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De Frond H, Cowger W, Renick V, Brander S, Primpke S, Sukumaran S, Elkhatib D, Barnett S, Navas-Moreno M, Rickabaugh K, Vollnhals F, O'Donnell B, Lusher A, Lee E, Lao W, Amarpuri G, Sarau G, Christiansen S. What determines accuracy of chemical identification when using microspectroscopy for the analysis of microplastics? CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137300. [PMID: 36414038 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman microspectroscopy are methods applied in microplastics research to determine the chemical identity of microplastics. These techniques enable quantification of microplastic particles across various matrices. Previous work has highlighted the benefits and limitations of each method and found these to be complimentary. Within this work, metadata collected within an interlaboratory method validation study was used to determine which variables most influenced successful chemical identification of un-weathered microplastics in simulated drinking water samples using FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy. No variables tested had a strong correlation with the accuracy of chemical identification (r = ≤0.63). The variables most correlated with accuracy differed between the two methods, and include both physical characteristics of particles (color, morphology, size, polymer type), and instrumental parameters (spectral collection mode, spectral range). Based on these results, we provide technical recommendations to improve capabilities of both methods for measuring microplastics in drinking water and highlight priorities for further research. For FTIR microspectroscopy, recommendations include considering the type of particle in question to inform sample presentation and spectral collection mode for sample analysis. Instrumental parameters should be adjusted for certain particle types when using Raman microspectroscopy. For both instruments, the study highlighted the need for harmonization of spectral reference libraries among research groups, including the use of libraries containing reference materials of both weathered plastic and natural materials that are commonly found in environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah De Frond
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Room 3055, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3B2.
| | - Win Cowger
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, 160 N. Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA, 90803, United States.
| | - Violet Renick
- Environmental Services Department, Orange County Sanitation District, 10844 Ellis Ave, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708, United States.
| | - Susanne Brander
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University, 2030 SE Marine Sciences Drive, Newport, OR, 97365, United States.
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Helgoland, Germany.
| | - Suja Sukumaran
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, 5225-1 Verona Rd, Fitchburg, WI, 53711, United States.
| | - Dounia Elkhatib
- Oak Ridge Institute of Science Education, c/o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, United States.
| | - Steve Barnett
- Barnett Technical Services, LLC 8153 Elk Grove Blvd., Suite 20 Elk Grove, CA 95758, United States.
| | | | - Keith Rickabaugh
- RJ Lee Group, 350 Hochberg Road, Monroeville, PA 15146, United States.
| | - Florian Vollnhals
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Correlative Microscopy - INAM, Äußere Nürnbergerstr. 62, 91301 Forchheim, Germany.
| | - Bridget O'Donnell
- HORIBA Scientific, 20 Knightsbridge Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
| | - Amy Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway, Department of Biological Sciences, Univeristy of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Eunah Lee
- HORIBA Instruments Inc., 430 Indio Ave, Sunnyvale, CA, 94085, United States.
| | - Wenjian Lao
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
| | - Gaurav Amarpuri
- Eastman Chemical Company, 100 N. Eastman Rd., Kingsport, TN, 37660, United States.
| | - George Sarau
- Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramics Technology and Systems - IKTS, Äußere Nürnbergerstr. 62, 91301 Forchheim, Germany.
| | - Silke Christiansen
- Institute for Nanotechnology and Correlative Microscopy - INAM, Äußere Nürnbergerstr. 62, 91301 Forchheim, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramics Technology and Systems - IKTS, Äußere Nürnbergerstr. 62, 91301 Forchheim, Germany.
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52
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Langknecht T, Lao W, Wong CS, Kotar S, El Khatib D, Robinson S, Burgess RM, Ho KT. Comparison of two procedures for microplastics analysis in sediments based on an interlaboratory exercise. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137479. [PMID: 36513195 PMCID: PMC9839611 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are distributed throughout ecosystems and settle into sediments where they may threaten benthic communities; however, methods for quantifying MP in sediments have not been standardized. This study compares two methods for analyzing MP in sediments, including extraction and identification, and provides recommendations for improvement. Two laboratories processed sediment samples using two methods, referred to as "core" and "augmentation", and identified particles with visual microscopy and spectroscopy. Using visual microscopy, the augmentation method yielded mean recoveries (78%) significantly greater than the core (47%) (p = 0.03), likely due to the use of separatory funnels in the former. Spectroscopic recovery of particles was lower at 42 and 54% for the core and augmentation methods, respectively. We suspect the visual identification recoveries are overestimations from erroneous identification of non-plastic materials persisting post-extraction, indicating visual identification alone is not an accurate method to identify MP, particularly in complex matrices like sediment. However, both Raman and FTIR proved highly accurate at identifying recovered MP, with 96.7% and 99.8% accuracy, respectively. Low spectroscopic recovery of spiked particles indicates that MP recovery from sediments is lower than previously assumed, and MP may be more abundant in sediments than current analyses suggest. To our knowledge, likely due to the excessive time/labor-intensity associated with MP analyses, this is the first interlaboratory study to quantify complete method performance (extraction, identification) for sediments, with regards to capabilities and limitations. This is essential as regulatory bodies move toward long-term environmental MP monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Langknecht
- Oak Ridge Institute of Science Education, C/o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA.
| | - Wenjian Lao
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Charles S Wong
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Syd Kotar
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, USA
| | - Dounia El Khatib
- Oak Ridge Institute of Science Education, C/o U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA
| | - Sandra Robinson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA
| | - Robert M Burgess
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA
| | - Kay T Ho
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORD/CEMM Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA
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53
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Ashjar N, Keshavarzi B, Moore F, Zarei M, Busquets R, Zebarjad SM, Mohammadi Z. Microplastics (MPs) distribution in Surface Sediments of the Freidounkenar Paddy Wetland. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120799. [PMID: 36462675 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to increase knowledge on the distribution of microplastics (MPs) in wetlands because these are sites of special ecological value and the ever-growing use of plastic can threaten such fragile ecosystems. This research assesses, for the first time, the occurrence of MPs in surface sediment of the Freidounkenar International Wetland (Northern Iran), a valuable habitat for migratory birds. A total of 1368 MP/kg were identified in the surface sediments of the wetland. The distribution of MPs in sediments per area was Ezbaran (36.5%), Western Sorkhrood (32.0%), Freidounkenar (20.1%) and Eastern Sorkhrood Ab-bandans (11.4%). The most contaminated sites were located close to agricultural fields, Damgahs (agroecosystems for birds), fishing areas and roads. Fibers and white-transparent and black-grey MPs constituted the dominant MPs in the surface sediment. The most abundant MPs were < 250 μm and these were made of nylon, polypropylene-low density polyethylene copolymer, polystyrene, low density polyethylene and polypropylene. The identification of MPs was carried out visually and supported with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) and micro-Raman techniques. There were weathering signs in large proportion of the MPs, according to SEM analysis, which evidences their formation from the degradation of other plastics. This is a comprehensive study on MPs in surface sediment of this sensitive internationally recognized ecosystem with high ecological value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Ashjar
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Farid Moore
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Zarei
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rosa Busquets
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Seyed Mojtaba Zebarjad
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zargham Mohammadi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, 71454, Shiraz, Iran
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54
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Ramsperger AFRM, Bergamaschi E, Panizzolo M, Fenoglio I, Barbero F, Peters R, Undas A, Purker S, Giese B, Lalyer CR, Tamargo A, Moreno-Arribas MV, Grossart HP, Kühnel D, Dietrich J, Paulsen F, Afanou AK, Zienolddiny-Narui S, Eriksen Hammer S, Kringlen Ervik T, Graff P, Brinchmann BC, Nordby KC, Wallin H, Nassi M, Benetti F, Zanella M, Brehm J, Kress H, Löder MGJ, Laforsch C. Nano- and microplastics: a comprehensive review on their exposure routes, translocation, and fate in humans. NANOIMPACT 2023; 29:100441. [PMID: 36427812 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2022.100441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of the environment with nano-and microplastic particles (NMPs) and its putative adverse effects on organisms, ecosystems, and human health is gaining increasing scientific and public attention. Various studies show that NMPs occur abundantly within the environment, leading to a high likelihood of human exposure to NMPs. Here, different exposure scenarios can occur. The most notable exposure routes of NMPs into the human body are via the airways and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) through inhalation or ingestion, but also via the skin due to the use of personal care products (PCPs) containing NMPs. Once NMPs have entered the human body, it is possible that they are translocated from the exposed organ to other body compartments. In our review article, we combine the current knowledge on the (1) exposure routes of NMPs to humans with the basic understanding of the potential (2) translocation mechanisms into human tissues and, consequently, their (3) fate within the human body. Regarding the (1) exposure routes, we reviewed the current knowledge on the occurrence of NMPs in food, beverages, personal care products and the air (focusing on indoors and workplaces) and found that the studies suggest an abundant presence of MPs within the exposure scenarios. The overall abundance of MPs in exposure matrices relevant to humans highlights the importance of understanding whether NMPs have the potential for tissue translocation. Therefore, we describe the current knowledge on the potential (2) translocation pathways of NMPs from the skin, GIT and respiratory systems to other body compartments. Here, particular attention was paid to how likely NMPs can translocate from the primary exposed organs to secondary organs due to naturally occurring defence mechanisms against tissue translocation. Based on the current understanding, we conclude that a dermal translocation of NMPs is rather unlikely. In contrast, small MPs and NPs can generally translocate from the GIT and respiratory system to other tissues. Thus, we reviewed the existing literature on the (3) fate of NMPs within the human body. Based on the current knowledge of the contamination of human exposure routes and the potential translocation mechanisms, we critically discuss the size of the detected particles reported in the fate studies. In some cases, the particles detected in human tissue samples exceed the size of a particle to overcome biological barriers allowing particle translocation into tissues. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of critically reading and discussing the presented results of NMP in human tissue samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja F R M Ramsperger
- Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany; Biological Physics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Enrico Bergamaschi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Panizzolo
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ivana Fenoglio
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Ruud Peters
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Undas
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Purker
- Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences (ISR), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernd Giese
- Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences (ISR), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina R Lalyer
- Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences (ISR), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alba Tamargo
- Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL), CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Hans-Peter Grossart
- Plankton and Microbial Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin, Germany; Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Dana Kühnel
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jana Dietrich
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Paulsen
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Pål Graff
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bendik C Brinchmann
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway; Section of Air Pollution and Noise, Department of Environment and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Håkan Wallin
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Julian Brehm
- Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Holger Kress
- Biological Physics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Martin G J Löder
- Animal Ecology I & BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
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55
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Cunningham BE, Sharpe EE, Brander SM, Landis WG, Harper SL. Critical gaps in nanoplastics research and their connection to risk assessment. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1154538. [PMID: 37168661 PMCID: PMC10164945 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1154538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Reports of plastics, at higher levels than previously thought, in the water that we drink and the air that we breathe, are generating considerable interest and concern. Plastics have been recorded in almost every environment in the world with estimates on the order of trillions of microplastic pieces. Yet, this may very well be an underestimate of plastic pollution as a whole. Once microplastics (<5 mm) break down in the environment, they nominally enter the nanoscale (<1,000 nm), where they cannot be seen by the naked eye or even with the use of a typical laboratory microscope. Thus far, research has focused on plastics in the macro- (>25 mm) and micro-size ranges, which are easier to detect and identify, leaving large knowledge gaps in our understanding of nanoplastic debris. Our ability to ask and answer questions relating to the transport, fate, and potential toxicity of these particles is disadvantaged by the detection and identification limits of current technology. Furthermore, laboratory exposures have been substantially constrained to the study of commercially available nanoplastics; i.e., polystyrene spheres, which do not adequately reflect the composition of environmental plastic debris. While a great deal of plastic-focused research has been published in recent years, the pattern of the work does not answer a number of key factors vital to calculating risk that takes into account the smallest plastic particles; namely, sources, fate and transport, exposure measures, toxicity and effects. These data are critical to inform regulatory decision making and to implement adaptive management strategies that mitigate risk to human health and the environment. This paper reviews the current state-of-the-science on nanoplastic research, highlighting areas where data are needed to establish robust risk assessments that take into account plastics pollution. Where nanoplastic-specific data are not available, suggested substitutions are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany E. Cunningham
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Emma E. Sharpe
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Susanne M. Brander
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Coastal Oregon Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Wayne G. Landis
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Stacey L. Harper
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, Corvallis, OR, United States
- *Correspondence: Stacey L. Harper,
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56
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Bergami E, Ferrari E, Löder MGJ, Birarda G, Laforsch C, Vaccari L, Corsi I. Textile microfibers in wild Antarctic whelk Neobuccinum eatoni (Smith, 1875) from Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114487. [PMID: 36265599 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Antarctica has been affected directly and indirectly by human pressure for more than two centuries and recently plastic pollution has been recognized as a further potential threat for its unique biodiversity. Global long-range transport as well as local input from anthropogenic activities are potential sources of plastic pollution in both terrestrial and marine Antarctic territories. The present study evaluated the presence of microplastics in specimens of the Antarctic whelk Neobuccinum eatoni, a key species in benthic communities of the Ross Sea, one of the largest marine protected areas worldwide. To this aim, a thermo-oxidative extraction method was applied for microplastic isolation and quantification, and polymer identification was performed by manual μ-FTIR spectroscopy. Textile (semi-)synthetic or composite microfibers (length range: 0.8-5.7 mm) were found in 27.3% of whelk specimens, suggesting a low risk of bioaccumulation along Antarctic benthic food webs in the Ross Sea. Their polymer composition (of polyethylene terephthalate and cellulose-polyamide composites) matched those of outdoor technical clothing in use by the personnel of the Italian "Mario Zucchelli" station near Terra Nova Bay in the Ross Sea. Such findings indicate that sewage from base stations may act as potential local sources of textile microplastic fibers in this remote environment. More in-depth monitoring studies aiming at defining the extent of microplastic contamination related to such sources in Antarctica are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bergami
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213/D, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - E Ferrari
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - M G J Löder
- Department of Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - G Birarda
- SISSI-Chemical and Life Science Branch, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5, 34149, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - C Laforsch
- Department of Animal Ecology I and BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - L Vaccari
- SISSI-Chemical and Life Science Branch, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste, S.S. 14 Km 163.5, 34149, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - I Corsi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
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57
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Cohen N, Radian A. Microplastic Textile Fibers Accumulate in Sand and Are Potential Sources of Micro(nano)plastic Pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:17635-17642. [PMID: 36475681 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05026] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural soils have been identified as sinks for microplastic fibers; however, little information is available on their long-term fate in these soils. In this study, polyester and nylon fibers were precisely cut to relevant environmental lengths, using novel methodology, and their behavior in sand columns was studied at environmental concentration. The longer fibers (>50 μm) accumulated in the upper layers of the sand, smaller fibers were slightly more mobile, and nylon showed marginally higher mobility than polyester. Previous studies have overlooked changes in microplastic morphology due to transport in soil. Our study is the first to show that fibers exhibited breakage, peeling, and thinning under flow conditions in soil, releasing smaller, more mobile fragments. Furthermore, the peelings exhibited different adsorption properties compared to the core fiber. This suggests that microplastic fibers can become a source of smaller micro(nano)plastics and potential vectors for certain molecules, risking continuous contamination of nearby soils, surfaces, and groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirrit Cohen
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Adi Radian
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa 32000, Israel
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58
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Deoniziak K, Cichowska A, Niedźwiecki S, Pol W. Thrushes (Aves: Passeriformes) as indicators of microplastic pollution in terrestrial environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 853:158621. [PMID: 36084782 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158621] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is one of the leading global conservation issues. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of Common Blackbirds Turdus merula (N = 16) and Song Thrushes Turdus philomelos (N = 18), songbirds with exceptionally terrestrial lifestyles and a wide distribution range. We searched for microplastics of over 100 μm in size and assessed whether their contamination differed regarding the age of the birds and the time of year. We used birds that had died as a result of collision with anthropogenic infrastructure, which were sampled during wildlife monitoring of anthropogenic infrastructures and citizen science projects in north-eastern Poland. We found that all the analysed individuals contained microplastic in their gastrointestinal tracts, which were classified as fibers, fragments, films and pellets. A total number of 1073 microplastics were observed, mostly consisting of fibers (84 %) and films (10 %) below 1 mm in size. The dominant colours of microplastics were transparent (75 %) and brown (14 %). The species average microplastic concentration was higher in Song Thrushes (40.1) than Common Blackbirds (21.9), however the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, we found no seasonal or age-related differences in microplastic ingestion in either species. While our results show a ubiquity of microplastics in terrestrial environments, they also indicate that thrushes have the potential to be used as indicators of microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Deoniziak
- Laboratory of Insect Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Konstantego Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Cichowska
- Laboratory of Insect Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Konstantego Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | | | - Wojciech Pol
- Department of Water Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Konstantego Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
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59
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Perera K, Ziajahromi S, Bengtson Nash S, Manage PM, Leusch FDL. Airborne Microplastics in Indoor and Outdoor Environments of a Developing Country in South Asia: Abundance, Distribution, Morphology, and Possible Sources. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16676-16685. [PMID: 36441558 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microplastics (AMPs) have been reported in indoor and outdoor air in high-income countries and are expected to be a significant contributor to daily microplastic (MP) exposure for human beings. To date, there are only a handful of studies in lower-middle-income countries. In this study, AMPs from 5000 to 50 μm were sampled across selected areas of Sri Lanka using an active sampling technique. Suspected AMPs were further characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. MP concentrations were higher indoors compared to outdoor air (0.13-0.93, compared to 0.00-0.23 particles/m3, respectively). The types of indoor MPs were related to indoor-generating sources, and the occupant's lifestyles. The highest outdoor MP abundance was found near an industrial zone, followed by urban and inland locations in high-density areas. The dominant size range of MPs was 100-300 μm, and the only shapes observed indoors and outdoors were fibers (98%) and fragments. Polyethylene terephthalate was the most prominent MP type, followed by polyester, indicating that textile fibers could be the major source of these AMPs. This study provides the first report on AMPs in Sri Lanka. Considering population growth and industrialization, further research should evaluate possible trends and health risks upon inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kushani Perera
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld 4222, Australia
| | - Shima Ziajahromi
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld 4222, Australia
| | - Susan Bengtson Nash
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld 4222, Australia
| | - Pathmalal M Manage
- Centre for Water Quality and Algae Research, Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Southport Qld 4222, Australia
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60
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Tsering T, Sillanpää M, Viitala M, Reinikainen SP. Variation of microplastics in the shore sediment of high-altitude lakes of the Indian Himalaya using different pretreatment methods. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157870. [PMID: 35940264 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution is a growing environmental concern. However, microplastics studies in high altitude remote lakes are scarce. In this study, microplastics pollution was assessed in the shore sediment of three high altitude lakes in Ladakh of the Indian Himalaya, namely Pangong Lake, Tsomoriri Lake and Tsokar Lake. Sampling of lakes shore sediment was performed in August 2019. Two different pretreatment methods were implemented with sediment samples from same sites, resulting two sets of samples. One set of samples was pretreated utilizing enzymatic degradation together with Fenton reactions. Another set of samples from the same sites were pretreated with 30 % hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Fenton reaction. Enzymatically pretreated samples resulted in higher microplastics concentrations than the set of H2O2 pretreated samples, which indicated that microplastics concentrations in sediment samples varies even among samples from the same site and that the pretreatment procedure may impact on the reported microplastics concentrations. Considering both sets of samples, microplastic concentration was 160-1000 MP/kg dw in Pangong Lake, 960-3800 MP/kg dw in Tsomoriri Lake, and 160-1000 MP/kg dw in Tsokar Lake. Blank correction based on the limit of detection and the limit of quantification indicated that microplastics concentrations at some sites of the studied lakes are higher than the limit of detection and the limit of quantification. The findings of this study indicated that the studied lakes in the Indian Himalaya are contaminated with microplastics. In addition, the comparison of microplastics using different pretreatment methods illustrated the importance of harmonization of microplastics studies to enable a reliable comparison among microplastics data. Therefore, this study contributes towards an assessment of microplastics in the high-altitude lakes in Indian Himalaya. The findings attributed towards clearer understanding regarding the need of harmonization of pretreatment methods and demonstrated the importance of reporting complete information in microplastics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenzin Tsering
- LUT School of Engineering Sciences, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, Sammonkatu 12, 50130 Mikkeli, Finland.
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Mirka Viitala
- LUT School of Engineering Sciences, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, Sammonkatu 12, 50130 Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Satu-Pia Reinikainen
- LUT School of Engineering Sciences, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, Sammonkatu 12, 50130 Mikkeli, Finland
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61
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Petersen EJ, Barrios AC, Henry TB, Johnson ME, Koelmans AA, Montoro Bustos AR, Matheson J, Roesslein M, Zhao J, Xing B. Potential Artifacts and Control Experiments in Toxicity Tests of Nanoplastic and Microplastic Particles. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15192-15206. [PMID: 36240263 PMCID: PMC10476161 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To fully understand the potential ecological and human health risks from nanoplastics and microplastics (NMPs) in the environment, it is critical to make accurate measurements. Similar to past research on the toxicology of engineered nanomaterials, a broad range of measurement artifacts and biases are possible when testing their potential toxicity. For example, antimicrobials and surfactants may be present in commercially available NMP dispersions, and these compounds may account for toxicity observed instead of being caused by exposure to the NMP particles. Therefore, control measurements are needed to assess potential artifacts, and revisions to the protocol may be needed to eliminate or reduce the artifacts. In this paper, we comprehensively review and suggest a next generation of control experiments to identify measurement artifacts and biases that can occur while performing NMP toxicity experiments. This review covers the broad range of potential NMP toxicological experiments, such as in vitro studies with a single cell type or complex 3-D tissue constructs, in vivo mammalian studies, and ecotoxicity experiments testing pelagic, sediment, and soil organisms. Incorporation of these control experiments can reduce the likelihood of false positive and false negative results and more accurately elucidate the potential ecological and human health risks of NMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah. J. Petersen
- Material
Measurement Laboratory, National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Ana C. Barrios
- Material
Measurement Laboratory, National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Theodore B. Henry
- School
of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
- Department
of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, University
of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Monique E. Johnson
- Material
Measurement Laboratory, National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Albert A. Koelmans
- Aquatic
Ecology and Water Quality Management group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Antonio R. Montoro Bustos
- Material
Measurement Laboratory, National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Joanna Matheson
- US
Consumer Product Safety Commission, 5 Research Place, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Matthias Roesslein
- Empa, Swiss
Federal Laboratories for Material Testing and Research, Particles-Biology
Interactions Laboratory, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Jian Zhao
- Institute
of Coastal Environmental Pollution Control, Ministry of Education
Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, and Frontiers Science
Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge
School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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62
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Böke JS, Popp J, Krafft C. Optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy with simultaneously acquired Raman spectroscopy for two-dimensional microplastic identification. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18785. [PMID: 36335148 PMCID: PMC9637219 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23318-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, vibrational spectroscopic techniques based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) or Raman microspectroscopy have been suggested to fulfill the unmet need for microplastic particle detection and identification. Inter-system comparison of spectra from reference polymers enables assessing the reproducibility between instruments and advantages of emerging quantum cascade laser-based optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy. In our work, IR and Raman spectra of nine plastics, namely polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, silicone, polylactide acid and polymethylmethacrylate were simultaneously acquired using an O-PTIR microscope in non-contact, reflection mode. Comprehensive band assignments were presented. We determined the agreement of O-PTIR with standalone attenuated total reflection FTIR and Raman spectrometers based on the hit quality index (HQI) and introduced a two-dimensional identification (2D-HQI) approach using both Raman- and IR-HQIs. Finally, microplastic particles were prepared as test samples from known materials by wet grinding, O-PTIR data were collected and subjected to the 2D-HQI identification approach. We concluded that this framework offers improved material identification of microplastic particles in environmental, nutritious and biological matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Sophie Böke
- grid.418907.30000 0004 0563 7158Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Popp
- grid.418907.30000 0004 0563 7158Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany ,grid.9613.d0000 0001 1939 2794Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Christoph Krafft
- grid.418907.30000 0004 0563 7158Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
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63
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Du R, Sun X, Lin H, Pan Z. Assessment of manta trawling and two newly-developed surface water microplastic monitoring techniques in the open sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 842:156803. [PMID: 35750175 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitous microplastic (MP) pollution across the waterways, sediments, biota, and atmosphere has amplified concerns at a global scale. Unfortunately, harmonized MP monitoring protocols are absent for accurate evaluation on MP pollution. Few large-scale MP sampling programs involving different designs have been implemented in the open sea. In this study, a manta trawling and two newly custom-built pump filtration systems, namely, a trawl-underway pump combination system coupled in conjunction with an in-situ filtration device (Y-shaped filter, New Type I) and a stationary onboard pumping coupled to Y-shaped filter (New Type II), were evaluated for MP pollution in the mid-North Pacific Ocean. The trawling-based systems (manta trawl and New Type I) collected samples covering a large area, whereas New Type II operated at a fixed site. The new systems achieved fractionated filtration of MPs on site and prevented airborne contamination. The electronic fuel meter installed in the New Type II yielded a more accurate volume. Results showed that the average MP abundance of the aforementioned sampling techniques were 0.65, 2.56, and 7.48 items m-3, respectively. The abundances in the same particle size range (0.3-5.0 mm) from the new systems were higher. The recovered MPs from all systems were mainly white and polypropylene. Note that the MPs from the manta trawl were primarily fragments; however, they were mainly fibers from the new systems. This corroborated the capability of new systems in harvesting small items (0.1-0.3 mm) and fibers. The cost analysis showed that the new systems beat the manta trawl concerning price performance. The study results provide alternatives for future MP sampling, which will ultimately aid in the method harmonization and standardization of MP sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupeng Du
- College of Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361105, China
| | - Xiuwu Sun
- Laboratory of Marine Ecological Environment Early Warning and Monitoring, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Laboratory of Marine Ecological Environment Early Warning and Monitoring, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - Zhong Pan
- Laboratory of Marine Ecological Environment Early Warning and Monitoring, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
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64
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Wagner J, Robberson W, Allen H. Analytical precision assessment for microplastic analyses. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 304:135295. [PMID: 35697113 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The need for improved microplastic (MP) data accuracy has been widely reported, but MP precision issues have been investigated less thoroughly. This work demonstrates how initial and continuing assessments of a laboratory's analytical precision can be used for establishing laboratory repeatability for MP analyses. These precision estimates can be reported along with MP results to ensure their quality and compare them meaningfully to other data. Re-analyses of reference MP samples can be used to assess and compare precision between different laboratories. A multi-lab precision exercise was demonstrated using infrared (IR) standard test methods performed on reference samples consisting of low-concentration MP spikes in both clean water and wastewater matrices. Each lab repeated their IR analyses 7 times and calculated relative standard deviations (RSD) for each detected polymer type using a standardized template. All labs' MP methods yielded generally repeatable results, though RSDs were consistently higher for lower MP counts. The reported range of total MP counts per sample was 8-33 particles, and the observed RSDs were 0.1-0.6. These RSDs were the same or lower than the expected imprecision due to random (Poisson) counting error alone, suggesting that these automated methods did not contribute any additional variability, and had slightly better reproducibility than expected for independent recounts. The wastewater matrix exhibited numerous interfering particles but did not yield more variability than the clean water matrix. The low-count design is a worst case for precision but is appropriate for some real-world sample concentrations. In practice, labs could generate separate references for precision assessment at multiple MP ranges (e.g., high, medium, and low.) The RSDs obtained from this data can be used to generate QC charts, detect changes in analyst performance, compare to Poisson error to identify additional sources of imprecision, and determine target filtration and instrumental parameters for MP analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Wagner
- Environmental Health Laboratory, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA.
| | | | - Harry Allen
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 9, San Francisco, CA, USA
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65
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Covernton GA, Cox KD, Fleming WL, Buirs BM, Davies HL, Juanes F, Dudas SE, Dower JF. Large size (>100-μm) microplastics are not biomagnifying in coastal marine food webs of British Columbia, Canada. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2654. [PMID: 35543035 PMCID: PMC9786919 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) contamination in marine environments is of increasing concern, as plastic particles are globally ubiquitous across ecosystems. A large variety of aquatic taxa ingest MPs, but the extent to which animals accumulate and transfer MPs through food webs is largely unknown. In this study, we quantified MP uptake in bivalves, crabs, echinoderms, and fish feeding at different trophic levels at three sites on southern Vancouver Island. We paired stable-isotope food web analysis with MP concentrations in digestive tracts across all trophic levels and in fish livers. We then used Bayesian generalized linear mixed models to explore whether bioaccumulation and biomagnification were occurring. Our results showed that MPs (100-5000 μm along their longest dimension) are not biomagnifying in marine coastal food webs, with no correlation between the digestive tract or fish liver MP concentrations and trophic position of the various species. Ecological traits did, however, affect microplastic accumulation in digestive tracts, with suspension feeder and smaller-bodied planktivorous fish ingesting more MPs by body weight. Trophic transfer occurred between prey and predator for rockfish, but higher concentrations in full stomachs compared with empty ones suggested rapid excretion of ingested MPs. Collectively, our findings suggested the movement of MP through marine food webs is facilitated by species-specific mechanisms, with contamination susceptibility a function of species biology, not trophic position. Furthermore, the statistical methods we employ, including machine learning for classifying unknown particles and a probabilistic way to account for background contamination, are universally applicable to the study of microplastics. Our findings advance understanding of how MPs enter and move through aquatic food webs, suggesting that lower-trophic-level animals are more at risk of ingesting >100-μm MPs, relative to higher-trophic-level animals. Our work also highlights the need to advance the study of <100-μm MPs, which are still poorly understood and may need to be considered separately in ecological risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth A. Covernton
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Present address:
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Kieran D. Cox
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Hakai InstituteCalvert IslandBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Wendy L. Fleming
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Brittany M. Buirs
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Hailey L. Davies
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Francis Juanes
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Sarah E. Dudas
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Hakai InstituteCalvert IslandBritish ColumbiaCanada
- Fisheries and Oceans CanadaPacific Biological StationNanaimoBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - John F. Dower
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
- School of Earth and Ocean SciencesUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaBritish ColumbiaCanada
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66
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Talbot R, Granek E, Chang H, Wood R, Brander S. Spatial and temporal variations of microplastic concentrations in Portland's freshwater ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:155143. [PMID: 35405237 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155143] [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] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
While microplastics are a pollutant of growing concern in various environmental compartments, less is known regarding the sources and delivery pathways of microplastics in urban rivers. We investigated the relationship between microplastic concentrations and various spatiotemporal factors (e.g., land use, arterial road length, water velocity, precipitation) in two watersheds along an urban-rural gradient in the Portland metropolitan area. Samples were collected in August, September, and February and were analyzed for total microplastic count and type. Nonparametric statistics were used to evaluate potential relationships with the explanatory variables, derived at both the subwatershed and near stream scales. In August, microplastic concentrations were significantly higher than in February. August concentrations also negatively correlated with flow rate, suggesting that lower flow rates may have facilitated the accumulation of microplastics. Smaller size microplastic particles (< 100 μm) were found more in August than September and February, while larger size particles were more dominant in February than the other months. Microplastic concentrations were positively related to 24-h antecedent precipitation in February. Negative correlations existed between wet season microplastic concentrations and agricultural lands at the near stream level. The results indicate that near stream variables may more strongly influence the presence and abundance of microplastics in Portland's waterways than subwatershed-scale variables. Fragments were the most commonly observed microplastic morphology, with a dominance of gray particles and the polymer polyethylene. The findings of this study can inform management decisions regarding microplastic waste and identify hotspots of microplastic pollution that may benefit from remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elise Granek
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, Portland State University
| | - Heejun Chang
- Department of Geography, Portland State University.
| | - Rosemary Wood
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, Portland State University
| | - Susanne Brander
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences; Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University
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67
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Li W, Chen X, Cai Z, Li M, Liu Z, Gong H, Yan M. Characteristics of microplastic pollution and analysis of colonized-microbiota in a freshwater aquaculture system. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119385. [PMID: 35525520 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The microbial communities associated with microplastics (MPs) and their ambient environments have received wide attention. Although previous studies have reported the differences of microbial communities between MPs and natural environment or substrates, the effects of MPs on microbial balance and functions in ambient water remain unclear, particularly for aquaculture water. Here, we investigated the MPs pollution in farm ponds of grass carp located in the Foshan City of Guangdong Province and reported the distinction of bacterial structures, functions, and complexity between microbiota on MPs and in water. MPs with an average abundance of 288.53 ± 74.27 items/L in pond water were mostly fibers and cellulose, mainly transparent and in size of 0.5-1 mm. Structures and functions of bacterial communities on MPs significantly differed from that in pond water. A large number of enriched or depleted OTUs on MPs compared with water belong to the phylum Proteobacteria, the predominant phylum in microbial communities on MPs and in water. Some species included in the phylum Proteobacteria have been shown to be cellulose-degrading and pathogenic. Microbiota on MPs exhibited higher species richness and diversity as well as a more complex network than that in water, illustrating MPs as a distinct habitat in the aquaculture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixin Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Zeming Cai
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Minqian Li
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Zhihao Liu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Han Gong
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Muting Yan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510641, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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68
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Microplastic Contamination in Urban, Farmland and Desert Environments along a Highway in Southern Xinjiang, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158890. [PMID: 35897266 PMCID: PMC9330657 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The different types of microplastics (MPs), including debris, fibers, particles, foams, films and others, have become a global environmental problem. However, there is still a lack of research and understanding of the pollution characteristics and main causes of MPs in the arid region of Xinjiang, China. In this survey, we focused on the occurrence and distribution of MPs in urban, farmland and desert areas along a highway in the survey area. Our results showed that the main types of MPs were polypropylene (PP) flakes, polyethylene (PE) films and both PE and PP fragments and fibers. The abundance levels of MPs in street dust of Korla, Alar and Hotan districts equaled 804, 307 and 1526 particles kg−1, respectively, and were positively correlated with the urban population. In farmland areas, there were only two types of MPs (films and fibers), of which the film particles dominated and accounted for 91% of the total on the average. The highest abundance rate of MPs reached 7292 particles kg−1 in the desert area along the highway. The minimum microplastic particle sizes were 51.8 ± 2.2 μm in urban street dust samples, 54.2 ± 5.3 μm in farmland soil samples and 67.8 ± 8.4 μm in samples from along the desert highway. Particle sizes < 500 μm were most common and accounted for 48−91% of the total in our survey. The abundance and shape distribution of the MPs were closely related to the different types of human activities.
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69
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Jenner LC, Rotchell JM, Bennett RT, Cowen M, Tentzeris V, Sadofsky LR. Detection of microplastics in human lung tissue using μFTIR spectroscopy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 831:154907. [PMID: 35364151 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 155.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Airborne microplastics (MPs) have been sampled globally, and their concentration is known to increase in areas of high human population and activity, especially indoors. Respiratory symptoms and disease following exposure to occupational levels of MPs within industry settings have also been reported. It remains to be seen whether MPs from the environment can be inhaled, deposited and accumulated within the human lungs. This study analysed digested human lung tissue samples (n = 13) using μFTIR spectroscopy (size limitation of 3 μm) to detect and characterise any MPs present. In total, 39 MPs were identified within 11 of the 13 lung tissue samples with an average of 1.42 ± 1.50 MP/g of tissue (expressed as 0.69 ± 0.84 MP/g after background subtraction adjustments). The MP levels within tissue samples were significantly higher than those identified within combined procedural/laboratory blanks (n = 9 MPs, with a mean ± SD of 0.53 ± 1.07, p = 0.001). Of the MPs detected, 12 polymer types were identified with polypropylene, PP (23%), polyethylene terephthalate, PET (18%) and resin (15%) the most abundant. MPs (unadjusted) were identified within all regions of the lung categorised as upper (0.80 ± 0.96 MP/g), middle/lingular (0.41 ± 0.37 MP/g), and with significantly higher levels detected in the lower (3.12 ± 1.30 MP/g) region compared with the upper (p = 0.026) and mid (p = 0.038) lung regions. After subtracting blanks, these levels became 0.23 ± 0.28, 0.33 ± 0.37 and 1.65 ± 0.88 MP/g respectively. The study demonstrates the highest level of contamination control and reports unadjusted values alongside different contamination adjustment techniques. These results support inhalation as a route of exposure for environmental MPs, and this characterisation of types and levels can now inform realistic conditions for laboratory exposure experiments, with the aim of determining health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Jenner
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Jeanette M Rotchell
- Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Robert T Bennett
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham HU16 5JQ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Cowen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham HU16 5JQ, United Kingdom
| | - Vasileios Tentzeris
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham HU16 5JQ, United Kingdom
| | - Laura R Sadofsky
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom.
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70
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Lofty J, Muhawenimana V, Wilson CAME, Ouro P. Microplastics removal from a primary settler tank in a wastewater treatment plant and estimations of contamination onto European agricultural land via sewage sludge recycling. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 304:119198. [PMID: 35341817 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WwTPs) remove microplastics (MPs) from municipal sewage flow, with the resulting bulk of MPs being concentrated within generated sewage sludge which is frequently recycled back onto agricultural land as accepted practice in many European countries as a sustainable fertiliser resource. This circular process means that MPs successfully removed from WwTPs are deposited into the soil and able to return into the natural watercourse by means of run-off or infiltration to groundwater. This study quantifies the removal efficiency of MPs with size ranging between 1000 and 5000 μm in a primary settlement tank (PST) at a WwTP serving a population equivalent of 300,000 and provides MP concentrations in the generated sewage sludge. Our study revealed that the proportion of MPs partitioning in a PST to settled sludge, floating scum and effluent was 96%, 4% and 0% respectively, implying 100% removal of MPs of 1000-5000 μm in size. The generated sewage sludge was estimated to contain concentrations of approximately 0.01 g of MPs or 24.7 MP particles per g of dry sewage sludge solid, equivalent to ∼1% of the sewage sludge weight. Using these figures and data from the European Commission and Eurostat, the potential yearly MP contamination onto soils throughout European nations is estimated to be equivalent to a mass of MPs ranging between 31,000 and 42,000 tonnes (considering MPs 1000-5000 μm in size) or 8.6×1013-7.1×1014 MP particles (considering MPs 25-5000 μm in size). An estimated maximum application rate of 4.8 g of MP/m2/yr or 11,489 MP particles/m2/yr, suggests that the practice of spreading sludge on agricultural land could potentially make them one of the largest global reservoirs of MP pollution. Hence, recycling raw sewage sludge onto agricultural soils should be reviewed to avoid introducing extreme MP pollution into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lofty
- Hydro-Environmental Research Centre, School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF24 3AA, UK
| | - V Muhawenimana
- Hydro-Environmental Research Centre, School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF24 3AA, UK
| | - C A M E Wilson
- Hydro-Environmental Research Centre, School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, CF24 3AA, UK
| | - P Ouro
- School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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71
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Plafcan MM, Stallings CD. Microplastics do not affect bleaching of Acropora cervicornis at ambient or elevated temperatures. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13578. [PMID: 35734639 PMCID: PMC9208371 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution can harm organisms and ecosystems such as coral reefs. Corals are important habitat-forming organisms that are sensitive to environmental conditions and have been declining due to stressors associated with climate change. Despite their ecological importance, it is unclear how corals may be affected by microplastics or if there are synergistic effects with rising ocean temperatures. To address this research gap, we experimentally examined the combined effects of environmentally relevant microplastic concentrations (i.e., the global average) and elevated temperatures on bleaching of the threatened Caribbean coral, Acropora cervicornis. In a controlled laboratory setting, we exposed coral fragments to orthogonally crossed treatment levels of low-density polyethylene microplastic beads (0 and 11.8 particles L-1) and water temperatures (ambient at 28 °C and elevated at 32 °C). Zooxanthellae densities were quantified after the 17-day experiment to measure the bleaching response. Regardless of microplastic treatment level, corals in the elevated temperature treatment were visibly bleached and necrotic (i.e., significant negative effect on zooxanthellae density) while those exposed to ambient temperature remained healthy. Thus, our study successfully elicited the expected bleaching response to a high-water temperature. However, we did not observe significant effects of microplastics at either individual (ambient temperature) or combined levels (elevated temperature). Although elevated temperatures remain a larger threat to corals, responses to microplastics are complex and may vary based on focal organisms or on plastic conditions (e.g., concentration, size, shape). Our findings add to a small but growing body of research on the effects of microplastics on corals, but further work is warranted in this emerging field to fully understand how sensitive ecosystems are affected by this pollutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina M. Plafcan
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, United States of America
| | - Christopher D. Stallings
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, United States of America
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72
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Correa-Araneda F, Pérez J, Tonin AM, Esse C, Boyero L, Díaz ME, Figueroa R, Santander-Massa R, Cornejo A, Link O, Jorquera E, Urbina MA. Microplastic concentration, distribution and dynamics along one of the largest Mediterranean-climate rivers: A whole watershed approach. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 209:112808. [PMID: 35085565 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been recognized as one of the most ubiquitous environmental pollutants globally. They have been found in all ecosystems studied to date, threatening biological diversity, ecosystem functioning and human health. The present study aimed to elucidate the environmental and anthropogenic drivers of MP dynamics in the whole catchment of the Biobío river, one of the largest rivers in South America. MP concentration and characteristics were analysed in 18 sites subjected to different sources of pollution and other human-related impacts. The sampling sites were classified in relation to altitudinal zones (highland, midland and lowland) and ecosystem types (fluvial and reservoir), and different water and territorial environmental variables were further collated and considered for analysis. Seven types of microplastic polymers were identified in the samples analysed, with a catchment mean (±SE) MP concentration of 22 ± 0.4 particles m-3, and MP presence being significantly higher in lowlands (26 ± 2 particle m-3) and in reservoirs (42 ± 14 particle m-3). The most abundant type of MP was fragments (84%), with a mean concentration of 37 ± 6 particles m-3. Overall, MP concentrations were low compared to those found in other studies, with a strong influence of human population size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Correa-Araneda
- Unidad de Cambio Climático y Medio Ambiente, Instituto Iberoamericano de Desarrollo Sostenible, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - Javier Pérez
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - Alan M Tonin
- Aquariparia/Limnology Lab, Department of Ecology, IB, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Carlos Esse
- Unidad de Cambio Climático y Medio Ambiente, Instituto Iberoamericano de Desarrollo Sostenible, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - Luz Boyero
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940, Leioa, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - María Elisa Díaz
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Chile
| | - Ricardo Figueroa
- Department of Aquatic Systems, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Santander-Massa
- Unidad de Cambio Climático y Medio Ambiente, Instituto Iberoamericano de Desarrollo Sostenible, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile; Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Escuela de Graduados, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Aydeé Cornejo
- Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Laboratory. Zoological Collection Dr. Eustorgio Mendez, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies (COZEM-ICGES), Ave. Justo Arosemena and Calle 35, 0816-02593, Panama City, Panama
| | - Oscar Link
- Departamento de Ingeniería Civil, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Erika Jorquera
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Urbina
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, P.O. Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile; Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía (IMO), Universidad de Concepción, PO Box 1313, Concepción, Chile.
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73
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Pakhomova S, Berezina A, Lusher AL, Zhdanov I, Silvestrova K, Zavialov P, van Bavel B, Yakushev E. Microplastic variability in subsurface water from the Arctic to Antarctica. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 298:118808. [PMID: 35007674 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Comparative investigations of microplastic (MP) occurrence in the global ocean are often hampered by the application of different methods. In this study, the same sampling and analytical approach was applied during five different cruises to investigate MP covering a route from the East-Siberian Sea in the Arctic, through the Atlantic, and into the Antarctic Peninsula. A total of 121 subsurface water samples were collected using underway pump-through system on two different vessels. This approach allowed subsurface MP (100 μm-5 mm) to be evaluated in five regions of the World Ocean (Antarctic, Central Atlantic, North Atlantic, Barents Sea and Siberian Arctic) and to assess regional differences in MP characteristics. The average abundance of MP for whole studied area was 0.7 ± 0.6 items/m3 (ranging from 0 to 2.6 items/m3), with an equal average abundance for both fragments and fibers (0.34 items/m3). Although no statistical difference was found for MP abundance between the studied regions. Differences were found between the size, morphology, polymer types and weight concentrations. The Central Atlantic and Barents Sea appeared to have more MP in terms of weight concentration (7-7.5 μg/m3) than the North Atlantic and Siberian Arctic (0.6 μg/m3). A comparison of MP characteristics between the two Hemispheres appears to indicate that MP in the Northern Hemisphere mostly originate from terrestrial input, while offshore industries play an important role as a source of MP in the Southern Hemisphere. The waters of the Northern Hemisphere were found to be more polluted by fibers than those of the Southern Hemisphere. The results presented here suggest that fibers can be transported by air and water over long distances from the source, while distribution of fragments is limited mainly to the water mass where the source is located.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Pakhomova
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway; P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Anfisa Berezina
- P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; St. Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Amy L Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Igor Zhdanov
- P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ksenia Silvestrova
- P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Zavialov
- P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Evgeniy Yakushev
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway; P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; V.I.Il'ichov Pacific Oceanological Institute, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
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74
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Caldwell A, Brander S, Wiedenmann J, Clucas G, Craig E. Incidence of microplastic fiber ingestion by Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) and Roseate Terns (S. dougallii) breeding in the Northwestern Atlantic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113560. [PMID: 35314396 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ingestion of microplastics has been documented across marine species, but exposure remains sparsely described in many seabird species. We assess microplastic (between 0.2 and 5.0 mm) ingestion in two Northwestern Atantic - breeding species for which exposure to microplastics is entirely or largely undescribed: Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) and Roseate Terns (S. dougallii). Common Tern microplastic load did not vary between life stages (p = 0.590); microplastic load did differ in Common Tern adults breeding at two of three colonies explored (p = 0.002), with no other regional differences observed. Roseate Terns ingested significantly more microplastics than Common Terns (p = 0.007). Our results show that microplastic ingestion by terns varies regionally and interspecifically, but not by life stage, trends potentially explained by dietary differences. We provide the first quantification of microplastic fiber ingestion by terns in the Northwestern Atlantic and identify trophic dynamics related to microplastic ingestion, representing an important step toward understanding the risk of the pollutant to terns across regions, as well as toward the use of terns as potential bioindicators of microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya Caldwell
- University of New Hampshire, 38 Academic Way, Durham, NH, United States of America.
| | - Susanne Brander
- Oregon State University, 2820 SW Campus Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States of America.
| | - John Wiedenmann
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick, 14 College Farm Rd., New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Gemma Clucas
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY, United States of America.
| | - Elizabeth Craig
- Shoals Marine Laboratory, 8 College Rd., Durham, NH, United States of America.
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75
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Zhurina MV, Bogdanov KI, Gannesen AV, Mart’yanov SV, Plakunov VK. Microplastics as a New Ecological Niche For Multispecies Microbial Biofilms within the Plastisphere. Microbiology (Reading) 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026261722020126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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76
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Rauschendorfer RJ, Whitham KM, Summer S, Patrick SA, Pierce AE, Sefi-Cyr H, Tadjiki S, Kraft MD, Emory SR, Rider DA, Montaño MD. Development and Application of Nanoparticle-Nanopolymer Composite Spheres for the Study of Environmental Processes. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 3:752296. [PMID: 35295116 PMCID: PMC8915914 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.752296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Plastics have long been an environmental contaminant of concern as both large-scale plastic debris and as micro- and nano-plastics with demonstrated wide-scale ubiquity. Research in the past decade has focused on the potential toxicological risks posed by microplastics, as well as their unique fate and transport brought on by their colloidal nature. These efforts have been slowed by the lack of analytical techniques with sufficient sensitivity and selectivity to adequately detect and characterize these contaminants in environmental and biological matrices. To improve analytical analyses, microplastic tracers are developed with recognizable isotopic, metallic, or fluorescent signatures capable of being identified amidst a complex background. Here we describe the synthesis, characterization, and application of a novel synthetic copolymer nanoplastic based on polystyrene (PS) and poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) intercalated with gold, platinum or palladium nanoparticles that can be capped with different polymeric shells meant to mimic the intended microplastic. In this work, particles with PS and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) shells are used to examine the behavior of microplastic particles in estuarine sediment and coastal waters. The micro- and nanoplastic tracers, with sizes between 300 and 500 nm in diameter, were characterized using multiple physical, chemical, and colloidal analysis techniques. The metallic signatures of the tracers allow for quantification by both bulk and single-particle inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS and spICP-MS, respectively). As a demonstration of environmental applicability, the tracers were equilibrated with sediment collected from Bellingham Bay, WA, United States to determine the degree to which microplastics bind and sink in an estuary based of grain size and organic carbon parameters. In these experiments, between 80 and 95% of particles were found to associate with the sediment, demonstrative of estuaries being a major anticipated sink for these contaminants. These materials show considerable promise in their versatility, potential for multiplexing, and utility in studying micro- and nano-plastic transport in real-world environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Rauschendorfer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Kyle M Whitham
- Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Star Summer
- Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Samantha A Patrick
- Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Aliandra E Pierce
- Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Haley Sefi-Cyr
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Soheyl Tadjiki
- Postnova Analytics Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Michael D Kraft
- Scientific Technical Services, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Steven R Emory
- Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - David A Rider
- Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States.,Department of Engineering and Design, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Manuel D Montaño
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
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77
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Luo Y, Sobhani Z, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Gibson CT, Naidu R, Fang C. Raman imaging and MALDI-MS towards identification of microplastics generated when using stationery markers. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127478. [PMID: 34666291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The characterisation of microplastics is still a challenge, particularly when the sample is a mixture with a complex background, such as an ink mark on paper. To address this challenge, we developed and compared two approaches, (i) Raman imaging, combined with logic-based and principal component analysis (PCA)-based algorithms, and (ii) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). We found that, accordingly, (i) if the Raman signal of plastics is identifiable and not completely shielded by the background, Raman imaging can extract the plastic signals and visualise their distribution directly, with the help of a logic-based or PCA-based algorithm, via the "fingerprint" spectrum; (ii) when the Raman signal is shielded and masked by the background, MALDI-MS can effectively capture and identify the plastic polymer, via the "barcode" of the mass spectrum linked with the monomer. Overall, both Raman imaging and MALDI-MS have benefits and limitations for microplastic analysis; if accessible, the combined use of these two techniques is generally recommended, especially when assessing samples with strong background interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Luo
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Zahra Sobhani
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Zixing Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Christopher T Gibson
- Flinders Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia 5042, Australia; Flinders Microscopy and Microanalysis, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Cheng Fang
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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78
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Hide-and-seek: Threshold values and contribution towards better understanding of recovery rate in microplastic research. MethodsX 2022; 9:101603. [PMID: 34976752 PMCID: PMC8683728 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2021.101603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues. A fundamental criterion for risk assessment is the concentration of found microplastic that can be altered during microplastic isolating from the sample. Recovery rate (i.e. positive control) is an important feedback component that identifies accuracy, quality and efficiency of sample processing, same as physical and chemical impact. Here, using 100 µm red polystyrene (PS) beads we have tested some methodological steps that can be responsible for the possible microplastic losses during sample treatment and based on that, we provided a recovery rate threshold values. Our results support that the choice of the extraction method (vacuum filtration versus wet sieving) results in lower recoverability when vacuum filtration is used and that used separatory funnels size versus material amount impacts the efficiency or recoverability in density separation. We have also analysed microplastic recovery rate when different samples treatment steps from widely used isolation protocols (sediment and water) were applied and our results suggest that there are a number of factors affecting recovery rates, of which physical effects (loss by consecutive treatment steps due to material transfer) are more important than possible chemical degradation.Sample filtration method determines recovery rate from < 40 to > 80%. The number of sample processing steps involving transfer has a direct impact on recovery rate. As a measure of quality assurance, recovery rate thresholds are introduced.
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79
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Coffin S, Bouwmeester H, Brander S, Damdimopoulou P, Gouin T, Hermabessiere L, Khan E, Koelmans AA, Lemieux CL, Teerds K, Wagner M, Weisberg SB, Wright S. Development and application of a health-based framework for informing regulatory action in relation to exposure of microplastic particles in California drinking water. MICROPLASTICS AND NANOPLASTICS 2022; 2:12. [PMID: 35634037 PMCID: PMC9132802 DOI: 10.1186/s43591-022-00030-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Microplastics have been documented in drinking water, but their effects on human health from ingestion, or the concentrations at which those effects begin to manifest, are not established. Here, we report on the outcome of a virtual expert workshop conducted between October 2020 and October 2021 in which a comprehensive review of mammalian hazard studies was conducted. A key objective of this assessment was to evaluate the feasibility and confidence in deriving a human health-based threshold value to inform development of the State of California's monitoring and management strategy for microplastics in drinking water. A tiered approach was adopted to evaluate the quality and reliability of studies identified from a review of the peer-reviewed scientific literature. A total of 41 in vitro and 31 in vivo studies using mammals were identified and subjected to a Tier 1 screening and prioritization exercise, which was based on an evaluation of how each of the studies addressed various quality criteria. Prioritized studies were identified largely based on their application and reporting of dose-response relationships. Given that methods for extrapolating between in vitro and in vivo systems are currently lacking, only oral exposure in vivo studies were identified as fit-for-purpose within the context of this workshop. Twelve mammalian toxicity studies were prioritized and subjected to a Tier 2 qualitative evaluation by external experts. Of the 12 studies, 7 report adverse effects on male and female reproductive systems, while 5 reported effects on various other physiological endpoints. It is notable that the majority of studies (83%) subjected to Tier 2 evaluation report results from exposure to a single polymer type (polystyrene spheres), representing a size range of 0.040 to 20 µm. No single study met all desired quality criteria, but collectively toxicological effects with respect to biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress represented a consistent trend. While it was possible to derive a conservative screening level to inform monitoring activities, it was not possible to extrapolate a human-health-based threshold value for microplastics, which is largely due to concerns regarding the relative quality and reliability of current data, but also due to the inability to extrapolate data from studies using monodisperse plastic particles, such as polystyrene spheres to an environmentally relevant exposure of microplastics. Nevertheless, a conservative screening level value was used to estimate a volume of drinking water (1000 L) that could be used to support monitoring activities and improve our overall understanding of exposure in California's drinking water. In order to increase confidence in our ability to derive a human-health-based threshold value in the future, several research recommendations are provided, with an emphasis towards strengthening how toxicity studies should be conducted in the future and an improved understanding of human exposure to microplastics, insights critically important to better inform future risk assessments. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43591-022-00030-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Coffin
- California State Water Resources Control Board, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Hans Bouwmeester
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Susanne Brander
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Dept, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Newport, OR USA
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Todd Gouin
- TG Environmental Research, Sharnbrook, MK44 1PL UK
| | - Ludovic Hermabessiere
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Elaine Khan
- California Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Albert A. Koelmans
- Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Christine L. Lemieux
- Safe Environments Directorate, Health Canada, Water and Air Quality Bureau, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Katja Teerds
- Department of Animal Sciences, Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Martin Wagner
- Norwegian University of Science & Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Stephanie Wright
- Environmental Research Group, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, Sir Michael Uren Hub, 86 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ UK
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80
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Kirstein IV, Gomiero A, Vollertsen J. Microplastic pollution in drinking water. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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81
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Lee JY, Cha J, Jeong E, Kim YI. Comment on "Spatial distribution of microplastic concentration around landfill sites and its potential risk on groundwater". CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 284:131376. [PMID: 34229894 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper discusses some critical weak points and mistakes identified in the original paper. The authors disregarded the importance of field blanks, sampling equipment, and well specifications for proper quality assurance and control. Beneficial field practices guarantee highly reliable results of laboratory analysis for microplastics. In addition, polymer type (chemical composition) and shape (form) are different classification criteria, but the authors mixed these in their description. The distribution and transport of microplastics should be properly understood, along with a knowledge of groundwater flow conditions, such as flow direction and velocity, in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yong Lee
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG) Team, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jihye Cha
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG) Team, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunju Jeong
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG) Team, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-In Kim
- Department of Geology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Research on Microplastics in Groundwater (RMPG) Team, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
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82
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83
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Quality assessment for methodological aspects of microplastics analysis in bottled water – A critical review. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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84
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Bom FC, Sá F. Concentration of microplastics in bivalves of the environment: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:846. [PMID: 34839390 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09639-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to identify the current knowledge regarding the concentration of microplastics in bivalves in the marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. For this purpose, researches were conducted from September 2020 to February 2021 in the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google scholar databases, following a meticulous selection of articles. To comprehensively understand the selected articles, an extensive review was carried out in order to identify the methodologies employed, sampling sites, species evaluated, characteristics of the microplastics (concentrations, shapes, sizes, and polymers) and their relationship with the concentration of this particles in the environment. A total of 93 articles were selected, with an exponential growth in the number of articles from April 2014 to February 2021. Worldwide, 80 articles were realized in the Northern Hemisphere and thirteen in the Southern Hemisphere. The samplings of organisms were carried out in 36 countries, besides one in Antarctica. The concentration of microplastics were studied in 70 species, with mussels Mytilus spp. and the oysters Crassostrea spp. being the main genus studied. Due to the different methodologies used to digest the tissues of organisms and identify microplastics and species, it is difficult to make comparisons between the results of different studies. In addition, data on the concentrations of microplastics in the environment, as well as their composition and characteristics, are needed, enabling the verification of relationships with the concentrations identified in organisms, which does not occur in most studies. Thus, we suggest an increase in the number of studies to be realized in the southern hemisphere, future studies use the same methodology of digestion, the polymer identification of microplastics and samplings of the surrounding environment, enabling a greater comparison between studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Cavalca Bom
- Laboratório de Geoquímica Ambiental (LabGAm), Departamento de Oceanografia E Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Fabian Sá
- Laboratório de Geoquímica Ambiental (LabGAm), Departamento de Oceanografia E Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo - Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
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85
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Hope JA, Coco G, Ladewig SM, Thrush SF. The distribution and ecological effects of microplastics in an estuarine ecosystem. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117731. [PMID: 34273763 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coastal sediments, where microplastics (MPs) accumulate, support benthic microalgae (BMA) that contribute to ecosystem functions such as primary production, nutrient recycling and sediment biostabilization. The potential interactions between MPs, BMA and associated properties and functions remain poorly understood. To examine these interactions, a survey of 22 intertidal sites was conducted. MP abundance, size and a suite of MP diversity indices (based on color and shape) were determined from surface sediments alongside biochemical and physical properties. MPs were detected at all sites and dominated by polypropylene (34%), polyester (18%) and polyethylene (11%). Fragment and fiber dominance (16-92% and 6-81% respectively) and color-shape category diversity varied significantly by site. Distance-based linear models demonstrated that estuary-wide, mean grain size and mud were the best predictors of MP abundance-diversity matrices, but variance explained was low (9%). Relationships were improved when the data was split into sandy and muddy habitats. In sandy habitats (<8% mud), physical properties of the bed (mean grain size, mud content and distance from the estuary mouth) were still selected as predictors of MP abundance-diversity (14% variance explained); but a number of bivariate relationships were detected with biochemical properties such as BMA associated pigments and organic matter. In muddy habitats (>8% mud), porewater ammonium was lower when fiber abundance and overall MP diversity were higher. The inclusion of porewater ammonium, organic matter content and pheophytins alongside physical properties explained a greater percentage of the variance in MP abundance-diversity for muddy habitats (21%). The results highlight the importance of examining plastic shapes and MP categories in addition to abundance and emphasize that functionally different habitats should be examined separately to increase our understanding of MP-biota-function relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Hope
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand; Current Address: Energy & Environment Institute, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK.
| | - Giovanni Coco
- School of Environment, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Samantha M Ladewig
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simon F Thrush
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
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86
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Uurasjärvi E, Sainio E, Setälä O, Lehtiniemi M, Koistinen A. Validation of an imaging FTIR spectroscopic method for analyzing microplastics ingestion by Finnish lake fish (Perca fluviatilis and Coregonus albula). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117780. [PMID: 34329046 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the ubiquitousness of microplastics, knowledge on the exposure of freshwater fish to microplastics is still limited. Moreover, no standard methods are available for analyzing microplastics, and the quality of methods used for the quantification of ingested microplastics in fish should be improved. In this study, we studied microplastic ingestion of common wild freshwater fish species, perch (Perca fluviatilis) and vendace (Coregonus albula). Further, our aim was to develop and validate imaging Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic method for the quantification of ingested microplastics. For this purpose, enzymatically digested samples were measured with focal plane array (FPA) based infrared microscope. Data was analyzed with siMPle software, which provides counts, mass estimations, sizes, and materials for the measured particles. Method validation was conducted with ten procedural blanks and recovery tests, resulting in 75% and 77% recovery rates for pretreatment and infrared imaging, respectively. Pretreatment caused contamination principally by small <100 μm microplastics. The results showed that 17% of perch and 25% of vendace had ingested plastic. Most of the fish contained little or no plastics, while some individuals contained high numbers of small particles or alternatively few large particles. Perch from one sampling site out of five had ingested microplastics, but vendace from all sampling sites had ingested microplastics. The microplastics found from fish were mostly small: 81% had particle size between 20 and 100 μm, and most of them were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. In conclusion, the implemented method revealed low numbers of ingested microplastics on average but needs further development for routine monitoring of small microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Uurasjärvi
- SIB Labs, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Erika Sainio
- Marine Research Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Outi Setälä
- Marine Research Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Maiju Lehtiniemi
- Marine Research Centre, Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, 00790, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Arto Koistinen
- SIB Labs, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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87
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Carlsson P, Singdahl-Larsen C, Lusher AL. Understanding the occurrence and fate of microplastics in coastal Arctic ecosystems: The case of surface waters, sediments and walrus (Odobenus rosmarus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148308. [PMID: 34153762 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Arctic ecosystem receives contaminants transported through complex environmental pathways - such as atmospheric, riverine and oceanographic transport, as well as local infrastructure. A holistic approach is required to assess the impact that plastic pollution may have on the Arctic, especially with regard to the unseen microplastics. This study presents data on microplastics in the Arctic fjords of western Svalbard, by addressing the ecological consequences of their presence in coastal surface waters and sediment, and through non-invasive approaches by sampling faeces from an apex predator, the benthic feeder walrus (Odobenus rosmarus). Sample locations were chosen to represent coastal areas with different degrees of anthropogenic pollution and geographical features (e.g., varying glacial coverage of catchment area, winter ice cover, traffic, visitors), while also relevant feeding grounds for walrus. Microplastics in surface water and sediments ranged between <LOD (limit of detection)-3.5 particles/m3 and <LOD-26 particles/kg dry weight, respectively. This study shows that microplastics may also enter the Arctic food web as the microplastic concentration in walrus faeces were estimated at an average of 34 particles/kg. Polyester was identified by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) as the most common plastic polymer (58% in water, 31% in walrus), while fibres were the most common shape (65% water, 71% in sediment, 70% walrus). There was no significant difference in microplastic occurrence between water samples from populated or remote fjords, suggesting that microplastics are a ubiquitous contaminant which is available for interaction with Arctic marine animals even at distances from settlements. The present study contributes to our understanding of microplastics in the remote Arctic ecosystem. It also identifies the potential of non-invasive sampling methods for investigating Arctic pinnipeds. This approach will need further development and standardisation before utilisation to monitor plastic pollution in other marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernilla Carlsson
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Framsenteret, Hjalmar Johansens gate 14, 9007 Tromsø, Norway; University Centre of the Westfjords, Suðurgata 12, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
| | | | - Amy L Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349, Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
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88
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Ivleva NP. Chemical Analysis of Microplastics and Nanoplastics: Challenges, Advanced Methods, and Perspectives. Chem Rev 2021; 121:11886-11936. [PMID: 34436873 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics have become emerging particulate anthropogenic pollutants and rapidly turned into a field of growing scientific and public interest. These tiny plastic particles are found in the environment all around the globe as well as in drinking water and food, raising concerns about their impacts on the environment and human health. To adequately address these issues, reliable information on the ambient concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics is needed. However, micro- and nanoplastic particles are extremely complex and diverse in terms of their size, shape, density, polymer type, surface properties, etc. While the particle concentrations in different media can vary by up to 10 orders of magnitude, analysis of such complex samples may resemble searching for a needle in a haystack. This highlights the critical importance of appropriate methods for the chemical identification, quantification, and characterization of microplastics and nanoplastics. The present article reviews advanced methods for the representative mass-based and particle-based analysis of microplastics, with a focus on the sensitivity and lower-size limit for detection. The advantages and limitations of the methods, and their complementarity for the comprehensive characterization of microplastics are discussed. A special attention is paid to the approaches for reliable analysis of nanoplastics. Finally, an outlook for establishing harmonized and standardized methods to analyze these challenging contaminants is presented, and perspectives within and beyond this research field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia P Ivleva
- Institute of Hydrochemistry, Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377 Munich, Germany
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89
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Stienbarger CD, Joseph J, Athey SN, Monteleone B, Andrady AL, Watanabe WO, Seaton P, Taylor AR, Brander SM. Direct ingestion, trophic transfer, and physiological effects of microplastics in the early life stages of Centropristis striata, a commercially and recreationally valuable fishery species. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 285:117653. [PMID: 34380229 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in marine and estuarine ecosystems, and thus there is increasing concern regarding exposure and potential effects in commercial species. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the effects of microplastics on larval and early juvenile life stages of the Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata), a North American fishery. Larvae (13-14 days post hatch, dph) were exposed to 1.0 × 104, 1.0 × 105, and 1.0 × 106 particles L-1 of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microspheres (10-20 μm) directly in seawater and via trophic transfer from microzooplankton prey (tintinnid ciliates, Favella spp.). We also compared the ingestion of virgin and chemically-treated microspheres incubated with either phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, or 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP), a plastic additive. Larval fish did not discriminate between virgin or chemically-treated microspheres. However, larvae did ingest higher numbers of microspheres through ingestion of microzooplankton prey than directly from the seawater. Early juveniles (50-60 dph) were directly exposed to the virgin and chemically-treated LDPE microspheres, as well as virgin LDPE microfibers for 96 h to determine physiological effects (i.e., oxygen consumption and immune response). There was a significant positive relationship between oxygen consumption and increasing microfiber concentration, as well as a significant negative relationship between immune response and increasing virgin microsphere concentration. This first assessment of microplastic pollution effects in the early life stages of a commercial finfish species demonstrates that trophic transfer from microzooplankton can be a significant route of microplastic exposure to larval stages of C. striata, and that multi-day exposure to some microplastics in early juveniles can result in physiological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jincy Joseph
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, USA
| | - Samantha N Athey
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bonnie Monteleone
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, USA
| | - Anthony L Andrady
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, USA
| | - Wade O Watanabe
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, USA
| | - Pamela Seaton
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, USA
| | - Alison R Taylor
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, USA
| | - Susanne M Brander
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment Station, Oregon State University, USA.
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90
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Kallenbach EMF, Hurley RR, Lusher A, Friberg N. Chitinase digestion for the analysis of microplastics in chitinaceous organisms using the terrestrial isopod Oniscus asellus L. as a model organism. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 786:147455. [PMID: 33964777 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Chitinaceous organisms have been found to ingest microplastic; however, a standardised, validated, and time- and cost-efficient method for dissolving these organisms without affecting microplastic particles is still required. This study tested four protocols for dissolving organisms with a chitin exoskeleton: 1) potassium hydroxide (KOH) + chitinase, 2) Creon® + chitinase, 3) hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) + chitinase, and, 4) Nitric Acid (HNO3) + hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The effects on microplastics composed of eight different polymers were also tested. The use of H2O2 followed by chitinase was found to be a highly efficient method. The three other protocols either did not digest the chitin sufficiently or negatively affected the tested polymers. A recovery test using microplastic fibres, beads and tyre particles revealed high recovery rates of 0.85, 0.89 and 1 respectively. This further supported the applicability of the H2O2 and chitinase (protocol 3) for dissolving chitinaceous organisms. Thus, we recommend that future investigations of microplastic (0.05 μm-5000 μm) in chitinaceous organisms (0.3 cm-5 cm) utilise the here presented methodology. This represents an important component of the ongoing validation and harmonization of methodological approaches that are urgently needed for the advancement of microplastic assessments globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie M F Kallenbach
- NIVA Denmark Water Research, Njalsgade 76, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 4, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | | | - Amy Lusher
- NIVA, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Nikolai Friberg
- NIVA Denmark Water Research, Njalsgade 76, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark; University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 4, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; NIVA, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway.
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91
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Prioritizing Suitable Quality Assurance and Control Standards to Reduce Laboratory Airborne Microfibre Contamination in Sediment Samples. ENVIRONMENTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/environments8090089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquity and distribution of microplastics, particularly microfibres, in outdoor and indoor environments makes it challenging when assessing and controlling background contamination, as atmospheric particles can be unintentionally introduced into a sample during laboratory analysis. As such, an intra-laboratory examination and literature review was completed to quantify background contamination in sediment samples, in addition to comparing reported quality assurance and control (QA/QC) protocols in 50 studies examining microplastics in sediment from 2010 to 2021. The intra-lab analysis prioritizes negative controls, placing procedural blanks in various working labs designed to prepare, process, and microscopically analyse microplastics in sediment. All four labs are subject to microfibre contamination; however, following the addition of alternative clean-air devices (microscope enclosure and HEPA air purifiers), contamination decreased by 66% in laboratory B, and 70% in laboratory C. A review of microplastic studies suggests that 82% are not including or reporting alternative clean-air devices in their QA/QC approaches. These studies are found to be at greater risk of secondary contamination, as 72% of them ranked as medium to high contamination risk. It is imperative that laboratories incorporate matrix-specific QA/QC approaches to minimize false positives and improve transparency and harmonization across studies.
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92
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Microplastics: A Review of Methodology for Sampling and Characterizing Environmental and Biological Samples. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2326:339-359. [PMID: 34097281 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1514-0_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
In response to apparent damaging effects of plastics, especially microplastics, exposure to life, scientists have begun the arduous task of standardizing methods for the sample collection, separation, detection, and identification of microplastic particles. The ability to detect plastics depends upon the type of sample, procedure, instrument, expertise of the examiner, and the exact research question. The wide variability of sample processing and analyses does not lend itself well for cross-comparison of studies. However, with a multitude of procedures, techniques may be used in combination to successfully identify microplastic particles. Our goal in this chapter is not to provide a complete guide on plastic analyses, but to present an overview of the different sample collection, pretreatment, detection, and identification methodologies used for microplastic samples located in environmental and biological samples and to review advantages and limitations of each strategy.
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93
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Ugwu K, Herrera A, Gómez M. Microplastics in marine biota: A review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112540. [PMID: 34087664 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are the most important component in marine debris. In turn, within plastics, microplastics (<5 mm) are those that most affect marine biota. Thus, this review has as its main objective to show the current state of studies of microplastics, as well as to determine the groups of vertebrates most affected by microplastics, and the type and predominant color of microplastics. For this research, we review a total of 132 articles, from 2010 to May of 2020. Our results show that the group more affected are turtles with 88% of the specimens contaminated by microplastics and median of 121.73 particles/individue. The predominant type is fibers (67.3%), polymer is polyethylene (27.3%), size is less than 2 mm (73.6%), and color is blue (32.9%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ugwu
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Universitario de Tafira, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Alicia Herrera
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Universitario de Tafira, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - May Gómez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Universitario de Tafira, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
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94
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Pan CG, Mintenig SM, Redondo-Hasselerharm PE, Neijenhuis PHMW, Yu KF, Wang YH, Koelmans AA. Automated μFTIR Imaging Demonstrates Taxon-Specific and Selective Uptake of Microplastic by Freshwater Invertebrates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:9916-9925. [PMID: 34236184 PMCID: PMC8384233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic particles can be deposited to sediments and subsequently ingested by benthic organisms. It is unknown to what extent ingestion of microplastic is taxon-specific or whether taxa can be selective toward certain types of microplastics. Here, we used state-of-the-art automated micro-Fourier-transform infrared (μFTIR) imaging and attenuated total reflectance FTIR spectroscopy to determine small-size (20-500 μm) and large-size (500-5000 μm) microplastic particles in sediments and a range of benthic invertebrate species sampled simultaneously from the Dommel River in the Netherlands. Microplastic number concentrations differed across taxa at the same locations, demonstrating taxon-specific uptake, whereas size distributions were the same across sediments and taxa. At the site with the highest concentration, microplastic occupied up to 4.0% of the gut volume of Asellidae. Particle shape distributions were often not statistically different between sediments and taxa, except for Astacidea at one of the locations where the proportion of particles with a length to width ratio >3 (i.e., fibers) was twice as high in sediments than in Astacidea. Acrylates/polyurethane/varnish was predominately found in sediments, while soft and rubbery polymers ethylene propylene diene monomer and polyethylene-chlorinated were the dominant polymers found in invertebrates. Microplastic polymer composition and thus polymer density differed significantly between invertebrates and their host sediment. Trophic transfer at the base of the food web appears to have a filter function with respect to microplastic particle types and shapes. Together with the very high ingestion rates, this has clear implications for ecological and human health risks, where uptake concerns edible species (e.g., Astacidea).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Gui Pan
- School
of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Aquatic
Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Svenja M. Mintenig
- Copernicus
Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht
University, Utrecht 3584 CS, The Netherlands
| | | | - Paula H. M. W. Neijenhuis
- Aquatic
Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
| | - Ke-Fu Yu
- School
of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
- Southern
Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Ying-Hui Wang
- School
of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Albert A. Koelmans
- Aquatic
Ecology and Water Quality Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen 6708 PB, The Netherlands
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95
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Schymanski D, Oßmann BE, Benismail N, Boukerma K, Dallmann G, von der Esch E, Fischer D, Fischer F, Gilliland D, Glas K, Hofmann T, Käppler A, Lacorte S, Marco J, Rakwe ME, Weisser J, Witzig C, Zumbülte N, Ivleva NP. Analysis of microplastics in drinking water and other clean water samples with micro-Raman and micro-infrared spectroscopy: minimum requirements and best practice guidelines. Anal Bioanal Chem 2021; 413:5969-5994. [PMID: 34283280 PMCID: PMC8440246 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03498-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are a widespread contaminant found not only in various natural habitats but also in drinking waters. With spectroscopic methods, the polymer type, number, size, and size distribution as well as the shape of microplastic particles in waters can be determined, which is of great relevance to toxicological studies. Methods used in studies so far show a huge diversity regarding experimental setups and often a lack of certain quality assurance aspects. To overcome these problems, this critical review and consensus paper of 12 European analytical laboratories and institutions, dealing with microplastic particle identification and quantification with spectroscopic methods, gives guidance toward harmonized microplastic particle analysis in clean waters. The aims of this paper are to (i) improve the reliability of microplastic analysis, (ii) facilitate and improve the planning of sample preparation and microplastic detection, and (iii) provide a better understanding regarding the evaluation of already existing studies. With these aims, we hope to make an important step toward harmonization of microplastic particle analysis in clean water samples and, thus, allow the comparability of results obtained in different studies by using similar or harmonized methods. Clean water samples, for the purpose of this paper, are considered to comprise all water samples with low matrix content, in particular drinking, tap, and bottled water, but also other water types such as clean freshwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darena Schymanski
- Chemical and Veterinary Analytical Institute Münsterland-Emscher-Lippe (CVUA-MEL), Joseph-König-Straße 40, 48147, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Food Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstr. 45, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Barbara E Oßmann
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Eggenreuther Weg 43, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nizar Benismail
- Nestle Quality Assurance Center Vittel, 1020 Avenue Georges Clemenceau, 88800, Vittel, France
| | | | - Gerald Dallmann
- SGS Institut Fresenius GmbH, Königsbrücker Landstr. 161, 01109, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisabeth von der Esch
- Institute of Hydrochemistry, Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Fischer
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF), Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Franziska Fischer
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF), Hohe Straße 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Douglas Gilliland
- Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission, 21027, Ispra, Italy
| | - Karl Glas
- Chair of Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Straße 34, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Thomas Hofmann
- Chair of Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Straße 34, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Andrea Käppler
- SGS Institut Fresenius GmbH, Königsbrücker Landstr. 161, 01109, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sílvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Julie Marco
- Danone Waters, 11 Avenue du Général Dupas, 74500, Evian les Bains, France
| | | | - Jana Weisser
- Chair of Food Chemistry and Molecular Sensory Science, Technical University of Munich, Lise-Meitner-Straße 34, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Cordula Witzig
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser (German Water Centre), Karlsruher Straße 84, 76139, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Nicole Zumbülte
- TZW: DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser (German Water Centre), Karlsruher Straße 84, 76139, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Natalia P Ivleva
- Institute of Hydrochemistry, Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Elisabeth-Winterhalter-Weg 6, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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96
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Hildebrandt L, Zimmermann T, Primpke S, Fischer D, Gerdts G, Pröfrock D. Comparison and uncertainty evaluation of two centrifugal separators for microplastic sampling. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 414:125482. [PMID: 34030400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
For commonly applied microplastic sampling approaches based on filtration, high throughput and no size-discrimination are conflicting goals. Therefore, we propose two efficient centrifugal separators for small microplastic sampling, namely the utilization of a hydrocyclone as well as a continuous flow centrifuge. Thorough method optimization was followed by application in an extensive sampling study to investigate the separators' retention behavior for particulate plastics from estuarine waters. Microplastic concentrations ranged from 193 to 2072 particles m-3. The most dominant identified polymer types were polypropylene, acrylates, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene. More than 95% of particles were < 100 µm. For the first time in microplastic research, an expanded uncertainty was calculated according to the "Guide to the expression of Uncertainty in Measurement" (JCGM 100:2008). Bottom-up uncertainty evaluation revealed the different sampling methods (~ 44%), sample replicates (~ 26%) and the different detection techniques (~ 16%) as the major sources of uncertainty. Depending on the number of particles detected in the samples, the relative expanded uncertainty (Urel (k = 2)) ranged from 24% up to > 200% underpinning tremendous importance of sound uncertainty evaluation. Our results indicate that scientist should rethink many "observed patterns" in the literature due to being insignificant and herewith not real.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Hildebrandt
- Department for Marine Bioanalytical Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, Geesthacht, Germany; Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Tristan Zimmermann
- Department for Marine Bioanalytical Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Helgoland, Germany
| | - Dieter Fischer
- Department Analytics - Group Microplastics, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Helgoland, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Department for Marine Bioanalytical Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, Geesthacht, Germany.
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97
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Rebelein A, Int-Veen I, Kammann U, Scharsack JP. Microplastic fibers - Underestimated threat to aquatic organisms? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 777:146045. [PMID: 33684771 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Awareness of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments increased strongly during the last decade. Environmental monitoring studies detected microplastic items in every tested water body and found them in various aquatic organisms. Yet, many studies conducted so far, refer to microplastic particles and spheres but not fibers. Microplastic fibers are often not considered due to methodological issues and high contamination risk during sampling and analysis. Only a few of the microplastic exposure studies with aquatic organisms were conducted with microplastic fibers. Recent effect studies demonstrated several negative impacts of microplastic fibers on aquatic organisms, which include tissue damage, reduced growth, and body condition and even mortality. Such negative effects were predominantly observed in taxa at the basis of the food chain. Higher taxa were less heavily affected in direct exposure experiments, but they presumably suffer from negative effects on organisms at lower food chain levels in the wild. Consequently, ongoing and future pollution with microplastic fibers may disturb the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The present review outlines the current state of knowledge on microplastic fiber abundance in nature, bioavailability, and impacts on aquatic animals. Based on these findings, we recommend inclusion of microplastic fibers in prospective monitoring studies, discuss appropriate methods, and propose to conduct exposure studies with - as well as risk assessments of - these underestimated pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Rebelein
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstr. 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany.
| | - Ivo Int-Veen
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstr. 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Ulrike Kammann
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstr. 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Jörn Peter Scharsack
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Herwigstr. 31, 27572 Bremerhaven, Germany
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98
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Shupe HJ, Boenisch KM, Harper BJ, Brander SM, Harper SL. Effect of Nanoplastic Type and Surface Chemistry on Particle Agglomeration over a Salinity Gradient. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:1822-1828. [PMID: 33661533 PMCID: PMC8225560 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Agglomeration of nanoplastics in waters can alter their transport and fate in the environment. Agglomeration behavior of 4 nanoplastics differing in core composition (red- or blue-dyed polystyrene) and surface chemistry (plain or carboxylated poly[methyl methacrylate] [PMMA]) was investigated across a salinity gradient. No agglomeration was observed for carboxylated PMMA at any salinity, whereas the plain PMMA agglomerated at only 1 g/L. Both the red and the blue polystyrene agglomerated at 25 g/L. Results indicate that both composition and surface chemistry can impact how environmental salinity affects plastic nanoparticle agglomeration. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1822-1828. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J. Shupe
- School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental EngineeringOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregonUSA
| | - Kylie M. Boenisch
- School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental EngineeringOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregonUSA
| | - Bryan J. Harper
- Department of Environmental and Molecular ToxicologyOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregonUSA
| | - Susanne M. Brander
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Coastal Oregon Marine Experiment StationOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregonUSA
| | - Stacey L. Harper
- School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental EngineeringOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregonUSA
- Department of Environmental and Molecular ToxicologyOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregonUSA
- Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies InstituteCorvallisOregonUSA
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99
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Braun T, Ehrlich L, Henrich W, Koeppel S, Lomako I, Schwabl P, Liebmann B. Detection of Microplastic in Human Placenta and Meconium in a Clinical Setting. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:921. [PMID: 34206212 PMCID: PMC8308544 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13070921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution with microplastics (MPs) is a major and worldwide concern. Involuntary exposure to MPs by ingestion or inhalation is unavoidable. The effects on human health are still under debate, while in animals, cellular MP translocation and subsequent deleterious effects were shown. First reports indicate a potential intrauterine exposure with MPs, yet readouts are prone to contamination. METHOD To establish a thorough protocol for the detection of MPs in human placenta and fetal meconium in a real-life clinical setting, a pilot study was set up to screen for MPs > 50 µm in placental tissue and meconium sampled during two cesarean sections for breech deliveries. After chemical digestion of non-plastic material, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy was used to analyze the presence of 10 common types of microplastic in placenta and stool samples. RESULTS Human placenta and meconium samples were screened positive for polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane, of which only the latter one was also detected as airborne fallout in the operating room-thus representing potential contamination. CONCLUSION We found MPs > 50 µm in placenta and meconium acquired from cesarean delivery. Critical evaluation of potential contamination sources is pivotal and may guide future clinical studies to improve the correct detection of MPs in organ tissue. Studies investigating nano-sized plastics in human tissue are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Braun
- Clinic of Obstetrics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität und Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburgerplatz 1, 13507 Berlin, Germany;
- Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität und Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburgerplatz 1, 13507 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Loreen Ehrlich
- Division of Experimental Obstetrics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität und Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburgerplatz 1, 13507 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Wolfgang Henrich
- Clinic of Obstetrics, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität und Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburgerplatz 1, 13507 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Sebastian Koeppel
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (I.L.); (B.L.)
| | - Ievgeniia Lomako
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (I.L.); (B.L.)
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Bettina Liebmann
- Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt GmbH), 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (I.L.); (B.L.)
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100
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Cowger W, Steinmetz Z, Gray A, Munno K, Lynch J, Hapich H, Primpke S, De Frond H, Rochman C, Herodotou O. Microplastic Spectral Classification Needs an Open Source Community: Open Specy to the Rescue! Anal Chem 2021; 93:7543-7548. [PMID: 34009953 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution research has suffered from inadequate data and tools for spectral (Raman and infrared) classification. Spectral matching tools often are not accurate for microplastics identification and are cost-prohibitive. Lack of accuracy stems from the diversity of microplastic pollutants, which are not represented in spectral libraries. Here, we propose a viable software solution: Open Specy. Open Specy is on the web (www.openspecy.org) and in an R package. Open Specy is free and allows users to view, process, identify, and share their spectra to a community library. Users can upload and process their spectra using smoothing (Savitzky-Golay filter) and polynomial baseline correction techniques (IModPolyFit). The processed spectrum can be downloaded to be used in other applications or identified using an onboard reference library and correlation-based matching criteria. Open Specy's data sharing and session log features ensure reproducible results. Open Specy houses a growing library of reference spectra, which increasingly represents the diversity of microplastics as a contaminant suite. We compared the functionality and accuracy of Open Specy for microplastic identification to commonly used spectral analysis software. We found that Open Specy was the only open source software and the only software with a community library, and Open Specy had comparable accuracy to popular software (OMNIC Picta and KnowItAll). Future developments will enhance spectral identification accuracy as the reference library and functionality grows through community-contributed spectra and community-developed code. Open Specy can also be used for applications beyond microplastic analysis. Open Specy's source code is open source (CC-BY-4.0, attribution only) (https://github.com/wincowgerDEV/OpenSpecy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Win Cowger
- Department of Environmental Science, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Zacharias Steinmetz
- University of Koblenz-Landau, iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, Group of Environmental and Soil Chemistry, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Andrew Gray
- Department of Environmental Science, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Keenan Munno
- University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Jennifer Lynch
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 41-202 Kalaniana'ole Highway, Suite 9, Waima̅nalo, Hawai'i 96795, United States.,Center for Marine Debris Research, Hawai'i Pacific University, 41-202 Kalaniana'ole Highway, Suite 9, Waima̅nalo, Hawai'i 96795, United States
| | - Hannah Hapich
- Department of Environmental Science, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Kurpromenade 201, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Hannah De Frond
- University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Chelsea Rochman
- University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
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