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Liu P, Li H, Wu J, Wu X, Shi Y, Yang Z, Huang K, Guo X, Gao S. Polystyrene microplastics accelerated photodegradation of co-existed polypropylene via photosensitization of polymer itself and released organic compounds. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 214:118209. [PMID: 35219184 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Combined pollution consisted of various types of microplastics (MPs) was extensively detected in the environment; however, little is known about their interaction on degradation behavior during exposure in sunlight. This study investigated the effects of polystyrene (PS) MPs and mechanisms on photodegradation of pure and commercial polypropylene (PP) MPs co-existed in aquatic environment. Results showed that PS MPs significantly accelerated photodegradation of co-existed PP, including faster oxidation and fragmentation. Photodegradation route of PP MPs such as the reaction priority of partial chemical bindings was even altered with the presence of PS MPs, highlighting the important role of PS in photodegradation process of PP. Analysis of leachate and free radical indicated that the critical effects were derived from photosensitization of PS polymer itself and its released dissolved organic matter (PS-DOM); here, more important role of PS itself in initial period and that of PS-DOM in later period. Among generated ROS, OH· was the key species for accelerating photodegradation of PP by PS itself and its released DOM, which were generated from the reaction of polymer radical with dissolved oxygen. The findings firstly reveal the important role of PS in photodegradation of co-existed MPs and suggested the shorter duration of (micro)plastics in combined system than that in the single, which provide useful information to assess environmental behavior and fate of MPs more holistically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Huang Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Jiajun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zeyuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Kerang Huang
- Division of Laboratory Safety and Services, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
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52
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Li Y, Lu Z, Abrahamsson DP, Song W, Yang C, Huang Q, Wang J. Non-targeted analysis for organic components of microplastic leachates. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 816:151598. [PMID: 34774944 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151598] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Organic components of microplastic leachates were investigated in an integrated non-targeted analysis study that included statistical analysis on leachates generated under different leaching scenarios. Leaching experiments were undertaken with simulated gastric fluid (SGF), river water, and seawater with common polymer types, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyester fabrics comprising both raw and recycled materials. Totals of 111.0 ± 26.7, 98.5 ± 20.3, and 53.5 ± 4.7 different features were tentatively identified as compounds in SGF, freshwater, and seawater leachates, respectively, of which 5 compounds were confirmed by reference standards. The leaching capacities of the media were compared, and the clusters of structurally related features leached in the same medium were studied. For leachates generated from raw and recycled plastics, volcano plots and Pearson's Chi-squared tests were used to identify characteristic features. More characteristic features (3-20) had an average intensity across all recycled plastics that were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that (1-3) of raw plastics under different conditions. The results indicate that gastric solution is more likely to leach components from microplastics, and there exists the difference of leachate's organic composition between raw and recycled materials, providing new insights into understanding microplastic environmental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Zhibo Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Dimitri Panagopoulos Abrahamsson
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Weihua Song
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Chao Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Qinghui Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Juan Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Shanghai 200092, PR China
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53
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Li Y, Liu Y, Liu S, Zhang L, Shao H, Wang X, Zhang W. Photoaging of Baby Bottle-Derived Polyethersulfone and Polyphenylsulfone Microplastics and the Resulting Bisphenol S Release. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:3033-3044. [PMID: 35142490 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the release of bisphenol S (BPS) from polyethersulfone (PES) and polyphenylsulfone microplastics (MPs) derived from baby bottles under UV irradiation. Released BPS fluctuates over time because it undergoes photolysis under UV254 irradiation. Under UV365 irradiation, the highest released concentration at 50 °C was 1.7 and 3.2 times that at 35 and 25 °C, respectively, as the activation energy of the photochemical reactions responsible for MP decay was reduced at high temperatures. Low concentrations of humic acid (HA, ≤10 mg·L-1) promote BPS release because HA acts as a photosensitizer. A high concentration of HA (10∼50 mg·L-1) decreases the BPS release because HA shields MPs from light and scavenges reactive radicals that are produced via photochemical reactions. For example, under UV irradiation, hydroxyl radicals (•OH) attack results in the breakage of ether bonds and the formation of phenyl radicals (Ph•) and phenoxy radicals (Ph-O•).The•OH addition and hydrogen extractions further produce BPS from the decayed MPs. A leaching kinetics model was developed and calibrated by the experimental data. The calibrated model predicts the equilibrium level of BPS release from MPs that varies with the surface coverage density of BPS and leaching rate constants. This study provides groundwork that deepens our understanding of environmental aging and the chemical release of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengdong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Lilan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Heng Shao
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Zhang
- John A. Reif, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, United States
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54
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Ouyang Z, Li S, Zhao M, Wangmu Q, Ding R, Xiao C, Guo X. The aging behavior of polyvinyl chloride microplastics promoted by UV-activated persulfate process. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127461. [PMID: 34653864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) experienced different aging processes in environment. Literatures about effect of artificially-accelerated aging on MPs behavior are still insufficient. The accelerated process induced by ultraviolet(UV)-activated persulfate (PS) is a promising technology for obtaining different aged MPs to understand long-term aging behavior. In the work, the aging behavior of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) accelerated by UV/PS system were investigated. It exhibited a dechlorination with 58.495 ± 6.090 mg/L Cl- release after 35 h UV-activated PS (0.01 M) process. The treatment led to significant alternations on surface morphology and chemical feature of PVC. The crystallinity was increased, and average size was reduced from 154.11 µm to 119.28 µm with aging time. Subsequently, many smaller size particles were produced. Furthermore, the process induced the breaking of backbone. Simultaneously, more oxygen-containing functional groups were identified. The oxidation reaction accelerated by sulfate radical (SO4•-) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was predominant, which immensely promoted aging process. Sustained high levels of free radical contributed to production of alcohols and carboxylic acids short chain organics. The study explored aging behavior of PVC accelerated by UV/PS system, which could be helpful for understanding environmental behavior and providing further information to assess potential risks of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuozhi Ouyang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shuxing Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Manyi Zhao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Quzong Wangmu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Rui Ding
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Chuanqi Xiao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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55
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Luo H, Liu C, He D, Xu J, Sun J, Li J, Pan X. Environmental behaviors of microplastics in aquatic systems: A systematic review on degradation, adsorption, toxicity and biofilm under aging conditions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 423:126915. [PMID: 34461541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm) in the environment have attracted worldwide attention due to their wide distribution and difficulty in handling. Aging processes such as UV irradiation, biodegradation, physical abrasion and chemical oxidation can affect the environmental behavior of MPs. This review article summarizes different aging processes of MPs and subsequent effects on the adsorption of pollutants, the leaching of additives, and the toxicity of MPs. In addition, the formation process of biofilm on the surface of MPs and the interactions between biofilm and aged MPs are revealed. MPs can accumulate different environmental pollutants (organic pollutants, heavy metals, microorganisms, etc.) through surface adsorption, pore filling and distribution. Moreover, the aging of MPs affects their adsorption performance toward these pollutants due to a series of changes in their specific surface area and oxygen-containing functional groups. The release of some toxic additives such as phthalates after aging can enhance the toxic effects of MPs. Aging also changes the shape and size of MPs, which can affect the eating habits of the organisms and further increase the potential toxicity of MPs. This article conducts a systematical analysis and summary of the environmental behavior and physicochemical properties of MPs as well as the changes due to MPs aging, which helps to better understand the impact of aging on MPs in the environment. Future research on MPs aging should reduce the knowledge gap between laboratory simulation and actual conditions and increase the environmental relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Chenyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dongqin He
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Juan Xu
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jianqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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56
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Masiá P, Ardura A, Garcia-Vazquez E. Microplastics in seafood: relative input of Mytilus galloprovincialis and table salt in mussel dishes. Food Res Int 2022; 153:110973. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.110973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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57
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Liu L, Xu M, Ye Y, Zhang B. On the degradation of (micro)plastics: Degradation methods, influencing factors, environmental impacts. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151312. [PMID: 34743885 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastics and microplastics are difficult to degrade in the natural environment due to their hydrophobicity, the presence of stable covalent bonds and functional groups that are not susceptible to attack. In nature, microplastics are more likely to attract other substances due to their large specific surface area, which further prevents degradation from occurring. Some of these substances are toxic and harmful, and can be spread to various organisms through the food chain along with the microplastics to cause harm to them. Degradation is an effective way to eliminate plastic pollution, and a comprehensive understanding of the methods and mechanisms of plastic degradation is necessary, because it is the result of synergistic effects of several degradation methods, both in nature and in consideration of future engineering applications. The authors firstly summarize the degradation methods of (micro)plastics; secondly, review the influence of intrinsic properties and environmental factors during the degradation process; finally, discuss the environmental impact of the degradation products of (micro)plastics. It is evident that the degradation of (micro)plastics still has many challenges to overcome, and there are no mature and effective methods that can be applied in engineering practice or widely used in nature. Therefore, there is an urgent need for research on the degradation of (micro)plastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingchen Liu
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China
| | - Mingjie Xu
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China
| | - Yuheng Ye
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China
| | - Bin Zhang
- School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China; School of Food and Biotechnology of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, PR China.
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58
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Kiran BR, Kopperi H, Venkata Mohan S. Micro/nano-plastics occurrence, identification, risk analysis and mitigation: challenges and perspectives. RE/VIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO/TECHNOLOGY 2022; 21:169-203. [PMID: 35103051 PMCID: PMC8792138 DOI: 10.1007/s11157-021-09609-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanoplastics (MP/NPs) are emerging global pollutants that garnered enormous attention due to their potential threat to the ecosystem in virtue of their persistence and accumulation. Notably, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) yearbook in 2014 proposed MPs as one among ten emergent issues that the Earth is facing today. MP/NPs can be found in most regularly used products (primary microplastics) or formed by the fragmentation of bigger plastics (secondary microplastics) and are inextricably discharged into the environment by terrestrial and land-based sources, particularly runoff. They are non-degradable, biologically incompatible, and their presence in the air, soil, water, and food can induce ecotoxicological issues and also a menace to the environment. Due to micro size and diverse chemical nature, MP/NPs easily infiltrate wastewater treatment processes. This communication reviews the current understanding of MP/NPs occurrence, mobility, aggregation behavior, and degradation/assimilation in terrestrial, aquatic (fresh & marine), atmospheric depositions, wetlands and trophic food chain. This communication provide current perspectives and understanding on MP/NPs concerning (1) Source, occurrence, distribution, and properties (2) Impact on the ecosystem and its services, (3) Techniques in detection and identification and (4) Strategies to manage and mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boda Ravi Kiran
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, 500007 India
| | - Harishankar Kopperi
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, 500007 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002 India
| | - S. Venkata Mohan
- Bioengineering and Environmental Sciences Lab, Department of Energy and Environmental Engineering (DEEE), CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, 500007 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002 India
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59
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Ding L, Yu X, Guo X, Zhang Y, Ouyang Z, Liu P, Zhang C, Wang T, Jia H, Zhu L. The photodegradation processes and mechanisms of polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate microplastic in aquatic environments: Important role of clay minerals. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 208:117879. [PMID: 34847511 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that microplastics (MPs) may experience weathering and aging under ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation, but it remains unclear if these processes are impacted by natural components, such as clay minerals. In this study, we systematically investigated the photodegradation behaviors of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), two utmost used plastics, in the presence of clay minerals (kaolinite and montmorillonite). The results demonstrated that the clay minerals, particularly kaolinite, significantly promoted the MPs photodegradation, and the aging of PET was more prominent. The photodegradation was the most distinct at pH 7.0, regardless of the presence or absence of the clay minerals. The results of electron paramagnetic resonance and inhibition experiments of reactive oxygen species indicated that the minerals, particularly kaolinite, remarkably facilitated production of •OH, which was the key species contributing to the photodegradation of MPs. Specifically, UV irradiation facilitated the photo-ionization of MPs, producing hydrated electrons and MP radical cations (MP+). The Lewis base sites prevalent on the clay siloxane surfaces could stabilize the MP radical cations and prevent their recombination with hydrated electrons, which promoted the generation of •OH under aerobic conditions, and facilitated the degradation of MP. Two-dimensional (2D) Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) correlation spectroscopy (COS) analysis and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a Q Exactive Orbitrap HF mass spectrometer were used to identify the sequential changes of functional groups, and the degradation products of the MPs. This study improves our understanding on the aging of MPs in the complex natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ding
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaoqin Yu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Yaping Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhuozhi Ouyang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Peng Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Tiecheng Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hanzhong Jia
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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60
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Ding L, Ouyang Z, Liu P, Wang T, Jia H, Guo X. Photodegradation of microplastics mediated by different types of soil: The effect of soil components. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 802:149840. [PMID: 34525762 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted considerable attention due to its worldwide distribution, environmental persistence, and ecological risks. In this work, the photodegradation of MPs mediated by five different types of soils were investigated. The results showed: after 20 d of xenon lamp irradiation, significant degradation of MP was observed on Harbin (S1), Huainan (S2), Jiangxi (S3), Shaanxi (S4) and Hainan (S5). The order of photodegradation rate of MP was S2 > S5 > S4 > S1 > S3. The components of the soil have some correlations with MPs photodegradation. The photodegradation of MP mediated by soil components (specifically, the clay, the iron oxides and MnO2) displayed positive effect, while the photodegradation of MPs mediated by organic carbon showed inhibition trend. It is worth noting that electrostatic interaction may be the dominant factor affecting the interaction between MPs photodegradation rate and different soils surfaces. This study is helpful to deepen the understanding of the photochemical behavior of MP in soil, and is of great significance to evaluate the environmental fate and mechanism mediated by MP in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ding
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zhuozhi Ouyang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Peng Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Tiecheng Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hanzhong Jia
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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61
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Non-Negligible Effects of UV Irradiation on Transformation and Environmental Risks of Microplastics in the Water Environment. J Xenobiot 2021; 12:1-12. [PMID: 35076549 PMCID: PMC8788448 DOI: 10.3390/jox12010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in environmental media, and their harmful effects on MPs on the ecosystem have attracted more and more attention. Once released into the environment, MPs can trigger oxidative degradation through ultraviolet (UV) to cause photoaging. Photoaging significantly affects the properties of MPs, which leads to changing their environmental behaviors and increasing environmental risks. In this review, the generation of MPs under UV irradiation and the influence of environmental factors on the photoaging of MPs were discussed. Photoaging of MPs is an important process affecting the migration, transformation and interaction of pollutants in water and soil. In order to fully predict the fate and environmental interaction of MPs, more researches are needed in the future to explore the photoaging behavior of different types of MPs under natural environmental conditions.
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Wu X, Liu P, Gong Z, Wang H, Huang H, Shi Y, Zhao X, Gao S. Humic Acid and Fulvic Acid Hinder Long-Term Weathering of Microplastics in Lake Water. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:15810-15820. [PMID: 34757731 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the photoaging of polypropylene (PP) microplastics (MPs) in lake water. The results showed that photoaging of PP MPs was significantly inhibited in lake water compared with ultrapure water after 12 d of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and humic acid and fulvic acid, rather than carbonate (CO32-), nitrate (NO3-), or chloride (Cl-) ions, were identified as the primary contributors to the observed inhibition. Mechanisms for the roles of humic acid (Suwannee River humic acid) and fulvic acid (Pony Lake fulvic acid) in reducing the rates of photodegradation showed that humic acid and fulvic acid acted as both reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers (e.g., of •OH) (dominant contribution) and optical light filters. As ROS scavengers, humic acid and fulvic acid significantly decreased the capacity for the formation of •OH and O2•- by PP MPs under irradiation. In addition, the chromophores in humic acid and fulvic acid competed for photons with MPs through the light-shielding effect, thereby causing less fragmentation of PP particles and changes in other properties (melting temperature, contact angle, and surface zeta potential). The proposed mechanisms for inhibition by humic acid and fulvic acid will aid our efforts to assess the duration of aging and alterations of MP properties during long-term weathering in natural waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- 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, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Zhimin Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- 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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63
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Hadi AG, Baqir SJ, Ahmed DS, El-Hiti GA, Hashim H, Ahmed A, Kariuki BM, Yousif E. Substituted Organotin Complexes of 4-Methoxybenzoic Acid for Reduction of Poly(vinyl Chloride) Photodegradation. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13223946. [PMID: 34833244 PMCID: PMC8621606 DOI: 10.3390/polym13223946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly(vinyl chloride) suffers from degradation through oxidation and decomposition when exposed to radiation and high temperatures. Stabilizers are added to polymeric materials to inhibit their degradation and enable their use for a longer duration in harsh environments. The design of new additives to stabilize poly(vinyl chloride) is therefore desirable. The current study includes the synthesis of new tin complexes of 4-methoxybenzoic acid and investigates their potential as photostabilizers for poly(vinyl chloride). The reaction of 4-methoxybenzoic acid and substituted tin chlorides gave the corresponding substituted tin complexes in good yields. The structures of the complexes were confirmed using analytical and spectroscopic methods. Poly(vinyl chloride) was doped with a small quantity (0.5%) of the tin complexes and homogenous thin films were made. The effects of the additives on the stability of the polymeric material on irradiation with ultraviolet light were assessed using different methods. Weight loss, production of small polymeric fragments, and drops in molecular weight were lower in the presence of the additives. The surface of poly(vinyl chloride), after irradiation, showed less damage in the films containing additives. The additives, in particular those containing aromatic (phenyl groups) substitutes, inhibited the photodegradation of polymeric films significantly. Such additives act as efficient ultraviolet absorbers, peroxide quenchers, and hydrogen chloride scavengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angham G. Hadi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Babylon, Babylon 51002, Iraq;
| | - Sadiq J. Baqir
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon 51002, Iraq;
| | - Dina S. Ahmed
- Department of Medical Instrumentation Engineering, Al-Mansour University College, Baghdad 64021, Iraq;
| | - Gamal A. El-Hiti
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-11469-3778; Fax: +966-11469-3536
| | - Hassan Hashim
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad 10052, Iraq;
| | - Ahmed Ahmed
- Polymer Research Unit, College of Science, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad 10052, Iraq;
| | - Benson M. Kariuki
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK;
| | - Emad Yousif
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad 64021, Iraq;
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64
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Chang J, Xiang W, Qu R, Sun C, Wang Z, Zhu F, Huo Z. Transformation of bisphenol AF by chlorination: kinetic study and product identification. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:62519-62529. [PMID: 34195948 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15059-y] [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: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol AF (BPAF), commonly used as a substitute for bisphenol A (BPA), is also an endocrine disruptor with cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, and biotoxicity. In this study, we found that BPAF could be effectively degraded by free chlorine. The second order rate constant of the reaction ranged from 1.67 to 126.67 M-1·s-1 in the pH range of 5.0-11.0. Nineteen products were detected by LC-Q-TOF-MS analysis, including chlorinated BPAF (i.e., mono/di/tri/tetrachloro-BPAF), 8 dimers, and 6 trimers. According to the identified products, two transformation pathways of electrophilic substitution and electron transfer are proposed. Humic acid (HA) could inhibit the degradation rate of BPAF due to its ability to reduce the reactive BPAF radical intermediates to the parent compound. The addition of low concentrations of Br- and I- accelerates the reaction rate of BPAF, due to the formation of HOBr and HOI with a higher oxidizing capacity. In seawater, BPAF degraded rapidly, and 16 new halogenated products were formed. Theoretical calculation shows that electrophilic substitution is more prone to occur at the ortho position of the hydroxyl group to form chlorinated products, while electron transfer tends to occur at the hydroxyl oxygen, resulting in the formation of BPAF radical and its subsequent coupling products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenrui Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruijuan Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Zunyao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 172 Jiangsu Road, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongli Huo
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 172 Jiangsu Road, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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Turner A, Filella M. Hazardous metal additives in plastics and their environmental impacts. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106622. [PMID: 34030075 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Historically, many additives and catalysts used in plastics were based on compounds of toxic metals (and metalloids), like arsenic, cadmium, chromium(VI), and lead. Despite subsequent restrictions, hazardous additives remain in plastics in societal circulation because of the pervasiveness of many products and the more general contamination of recycled goods. However, little is understood about their presence and impacts in the environment, with most studies focusing on the role of plastics in acquiring metals from their surroundings through, for example, adsorption. Accordingly, this paper provides a review of the uses of hazardous, metal-based additives in plastics, the relevant European regulations that have been introduced to restrict or prohibit usage in various sectors, and the likely environmental impacts of hazardous additives once plastics are lost in nature. Examination of the literature reveals widespread occurrence of hazardous metals in environmental plastics, with impacts ranging from contamination of the waste stream to increasing the density and settling rates of material in aquatic systems. A potential concern from an ecotoxicological perspective is the diffusion of metals from the matrix of micro- and nanoplastics under certain physico-chemical conditions, and especially favorable here are the acidic environments encountered in the digestive tract of many animals (birds, fish, mammals) that inadvertently consume plastics. For instance, in vitro studies have shown that the mobilization of Cd and Pb from historical microplastics can greatly exceed concentrations deemed to be safe according to migration limits specified by the current European Toy Safety Directive (17 mg kg-1 and 23 mg kg-1, respectively). When compared with concentrations of metals typically adsorbed to plastics from the environment, the risks from pervasive, historical additives are far more significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Montserrat Filella
- Department F.-A. Forel, University of Geneva, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 66, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
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66
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Meng J, Xu B, Liu F, Li W, Sy N, Zhou X, Yan B. Effects of chemical and natural ageing on the release of potentially toxic metal additives in commercial PVC microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:131274. [PMID: 34182647 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Various chemical substances, such as potentially toxic trace metals, are used as plastic additives to improve the performance of polymers and extend the service life of plastic products. However, these added trace metals are likely released from plastic into the environment when the plastic becomes a pollutant, although the process is poorly understood. In this study, chemical ageing of commercial polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and natural ageing of PVC that had been added to an alkaline paddy soil were undertaken to evaluate the potential release of trace metals from PVC. Enhanced release of trace metals from PVC with the increasing H2O2 concentrations was observed, in which the released Pb was 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than other metals (p < 0.01). The released Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd and Mn accounted for 87.37%, 79.27%, 22.02%, 20.93%, 17.06%, 15.11%, and 11.02% of their total concentrations (0.28 ± 0.03, 0.08 ± 0.01, 13.67 ± 0.18, 1.07 ± 0.02, 2.20 ± 0.18, 0.05 ± 0.00 and 1.26 ± 0.08 mmol kg-1) in PVC after ageing with 30% H2O2, respectively. Compared with the control treatment without PVC addition, the concentrations of CaCl2-extractable Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the soil treated with 5% PVC are significantly increased after incubation for 60 days (p < 0.01). In conclusion, chemical and natural ageing have the potential to lead to the release of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn from the commercial PVC into aquatic and terrestrial environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Meng
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Institute of Eco-environmental Research, School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science & Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Baile Xu
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Wenjin Li
- Institute of Eco-environmental Research, School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science & Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Nathan Sy
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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67
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Ren J, Wu T, Liu C, Cui P, Dang F, Yang Q, Wang Y. UV-Irradiation Facilitating Pb Release from Recycled PVC Microplastics. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:748-753. [PMID: 33963438 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03253-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitously in ecosystem and have evoked wide attention. The potential risk of MPs to the ecosystems is associated with MPs and the additives such as Pb, which serves as a traditional stabilizer. However, the release of Pb from MPs remains largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the release of Pb from recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) under UV-irradiation. The release process was dominated by two processes: H+ facilitated dissolution of Pb, and light-induced hydroxyl radical (·OH) caused C-H bond cleavage from PVC with the generation of alkyl radical. The effects of pH and coexisting low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) were also evaluated. Lower pH speeds up the Pb release from MPs. The LMWOAs act as a filter of UV to restrain the Pb release. Overall, this study shows the release of Pb from recycled PVC MPs and indicates the potential risk of Pb to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tongliang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Cun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Peixin Cui
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Fei Dang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Qiang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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68
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Agathokleous E, Iavicoli I, Barceló D, Calabrese EJ. Micro/nanoplastics effects on organisms: A review focusing on 'dose'. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126084. [PMID: 34229388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have become predominant contaminants, attracting much political and scientific attention. Despite the massively-increasing research on microplastics effects on organisms, the debate of whether environmental concentrations pose hazard and risk continues. This study critically reviews published literatures of microplastics effects on organisms within the context of "dose". It provides substantial evidence of the common occurrence of threshold and hormesis dose responses of numerous aquatic and terrestrial organisms to microplastics. This finding along with accumulated evidence indicating the capacity of organisms for recovery suggests that the linear-no-threshold model is biologically irrelevant and should not serve as a default model for assessing the microplastics risks. The published literature does not provide sufficient evidence supporting the general conclusion that environmental doses of microplastics cause adverse effects on individual organisms. Instead, doses that are smaller than the dose of toxicological threshold and more likely to occur in the environment may even induce positive effects, although the ecological implications of these responses remain unknown. This study also shows that low doses of microplastics can reduce whereas high doses can increase the negative effects of other pollutants. The mechanisms explaining these findings are discussed, providing a novel perspective for evaluating the risks of microplastics in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenios Agathokleous
- Key Laboratory of Agrometeorology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Ecology, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing 210044, China.
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Damià Barceló
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, ICRA-CERCA, Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Morrill I, N344, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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69
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Wu X, Liu P, Wang H, Huang H, Shi Y, Yang C, Gao S. Photo aging of polypropylene microplastics in estuary water and coastal seawater: Important role of chlorine ion. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 202:117396. [PMID: 34246992 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Photo aging of microplastics (MPs) in water environment are relevant to free radical associated polymer chain reaction, and various photo chemical reactive constitutes (i.e., Cl-, Br-, NO3-, CO32-, and natural organic matters) would affect the reaction, leading to a great difference in the photo aging mechanism of MPs between freshwater and seawater system. This study investigated light induced photo aging process of polypropylene (PP) MPs in ultrapure water, estuary water, and seawater. Results revealed that the aging rate of PP MPs was significantly decreased in estuary water and seawater compared with that in ultrapure water, leading to a longer resistance time after emission in marine environment. Besides, lower carbonyl index was found with the increased aqueous Cl- concentration, highlighting the important role of Cl- in the inhibitory effect for PP MPs aging process in seawater. This is due to the formation of Cl2•- in seawater which could react with HO2• and prevent the formation of O2•-, thus inhibit the photo aging process of PP MPs under light irradiation. The finding in this study clearly indicates the impact of the water matrices on the photo aging rate of MPs in natural water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Natural Resources and Environment,Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Hanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Changfu Yang
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, 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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70
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Na SH, Kim MJ, Kim JT, Jeong S, Lee S, Chung J, Kim EJ. Microplastic removal in conventional drinking water treatment processes: Performance, mechanism, and potential risk. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 202:117417. [PMID: 34271456 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of traditional drinking water treatment plants for the removal of Microplastics (MPs) in the size range of tens of micrometers is currently uncertain. This study investigated the behavior and removal efficiency of four different sized polystyrene MPs (10-90 μm in diameter) in a simulated cascade of coagulation/sedimentation, sand filtration, and UV-based oxidation over technically relevant time frames. In the coagulation and sand filtration steps, the larger the MP size, the better it was removed. The coagulant type and water characteristics (i.e., pH and the presence of natural organic matter) influenced the coagulation efficiency for MPs. X-ray microcomputed tomography technique and two-site kinetic modeling were used to identify the mechanisms involved in sand filtration. The MPs > 20 μm could be completely retained in sand by straining, while the attachment to the sand surface was likely responsible for the retention of MPs < 20 μm. However, approximately 16% of 10 μm MPs injected passed through the sand, which were further fragmented by UV oxidation. UV/H2O2 treatment promoted the MP fragmentation and chemical leaching more significantly than UV treatment, resulting in a higher toxicity for UV/H2O2-treated water. Our findings pave the way for deeper understanding of how MPs behave and transform in a sequential drinking water treatment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Heon Na
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ji Kim
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Tae Kim
- Center for Environment, Health and Welfare Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongpil Jeong
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghak Lee
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeshik Chung
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun-Ju Kim
- Water Cycle Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
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71
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Narevski AC, Novaković MI, Petrović MZ, Mihajlović IJ, Maoduš NB, Vujić GV. Occurrence of bisphenol A and microplastics in landfill leachate: lessons from South East Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:42196-42203. [PMID: 33797723 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13705-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In order to confirm the landfills as potential sources of microplastics and bisphenol A (BPA), the investigation of microplastics occurrence and concentration levels of BPA in landfill leachate samples from three landfills sites in the South East Europe was conducted. The landfills have been selected depending on the different waste management practice, waste amounts, operating period as well as leachate management practice. Microplastic was detected in different sizes, shapes and colours in all analysed leachate samples. The obtained average concentration values of the microplastics particles in the leachate samples from all three landfills ranged from 0.64 to 2.16 mg L-1. The BPA was detected in leachate samples from all landfill sites in average concentration levels from 0.70 to 2.72 mg L-1 which are related to the content of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra C Narevski
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 6, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Mladenka I Novaković
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 6, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Maja Z Petrović
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 6, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia.
| | - Ivana J Mihajlović
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 6, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Nikola B Maoduš
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 6, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
| | - Goran V Vujić
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 6, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia
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72
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Bridson JH, Gaugler EC, Smith DA, Northcott GL, Gaw S. Leaching and extraction of additives from plastic pollution to inform environmental risk: A multidisciplinary review of analytical approaches. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 414:125571. [PMID: 34030416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is prevalent worldwide and has been highlighted as an issue of global concern due to its harmful impacts on wildlife. The extent and mechanism by which plastic pollution effects organisms is poorly understood, especially for microplastics. One proposed mechanism by which plastics may exert a harmful effect is through the leaching of additives. To determine the risk to wildlife, the chemical identity and exposure to additives must be established. However, there are few reports with disparate experimental approaches. In contrast, a breadth of knowledge on additive release from plastics is held within the food, pharmaceutical and medical, construction, and waste management industries. This includes standardised methods to perform migration, extraction, and leaching studies. This review provides an overview of the approaches and methods used to characterise additives and their leaching behaviour from plastic pollution. The limitations of these methods are highlighted and compared with industry standardised approaches. Furthermore, an overview of the analytical strategies for the identification and quantification of additives is presented. This work provides a basis for refining current leaching approaches and analytical methods with a view towards understanding the risk of plastic pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Bridson
- Scion, 49 Sala Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand; School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand.
| | | | - Dawn A Smith
- Scion, 49 Sala Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
| | - Grant L Northcott
- Northcott Research Consultants Limited, 20 River Oaks Place, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
| | - Sally Gaw
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
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73
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Duan J, Bolan N, Li Y, Ding S, Atugoda T, Vithanage M, Sarkar B, Tsang DCW, Kirkham MB. Weathering of microplastics and interaction with other coexisting constituents in terrestrial and aquatic environments. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 196:117011. [PMID: 33743325 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Weathering of microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm) in terrestrial and aquatic environments affects MP transport and distribution. This paper first summarizes the sources of MPs, including refuse in landfills, biowastes, plastic films, and wastewater discharge. Once MPs enter water and soil, they undergo different weathering processes. MPs can be converted into small molecules (e.g., oligomers and monomers), and may be completely mineralized under the action of free radicals or microorganisms. The rate and extent of weathering of MPs depend on their physicochemical properties and environmental conditions of the media to which they are exposed. In general, water dissipates heat better, and has a lower temperature, than land; thus, the weathering rate of MPs in the aquatic environment is slower than in the terrestrial environment. These weathering processes increase oxygen-containing functional groups and the specific surface area of MPs, which influence the sorption and aggregation that occur between weathered MPs and their co-existing constituents. More studies are needed to investigate the various weathering processes of diverse MPs under natural field conditions in soils, sediments, and aquatic environments, to understand the impact of weathered MPs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Duan
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Shiyuan Ding
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Thilakshani Atugoda
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - M B Kirkham
- Department of Agronomy, Throckmorton Plant Sciences Center, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, United States
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74
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Liu P, Shi Y, Wu X, Wang H, Huang H, Guo X, Gao S. Review of the artificially-accelerated aging technology and ecological risk of microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 768:144969. [PMID: 33736298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.144969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
After being discarded into the environment, the microplastics (MPs) will undergo weathering effects. However, the low degradation rate of MPs in natural processes greatly limits the understanding of long-term aging behavior. By critically reviewing 82 articles in Web of Science from 2015 to 2020, the paper summarized different laboratory technologies including light irradiation, chemical oxidation, heat treatment and γ-ray irradiation to simulate and accelerate the aging of MPs, and evaluated the feasibility by comparison with natural processes. The advantages of laboratory technologies are that aging conditions can be artificially controlled and that the labor and time costs can be saved, whereas the laboratory system is too simple to simulate complex aging processes in the environment. We further reviewed the potential impacts of aging process on the risks of MPs (i.e. physical injury, combined toxicity with external pollutants and chemical risk of additives and low-molecular products). The overall risks are seemingly enhanced by aging process due to the high ingestion by organisms, the strong interaction with pollutants and the release of MP-derived organic compounds. Further studies on the aging behavior of MPs should be focused on the laboratory techniques that can simulate multiple processes of natural aging, the long-term fragmentation behavior of MPs, the effect of aging on growth rate of biofilm in MPs and ingestion property by organisms, and the relationship between aging property of MPs and release rate of chemicals in leachates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-Environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 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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75
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Shi Y, Liu P, Wu X, Shi H, Huang H, Wang H, Gao S. Insight into chain scission and release profiles from photodegradation of polycarbonate microplastics. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 195:116980. [PMID: 33684678 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.116980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A polycarbonate (BPA-PC) is a kind of widely used engineering plastics. However, excessive usage causes the production of plastic wastes, following property changes of polymers and high risks of released chemicals during outdoor weathering. In this study, we systematically investigated the photoaging behavior of PC microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environment and evaluated the potential risk of released intermediates. Light irradiation along with mechanical abrasion facilitated the fragmentation of PC MPs and stimulated photooxidative modification during 640 h of ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Continuous degradation of the polymer was accompanied with dramatic decline of molecular weight. Also, BPA was released from irradiated PC MPs with a trend of an initial rapid increase followed by a decrease versus the irradiation time, and the maximum concentration of dropped BPA was detected up to 652.80 ± 72.89 μg/g (43.39% and 56.61% respectively in particles and leachates). However, the releasing amount of BPA in the leachate merely occupied 2.7% of the total organic carbon (TOC) leached out, suggesting that a great number of unknown organic products were produced other than BPA. Liquid chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS) analysis showed that these organic compounds forming MPs-derived dissolved organic matter (MPs DOM) were partly composed of 4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone (DHB), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HBA) and methyparaben (MeP), which would also contribute to the estrogenic activity. The degradation pathway of PC MPs was elaborated with the photolysis process of PC dimer and BPA, and the remarkable photoaging of PC MPs was mainly dominated by the generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). The findings of this study indicated that understanding the photoaging process of PC MPs was vital to evaluate their integral cumulative estrogenic activity in aquatic environment, and further highlighted the notable possible risks of plastic leachates to exposed biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People's Republic of China; College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanhuan Shi
- School of Ecology and Environment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People's Republic of China
| | - Shixiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People's Republic of China.
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76
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Feng S, Lu H, Yao T, Liu Y, Tian P, Lu J. Microplastic footprints in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and their implications to the Yangtze River Basin. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 407:124776. [PMID: 33388722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive in the environment and have posed growing threat to ecosystems and human health. This study investigated MP abundances in surface water (fresh and salt lakes, urban and rural rivers, etc.) from 28 stations in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. MPs were detected in 25 out of 28 water samples with relatively low abundance (average 584.82 particles m-3). Fibers were the most frequently observed shape, particle sizes mostly ranged from 100 to 500 µm, and the greatest number of MPs was polypropylene. Source analysis identified the major sources of domestic wastewater and tourism in some areas. The concentration and proportion of small MPs (20-100 µm) in salty water were apparently greater than that in fresh water, indicating Salt intrusion accelerated MPs fragmentation. As the study area is the origin of the Yangtze River, we further compared the MP distribution throughout the watershed. Nearly two orders of magnitude in MP concentrations were increased associated with urban agglomeration in the middle and downstream areas, but the highest level was marked around the Yichang City (location of the Three Gorges Reservoir) due to interception associated with sedimentation and precipitation. This study provides data and theoretical bases for analyzing MPs migration and degradation processes in high altitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sansan Feng
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China; School of Renewable Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Hongwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Tianci Yao
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yunlong Liu
- School of Renewable Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Peipei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Related Land Surface Process, Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100101, China; School of Renewable Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jingzhao Lu
- School of Renewable Energy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
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77
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Huang W, Chen M, Song B, Deng J, Shen M, Chen Q, Zeng G, Liang J. Microplastics in the coral reefs and their potential impacts on corals: A mini-review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 762:143112. [PMID: 33172634 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris exists worldwide and research on microplastic pollution has gradually spread from the oceans to freshwater and terrestrial systems. Coral reefs not only serve as one of the most charismatic and biodiverse ecosystems on our planet, but also maintain the human harvesting of natural resources and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people. However, the abundance and distribution characteristics of microplastics in coral reef systems receive little scientific attention. Meanwhile, the impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on coral health and its potential mechanisms remain further studied. Herein, this review first summarized the current status of microplastics pollution in global coral reefs, especially included (i) abundance and distribution characteristics of microplastics in different media (e.g., seawater, sediment, corals), and (ii) possible sources of microplastics in reef regions. Furthermore, the main interaction mechanisms between microplastics and corals are highlighted. Following this, the direct or indirect impacts of microplastics on coral species are discussed. With the rapid increase of plastic consumption and background of pervasive global coral bleaching, research on marine microplastics must focus on the critical coral reef regions and include a comprehensive knowledge about the distribution, fate, and potential risks from an ecosystem perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Ming Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jiaqin Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Qiang Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
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78
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Huang W, Song B, Liang J, Niu Q, Zeng G, Shen M, Deng J, Luo Y, Wen X, Zhang Y. Microplastics and associated contaminants in the aquatic environment: A review on their ecotoxicological effects, trophic transfer, and potential impacts to human health. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 405:124187. [PMID: 33153780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The microplastic pollution and related ecological impacts in the aquatic environment have attracted global attention over the past decade. Microplastics can be ingested by aquatic organisms from different trophic levels either directly or indirectly, and transferred along aquatic food chains, causing different impacts on life activities of aquatic organisms. In addition, microplastics can adsorb various environmental chemical contaminants and release toxic plastic additives, thereby serving as a sink and source of these associated chemical contaminants and potentially changing their toxicity, bioavailability, and fate. However, knowledge regarding the potential risks of microplastics and associated chemical contaminants (e.g., hydrophobic organic contaminants, heavy metals, plastic additives) on diverse organisms, especially top predators, remains to be explored. Herein, this review describes the effects of microplastics on typical aquatic organisms from different trophic levels, and systematically summarizes the combined effects of microplastics and associated contaminants on aquatic biota. Furthermore, we highlight the research progress on trophic transfer of microplastics and associated contaminants along aquatic food chain. Finally, potential human health concerns about microplastics via the food chain and dietary exposure are discussed. This work is expected to provide a meaningful perspective for better understanding the potential impacts of microplastics and associated contaminants on aquatic ecology and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Biao Song
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Qiuya Niu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Maocai Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Jiaqin Deng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yuan Luo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaofeng Wen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yafei Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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79
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Liu P, Wu X, Peng J, Wang H, Shi Y, Huang H, Gao S. Critical effect of iron red pigment on photoaging behavior of polypropylene microplastics in artificial seawater. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 404:124209. [PMID: 33091696 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) containing chemical additives undergo extensive aging in the environment, but the effect of additives on aging behavior of MPs is not fully understood. This study evaluated the effects of iron red pigment on the photoaging behavior of polypropylene (PP) MPs and the release kinetics of Fe(II) and Fe(III) under simulated sunlight. Based on analyses in surface property and aging products of leachate, the incorporated iron red pigment significantly decreased the photoaging rate of PP MPs. The critical effect mainly depended on the light shielding and the competition of pigment for electrons and reactive oxygen species generated from irradiated MPs. Light irradiation also caused the production of homologous series of organic products containing dicarboxylic acid end groups. Moreover, aging of pigmented MPs enhanced the release of Fe ions in leachates, and the types of released iron ions were different between dark and light conditions, where the iron ion in dark system was mainly as Fe(III), while Fe(II) was the dominant form in light irradiation, since the released Fe(III) reacted with MP-derived organic acids and reactive oxygen species in light condition. The findings highlight the critical role of inorganic pigments in the environmental fate and risk of MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jianbiao Peng
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environmental and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Hanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, 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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80
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Xiang W, Chang J, Qu R, Albasher G, Wang Z, Zhou D, Sun C. Transformation of bromophenols by aqueous chlorination and exploration of main reaction mechanisms. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 265:129112. [PMID: 33288278 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bromophenols (BPs) are ubiquitous phenolic contaminants and typical halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that are commonly detected in aquatic environments. The transformation of 2,4-dibromophenol (2,4-DBP) during chlorination process was fully explored in this research. It was found that active chlorine can react with 2,4-DBP effectively in a wide pH range of 5.0-11.0, with an apparent second-order rate constant (kapp) varying from 0.8 M-1 s-1 to 110.3 M-1 s-1. The addition of 5 mM ammonium ions almost completely suppressed the reaction via competitive consumption of free chlorine. With the concentration of HA increasing from 1.0 to 10.0 mg L-1, the inhibition on the degradation of 2,4-DBP increased from 8.7% to 63.4%. By contrast, bromide ions at a concentration of 5 mM accelerated the process by about 4 times, due to the formation of hypobromous acid. On the basis of the eleven products (with eight nominal masses) identified by LC-TOF-MS, electrophilic substitution reactions and single-electron transfer reactions were mainly involved in the chlorination process. The concentration of primary chlorine-substituted products was about 4 times that of the dimer products, demonstrating that electrophilic substitution reaction was predominant during chlorination of 2,4-DBP. Density functional theory (DFT) based calculations revealed that HOCl is the dominant active oxidizing species for elimination of 2,4-DBP and coupling reaction occurs more easily at para and ortho position of hydroxyl group in the phenolic moiety. These findings could provide some new insights into the environmental fate of bromophenols during chlorine disinfection of water and wastewaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrui Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jingyi Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ruijuan Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Gadah Albasher
- King Saud University, College of Science, Zoology Department, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zunyao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Cheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
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81
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Wang X, Bolan N, Tsang DCW, Sarkar B, Bradney L, Li Y. A review of microplastics aggregation in aquatic environment: Influence factors, analytical methods, and environmental implications. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 402:123496. [PMID: 32717542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A large amount of plastic waste released into natural waters and their demonstrated toxicity have made the transformation of microplastics (MPs; < 5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs; < 100 nm) an emerging environmental concern. Aggregation is one of the most important environmental behaviors of MPs, especially in aquatic environments, which determines the mobility, distribution and bioavailability of MPs. In this paper, the sources and inputs of MPs in aquatic environments were first summarized followed by the analytical methods for investigating MP aggregation, including the sampling, visualization, and quantification procedures of MP' particle sizes. We critically evaluated the sampling methods that still remains a methodological gap. Identification and quantification of MPs were mostly carried out by visual, spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques, and modeling analysis. Important factors affecting MP aggregation in natural waters and environmental implications of the aggregation process were also reviewed. Finally, recommendations for future research were discussed, including (1) conducting more field studies; (2) using MPs in laboratory works representing those in the environment; and (3) standardizing methods of identification and quantification. The review gives a comprehensive overview of current knowledge for MP aggregation in natural waters, identifies knowledge gaps, and provides suggestions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel C W Tsang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Bradney
- Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China.
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82
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Hu L, Fu J, Wang S, Xiang Y, Pan X. Microplastics generated under simulated fire scenarios: Characteristics, antimony leaching, and toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 269:115905. [PMID: 33290952 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Intentional or incidental thermal changes inevitably occur during the lifecycle of plastics. High temperatures accelerate the aging of plastics and promote their fragmentation to microplastics (MPs). However, there is little information available on the release of MPs after fires. In this study, an atomic force microscope combined with nanoscale infrared analysis was used to demonstrate the physicochemical properties of polypropylene (PP) plastics under simulated fire scenarios. Results showed that the chemical composition and relative stiffness of heat-treated plastic surfaces changed, significantly enhancing the generation of MPs under external forces; over (2.1 ± 0.2) × 105 items/kg abundance of MPs released from PP which were burned at 250 °C in air and trampled by a person. The leaching of antimony (Sb) from MPs in different solutions first increased and then decreased with increasing temperature, reaching a maximum at 250 °C. Higher concentrations of humic acid (10 vs 1 mg/L) caused a greater release of Sb. Furthermore, the tap water leachates of PP burned at 250 °C had the greatest effect on the growth and photosynthetic activity of Microcystis aeruginosa. Our results suggest fires as a potential source of MPs and calls for increased focus on burning plastics in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Hu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Juyang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Yahui Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Xiangliang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
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83
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Wu X, Liu P, Shi H, Wang H, Huang H, Shi Y, Gao S. Photo aging and fragmentation of polypropylene food packaging materials in artificial seawater. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 188:116456. [PMID: 33039831 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic litters in marine environment usually contain varied types and contents of additives that can significantly affect the photochemical aging and fragmentation process of microplastics (MPs). This study investigated the photo aging process of two common polypropylene (PP) food packaging materials (i.e., meal box and tea cup) in artificial seawater within 12 d of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Results revealed that the aging of both plastic materials were critically inhibited compared with pure PP, indicating that PP food packaging materials in natural seawater may share longer aging time than pure ones. GC-MS analysis revealed that antioxidant Irgafos 168 (tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite) was the dominant additive in these plastic materials. Photo reaction between Irgafos 168 and hydroperoxide species on the surface of MPs to prevent the formation of hydroxyl radical was the possible mechanism for the inhibiting effects. After antioxidant was exhausted, its photo degradation products could become the dominant contributor to influence the aging process of MPs. This is the first work exploring the role of antioxidant on the aging process of PP MPs in simulated ocean environment. The findings could be of great help for unraveling the effect of antioxidants on the aging-related environmental risk of hydrocarbon plastics in ocean environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Huanhuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Hexinyue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yanqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, 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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84
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Chen C, Chen L, Li Y, Fu W, Shi X, Duan J, Zhang W. Impacts of microplastics on organotins' photodegradation in aquatic environments. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115686. [PMID: 33254701 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in natural waters and affect the environmental fate of hydrophobic organic micropollutants. This study evaluated the impacts of four microplastics, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), on the photodegradation of organotin compounds (OTCs) under UV365 irradiation (2.3 ± 0.1 W m-2). The experiments were performed by mixing PP, PE, PS or PMMA microparticles with tri-organotins in artificial seawater. The photodegradation of OTCs in microplastic suspensions was influenced by the absorptivity onto microplastics. The decomposition rate of tributyltin (TBT) in UV-irradiated PP suspensions was greater than trimethyltin (TMT) and triphenyltin (TPhT) (p < 0.01). The adsorption capacities of OTCs (e.g., TBT) on PP particle surfaces were significantly lower than those on PE surfaces (p < 0.05) but similar with those on PMMA due to the different surface areas, shapes, and surface hydrophobicity of microplastics. TBT degraded faster (9.1%) in PS than in PMMA suspension (11.2%) within 240 min, respectively. However, only less than 5.4% was photodegraded in PP suspension due to the light scattering or absorption of the large sized PP particles. This study provided new insight into the impacts of microplastics on photodegradation of micropollutants in natural waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; John A. Reif, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wanyi Fu
- John A. Reif, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA; Shenzhen Environmental Science and New Energy Technology Engineering Laboratory, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaonan Shi
- John A. Reif, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Jiajun Duan
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- John A. Reif, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA.
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85
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Wang J, Wang H, Yue D. Insights into Mechanism of Hypochlorite-Induced Functionalization of Polymers toward Separating BFR-Containing Components from Microplastics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:36755-36767. [PMID: 32692926 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c09586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Surface functionalization of polymers is significant for an emerging flotation technique for separation of microplastics toward the recycling of plastic wastes. In this study, the hypochlorite-induced functionalization of polymers, including ABS, PMMA, PS, and PVC polymers, was intensively investigated. Afterward, its emerging application in flotation separation of microplastic mixtures was assessed based on a Box-Behnken design of the response surface methodology. The functionalization favorably induced decreases in the contact angle and zeta potential of polymers, suggesting hydrophilic and negatively charged surfaces. Particularly, the functionalization of ABS polymers was the most effective, leading to the obviously decreased contact angle (from 92.5° to 67.8°) and zeta potential (from -26.4 mV to -41.7 mV) at neutral condition. The major mechanism for these variations was the oxidation of the sp3-C and butenyl group by hydroxyl radical and the hydrolysis of cyano group, which introduced the hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amide groups and rough topographies on the surface of ABS polymers. Oxygen functionalities introduced on the surfaces of other polymers were far less than those of ABS polymers. This selectivity inspired us to apply the functionalization in flotation separation of ABS microplastics from microplastic mixtures. After functionalization, ABS microplastics showed a significantly decreased floatability in flotation tests since the hydrophilic surface was repulsive to the adhesion of air bubbles. An empirical model was built to optimize the separation efficiency using the overall desirability function. Under optimum conditions, ABS microplastics were efficiently separated, and their removal rate, recovery, and purity were 99.8%, 99.8%, and >99.9%, respectively. These findings provide significant insights into the mechanism of the functionalization of polymers and show a promising prospect for pollution control of plastic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchao Wang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, Hunan P. R. China
| | - Dongbei Yue
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
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86
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Bernhard GH, Neale RE, Barnes PW, Neale PJ, Zepp RG, Wilson SR, Andrady AL, Bais AF, McKenzie RL, Aucamp PJ, Young PJ, Liley JB, Lucas RM, Yazar S, Rhodes LE, Byrne SN, Hollestein LM, Olsen CM, Young AR, Robson TM, Bornman JF, Jansen MAK, Robinson SA, Ballaré CL, Williamson CE, Rose KC, Banaszak AT, Häder DP, Hylander S, Wängberg SÅ, Austin AT, Hou WC, Paul ND, Madronich S, Sulzberger B, Solomon KR, Li H, Schikowski T, Longstreth J, Pandey KK, Heikkilä AM, White CC. Environmental effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation and interactions with climate change: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, update 2019. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2020; 19:542-584. [PMID: 32364555 PMCID: PMC7442302 DOI: 10.1039/d0pp90011g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This assessment, by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP), one of three Panels informing the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, provides an update, since our previous extensive assessment (Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2019, 18, 595-828), of recent findings of current and projected interactive environmental effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, stratospheric ozone, and climate change. These effects include those on human health, air quality, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, and materials used in construction and other services. The present update evaluates further evidence of the consequences of human activity on climate change that are altering the exposure of organisms and ecosystems to UV radiation. This in turn reveals the interactive effects of many climate change factors with UV radiation that have implications for the atmosphere, feedbacks, contaminant fate and transport, organismal responses, and many outdoor materials including plastics, wood, and fabrics. The universal ratification of the Montreal Protocol, signed by 197 countries, has led to the regulation and phase-out of chemicals that deplete the stratospheric ozone layer. Although this treaty has had unprecedented success in protecting the ozone layer, and hence all life on Earth from damaging UV radiation, it is also making a substantial contribution to reducing climate warming because many of the chemicals under this treaty are greenhouse gases.
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Affiliation(s)
- G H Bernhard
- Biospherical Instruments Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - R E Neale
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - P W Barnes
- Biological Sciences and Environment Program, Loyola University, New Orleans, USA
| | - P J Neale
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, Maryland, USA
| | - R G Zepp
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - S R Wilson
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - A L Andrady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - A F Bais
- Department of Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - R L McKenzie
- National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, Lauder, Central Otago, New Zealand
| | - P J Aucamp
- Ptersa Environmental Consultants, Faerie Glen, South Africa
| | - P J Young
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - J B Liley
- National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research, Lauder, Central Otago, New Zealand
| | - R M Lucas
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - S Yazar
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - L E Rhodes
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, and Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - S N Byrne
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - L M Hollestein
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Manchester, The Netherlands
| | - C M Olsen
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - A R Young
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College, London, London, UK
| | - T M Robson
- Organismal & Evolutionary Biology, Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J F Bornman
- Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia.
| | - M A K Jansen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - S A Robinson
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - C L Ballaré
- Faculty of Agronomy and IFEVA-CONICET, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C E Williamson
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - K C Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - A T Banaszak
- Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
| | - D -P Häder
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Möhrendorf, Germany
| | - S Hylander
- Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - S -Å Wängberg
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A T Austin
- Faculty of Agronomy and IFEVA-CONICET, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - W -C Hou
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan, China
| | - N D Paul
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - S Madronich
- National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - B Sulzberger
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - K R Solomon
- Centre for Toxicology, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - H Li
- Institute of Atmospheric Environment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - T Schikowski
- Research Group of Environmental Epidemiology, Leibniz Institute of Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - J Longstreth
- Institute for Global Risk Research, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - K K Pandey
- Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bengaluru, India
| | - A M Heikkilä
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - C C White
- , 5409 Mohican Rd, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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87
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Liu P, Zhan X, Wu X, Li J, Wang H, Gao S. Effect of weathering on environmental behavior of microplastics: Properties, sorption and potential risks. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 242:125193. [PMID: 31678851 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 338] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a raising global concern in recent years due to its wide distribution. Additionally, most of the MPs have undergone extensive weathering in the environment, and weathered MPs may exhibit different physicochemical properties from pristine ones. The review reveals the change in physicochemical properties (e.g. size, color, crystallinity, mechanical property and oxygen-containing groups) and the release of additives and MP-derived intermediates (i.e. oligomers and oxygenated compounds) during weathering processes. Weathering further affects the sorption behavior of MPs for environmental pollutants because of the changed crystallinity, specific surface area and oxygen functional groups. The interaction mechanisms of pristine and weathered MPs with pollutants are summarized, and how weathering processes affect sorption behavior is critically revealed. Because of the changed size, color and surface charges, weathered MPs might be ingested by aquatic organisms in different ways from the pristine ones. The detailed effects of weathering on the ingestion of MPs are discussed, and the potential toxicity of leachates from weathering processes is evaluated. In addition, the environmental components (e.g. natural organic matter and salinity) and biofilm correlated to the sorption behavior of MPs are reviewed. As for the knowledge gap, further studies should focus on the long-term weathering of MPs and the relationships between weathering properties and sorption capacities toward pollutants. The potential risks of weathered MPs and leachates on organisms should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Xin Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Jinli Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Hanyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, 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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