complex DWTP enabled to observe relationships between the removal efficiency and size and shape of MPs, particularly in the case of the filtration steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pivokonský
- Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Pod Pat'ankou 30/5, 166 12 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Pivokonská
- Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Pod Pat'ankou 30/5, 166 12 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Novotná
- Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Pod Pat'ankou 30/5, 166 12 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Čermáková
- Institute of Hydrodynamics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Pod Pat'ankou 30/5, 166 12 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Klimtová
- Vodárna Plzeň a. s., Malostranská 143/2, 326 00 Plzeň, Czech Republic
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Wong SL, Nyakuma BB, Wong KY, Lee CT, Lee TH, Lee CH. Microplastics and nanoplastics in global food webs: A bibliometric analysis (2009-2019). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 158:111432. [PMID: 32753215 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the research landscape on microplastics and nanoplastics (M/NPs) in global food webs based on a bibliometric analysis of 330 publications published in 2009-2019 extracted from Web of Science. The publications increased tremendously since 2013. Marine Pollution Bulletin is one of the top productive journals for this topic. The publication landscape related to M/NPs in global food webs, as interdisciplinary research, is highly dependent on the funding availability. The high productivities of England, China, USA and European countries are attributed to the funding from the agencies at regional or national levels. Keyword analysis reveals the shift of research hotspots from investigations on M/NPs absorbed by various organisms in the ecosystems to studies on the trophic transfer of M/NPs and sorbed contaminants in the food webs and their associated adverse impacts. Funding agencies play important roles in leading the future development of this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syie Luing Wong
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Bemgba Bevan Nyakuma
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Keng Yinn Wong
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Chew Tin Lee
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia; Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocess, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Pagoh, 84600 Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Ting Hun Lee
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia; Innovation Centre in Agritechnology for Advanced Bioprocess, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Pagoh, 84600 Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Chia Hau Lee
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
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Danopoulos E, Twiddy M, Rotchell JM. Microplastic contamination of drinking water: A systematic review. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236838. [PMID: 32735575 PMCID: PMC7394398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microplastics (MPs) are omnipresent in the environment, including the human food chain; a likely important contributor to human exposure is drinking water. OBJECTIVE To undertake a systematic review of MP contamination of drinking water and estimate quantitative exposures. METHODS The protocol for the systematic review employed has been published in PROSPERO (PROSPERO 2019, Registration number: CRD42019145290). MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched from launch to the 3rd of June 2020, selecting studies that used procedural blank samples and a validated method for particle composition analysis. Studies were reviewed within a narrative analysis. A bespoke risk of bias (RoB) assessment tool was used. RESULTS 12 studies were included in the review: six of tap water (TW) and six of bottled water (BW). Meta-analysis was not appropriate due to high statistical heterogeneity (I2>95%). Seven studies were rated low RoB and all confirmed MP contamination of drinking water. The most common polymers identified in samples were polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP), Methodological variability was observed throughout the experimental protocols. For example, the minimum size of particles extracted and analysed, which varied from 1 to 100 μm, was seen to be critical in the data reported. The maximum reported MP contamination was 628 MPs/L for TW and 4889 MPs/L for BW, detected in European samples. Based on typical consumption data, this may be extrapolated to a maximum yearly human adult uptake of 458,000 MPs for TW and 3,569,000 MPs for BW. CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic review that appraises the quality of existing evidence on MP contamination of drinking water and estimates human exposures. The precautionary principle should be adopted to address concerns on possible human health effects from consumption of MPs. Future research should aim to standardise experimental protocols to aid comparison and elevate quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maureen Twiddy
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Jeanette M. Rotchell
- Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
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