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Quade J, López-Ibáñez S, Beiras R. UV Dosage Unveils Toxic Properties of Weathered Commercial Bioplastic Bags. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14807-14816. [PMID: 37750591 PMCID: PMC10569051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that weathered conventional plastics and bioplastics pose ecotoxicological risks. Here, the effects of artificial and natural weathering on the ecotoxicity of three compostable bags and a conventional polyethylene (PE) bag are investigated. With that aim, a 21-day artificial indoor weathering experiment featuring UV light, UV-filtered light, and darkness was run simultaneously to a 120-day outdoor littoral mesocosm exposure featuring natural light, UV-filtered light, and shaded conditions. Acute toxicity of so-weathered plastic specimens was tested in vivo using the sensitive Paracentrotus lividus sea-urchin embryo test. PE was nontoxic from the beginning and did not gain toxicity due to UV weathering. In contrast, for bioplastics, dry artificial UV weathering increased toxicity in comparison to the dark control. Weathering in outdoor mesocosm led to a rapid loss of toxic properties due to leaching in rainwater. With a higher UV dosage, a plastic-type-dependent regain of toxicity was observed, most likely driven by enhanced availability or transformation of functional additives or due to bioplastic degradation products. PE showed moderate UV absorbance, while bioplastics showed high UV absorbance. This study highlights the potential of biodegradable plastics to pose enhanced ecotoxicological risk due to weathering under environmentally relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Quade
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Sara López-Ibáñez
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Beiras
- ECIMAT-CIM, Universidade de Vigo, Illa de Toralla, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
- Facultade
de Ciencias do Mar, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
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52
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Ogonowski M, Wagner M, Rogell B, Haave M, Lusher A. Microplastics could be marginally more hazardous than natural suspended solids - A meta-analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 264:115406. [PMID: 37639826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are perceived as a threat to aquatic ecosystems but bear many similarities to suspended sediments which are often considered less harmful. It is, therefore pertinent to determine if and to what extent MP are different from other particles occurring in aquatic ecosystems in terms of their adverse effects. We applied meta-regressions to toxicity data extracted from the literature and harmonized the data to construct Species Sensitivity Distributions (SSDs) for both types of particles. The results were largely inconclusive due to high uncertainty but the central tendencies of our estimates still indicate that MP could be marginally more hazardous compared to suspended sediments. In part, the high uncertainty stems from the general lack of comparable experimental studies and dose-dependent point estimates. We therefore argue that until more comparable data is presented, risk assessors should act precautionary and treat MP in the 1-1000 µm size range as marginally more hazardous to aquatic organisms capable of ingesting such particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Ogonowski
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Stångholmsvägen 2, SE-17893 Drottningholm, Sweden.
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Björn Rogell
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Stångholmsvägen 2, SE-17893 Drottningholm, Sweden
| | - Marte Haave
- NORCE, Norwegian Research Centre AS, Climate & Environment, Nygårdsporten 112, NO-5008 Bergen, Norway; Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Amy Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, NO-5020 Bergen, Norway
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53
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Das S, Mukherjee A. Combined effects of P25 TiO 2 nanoparticles and disposable face mask leachate on microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus: analysing the effects of heavy metals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1428-1437. [PMID: 37534914 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00120b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Disposable surgical face masks extensively used during the COVID-19 outbreak would release microplastics into the aquatic environment. The increasing usage of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nTiO2) in various consumer items has led to its ubiquitous presence in freshwater systems. This study determined the quantity and kind of microplastics discharged from disposable surgical face masks. The mask-leached microplastics were identified to be polypropylene of varying shapes and sizes, spanning from 1 μm to 15 μm. In addition, heavy metals like Cd, Cr, and Hg leached from the face masks were quantified. Four concentrations of nTiO2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg L-1, were mixed with leached solution from the face masks to perform the combined toxicity test on freshwater algae, Scenedesmus obliquus. A dose-dependent decrease in algal cell viability was observed upon treatment with various concentrations of nTiO2 individually. The mixtures of nTiO2 and the leached solution from the face masks exhibited significantly more toxicity in the algal cells than in their pristine forms. nTiO2 promoted increased production of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activities resulting in cellular damage and decreased photosynthesis. These impacts were elevated when the algal cells were treated with the binary mixture. Furthermore, the heavy metal ions leached from face masks also contributed to the toxic effects. Our study shows that the leachates from disposable surgical face masks, combined with nTiO2, may pose a severe environmental threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soupam Das
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India.
| | - Amitava Mukherjee
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India.
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Abstract
Plastic pollution and climate change are two major environmental focuses. Having the forming potential due to ambient plastic pollution, the environmental fate of microplastics shall be inevitably impacted by global warming. This manuscript discusses the destiny of environmental microplastics and characterizes their fate considering the framework of the planetary boundary. The major routes for microplastic discharge include the release of microplastic stored in the ice into the sea when the ice melts as a result of global temperature increase, flushing of the plastic/microplastic debris from the shorelines into the adjacent water bodies as a result of increased rainfall, redistribution of the microplastics away from the source of plastic debris as a result of increased wind, and accumulation of microplastics in the soil as a result of drought. A perspective on the impact of climate change and microplastic pollution on aquatic and soil organisms was discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Haque
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chihhao Fan
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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55
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Kim HY, Ashim J, Park S, Kim W, Ji S, Lee SW, Jung YR, Jeong SW, Lee SG, Kim HC, Lee YJ, Kwon MK, Hwang JS, Shin JM, Lee SJ, Yu W, Park JK, Choi SK. A preliminary study about the potential risks of the UV-weathered microplastic: The proteome-level changes in the brain in response to polystyrene derived weathered microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 233:116411. [PMID: 37354929 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The growing use of plastic materials has resulted in a constant increase in the risk associated with microplastics (MPs). Ultra-violet (UV) light and wind break down modify MPs in the environment into smaller particles known as weathered MPs (WMPs) and these processes increase the risk of MP toxicity. The neurotoxicity of weathered polystyrene-MPs remains unclear. Therefore, it is important to understand the risks posed by WMPs. We evaluated the chemical changes of WMPs generated under laboratory-synchronized environmentally mimetic conditions and compared them with virgin MPs (VMPs). We found that WMP had a rough surface, slight yellow color, reduced molecular weight, and structural alteration compared with those of VMP. Next, 2 μg of ∼100 μm in size of WMP and VMP were orally administered once a day for one week to C57BL/6 male mice. Proteomic analysis revealed that the WMP group had significantly increased activation of immune and neurodegeneration-related pathways compared with that of the VMP group. Consistently, in in vitro experiments, the human brain-derived microglial cell line (HMC-3) also exhibited a more severe inflammatory response to WMP than to VMP. These results show that WMP is a more profound inflammatory factor than VMP. In summary, our findings demonstrate the toxicity of WMPs and provide theoretical insights into their potential risks to biological systems and even humans in the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Yeon Kim
- Core Protein Resources Center, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea; College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Janbolat Ashim
- Department of Brain Sciences, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Park
- Core Protein Resources Center, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain Sciences, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Wansoo Kim
- School of Life Science, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative Bioresearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangho Ji
- Department of Brain Sciences, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoung-Woo Lee
- Core Protein Resources Center, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi-Rang Jung
- Department of Companion Animal Health Management, Daegu Health College, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Won Jeong
- Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Guen Lee
- Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Chul Kim
- Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jae Lee
- Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Kyung Kwon
- Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jung Min Shin
- Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jun Lee
- Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Wookyung Yu
- Core Protein Resources Center, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain Sciences, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin-Kyu Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seong-Kyoon Choi
- Core Protein Resources Center, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea; Division of Biotechnology, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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56
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Yu Y, Craig N, Su L. A Hidden Pathway for Human Exposure to Micro- and Nanoplastics-The Mechanical Fragmentation of Plastic Products during Daily Use. TOXICS 2023; 11:774. [PMID: 37755784 PMCID: PMC10538053 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
In numerous environmental compartments around the world, the existence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment has been verified. A growing number of studies have looked at the interaction between MNPs and human activities due to the risks they may pose to humans. Exposure pathways are key factors in measuring MNPs risks. However, current research largely ignores the contribution of mechanical fragmentation pathways to MNPs exposure during the daily use of plastic products. Our critical review demonstrated the research gap between MNP fragmentation and risk assessments via a network analysis. The release of fragmented MNPs and their properties were also described at various scales, with emphasis on environmental stressors and mechanical fragmentation. In the scenarios of daily use, plastic products such as food packaging and clothing provide acute pathways of MNPs exposure. The release tendency of those products (up to 102 mg MNPs) are several orders of magnitude higher than MNPs abundances in natural compartments. Despite the limited evidence available, waste recycling, landfill and municipal activities represented long-term pathways for MNPs fragmentation and point sources of MNPs pollution in environmental media. Assessing the health effects of the fragmentation process, unfortunately, is further hampered by the current absence of human exposure impact assessments for secondary MNPs. We proposed that future studies should integrate aging evaluation into risk assessment frameworks and establish early warning signs of MNPs released from plastic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Nicholas Craig
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lei Su
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of River and Lake Biochain Construction and Resource Utilization, Shanghai 201702, China
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57
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Munyaneza NE, Posada C, Xu Z, De Altin Popiolek V, Paddock G, McKee C, Liu G. A Generic Platform for Upcycling Polystyrene to Aryl Ketones and Organosulfur Compounds. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307042. [PMID: 37439282 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Polystyrene (PS) is one of the least recycled large-volume commodity plastics due to bulkiness of foam products and associated contaminants. PS recycling is also severely hampered by the lack of financial incentive, limited versatility, and poor selectivity of existing methods. To this end, herein we report a thermochemical recycling strategy of "degradation-upcycling" to synthesize a library of high-value aromatic chemicals from PS wastes with high versatility and selectivity. Two cascade reactions are selected to first degrade PS to benzene under mild temperatures, followed by the derivatization thereof utilizing a variety of acyl/alkyl and sulfinyl chloride additives. To demonstrate the versatility, nine ketones and sulfides of cosmetic and pharmaceutical relevance were prepared, including propiophenone, benzophenone, and diphenyl sulfide. The approach is also amenable to sophisticated upcycling reaction designs and can produce desired products stepwise. The facile and versatile approach will provide a scalable and profitable methodology for upcycling PS waste into value-added chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Posada
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Zhen Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Vincenzo De Altin Popiolek
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Griffin Paddock
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Charles McKee
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Academy of Integrated Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Guoliang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Academy of Integrated Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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58
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Kammann U, Nogueira P, Wilhelm E, Int-Veen I, Aust MO, Wysujack K. Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) as part of marine litter at the seafloor of the Baltic Sea - Characterization, quantification, polymer composition and possible impact. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115348. [PMID: 37544064 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
As an important part of marine litter at the seafloor "Abandoned, lost, discarded or otherwise lost fishing gear" (ALDFG) is gaining increasing attention in environmental assessments. Within this study marine litter at the seafloor of the Baltic Sea was quantified and characterized with special regard to fishery as source. Litter items (LI) were collected within fishery catches by bottom trawling during three cruises in 2020 and 2021. The resulting mean litter abundance was 9.2 LI/km2. Approximately 56 % of all LI were plastic, with PE as the most frequently identified polymer. ALDFG was present in considerable amounts with a mean value of 2.2 LI/km2 (22.2 %). However, the absolute counts of fishery nets were low (0.4 LI/km2; 4.2 %). Regarding weight, fishery nets are the dominant part of litter at the Baltic seafloor. Threshold values for marine litter at the seafloor are missing and might be developed using quantitative data on ALDFG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Kammann
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Pedro Nogueira
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Esther Wilhelm
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany; Marine Ecology Department, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ivo Int-Veen
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Marc-Oliver Aust
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Klaus Wysujack
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstraße 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
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59
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Barhoumi B, Metian M, Zaghden H, Derouiche A, Ben Ameur W, Ben Hassine S, Oberhaensli F, Mora J, Mourgkogiannis N, Al-Rawabdeh AM, Chouba L, Alonso-Hernández CM, Karapanagioti HK, Driss MR, Mliki A, Touil S. Microplastic-sorbed persistent organic pollutants in coastal Mediterranean Sea areas of Tunisia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1347-1364. [PMID: 37401332 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00169e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants of global concern due to their pervasiveness, high sorption ability for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and direct and indirect toxicity to marine organisms, ecosystems, as well as humans. As one of the major coastal interfaces, beaches are considered among the most affected ecosystems by MPs pollution. The morphological characteristics of MPs (pellets and fragments) collected from four beaches along the Tunisian coast and sorbed POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), were investigated in this study. The results showed that the MPs varied greatly in color, polymer composition and degradation degree. The color varied from colored to transparent and the most prevalent polymer identified using Raman spectroscopy was polyethylene. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images exhibited various surface degradation features including cavities, cracks, attached diatom remains, etc. The concentrations of Σ12PCBs over all beaches ranged from 14 to 632 ng g-1 and 26 to 112 ng g-1 in the pellets and fragments, respectively, with a notable presence and dominance of highly-chlorinated PCBs such as CB-153 and -138. Among the OCPs, γ-HCH is the only compound detected with concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 9.7 ng g-1 and 0.7 to 4.2 ng g-1 in the pellets and fragments, respectively. Our findings indicate that MPs found on the Tunisian coast may pose a chemical risk to marine organisms as the concentrations of PCBs and γ-HCH in most of the analysed samples exceeded the sediment-quality guidelines (SQG), especially the effects range medium (ERM) and the probable effects level (PEL). As the first report of its kind, the information gathered in this study can serve as the baseline and starting point for future monitoring work for Tunisia and neighbouring countries, as well as for stakeholders and coastal managers in decision-making processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badreddine Barhoumi
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Marc Metian
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Hatem Zaghden
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Abdelkader Derouiche
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
| | - Walid Ben Ameur
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
- Ecologie de La Faune Terrestre UR17ES44, Département des Sciences de La Vie, Faculté Des Sciences de Gabès, Université de Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Sihem Ben Hassine
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
| | - François Oberhaensli
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Janeth Mora
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | | | - Abdulla M Al-Rawabdeh
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Lassaad Chouba
- Laboratory of Marine Environment, National Institute of Marine Science and Technology (INSTM), Goulette, Tunisia
| | - Carlos M Alonso-Hernández
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Marine Environment Laboratories, Radioecology Laboratory, 4a, Quai Antoine 1er, MC-98000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | | | - Mohamed Ridha Driss
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
| | - Ahmed Mliki
- Laboratory of Plant Molecular Physiology, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia
| | - Soufiane Touil
- Laboratory of Hetero-Organic Compounds and Nanostructured Materials (LR18ES11), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Zarzouna, Tunisia.
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60
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Preston CA, McKenna Neuman CL, Aherne J. Effects of Shape and Size on Microplastic Atmospheric Settling Velocity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:11937-11947. [PMID: 37523322 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03671] [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: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been found in all terrestrial, marine, and riparian environments, including remote regions. This implies that atmospheric transport is an important pathway when considering MP sources and global budgets. However, limited empirical data exist to aid in effective development and parameterization of MP atmospheric transport models. This study measured the atmospheric settling and horizontal drift velocities of various sizes and shapes of MPs in two specially designed settling columns using a laser Doppler anemometer. The settling velocities were generally lower than modeled values, while shape exerted the most significant influence on the rate of settling. Rather than conforming to well-established, power-law models, each class of MP exhibited a linear but different relationship between MP size and settling velocity, with markedly higher slopes for the spheres and cylinders as compared to the films and fibers. Shape also had a substantial influence on particle drift, with the fibers and films exhibiting the greatest horizontal motion, as suggestive of their changing orientation in response to particle interactions and fluid drag. As a consequence, microplastic particles identified within atmospheric deposition samples collected at a single point may derive from entirely different sources representing a wide range in transport distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette A Preston
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 0G2, Canada
| | | | - Julian Aherne
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 0G2, Canada
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61
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Wu X, Zhao X, Chen R, Liu P, Liang W, Wang J, Shi D, Teng M, Wang X, Gao S. Size-dependent long-term weathering converting floating polypropylene macro- and microplastics into nanoplastics in coastal seawater environments. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120165. [PMID: 37320877 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we systematically developed the long-term photoaging behavior of different-sized polypropylene (PP) floating plastic wastes in a coastal seawater environment. After 68 d of laboratory accelerated UV irradiation, the PP plastic particle size decreased by 99.3 ± 0.15%, and nanoplastics (average size: 435 ± 250 nm) were produced with a maximum yield of 57.9%, evidencing that natural sunlight irradiation-induced long-term photoaging ultimately converts floating plastic waste in marine environments into micro- and nanoplastics. Subsequently, when comparing the photoaging rate of different sized PP plastics in coastal seawater, we discovered that large sized PP plastics (1000-2000 and 5000-7000 μm) showed a lower photoaging rate than that of small sized PP plastic debris (0-150 and 300-500 μm), with the decrease rate of plastic crystallinity as follow: 0-150 μm (2.01 d-1) > 300-500 μm (1.25 d-1) > 1000-2000 μm (0.780 d-1) and 5000-7000 μm (0.900 d-1). This result can be attributed to the small size PP plastics producing more reactive oxygen species (ROS) species, with the formation capacity of hydroxyl radical •OH as follows: 0-150 μm (6.46 × 10-15 M) > 300-500 μm (4.87 × 10-15 M) > 500-1000 (3.61 × 10-15 M) and 5000-7000 μm (3.73 × 10-15 M). The findings obtained in this study offer a new perspective on the formation and ecological risks of PP nanoplastics in current coastal seawater environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Di Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Miaomiao Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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Rowlands E, Galloway T, Cole M, Lewis C, Hacker C, Peck VL, Thorpe S, Blackbird S, Wolff GA, Manno C. Scoping intergenerational effects of nanoplastic on the lipid reserves of Antarctic krill embryos. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 261:106591. [PMID: 37329636 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) plays a central role in the Antarctic marine food web and biogeochemical cycles and has been identified as a species that is potentially vulnerable to plastic pollution. While plastic pollution has been acknowledged as a potential threat to Southern Ocean marine ecosystems, the effect of nanoplastics (<1000 nm) is poorly understood. Deleterious impacts of nanoplastic are predicted to be higher than that of larger plastics, due to their small size which enables their permeation of cell membranes and potentially provokes toxicity. Here, we investigated the intergenerational impact of exposing Antarctic krill to nanoplastics. We focused on whether embryonic energy resources were affected when gravid female krill were exposed to nanoplastic by determining lipid and fatty acid compositions of embryos produced in incubation. Embryos were collected from females who had spawned under three different exposure treatments (control, nanoplastic, nanoplastic + algae). Embryos collected from each maternal treatment were incubated for a further 6 days under three nanoplastic exposure treatments (control, low concentration nanoplastic, and high concentration nanoplastic). Nanoplastic additions to seawater did not impact lipid metabolism (total lipid or fatty acid composition) across the maternal or direct embryo treatments, and no interactive effects were observed. The provision of a food source during maternal exposure to nanoplastic had a positive effect on key fatty acids identified as important during embryogenesis, including higher total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) when compared to the control and nanoplastic treatments. Whilst the short exposure time was ample for lipids from maternally digested algae to be incorporated into embryos, we discuss why the nanoplastic-fatty acid relationship may be more complex. Our study is the first to scope intergeneration effects of nanoplastic on Antarctic krill lipid and fatty acid reserves. From this, we suggest directions for future research including long term exposures, multi-stressor scenarios and exploring other critical energy reserves such as proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Rowlands
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom.
| | - Tamara Galloway
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Geoffrey Pope, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Cole
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth PL1 3DH, United Kingdom
| | - Ceri Lewis
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Geoffrey Pope, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Hacker
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Geoffrey Pope, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria L Peck
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom
| | - Sally Thorpe
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom
| | - Sabena Blackbird
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Jane Herdman Building, 4 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L69 3GP, United Kingdom
| | - George A Wolff
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Jane Herdman Building, 4 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L69 3GP, United Kingdom
| | - Clara Manno
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ET, United Kingdom.
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Zheng Y, Hamed M, De-la-Torre GE, Frias J, Jong MC, Kolandhasamy P, Chavanich S, Su L, Deng H, Zhao W, Shi H. Holes on surfaces of the weathered plastic fragments from coastal beaches. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115180. [PMID: 37352798 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
The surface morphology of weathered plastics undergoes a variety of changes. In this study, 3950 plastic fragments from 26 beaches around the world, were assessed to identify holes. Holes were identified on 123 fragments on 20 beaches, with the highest frequency (10.3 %) being identified at Qesm AL Gomrok Beach in Egypt. The distribution of holes could be divided into even, single-sided, and random types. The external and internal holes were similar in size (37 ± 15 μm) of even type fragments. The external holes were larger than the internal holes in single-sided (516 ± 259 μm and 383 ± 161 μm) and random (588 ± 262 μm and 454 ± 210 μm) fragment types. The external hole sizes were positively correlated with the internal hole sizes for each type. This study reports a novel deformation phenomenon on the surface of weathered plastics and highlights their potential effects on plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mohamed Hamed
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Assiut Branch), Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - João Frias
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC), Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway Campus, Dublin Road, Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland
| | - Mui-Choo Jong
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Prabhu Kolandhasamy
- Departmet of Marine Science, School of Marine Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620024, India
| | - Suchana Chavanich
- Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Lei Su
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Hua Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Wenjun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
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64
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Raju MP, Veerasingam S, Suneel V, Saha M, Rathore C, Naik A, Suneetha P, Ramakrishna SSVS. Seasonal variation and spatial distribution of microplastic pellets and their associated contaminants along the central east coast of India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:68489-68503. [PMID: 37126173 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27100-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pellets (MPPs) are one of the significant sources of plastic pollution on shorelines worldwide. In this study, for the first time, we have examined the occurrence of MPPs and their spatial and seasonal distributions, adsorbed contaminants, polymer composition, and ecological risks at eight renowned beaches of Andhra Pradesh, central east coast of India. A total of 3950 MPPs were collected from eight beaches along the central east coast of India during October 2020, representing pre-northeast monsoon (pNEM), and during January 2021, representing the northeast monsoon (NEM). The abundance of MPPs was higher during the NEM than those found in the pNEM. ATR-FTIR and SEM analyses were conducted to characterize the polymer types and weathering patterns of MPPs. Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) results show the MPP adsorbance of heavy metals such as Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn. The degree of contamination and polymer hazard risks of MPPs were assessed using the pollution load index (PLI) and polymer hazard index (PHI). The conducive wind and currents during the NEM lead to higher MPP abundance than during the pNEM. However, the spatial variations of MPPs showed significant differences among the beaches. This study revealed that the presence of MPPs on the beaches along the central east coast of India might pose a considerable polymer hazard risk to the ecosystem. The substantial surface weathering features of MPPs would lead to more toxic nanoplastics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallela Pruthvi Raju
- Department of Meteorology and Oceanography, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, 530003, India
| | | | - Vasimalla Suneel
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, 403004, Dona Paula, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India.
| | - Mahua Saha
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, 403004, Dona Paula, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Chayanika Rathore
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, 403004, Dona Paula, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Akshata Naik
- CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, 403004, Dona Paula, India
| | - Pilli Suneetha
- Department of Meteorology and Oceanography, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, 530003, India
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65
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MacLeod M, Domercq P, Harrison S, Praetorius A. Computational models to confront the complex pollution footprint of plastic in the environment. NATURE COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 3:486-494. [PMID: 38177416 DOI: 10.1038/s43588-023-00445-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The threat posed by plastic in the environment is poorly characterized due to uncertainties and unknowns about sources, transport, transformation and removal processes, and the properties of the plastic pollution itself. Plastic creates a footprint of particulate pollution with a diversity of composition, size and shape, and a halo of chemicals. In this Perspective, we argue that process-based mass-balance models could provide a platform to synthesize knowledge about plastic pollution as a function of its measurable intrinsic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew MacLeod
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Prado Domercq
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sam Harrison
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster, UK
| | - Antonia Praetorius
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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66
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James BD, Karchner SI, Walsh AN, Aluru N, Franks DG, Sullivan KR, Reddy CM, Ward CP, Hahn ME. Formulation Controls the Potential Neuromuscular Toxicity of Polyethylene Photoproducts in Developing Zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7966-7977. [PMID: 37186871 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Sunlight transforms plastic into water-soluble products, the potential toxicity of which remains unresolved, particularly for vertebrate animals. We evaluated acute toxicity and gene expression in developing zebrafish larvae after 5 days of exposure to photoproduced (P) and dark (D) leachates from additive-free polyethylene (PE) film and consumer-grade, additive-containing, conventional, and recycled PE bags. Using a "worst-case" scenario, with plastic concentrations exceeding those found in natural waters, we observed no acute toxicity. However, at the molecular level, RNA sequencing revealed differences in the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for each leachate treatment: thousands of genes (5442 P, 577 D) for the additive-free film, tens of genes for the additive-containing conventional bag (14 P, 7 D), and none for the additive-containing recycled bag. Gene ontology enrichment analyses suggested that the additive-free PE leachates disrupted neuromuscular processes via biophysical signaling; this was most pronounced for the photoproduced leachates. We suggest that the fewer DEGs elicited by the leachates from conventional PE bags (and none from recycled bags) could be due to differences in photoproduced leachate composition caused by titanium dioxide-catalyzed reactions not present in the additive-free PE. This work demonstrates that the potential toxicity of plastic photoproducts can be product formulation-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D James
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Sibel I Karchner
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Anna N Walsh
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Neelakanteswar Aluru
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Diana G Franks
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Kallen R Sullivan
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Christopher M Reddy
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Collin P Ward
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
| | - Mark E Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, United States
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67
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Das S, Chandrasekaran N, Mukherjee A. Unmasking effects of masks: Microplastics released from disposable surgical face masks induce toxic effects in microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus and Chlorella sp. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 267:109587. [PMID: 36858140 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic billions of face masks were used since they became a necessity in everyone's lives. But these were not disposed properly and serve as one of the most significant sources of micro and nano plastics in the environment. The effects of mask leached plastics in aquatic biota remains largely unexplored. In this work, we quantified and characterized the released microplastics from the three layers of the mask. The outer layer of the face mask released more microplastics i.e., polypropylene than middle and inner layers. We investigated and compared the acute toxic effects of the released microplastics between Scenedesmus obliquus and Chlorella sp. The results showed a decrease in cell viability, photosynthetic yield, and electron transport rate in both the algal species. This was accompanied by an increase in oxidative stress markers such reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. There was also a significant rise of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in both the algal cells. Furthermore, morphological changes like cell aggregation and surface chemical changes in the algae were ascertained by optical microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy techniques, respectively. The tests confirmed that Scenedesmus obliquus was more sensitive than Chlorella sp. to the mask leachates. Our study clearly revealed serious environmental risk posed by the released microplastics from surgical face masks. Further work with other freshwater species is required to assess the environmental impacts of the mask leachates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soupam Das
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India
| | - N Chandrasekaran
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India
| | - Amitava Mukherjee
- Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India.
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68
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Wu F, Guo Z, Cui K, Dong D, Yang X, Li J, Wu Z, Li L, Dai Y, Pan T. Insights into characteristics of white rot fungus during environmental plastics adhesion and degradation mechanism of plastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130878. [PMID: 36731319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1980s, plastic waste in the environment has been accumulating, and little is known about fungi biodegradation, especially in dry environments. Therefore, the research on plastic degradation technology is urgent. In this study, we demonstrated that Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysposporium), a typical species of white rot fungi, could react as a highly efficient biodegrader of polylactic acid (PLA), and 34.35 % of PLA degradation was obtained during 35-day incubation. A similar mass loss of 19.71 % could be achieved for polystyrene (PS) degradation. Here, we presented the visualization of the plastic deterioration process and their negative reciprocal on cell development, which may be caused by the challenge of using PS as a substrate. The RNA-seq analysis indicated that adaptations in energy metabolism and cellular defense were downregulated in the PS group, while lipid synthesis was upregulated in the PLA-treated group. Possible differentially expressed genes (DEG) of plastic degradation, such as hydrophobic proteins, lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase (Lac), Cytochrome P450 (CYP450), and genes involved in styrene or benzoic acid degradation pathways have been recorded, and we proposed a PS degradation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyan Wu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Zhi Guo
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Kangping Cui
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Dazhuang Dong
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Xue Yang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Zhangzhen Wu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Lele Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yaodan Dai
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Tao Pan
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China; Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
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69
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Zheng Y, Zhu J, Li J, Li G, Shi H. Burrowing invertebrates induce fragmentation of mariculture Styrofoam floats and formation of microplastics. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 447:130764. [PMID: 36682250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Secondary microplastics originate from the fragmentation of large plastics, and weathering is supposed to be the main cause of fragmentation. In this study, we investigated burrows and burrowing invertebrates on Styrofoam floats from the mariculture areas of China's coastal waters. Various burrows were found on the submerged surface of Styrofoam floats and could be divided into 'I', 'S', 'J', and 'Y' types based on the burrow entrance number and passage curvature. Different invertebrate species, including 5 isopods, 8 clamworms, and 12 crabs, were found inside the burrows. Micro-foams were found in the bodies of these burrowers, with an average abundance of 4.2 ± 0.3 (isopod), 6.9 ± 2.0 (clamworm), and 3.0 ± 0.5 (crab) micro-foams per individual. In the laboratory, we observed the boring process of crabs in abandoned floats. Field and laboratory evidence suggested that these invertebrates bored various burrows. The total volume of crab burrows on a 3-year-used float was estimated to be 2.6 × 103 cm3, producing 4.1 × 108 microplastics. This study highlights the critical role of bioerosion in destroying man-made substrates and prompting microplastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jingmin Zhu
- School of Fishery, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Jiji Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan 316022, China
| | - Guoliang Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Ocean College, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
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70
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Zhou W, Shi W, Du X, Han Y, Tang Y, Ri S, Ju K, Kim T, Huang L, Zhang W, Yu Y, Tian D, Yu Y, Chen L, Wu Z, Liu G. Assessment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Symptoms and Gut-Liver Axis Status in Zebrafish after Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics and Oxytetracycline, Alone and in Combination. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:47006. [PMID: 37027337 PMCID: PMC10081693 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental pollution may give rise to the incidence and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common cause for chronic severe liver lesions. Although knowledge of NAFLD pathogenesis is particularly important for the development of effective prevention, the relationship between NAFLD occurrence and exposure to emerging pollutants, such as microplastics (MPs) and antibiotic residues, awaits assessment. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of MPs and antibiotic residues related to NAFLD occurrence using the zebrafish model species. METHODS Taking common polystyrene MPs and oxytetracycline (OTC) as representatives, typical NAFLD symptoms, including lipid accumulation, liver inflammation, and hepatic oxidative stress, were screened after 28-d exposure to environmentally realistic concentrations of MPs (0.69mg/L) and antibiotic residue (3.00μg/L). The impacts of MPs and OTC on gut health, the gut-liver axis, and hepatic lipid metabolism were also investigated to reveal potential affecting mechanisms underpinning the NAFLD symptoms observed. RESULTS Compared with the control fish, zebrafish exposed to MPs and OTC exhibited significantly higher levels of lipid accumulation, triglycerides, and cholesterol contents, as well as inflammation, in conjunction with oxidative stress in their livers. In addition, a markedly smaller proportion of Proteobacteria and higher ratios of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes were detected by microbiome analysis of gut contents in treated samples. After the exposures, the zebrafish also experienced intestinal oxidative injury and yielded significantly fewer numbers of goblet cells. Markedly higher levels of the intestinal bacteria-sourced endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were also detected in serum. Animals treated with MPs and OTC exhibited higher expression levels of LPS binding receptor (LBP) and downstream inflammation-related genes while also exhibiting lower activity and gene expression of lipase. Furthermore, MP-OTC coexposure generally exerted more severe effects compared with single MP or OTC exposure. DISCUSSION Our results suggested that exposure to MPs and OTC may disrupt the gut-liver axis and be associated with NAFLD occurrence. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11600.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishang Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wei Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xueying Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yu Han
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yu Tang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Sanghyok Ri
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
- College of Life Science, Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
| | - Kwangjin Ju
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
- College of Aquaculture, Wonsan Fisheries University, Wonsan, DPR Korea
| | - Tongchol Kim
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
- College of Life Science, Kim Hyong Jik University of Education, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
| | - Lin Huang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Weixia Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yihan Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Tian
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yingying Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Liangbiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhichao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Guangxu Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
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71
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Landrigan PJ, Raps H, Cropper M, Bald C, Brunner M, Canonizado EM, Charles D, Chiles TC, Donohue MJ, Enck J, Fenichel P, Fleming LE, Ferrier-Pages C, Fordham R, Gozt A, Griffin C, Hahn ME, Haryanto B, Hixson R, Ianelli H, James BD, Kumar P, Laborde A, Law KL, Martin K, Mu J, Mulders Y, Mustapha A, Niu J, Pahl S, Park Y, Pedrotti ML, Pitt JA, Ruchirawat M, Seewoo BJ, Spring M, Stegeman JJ, Suk W, Symeonides C, Takada H, Thompson RC, Vicini A, Wang Z, Whitman E, Wirth D, Wolff M, Yousuf AK, Dunlop S. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:23. [PMID: 36969097 PMCID: PMC10038118 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances of modern civilization in fields as diverse as medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, and sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment. These harms occur at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of the coal, oil, and gas that are its main feedstocks through to ultimate disposal into the environment. The extent of these harms not been systematically assessed, their magnitude not fully quantified, and their economic costs not comprehensively counted. Goals The goals of this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health are to comprehensively examine plastics' impacts across their life cycle on: (1) human health and well-being; (2) the global environment, especially the ocean; (3) the economy; and (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, and the world's children. On the basis of this examination, the Commission offers science-based recommendations designed to support development of a Global Plastics Treaty, protect human health, and save lives. Report Structure This Commission report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents a narrative review of the processes involved in plastic production, use, and disposal and notes the hazards to human health and the environment associated with each of these stages. Section 3 describes plastics' impacts on the ocean and notes the potential for plastic in the ocean to enter the marine food web and result in human exposure. Section 4 details plastics' impacts on human health. Section 5 presents a first-order estimate of plastics' health-related economic costs. Section 6 examines the intersection between plastic, social inequity, and environmental injustice. Section 7 presents the Commission's findings and recommendations. Plastics Plastics are complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% of plastics are produced from fossil carbon- coal, oil and gas. Plastics are comprised of a carbon-based polymer backbone and thousands of additional chemicals that are incorporated into polymers to convey specific properties such as color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, and ultraviolet resistance. Many of these added chemicals are highly toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants and endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants, and organophosphate flame retardants. They are integral components of plastic and are responsible for many of plastics' harms to human health and the environment.Global plastic production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, and in this time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) of plastic have been manufactured. Annual production volume has grown from under 2 Mt in 1950 to 460 Mt in 2019, a 230-fold increase, and is on track to triple by 2060. More than half of all plastic ever made has been produced since 2002. Single-use plastics account for 35-40% of current plastic production and represent the most rapidly growing segment of plastic manufacture.Explosive recent growth in plastics production reflects a deliberate pivot by the integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations that produce coal, oil and gas and that also manufacture plastics. These corporations are reducing their production of fossil fuels and increasing plastics manufacture. The two principal factors responsible for this pivot are decreasing global demand for carbon-based fuels due to increases in 'green' energy, and massive expansion of oil and gas production due to fracking.Plastic manufacture is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to climate change. At present, plastic production is responsible for an estimated 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the contribution of Brazil. This fraction is projected to increase to 4.5% by 2060 if current trends continue unchecked. Plastic Life Cycle The plastic life cycle has three phases: production, use, and disposal. In production, carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, and oil-are transformed through energy-intensive, catalytic processes into a vast array of products. Plastic use occurs in every aspect of modern life and results in widespread human exposure to the chemicals contained in plastic. Single-use plastics constitute the largest portion of current use, followed by synthetic fibers and construction.Plastic disposal is highly inefficient, with recovery and recycling rates below 10% globally. The result is that an estimated 22 Mt of plastic waste enters the environment each year, much of it single-use plastic and are added to the more than 6 gigatons of plastic waste that have accumulated since 1950. Strategies for disposal of plastic waste include controlled and uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, and export. Vast quantities of plastic waste are exported each year from high-income to low-income countries, where it accumulates in landfills, pollutes air and water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches and estuaries, and harms human health-environmental injustice on a global scale. Plastic-laden e-waste is particularly problematic. Environmental Findings Plastics and plastic-associated chemicals are responsible for widespread pollution. They contaminate aquatic (marine and freshwater), terrestrial, and atmospheric environments globally. The ocean is the ultimate destination for much plastic, and plastics are found throughout the ocean, including coastal regions, the sea surface, the deep sea, and polar sea ice. Many plastics appear to resist breakdown in the ocean and could persist in the global environment for decades. Macro- and micro-plastic particles have been identified in hundreds of marine species in all major taxa, including species consumed by humans. Trophic transfer of microplastic particles and the chemicals within them has been demonstrated. Although microplastic particles themselves (>10 µm) appear not to undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic plastic-associated chemicals bioaccumulate in marine animals and biomagnify in marine food webs. The amounts and fates of smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs <10 µm) in aquatic environments are poorly understood, but the potential for harm is worrying given their mobility in biological systems. Adverse environmental impacts of plastic pollution occur at multiple levels from molecular and biochemical to population and ecosystem. MNP contamination of seafood results in direct, though not well quantified, human exposure to plastics and plastic-associated chemicals. Marine plastic pollution endangers the ocean ecosystems upon which all humanity depends for food, oxygen, livelihood, and well-being. Human Health Findings Coal miners, oil workers and gas field workers who extract fossil carbon feedstocks for plastic production suffer increased mortality from traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Plastic production workers are at increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, neurotoxic injury, and decreased fertility. Workers producing plastic textiles die of bladder cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and interstitial lung disease at increased rates. Plastic recycling workers have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, and lung cancer. Residents of "fenceline" communities adjacent to plastic production and waste disposal sites experience increased risks of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood leukemia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.During use and also in disposal, plastics release toxic chemicals including additives and residual monomers into the environment and into people. National biomonitoring surveys in the USA document population-wide exposures to these chemicals. Plastic additives disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for premature births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive birth defects, infertility, obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed through the environmental degradation of plastic waste can enter living organisms, including humans. Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates that MNPs may cause toxicity due to their physical and toxicological effects as well as by acting as vectors that transport toxic chemicals and bacterial pathogens into tissues and cells.Infants in the womb and young children are two populations at particularly high risk of plastic-related health effects. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of early development to hazardous chemicals and children's unique patterns of exposure, plastic-associated exposures are linked to increased risks of prematurity, stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects of the reproductive organs, neurodevelopmental impairment, impaired lung growth, and childhood cancer. Early-life exposures to plastic-associated chemicals also increase the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases later in life. Economic Findings Plastic's harms to human health result in significant economic costs. We estimate that in 2015 the health-related costs of plastic production exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, and that in the USA alone the health costs of disease and disability caused by the plastic-associated chemicals PBDE, BPA and DEHP exceeded $920 billion (2015 Int$). Plastic production results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to 1.96 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) social cost of carbon metric, we estimate the annual costs of these GHG emissions to be $341 billion (2015 Int$).These costs, large as they are, almost certainly underestimate the full economic losses resulting from plastics' negative impacts on human health and the global environment. All of plastics' economic costs-and also its social costs-are externalized by the petrochemical and plastic manufacturing industry and are borne by citizens, taxpayers, and governments in countries around the world without compensation. Social Justice Findings The adverse effects of plastics and plastic pollution on human health, the economy and the environment are not evenly distributed. They disproportionately affect poor, disempowered, and marginalized populations such as workers, racial and ethnic minorities, "fenceline" communities, Indigenous groups, women, and children, all of whom had little to do with creating the current plastics crisis and lack the political influence or the resources to address it. Plastics' harmful impacts across its life cycle are most keenly felt in the Global South, in small island states, and in disenfranchised areas in the Global North. Social and environmental justice (SEJ) principles require reversal of these inequitable burdens to ensure that no group bears a disproportionate share of plastics' negative impacts and that those who benefit economically from plastic bear their fair share of its currently externalized costs. Conclusions It is now clear that current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal are not sustainable and are responsible for significant harms to human health, the environment, and the economy as well as for deep societal injustices.The main driver of these worsening harms is an almost exponential and still accelerating increase in global plastic production. Plastics' harms are further magnified by low rates of recovery and recycling and by the long persistence of plastic waste in the environment.The thousands of chemicals in plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, and non-intentionally added substances-include amongst their number known human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants, and persistent organic pollutants. These chemicals are responsible for many of plastics' known harms to human and planetary health. The chemicals leach out of plastics, enter the environment, cause pollution, and result in human exposure and disease. All efforts to reduce plastics' hazards must address the hazards of plastic-associated chemicals. Recommendations To protect human and planetary health, especially the health of vulnerable and at-risk populations, and put the world on track to end plastic pollution by 2040, this Commission supports urgent adoption by the world's nations of a strong and comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty in accord with the mandate set forth in the March 2022 resolution of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures such as a Global Plastics Treaty are needed to curb plastic production and pollution, because the harms to human health and the environment caused by plastics, plastic-associated chemicals and plastic waste transcend national boundaries, are planetary in their scale, and have disproportionate impacts on the health and well-being of people in the world's poorest nations. Effective implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty will require that international action be coordinated and complemented by interventions at the national, regional, and local levels.This Commission urges that a cap on global plastic production with targets, timetables, and national contributions be a central provision of the Global Plastics Treaty. We recommend inclusion of the following additional provisions:The Treaty needs to extend beyond microplastics and marine litter to include all of the many thousands of chemicals incorporated into plastics.The Treaty needs to include a provision banning or severely restricting manufacture and use of unnecessary, avoidable, and problematic plastic items, especially single-use items such as manufactured plastic microbeads.The Treaty needs to include requirements on extended producer responsibility (EPR) that make fossil carbon producers, plastic producers, and the manufacturers of plastic products legally and financially responsible for the safety and end-of-life management of all the materials they produce and sell.The Treaty needs to mandate reductions in the chemical complexity of plastic products; health-protective standards for plastics and plastic additives; a requirement for use of sustainable non-toxic materials; full disclosure of all components; and traceability of components. International cooperation will be essential to implementing and enforcing these standards.The Treaty needs to include SEJ remedies at each stage of the plastic life cycle designed to fill gaps in community knowledge and advance both distributional and procedural equity.This Commission encourages inclusion in the Global Plastic Treaty of a provision calling for exploration of listing at least some plastic polymers as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.This Commission encourages a strong interface between the Global Plastics Treaty and the Basel and London Conventions to enhance management of hazardous plastic waste and slow current massive exports of plastic waste into the world's least-developed countries.This Commission recommends the creation of a Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body to guide the Treaty's implementation. The main priorities of this Body would be to guide Member States and other stakeholders in evaluating which solutions are most effective in reducing plastic consumption, enhancing plastic waste recovery and recycling, and curbing the generation of plastic waste. This Body could also assess trade-offs among these solutions and evaluate safer alternatives to current plastics. It could monitor the transnational export of plastic waste. It could coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, and air-based MNP monitoring programs.This Commission recommends urgent investment by national governments in research into solutions to the global plastic crisis. This research will need to determine which solutions are most effective and cost-effective in the context of particular countries and assess the risks and benefits of proposed solutions. Oceanographic and environmental research is needed to better measure concentrations and impacts of plastics <10 µm and understand their distribution and fate in the global environment. Biomedical research is needed to elucidate the human health impacts of plastics, especially MNPs. Summary This Commission finds that plastics are both a boon to humanity and a stealth threat to human and planetary health. Plastics convey enormous benefits, but current linear patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal that pay little attention to sustainable design or safe materials and a near absence of recovery, reuse, and recycling are responsible for grave harms to health, widespread environmental damage, great economic costs, and deep societal injustices. These harms are rapidly worsening.While there remain gaps in knowledge about plastics' harms and uncertainties about their full magnitude, the evidence available today demonstrates unequivocally that these impacts are great and that they will increase in severity in the absence of urgent and effective intervention at global scale. Manufacture and use of essential plastics may continue. However, reckless increases in plastic production, and especially increases in the manufacture of an ever-increasing array of unnecessary single-use plastic products, need to be curbed.Global intervention against the plastic crisis is needed now because the costs of failure to act will be immense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Hervé Raps
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Maureen Cropper
- Economics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, US
| | - Caroline Bald
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Fenichel
- Université Côte d’Azur
- Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Nice, FR
| | - Lora E. Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
| | | | | | | | - Carly Griffin
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, US
| | - Budi Haryanto
- Department of Environmental Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
- Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Richard Hixson
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Hannah Ianelli
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Bryan D. James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, UY
| | | | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, US
| | - Jenna Mu
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | - Adetoun Mustapha
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lead City University, NG
| | - Jia Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, US
| | - Sabine Pahl
- University of Vienna, Austria
- University of Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Maria-Luiza Pedrotti
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), Sorbonne Université, FR
| | | | | | - Bhedita Jaya Seewoo
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| | | | - John J. Stegeman
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - William Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
| | | | - Hideshige Takada
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry (LOG), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, JP
| | | | | | - Zhanyun Wang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, WEmpa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials and Technology, CH
| | - Ella Whitman
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | - Aroub K. Yousuf
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Sarah Dunlop
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
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Fan S, Yan Z, Qiao L, Gui F, Li T, Yang Q, Zhang X, Ren C. Biological effects on the migration and transformation of microplastics in the marine environment. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 185:105875. [PMID: 36652887 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.105875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics(MPs) are ubiquitous, difficult to degrade, and potentially threatening to organisms in marine environment, so it is important to clarify the factors that affect their biogeochemical processes. The impact of biological activities on the MPs in marine environment is ubiquitous and complex, and there is currently a lack of systematic summaries. This paper reviews the effects of biological actions on the migration, distribution and degradation of MPs in marine environment from four aspects: biological ingestion and digestion, biological movement, biological colonization and biological adhesion. MPs in seawater and sediments can be closely combined with organisms through three pathways: biological ingestion, biofilm formation or adhesion to organisms, and are passed between species at different trophic levels through the food chain. The generation and degradation of faecal pellets and biofilms can alter the density of "environmental MPs", thereby affecting their vertical migration and deposition in water bodies. The movement of swimming organisms and the disturbance by benthic organisms can promote the migration of MPs in water and vertical migration and resuspension in sediments, thereby changing the distribution of MPs in local sea areas. The grinding effect of the digestive tract and the secretion of chemicals from the biofilm (such as enzymes and acids) can reduce the particle size and increase surface roughness of MPs, or even degrade them completely. Besides, biological adhesion may be an important mechanism affecting the distribution, migration and preservation of MPs. There may be complex interactions and linkages among marine dynamical processes, photochemical degradation and biological processes that collectively affect the biogeochemical processes of MPs, but their relative contributions remain to be more studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyao Fan
- College of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316004, China
| | - Zezheng Yan
- College of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316004, China
| | - Ling Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resource of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316012, China
| | - Feng Gui
- College of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316004, China
| | - Tiejun Li
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Technology Research for Fishery Resource of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhoushan, 316012, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- ABI Group, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316022, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- College of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316004, China
| | - Chengzhe Ren
- College of Marine Science & Technology, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, 316004, China.
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Du T, Yu X, Shao S, Li T, Xu S, Wu L. Aging of Nanoplastics Significantly Affects Protein Corona Composition Thus Enhancing Macrophage Uptake. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:3206-3217. [PMID: 36730723 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nanoplastics (NPs), as emerging contaminants, have attracted increasing attention for their effects on human exposure and potential health risks. The protein corona formed on the surface of NPs affects the biological activity and fate of the NPs in vivo. However, how environmental aging, an inevitable process once NPs enter the environment, affects the formation of protein corona on NPs is still unclear. This study investigated the changes in the compositions of protein corona formed on photo-aged polystyrene (PS) NPs in human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), corresponding to the inhalation exposure pathway. The results demonstrated that both the species and abundance of proteins in the BALF protein corona on the surface of PS NPs were altered by aging. In addition, the aged PS NPs are more hydrophilic and less electronegative than the pristine PS NPs; hence, there is an increased sorption of more negatively charged hydrophilic proteins. Moreover, aging-induced alterations in BALF protein corona enhanced the uptake of aged PS NPs by lung macrophages J774A.1 through phagocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis. These findings highlight the importance of environmental aging processes in the biosafety assessment of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Du
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Xiang Yu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Song Shao
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Tong Li
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Shengmin Xu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
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Orlando M, Molla G, Castellani P, Pirillo V, Torretta V, Ferronato N. Microbial Enzyme Biotechnology to Reach Plastic Waste Circularity: Current Status, Problems and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3877. [PMID: 36835289 PMCID: PMC9967032 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of synthetic plastic waste in the environment has become a global concern. Microbial enzymes (purified or as whole-cell biocatalysts) represent emerging biotechnological tools for waste circularity; they can depolymerize materials into reusable building blocks, but their contribution must be considered within the context of present waste management practices. This review reports on the prospective of biotechnological tools for plastic bio-recycling within the framework of plastic waste management in Europe. Available biotechnology tools can support polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling. However, PET represents only ≈7% of unrecycled plastic waste. Polyurethanes, the principal unrecycled waste fraction, together with other thermosets and more recalcitrant thermoplastics (e.g., polyolefins) are the next plausible target for enzyme-based depolymerization, even if this process is currently effective only on ideal polyester-based polymers. To extend the contribution of biotechnology to plastic circularity, optimization of collection and sorting systems should be considered to feed chemoenzymatic technologies for the treatment of more recalcitrant and mixed polymers. In addition, new bio-based technologies with a lower environmental impact in comparison with the present approaches should be developed to depolymerize (available or new) plastic materials, that should be designed for the required durability and for being susceptible to the action of enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Orlando
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Gianluca Molla
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Pietro Castellani
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences (DiSTA), University of Insubria, Via G.B. Vico 46, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Valentina Pirillo
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Torretta
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences (DiSTA), University of Insubria, Via G.B. Vico 46, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Navarro Ferronato
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences (DiSTA), University of Insubria, Via G.B. Vico 46, 21100 Varese, Italy
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Meyns M, Dietz F, Weinhold CS, Züge H, Finckh S, Gerdts G. Multi-feature round silicon membrane filters enable fractionation and analysis of small micro- and nanoplastics with Raman spectroscopy and nano-FTIR. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:606-617. [PMID: 36644945 DOI: 10.1039/d2ay01036d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Visualization of small micro-(20-1 μm) and nanoplastics (<1 μm) combined with chemical identification is still a challenge. To address this, we designed and manufactured easy-to-handle silicon membrane filters with a standard round filter geometry of 25 mm in diameter and a 10 mm diameter filtration area, holding hexagonal sections with periodically arranged pores of either 250 nm or 1 μm. Due to their flat and reflective surface, the filters serve as a versatile substrate for spectroscopic identification of particles. Optical markers at different levels of magnification, including the bare eye, allow for an easy transfer and repositioning of samples between instruments and methods as well as for a re-measurement of nanoscale particles. We demonstrate how nanoscale particles of weakly absorbing polymers such as polyethylene and polystyrene are analyzed on these filters by nano-FTIR, a combination of atomic force microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. By sequential filtration we separated the fractions of small micro and nanoplastics from a degraded polylactic acid coffee cup lid and achieved subsequent identification by Raman and nano-FTIR spectroscopy. The applications presented in this study will enable future research regarding the identification of small polymer particles difficult to access by other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Meyns
- Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Heligoland, Germany.
| | - Frank Dietz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT, Itzehoe, Germany
| | | | - Heiko Züge
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT, Itzehoe, Germany
| | - Saskia Finckh
- Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Heligoland, Germany.
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Heligoland, Germany.
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Cueva A. Temporal considerations for an effective sampling of personal protective equipment litter derived from the COVID-19 pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160047. [PMID: 36356729 PMCID: PMC9640211 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective equipment (PPE) has become a new pollutant derived from the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the efforts to characterize PPE litter has focused on its spatial distribution (i.e., trying to identify hotspots of PPE litter), however, such efforts have been limited in the temporal domain, which might result in under- or overestimations in annual projections. Here, using 55 continuous days of sampling in an urban and tropical neighborhood in south east Mexico, I show that in order to have a robust and defensible average and variance values it is needed at least 22 days of random sampling. Nonetheless, this minimum number might change in different ecosystems and land use areas of the built environment due to the temporal variability of the human behavior and activities related to the surveyed areas, as well as the influence of weather conditions that might affect the mobility of people. Furthermore, I discuss how it is recommended to report the daily average density of PPE litter (items m-2 day-1) and its variability (i.e., 95 % confidence intervals), rather than only the density of PPE litter (items m-2) in order to facilitate annual estimates of PPE litter disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cueva
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Sustentabilidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Villahermosa, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.
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Abbasi G, Hauser M, Baldé CP, Bouman EA. A high-resolution dynamic probabilistic material flow analysis of seven plastic polymers; A case study of Norway. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 172:107693. [PMID: 36701835 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has long been identified as one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. To tackle this problem, governments are setting stringent recycling targets to keep plastics in a closed loop. Yet, knowledge of the stocks and flows of plastic has not been well integrated into policies. This study presents a dynamic probabilistic economy-wide material flow analysis (MFA) of seven plastic polymers (HDPE, LDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EPS, and PET) in Norway from 2000 to 2050. A total of 40 individual product categories aggregated into nine industrial sectors were examined. An estimated 620 ± 23 kt or 114 kg/capita of these seven plastic polymers was put on the Norwegian market in 2020. Packaging products contributed to the largest share of plastic put on the market (∼40%). The accumulated in-use stock in 2020 was about 3400 ± 56 kt with ∼60% remaining in buildings and construction sector. In 2020, about 460 ± 22 kt of plastic waste was generated in Norway, with half originating from packaging. Although ∼50% of all plastic waste is collected separately from the waste stream, only around 25% is sorted for recycling. Overall, ∼50% of plastic waste is incinerated, ∼15% exported, and ∼10% landfilled. Under a business-as-usual scenario, the plastic put on the market, in-use stock, and waste generation will increase by 65%, 140%, and 90%, respectively by 2050. The outcomes of this work can be used as a guideline for other countries to establish the stocks and flows of plastic polymers from various industrial sectors which is needed for the implementation of necessary regulatory actions and circular strategies. The systematic classification of products suitable for recycling or be made of recyclate will facilitate the safe and sustainable recycling of plastic waste into new products, cap production, lower consumption, and prevent waste generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnoush Abbasi
- Environmental Impacts & Sustainability, NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2007 Kjeller, Norway.
| | - Marina Hauser
- Environmental Impacts & Sustainability, NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2007 Kjeller, Norway.
| | - Cornelis Peter Baldé
- Sustainable Cycles Programme, United Nations Institute for Training and Research, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Evert A Bouman
- Environmental Impacts & Sustainability, NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2007 Kjeller, Norway
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78
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Dai J, Liu P, Wang C, Li H, Qiang H, Yang Z, Guo X, Gao S. Which factors mainly drive the photoaging of microplastics in freshwater? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159845. [PMID: 36461563 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Light irradiation is considered as most important process for the aging of microplastics (MPs); however, which factors drive the process is still unknown. This study investigated the role of typical environmental factors including ultraviolet (UV), oxygen, temperature and physical abrasion in the photoaging of polystyrene (PS) in freshwater. Results showed that UV irradiation and abrasion were dominant factors for affecting photoaging of PS based on dynamic analysis in the property of MP itself and leachate. Especially, when both factors worked together on MPs, they caused more destructive effect. Mechanical exploration revealed that photoaging of MPs was mainly controlled by reactive oxygen species (ROS, 1O2) generated from the reaction of dissolved oxygen/water molecules with polymer radicals initiated by UV energy. As an attacker on MPs, ROS formation was significantly linked with UV intensity, highlighting the important role of UV. The fragmentation was correlated to abrasion intensity, where a higher abrasion generated stronger physical force to tear MPs into fragments. The low roles of oxygen and temperature were presumably related to multiple effects of ROS formation and UV absorption. The findings firstly clarify the drivers in the photoaging of MPs, and contribute our effort to assess their fate and pollution risk in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Dai
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Peng Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Chenyang Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Huang Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Hong Qiang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Zeyuan Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, China.
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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79
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Bacha AUR, Nabi I, Zaheer M, Jin W, Yang L. Biodegradation of macro- and micro-plastics in environment: A review on mechanism, toxicity, and future perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160108. [PMID: 36370786 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic waste has gained remarkable research attention due to its accumulation, associated environmental issues, and impact on living organisms. In order to overcome this challenge, there is an urgent need for its removal from the environment. Under this menace, finding appropriate treatment methods like biodegradation instead of typical treatment methods is of supreme importance. However, there is a limited review on bio-decomposition of plastics, existing microbial species, their degradation efficacy, and mechanism. From this point of view, this study focused on a brief overview of biodegradation such as influencing factors on biodegradation, existing species for macro- and micro-plastics, and present research gap. Degradation percentage, limitations of existing species, and future recommendations are proposed. Microbial species such as bacteria, algae, and fungi have the ability to decompose plastics but they are unable to completely mineralize the plastics. Meanwhile, there is limited knowledge about the involved enzymes in plastics degradation, especially in the case of algae. Bio-decomposition of plastics requires more stringent conditions which are usually feasible for field application. This work will be a reference for new researchers to use this effective strategy for plastic pollution removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz-Ur-Rahim Bacha
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Iqra Nabi
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Muhammad Zaheer
- School of Microelectronics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenbiao Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Lei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Organic Pollution Prevention and Control, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, PR China.
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80
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Groh KJ, Arp HPH, MacLeod M, Wang Z. Assessing and managing environmental hazards of polymers: historical development, science advances and policy options. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:10-25. [PMID: 36511246 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00386d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polymers are the main constituents of many materials and products in our modern world. However, their environmental safety is not assessed with the same level of detail as done for non-polymeric chemical substances. Moreover, the fundamentals of contemporary regulatory approaches for polymers were developed in the early 1990s, with little change occurring since then. Currently, the European Commission is working on a proposal to initiate registration of polymers under the European Union's (EU) chemicals legislation REACH. This provides a unique opportunity for regulation to catch up on recent scientific advances. To inform this process, we here critically appraise the suggested regulatory approaches to the environmental assessment and management of polymers against the latest scientific findings regarding their environmental fate, exposure, and effects, and identify the remaining critical knowledge gaps. While we use the EU draft proposal as an example, our findings are broadly applicable to other polymer legislations worldwide, due to the similarity of polymer assessment criteria being used. We emphasize four major aspects that require more attention in the regulation of polymers: (i) increased transparency about chemical identities, physical characteristics and grouping approaches for in-use polymers; (ii) improved understanding of the environmental fate of polymers and materials composed of polymers across size and density categories and exposure profiles; (iii) comprehensive assessment of the environmental hazards of polymers, considering the effects of degradation and weathering and taking into account the actual uptake, long-term toxicity, and geophysical impacts; and (iv) consideration of the production volume and use/release patterns in determining regulatory data and testing requirements. Transitioning toward a toxic-free and sustainable circular economy will likely require additional policy instruments that will reduce the overall complexity and diversity of in-use polymers and polymeric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia J Groh
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, NO-0806 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Matthew MacLeod
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Technology and Society Laboratory, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.
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81
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Romera-Castillo C, Lucas A, Mallenco-Fornies R, Briones-Rizo M, Calvo E, Pelejero C. Abiotic plastic leaching contributes to ocean acidification. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158683. [PMID: 36099941 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ocean acidification and plastic pollution are considered as potential planetary boundary threats for which crossing certain thresholds could be very harmful for the world's societies and ecosystems well-being. Surface oceans have acidified around 0.1 units since the Industrial Revolution, and the amount of plastic reaching the ocean in 2018 was quantified to 13 million metric tonnes. Currently, both ocean threats are worsening with time. Plastic leaching is known to alter the biogeochemistry of the ocean through the release of dissolved organic matter. However, its impact in the inorganic chemistry of the seawater is less studied. Here we show, from laboratory experiments, that abiotic plastic degradation induces a decrease in seawater pH, particularly if the plastic is already aged, as that found in the ocean. The pH decrease is enhanced by solar radiation, and it is probably induced from a combination of the release of organic acids and the production of CO2. It is also related to the amount of leached dissolved organic carbon, with higher acidification as leaching increases. In coastal areas, where plastic debris accumulates in large quantities, plastic leaching could lead to a seawater pH decrease up to 0.5 units. This is comparable to the projected decrease induced in surface oceans by the end of the twenty-first century for the most pessimistic anthropogenic emissions scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arturo Lucas
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Eva Calvo
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Pelejero
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
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82
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Goudriaan M, Morales VH, van der Meer MTJ, Mets A, Ndhlovu RT, van Heerwaarden J, Simon S, Heuer VB, Hinrichs KU, Niemann H. A stable isotope assay with 13C-labeled polyethylene to investigate plastic mineralization mediated by Rhodococcus ruber. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114369. [PMID: 36462423 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Methods that unambiguously prove microbial plastic degradation and allow for quantification of degradation rates are necessary to constrain the influence of microbial degradation on the marine plastic budget. We developed an assay based on stable isotope tracer techniques to determine microbial plastic mineralization rates in liquid medium on a lab scale. For the experiments, 13C-labeled polyethylene (13C-PE) particles (irradiated with UV-light to mimic exposure of floating plastic to sunlight) were incubated in liquid medium with Rhodococcus ruber as a model organism for proof of principle. The transfer of 13C from 13C-PE into the gaseous and dissolved CO2 pools translated to microbially mediated mineralization rates of up to 1.2 % yr-1 of the added PE. After incubation, we also found highly 13C-enriched membrane fatty acids of R. ruber including compounds involved in cellular stress responses. We demonstrated that isotope tracer techniques are a valuable tool to detect and quantify microbial plastic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Goudriaan
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands.
| | - Victor Hernando Morales
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands; Centro de Investigación Mariña, University of Vigo, Department of Ecology and Animal Biology, Biological Oceanography Group, 36319 Vigo, Spain
| | - Marcel T J van der Meer
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands
| | - Anchelique Mets
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands
| | - Rachel T Ndhlovu
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands
| | - Johan van Heerwaarden
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands
| | - Sina Simon
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, 28334 Bremen, Germany
| | - Verena B Heuer
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, 28334 Bremen, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Hinrichs
- MARUM-Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, 28334 Bremen, Germany
| | - Helge Niemann
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry (MMB), Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ), 1797 SZ 't Horntje, the Netherlands; Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CB Utrecht, the Netherlands; CAGE-Centre for Arctic Gas Hydrate, Environment and Climate, Department of Geosciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
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83
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He S, Wei Y, Yang C, He Z. Interactions of microplastics and soil pollutants in soil-plant systems. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120357. [PMID: 36220572 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, increasing studies have been reported on characterization and detection of microplastics (MPs), and their interactions with organic pollutants (OPs) and heavy metals (HMs) in soils. However, a comprehensive review on the characteristics and factors that influence MPs distribution in soils, the sorption characteristics and mechanisms of soil contaminants by MPs, especially the interactions of MPs and their complexes with pollutants in the soil-plant systems remains rarely available at present. This review focuses on the sorption features and mechanisms of pollutants by MPs in soil and discussed the effects of MPs and their complexing with pollutants on soil properties, microbe and plants. The polarity of MPs significantly influenced the sorption of OPs, and different sorption mechanisms are involved for the hydrophobic and hydrophilic OPs. The sorption of OPs on MPs in soils is different from that in water. Aging of MPs can promote the sorption and migration of contaminants. The enhanced effects of biofilm in microplastisphere on the sorption of pollutants by MPs are critical, and interactions of soil environment-MPs-microbe-HMs-antibiotics increase the potential pathogens and larger release of resistance genes. The coexistence of HMs and MPs affected the growth of plants and the uptake of HMs and MPs by the plants. Moreover, the type, dose, shape and particle size of MPs have important influences on their interactions with pollutants and subsequent effects on soil properties, microbial activities and plant growth. This review also pointed out some knowledge gaps and constructive countermeasures to promote future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanying He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China.
| | - Yufei Wei
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, China
| | - Chunping Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Pollution Processes and Control, Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Pollution Control of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, Guangdong, 525000, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministryof Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Zhenli He
- Department Soil and Water Sciences / Indian River Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, Florida, 34945, USA
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84
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Wang Z, Praetorius A. Integrating a Chemicals Perspective into the Global Plastic Treaty. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2022; 9:1000-1006. [PMID: 36530847 PMCID: PMC9753957 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Driven by the growing concern about plastic pollution, countries have agreed to establish a global plastic treaty addressing the full life cycle of plastics. However, while plastics are complex materials consisting of mixtures of chemicals such as additives, processing aids, and nonintentionally added substances, it is at risk that the chemical aspects of plastics may be overlooked in the forthcoming treaty. This is highly concerning because a large variety of over 10,000 chemical substances may have been used in plastic production, and many of them are known to be hazardous to human health and the environment. In this Global Perspective, we further highlight an additional, generally overlooked, but critical aspect that many chemicals in plastics hamper the technological solutions envisioned to solve some of the major plastic issues: mechanical recycling, waste-to-energy, chemical recycling, biobased plastics, biodegradable plastics, and durable plastics. Building on existing success stories, we outline three concrete recommendations on how the chemical aspects can be integrated into the global plastic treaty to ensure its effectiveness: (1) reducing the complexity of chemicals in plastics, (2) ensuring the transparency of chemicals in plastics, and (3) aligning the right incentives for a systematic transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanyun Wang
- Empa
− Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology,
Technology and Society Laboratory, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Antonia Praetorius
- Institute
for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090, GE, Netherlands
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85
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Hataley EK, Shahmohamadloo RS, Almirall XO, Harrison AL, Rochman CM, Zou S, Orihel DM. Experimental Evidence from the Field that Naturally Weathered Microplastics Accumulate Cyanobacterial Toxins in Eutrophic Lakes. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:3017-3028. [PMID: 36148929 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems with recurring harmful algal blooms can also be polluted with plastics. Thus the two environmental problems may interact. To test whether microplastics influence the partitioning of microcystins in freshwater lakes, we examined the sorption of four microcystin congeners to different polymers of commercially available plastics (low-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene). We conducted three experiments: a batch sorption experiment in the laboratory with pristine microplastics of four different polymers, a second batch sorption experiment in the laboratory to compare pristine and naturally weathered microplastics of a single polymer, and a 2-month sorption experiment in the field with three different polymers experiencing natural weathering in a eutrophic lake. This series of experiments led to a surprising result: microcystins sorbed poorly to all polymers tested under laboratory conditions (<0.01% of the initial amount added), irrespective of weathering, yet in the field experiment, all polymers accumulated microcystins under ambient conditions in a eutrophic lake (range: 0-84.1 ng/g). Furthermore, we found that the sorption capacity for microcystins differed among polymers in the laboratory experiment yet were largely the same in the field. We also found that the affinity for plastic varied among microcystin congeners, namely, more polar congeners demonstrated a greater affinity for plastic than less polar congeners. Our study improves our understanding of the role of polymer and congener type in microplastic-microcystin sorption and provides novel evidence from the field, showing that naturally weathered microplastics in freshwater lakes can accumulate microcystins. Consequently, we caution that microplastics may alter the persistence, transport, and bioavailability of microcystins in freshwaters, which could have implications for human and wildlife health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:3017-3028. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eden K Hataley
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - René S Shahmohamadloo
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Vancouver, Washington, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xavier Ortiz Almirall
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Sciences, IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna L Harrison
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, UMR 5563, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, St. George Campus, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shan Zou
- Metrology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Diane M Orihel
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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86
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Courtene-Jones W, van Gennip S, Penicaud J, Penn E, Thompson RC. Synthetic microplastic abundance and composition along a longitudinal gradient traversing the subtropical gyre in the North Atlantic Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114371. [PMID: 36423567 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has been reported in the North Atlantic Ocean since the 1970s, yet limited data over subsequent decades pose challenges when assessing spatio-temporal trends in relation to global leakages and intervention strategies. This study quantified microplastics within the upper ocean along a longitudinal transect of the North Atlantic and its subtropical gyre. Microplastics were sampled from surface and subsurface (-25 m) water using a manta trawl and NIKSIN bottle respectively. The surface water polymer community varied significantly between geographic positions ('inshore', 'gyre', 'open ocean'), and was significantly influenced by fragment quantity. Compared to other positions, the North Atlantic gyre was associated with high concentrations of polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic and polyamide fragments. Subsurface water was dominated by polyamide and polyester fibres. Backtracked 2-year Lagrangian simulations illustrated connectivity patterns. Continued monitoring of microplastics throughout the water column of the North Atlantic Ocean is required to address knowledge gaps and assess spatio-temporal trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Courtene-Jones
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK.
| | | | | | | | - Richard C Thompson
- International Marine Litter Research Unit, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK
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87
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Shi X, Chen Z, Liu X, Wei W, Ni BJ. The photochemical behaviors of microplastics through the lens of reactive oxygen species: Photolysis mechanisms and enhancing photo-transformation of pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 846:157498. [PMID: 35870588 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The photoaging mechanisms of various polymers have been explored based on the basic autoxidation scheme (BAS) before 10 years ago, however current research verified some defects in the BAS in both thermodynamic and dynamics. These defects are troublesome because they are associated with the hydrogen abstraction which is central to continuously perform the photooxidation process of microplastics. These found indicated that we might wrongly inferred photo-oxidation process of some microplastics. In addition, the important role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the type-dependent photoaging process of various microplastics has been revealed recently. In this case, fully and accurately understanding the photoaging mechanisms of different microplastics in environment is a priority to further manage the ecological risk of microplastics. Herein, this review aims to revise and update the degradation process of microplastics based on the revised BAS and in the perspective of ROS. Specifically, the modification of BAS is firstly discussed. The photoaging mechanisms of representative microplastics (i.e., polyethylene, polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate) are then updated based on the corrected BAS. Additionally, the role of ROS in their photolysis process and the possibility of microplastics as photosensitizers/mediators to regulate the fate of co-existent pollutants are also analyzed. Finally, several perspectives are then proposed to guide future research on the photoaging behaviors of microplastics. This review would pave the way for the understanding of microplastic photoaging and the management of plastic pollution in environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingdong Shi
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Zhijie Chen
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Wei Wei
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
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88
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Zhang J, Zhang Q, Maa JPY, Shen X, Liang J, Yu L, Ge L, Wang G. Effects of organic matter on interaction forces between polystyrene microplastics: An experimental study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 844:157186. [PMID: 35809726 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation and deposition processes of marine microplastics are extremely important in marine ecosystems. The main effect of these two physical processes is the transfer of surface microplastics to the deep sea, and the underlying kinetics can be significantly affected by the organic matter in the ocean. The morphology of and interaction force on 20-μm polystyrene microplastics in the presence of organic matter were studied by using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Experiments were performed using organic matter of various concentrations, and the results showed that humic acid formed a translucent organic film around polystyrene microplastics. With increasing total organic content (TOC), the average overall size of the microplastic coated with biofilm increased up to 11 % (at a TOC of 50 mg/L) and then decreased slightly. The biofilm formed by humic acid decreases the repulsion force between two particles and thus could promote the aggregation process significantly. A modified formulation of eXtended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) theory, describing the interaction force of microplastics with the influences of biofilms was proposed based on the measured results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Qinghe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jerome P-Y Maa
- Department of Physical Sciences, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, School of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, USA
| | - Xiaoteng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Jiaxiong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Lixin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Lin Ge
- NT-MDT Spectrum Instrument, China office, Beijing 100031, China
| | - Guangyao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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89
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Fries E, Grewal T, Sühring R. Persistent, mobile, and toxic plastic additives in Canada: properties and prioritization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:1945-1956. [PMID: 36178267 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00097k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The hazards of many plastic additives on human and environmental health are well documented. However, little emphasis has been put on plastic additives that are persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) rather than persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. Due to their high mobility and stability, it is unlikely that wastewater treatment plants will effectively remove PMT plastic additives. Herein, an in silico analysis was performed to (1) assess the retention of PMT plastic additives registered for use in Canada in wastewater treatment plants; and (2) determine whether their physical-chemical properties and structural features can be used as identifiers for PMT plastic additives with particularly low retention. We identified 124 PMT plastic additives of which 52% had less than 20% removal from wastewater treatment based on predictions using the model SimpleTreat. Log Kaw, log Kow/Dow, and log Koc/Doc ranges were defined that are indicative of low retention PMT plastic additives. Furthermore, it was found that non-halogenated PMT plastic additives that contain nitrogen are most likely to be poorly retained in wastewater treatment plants. The results of this study provide screening and prioritization criteria, as well as a suspect list for PMT plastic additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Fries
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada.
| | - Tanjot Grewal
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 3L8, Canada
| | - Roxana Sühring
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada.
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90
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Krasucka P, Bogusz A, Baranowska-Wójcik E, Czech B, Szwajgier D, Rek M, Ok YS, Oleszczuk P. Digestion of plastics using in vitro human gastrointestinal tract and their potential to adsorb emerging organic pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:157108. [PMID: 35779726 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Excessive plastic use has inevitably led to its consumption by organisms, including humans. It is estimated that humans consume 20 kg of plastic during their lifetime. The presence of microplastics in the human body can carry serious health risks, such as biological reactions e.g. inflammation, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, as well toxic compounds leaching of unbound chemicals/monomers, free radicals or adsorbed organic pollutants, which mainly depend on the properties of the ingested plastic. Plastics are exposed to different substances (e.g., enzymes and acids) in the digestive system, which potentially affects their properties and structure. By stimulating the human digestive system and applying a set of advanced analytical tools, we showed that the surface of polystyrene and high-density polyethylene plastics frequently in contact with food undergoes fundamental changes during digestion. This results in the appearance of additional functional groups, and consequent increase in the plastic adsorption capacity for hydrophobic ionic compounds (such as triclosan and diclofenac) while reducing its adsorption capacity for hydrophobic non-ionic compounds (such as phenanthrene). Micro- and nanostructures that formed on the flat surface of the plastics after digestion were identified using scanning electron microscopy. These structures became defragmented and detached due to mechanical action, increasing micro- and nanoplastics in the environment. Due to their size, the release of plastic nanostructures after digestion can become an "accidental food source" for a wider group of aquatic organisms and ultimately for humans as the last link in the food chain. This, combined with improved adsorption capacity of digested plastics to hydrophobic ionic pollutants, can pose a serious threat to the environment including human health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Krasucka
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Pl. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Bogusz
- Department of Ecotoxicology, Institute of Environmental Protection - National Research Institute, ul. Krucza 5/11D, 00-548 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Ewa Baranowska-Wójcik
- Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, ul. Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bożena Czech
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Pl. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Dominik Szwajgier
- Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, ul. Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Rek
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Pl. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Center, APRU Sustainable Waste Management Program & Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Patryk Oleszczuk
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Pl. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland.
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91
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Huang D, Chen H, Shen M, Tao J, Chen S, Yin L, Zhou W, Wang X, Xiao R, Li R. Recent advances on the transport of microplastics/nanoplastics in abiotic and biotic compartments. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 438:129515. [PMID: 35816806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastics enter the environment and break up into microplastics (MPs) and even nanoplastics (NPs) by biotic and abiotic weathering. These small particles are widely distributed in the environmental media and extremely mobile and reactive, easily suspending in the air, infiltrating into the soil, and interacting with biota. Current research on MPs/NPs is either in the abiotic or biotic compartments, with little attention paid to the fact that the biosphere as a whole. To better understand the complex and continuous movement of plastics from biological to planetary scales, this review firstly discusses the transport processes and drivers of microplastics in the macroscopic compartment. We then summarize insightfully the uptake pathways of MPs/NPs by different species in the ecological compartment and analyze the internalization mechanisms of NPs in the organism. Finally, we highlight the bioaccumulation potential, biomagnification effects and trophic transfer of MPs/NPs in the food chain. This work is expected to provide a meaningful theoretical body of knowledge for understanding the biogeochemical cycles of plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danlian Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China.
| | - Haojie Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Jiaxi Tao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Sha Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Lingshi Yin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xinya Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Ruihao Xiao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Ruijin Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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92
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Jemec Kokalj A, Dolar A, Drobne D, Škrlep L, Škapin AS, Marolt G, Nagode A, van Gestel CAM. Effects of microplastics from disposable medical masks on terrestrial invertebrates. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 438:129440. [PMID: 35803191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated impacts of microplastics from disposable polypropylene medical masks on woodlice Porcellio scaber, mealworm larvae Tenebrio molitor and enchytraeids Enchytraeus crypticus. Effects of microplastics on survival, reproduction, immune parameters and energy-related traits were assessed after 21 days exposure in soil. Microplastics obtained from each medical mask layer separately differed in size and shape (inner frontal layer: 45.1 ± 21.5 µm, fibers; middle filtering layer: 55.6 ± 28.5 µm, fragments; outer layer: 42.0 ± 17.8 µm, fibers) and composition of additives. Overall, the concentrations of metals and organic chemicals were too low to cause effects on soil invertebrates. The microplastics from disposable medical masks at 0.06%, 0.5%, 1.5%, w/w did not induce severe adverse effects on survival or reproduction (for enchytraeids). A transient immune response of woodlice and a change in energy-related traits in mealworms were observed, which was most clearly seen for the microplastics from the outer layer. This was reflected in increased electron transfer system activity of mealworms and different immune response dynamics of woodlice. In conclusion, the tested soil invertebrates respond to microplastics from disposable medical masks, but it remains unclear what these changes mean for their fitness on the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Jemec Kokalj
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Andraž Dolar
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damjana Drobne
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luka Škrlep
- Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, Dimičeva ulica 12, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrijana Sever Škapin
- Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, Dimičeva ulica 12, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Polymer Technology - FTPO, Ozare 19, 2380, Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Marolt
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Večna pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Nagode
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis A M van Gestel
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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93
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Chow J, Perez‐Garcia P, Dierkes R, Streit WR. Microbial enzymes will offer limited solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 16:195-217. [PMID: 36099200 PMCID: PMC9871534 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Global economies depend on the use of fossil-fuel-based polymers with 360-400 million metric tons of synthetic polymers being produced per year. Unfortunately, an estimated 60% of the global production is disposed into the environment. Within this framework, microbiologists have tried to identify plastic-active enzymes over the past decade. Until now, this research has largely failed to deliver functional biocatalysts acting on the commodity polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), ether-based polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS) and synthetic rubber (SR). However, few enzymes are known to act on low-density and low-crystalline (amorphous) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and ester-based PUR. These above-mentioned polymers represent >95% of all synthetic plastics produced. Therefore, the main challenge microbiologists are currently facing is in finding polymer-active enzymes targeting the majority of fossil-fuel-based plastics. However, identifying plastic-active enzymes either to implement them in biotechnological processes or to understand their potential role in nature is an emerging research field. The application of these enzymes is still in its infancy. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on microbial plastic-active enzymes, their global distribution and potential impact on plastic degradation in industrial processes and nature. We further outline major challenges in finding novel plastic-active enzymes, optimizing known ones by synthetic approaches and problems arising through falsely annotated and unfiltered use of database entries. Finally, we highlight potential biotechnological applications and possible re- and upcycling concepts using microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Chow
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Pablo Perez‐Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Robert Dierkes
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Wolfgang R. Streit
- Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of HamburgHamburgGermany
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94
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Wu X, Liu P, Zhao X, Wang J, Teng M, Gao S. Critical effect of biodegradation on long-term microplastic weathering in sediment environments: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129287. [PMID: 35714544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution in global sediment has been intensely studied and recognized as the ultimate sink for residual MPs in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. During MP long-term retention in sediments, plastic-degrading bacteria (i.e., Flavobacteriaceae, Bacillus, Rhodobacteraceae, and Desulfobacteraceae) can utilize those MPs as their carbon and energy sources through enzyme (hydrolase and oxidoreductase) reactions, which further alter or transform high molecular weight MP polymers into lower molecular weight biodegradation byproducts (i.e., monomers and oligomers) and release toxic additives. In other words, MPs can act as durable substrates for plastic-degrading bacteria in sediments. However, to date, the biodegradation rates of MPs in sediment environments are still poorly understood due to their limited degradation efficiency. Herein, we review the enzyme-induced biodegradation processes of MPs in sediment environments, which is important for accessing the alteration of MP properties and their potential ecological risks after undergoing long-term weathering processes. In addition, the factors associated with the MP properties (polymer type, molecular weight, crystallinity, and hydrophobicity) and sediment conditions (sediment type, temperature, pH, salinity, and oxygen content) that influence plastic degradation processes are also reviewed. The mechanisms may relate to the MP properties and sediment conditions that can influence microbial abundance, enzyme concentrations, and enzyme activities, thus altering MP biodegradation ratios. We anticipate that the observations reviewed in this study will pose a new issue to better understand the formation process, fate, and potential ecological risks associated with aged MPs in sediment environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Miaomiao Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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95
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Smith A, Liboiron M, Charron L, McIntyre J, Hawkins K, McLean K, Peddle S, Moore G, Walzak MJ, Goodman A, Fulton L, Fredericks S, Nodding B. Quantification and characterization of plastics in near-shore surface waters of Atlantic Canada. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113869. [PMID: 35759899 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are a ubiquitous pollutant in the marine environment. Despite growing concerns, quantitative and qualitative data on microplastics in aquatic and marine environments of Atlantic Canada is just emerging. Surface water plastics were measured and categorized by morphology (thread, microfibre, fragment, foam, film, pellet, and microbead) in two locations in Nova Scotia and one in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. All sites within the three locations contained plastic with an average abundance of 9669 items/km2. Most plastics (68 %) were sized as microplastics (0.425-5 mm), and plastic fragments were the most common morphological type. Polyethylene accounted for a third (30 %) of all particles found across all three locations, followed by polypropylene (23 %). Results can inform future research for community-based environmental groups, government, and academia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Max Liboiron
- Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR), Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada; Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Louis Charron
- Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR), Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | | | | | - Katie McLean
- Clean Annapolis River Project, Annapolis Royal, NS, Canada
| | | | - Greg Moore
- ACAP Humber Arm, Corner Brook, NL, Canada
| | - Mary Jane Walzak
- Surface Science Western, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Alexa Goodman
- Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response (MEOPAR), Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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96
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Wu S, Chen Z, Zhou M, Shao Y, Jin C, Tang J, Fang F, Guo J, Stibany F, Schäffer A. Freeze-thaw alternations accelerate plasticizers release and pose a risk for exposed organisms. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113742. [PMID: 35679726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The application of plastic mulch films brings convenience to agricultural production, but also causes plastic waste that can be degraded into microplastics (MPs). However, little is known about the fate of plastic waste in agricultural ecosystem under freeze-thaw alternation in middle and high latitudes, as well as in highlands around the world. Whether the release of plasticizers, i.e. phthalate esters (PAEs), under such conditions would pose a potential risk to exposed organisms due to bioaccumulation is also unknown. To fill these data gaps, the agricultural fields in Liaoning of China with typical freeze-thaw alternation was selected as the study area. The transformation of plastic film was demonstrated by simulation freeze-thaw alternating from -30 to 20 ℃. Soil samples were collected to investigate the patterns of MP composition, abundance, and distribution. Concurrently, the concentrations of two PAEs including bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) in soils were analyzed to provide information on the correlation between MPs abundance and PAEs concentrations as well as potential risks. The results showed that freeze-thaw alternating can accelerate the formation of MPs and release of PAEs from plastic waste. The abundance of MPs was positively correlated with the concentration of PAEs. Soil PAEs ranged from 3268 ± 213-6351 ± 110 μg/kg, indicating that over 40 % of the PAEs were transferred from plastic films to soils. Such residual amounts could pose risk for exposed organisms. Hence, the current study suggested that special concerns should be given to the release plasticizers in plastic waste of agricultural soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Wu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for the Ecological Environment of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Zhongli Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for the Ecological Environment of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for the Ecological Environment of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Ying Shao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for the Ecological Environment of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Chao Jin
- Chongqing Beibei District Ecological Environment Bureau, Chongqing City, Chongqing 400700, China
| | - Jinjing Tang
- Analytical and Testing Center of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for the Ecological Environment of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jinsong Guo
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for the Ecological Environment of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Felix Stibany
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Andreas Schäffer
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for the Ecological Environment of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52074, Germany; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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97
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Su L, Xiong X, Zhang Y, Wu C, Xu X, Sun C, Shi H. Global transportation of plastics and microplastics: A critical review of pathways and influences. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 831:154884. [PMID: 35358528 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The rapid development of modern society has largely increased the usage of plastic. Concerns arise when vast amount of plastic waste has been generated and disposed. The accumulated evidences suggest that plastic waste in all the natural matrixes has become a global contaminant, principles such as geological and biogeochemical cycles for plastic pollution have been proposed. Before a full estimation of plastic mass flow, however, the pathways, directions and influences involved in plastic transportation are warranted to be addressed. We made this critical review based on the quantitative and narrative approaches in plastic and microplastic sources, sinks and transportation at global and historical scales. We also addressed the roles of anthropogenic influences in the global transportation of microplastic. The hydrological, meteorological, oceanic and even biological progresses naturally influence the plastic cycle and flow directions within the Earth's Four Spheres. Anthropogenic activities participated in all sections of plastic transportation, from sources to sinks. The contribution from anthropogenic activities remains unknown but several point sources including primary emissions and landfills have been confirmed. The primary outcomes point out that plastic pollution is highly complex issues in terms of natural and human-driven dynamics. We suggested that more efforts were needed in seeking the key sections in plastic transportation between environmental compartments at a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Su
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiong Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yulan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiangrong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Chengjun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-environmental Science and Technology, Marine Bioresource and Environment Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Huahong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
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98
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Do ATN, Ha Y, Kwon JH. Leaching of microplastic-associated additives in aquatic environments: A critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 305:119258. [PMID: 35398401 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has attracted significant attention as an emerging global environmental problem. One of the most important issues with microplastics is the leaching of harmful additives. This review summarizes the recent advances in the understanding of the leaching phenomena in the context of the phase equilibrium between microplastics and water, and the release kinetics. Organic additives, which are widely used in plastic products, have been introduced because they have diverse physicochemical properties and mass fractions in plastics. Many theoretical and empirical models have been utilized in laboratory and field studies. However, the partition or distribution constant between microplastics and water (Kp) and the diffusivity of an additive in microplastics (D) are the two key properties explaining the leaching equilibrium and kinetics of hydrophobic organic additives. Because microplastics in aquatic environments undergo dynamic weathering, leaching of organic additives with high Kp and/or low D cannot be described by a leaching model that only considers microplastic and water phases with a fixed boundary. Surface modifications of microplastics as well as biofilms colonizing microplastic surfaces can alter the leaching equilibrium and kinetics and transform additives. Further studies on the release of hydrophobic organic additives and their transformation products under various conditions are required to extend our understanding of the environmental fate and transport of these additives in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh T Ngoc Do
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonjeong Ha
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Kwon
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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99
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Ranjani M, Veerasingam S, Venkatachalapathy R, Jinoj TPS, Guganathan L, Mugilarasan M, Vethamony P. Seasonal variation, polymer hazard risk and controlling factors of microplastics in beach sediments along the southeast coast of India. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 305:119315. [PMID: 35439596 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and its associated organic and inorganic contaminants are one among the significant health hazards to almost all biota, including human. We investigated the polymer hazard risk and its adsorbed contaminants in MPs at six prominent beaches of Chennai on the southeast coast of India. The spatial variation of MPs during the northeast (NE) monsoon (range: 76-720 items/kg, mean: 247.4 items/kg) was higher than that during southwest (SW) monsoon (range: 84-498 items/kg, mean: 302.7 items/kg). In both the seasons, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were the dominant polymers and fibre was the predominant shape of MPs, likely to be derived from fishing, textile and urban activities in this region. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images exhibited various surface weathering features including grooves, cracks, fractures, adhering particles, pits, vermiculate textures and fibre reinforcements. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) results showed that MPs have adsorbed major (Si, Al, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe and Ti) and trace (Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn) metals. Though pollution load index (PLI) presented low degree of MP contamination in the beach sediments, hazardous polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA) and polystyrene (PS) contributed to high polymer hazard index (PHI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI), posing very high risk to the biota. The trajectories obtained from particle-tracking coupled with hydrodynamic simulation clearly showed that 20% of MPs settled along the coast and the remaining moved towards north, alongshore and offshore (∼50 km) within 30 days, and in NE monsoon due to current reversal, the floating debris and MPs have drifted towards south, ∼40 km in 30 days, indicating the role of circulation in the fate and transport pathways of plastic debris.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ranjani
- Department of Physics, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Veerasingam
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Qatar.
| | - R Venkatachalapathy
- Department of Physics, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - T P S Jinoj
- National Centre for Coastal Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Chennai, 600 100, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - L Guganathan
- Department of Physics, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M Mugilarasan
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chennai, 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P Vethamony
- Environmental Science Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Qatar
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100
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Dey S, Rout AK, Behera BK, Ghosh K. Plastisphere community assemblage of aquatic environment: plastic-microbe interaction, role in degradation and characterization technologies. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2022; 17:32. [PMID: 35739580 PMCID: PMC9230103 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-022-00430-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
It is undeniable that plastics are ubiquitous and a threat to global ecosystems. Plastic waste is transformed into microplastics (MPs) through physical and chemical disruption processes within the aquatic environment. MPs are detected in almost every environment due to their worldwide transportability through ocean currents or wind, which allows them to reach even the most remote regions of our planet. MPs colonized by biofilm-forming microbial communities are known as the ''plastisphere". The revelation that this unique substrate can aid microbial dispersal has piqued interest in the ground of microbial ecology. MPs have synergetic effects on the development, transportation, persistence, and ecology of microorganisms. This review summarizes the studies of plastisphere in recent years and the microbial community assemblage (viz. autotrophs, heterotrophs, predators, and pathogens). We also discussed plastic-microbe interactions and the potential sources of plastic degrading microorganisms. Finally, it also focuses on current technologies used to characterize those microbial inhabitants and recommendations for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujata Dey
- Aquatic Environmental Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700120, India
| | - Ajaya Kumar Rout
- Aquatic Environmental Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700120, India
| | - Bijay Kumar Behera
- Aquatic Environmental Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Division, ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700120, India.
| | - Koushik Ghosh
- Aquaculture Laboratory, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Burdwan, West Bengal, 713104, India.
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