101
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Mulligan S, Hatton PV, Martin N. Resin-based composite materials: elution and pollution. Br Dent J 2022; 232:644-652. [PMID: 35562466 PMCID: PMC9106581 DOI: 10.1038/s41415-022-4241-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Pollution arises from all human activity and the provision of oral healthcare using resin-based composite restorative materials (RBCs) should be considered. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the potential pollutant risk to the environment from the chemical compounds found in resin-based restorative materials, by including: 1) the principal pollutant compounds present in the resin matrix; 2) the degradation process of RBCs and its consequences; 3) the methods used for the detection and quantification of monomer elution and RBC microparticles; and 4) a review of the release mechanisms of eluates and RBC microparticles into the environment.RBCs are pollutants by virtue of the compounds created during the degradation processes. These are in the form of the constituent eluted monomers and microparticles. Their impact on the environment and biodiversity is unknown. These materials are currently one of the main direct-placement restorative materials and their success is unquestionable when used and maintained correctly. Mitigation strategies for reducing the impact of pollution on the environment should be considered and implemented by all stakeholders and processes in the supply chain, from manufacturing, clinical use and waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Mulligan
- Academic Unit of Restorative Dentistry, School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK
| | - Paul V Hatton
- Academic Unit of Restorative Dentistry, School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK
| | - Nicolas Martin
- Academic Unit of Restorative Dentistry, School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK.
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102
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Watson AR, Blount C, McPhee DP, Zhang D, Smith MPL, Reeds K, Williamson JE. Source, fate and management of recreational fishing marine debris. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 178:113500. [PMID: 35427814 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris, directly and indirectly, threatens marine habitat and biota. Fishing activity is generally recognised as a contributor to marine debris, but the relative input from recreational fishing remains unassessed. Here we provide the first comprehensive literature review of recreational fishing marine debris (RFMD) on a global scale. A systematic literature review identified 70 studies related to RFMD, and plastic and metal respectively were the dominant debris materials found. Nearshore coastal areas and reefs, acted as both sources and sinks of RFMD and a diverse suite of potential impacts such as ghost fishing and entanglement were identified at local scales. Overall, research of RFMD is lacking globally, however, its role in marine debris input is likely underestimated. We recommend more research on the volumes and risks, using a standardised classification approach. Where intervention is required, we suggest cooperative approaches between the sector and authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Watson
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia.
| | - C Blount
- Cardno (NSW/ACT) Pty Ltd, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065, Australia
| | - D P McPhee
- Faculty of Society and Design, Bond University, Gold Coast 4226, Queensland, Australia
| | - D Zhang
- Cardno (NSW/ACT) Pty Ltd, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065, Australia
| | - M P Lincoln Smith
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia; Cardno (NSW/ACT) Pty Ltd, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065, Australia
| | - K Reeds
- Cardno (NSW/ACT) Pty Ltd, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065, Australia
| | - J E Williamson
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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103
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Bioanalytical approaches for the detection, characterization, and risk assessment of micro/nanoplastics in agriculture and food systems. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:4591-4612. [PMID: 35459968 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04069-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses the most recent literature (mostly since 2019) on the presence and impact of microplastics (MPs, particle size of 1 μm to 5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs, particle size of 1 to 1000 nm) throughout the agricultural and food supply chain, focusing on the methods and technologies for the detection and characterization of these materials at key entry points. Methods for the detection of M/NPs include electron and atomic force microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR and Raman), hyperspectral (bright field and dark field) and fluorescence imaging, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Microfluidic biosensors and risk assessment assays of MP/NP for in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models have also been used. Advantages and limitations of each method or approach in specific application scenarios are discussed to highlight the scientific and technological obstacles to be overcome in future research. Although progress in recent years has increased our understanding of the mechanisms and the extent to which MP/NP affects health and the environment, many challenges remain largely due to the lack of standardized and reliable detection and characterization methods. Most of the methods available today are low-throughput, which limits their practical application to food and agricultural samples. Development of rapid and high-throughput field-deployable methods for onsite screening of MP/NPs is therefore a high priority. Based on the current literature, we conclude that detecting the presence and understanding the impact of MP/NP throughout the agricultural and food supply chain require the development of novel deployable analytical methods and sensors, the combination of high-precision lab analysis with rapid onsite screening, and a data hub(s) that hosts and curates data for future analysis.
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104
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Baseline Marine Litter Surveys along Vietnam Coasts Using Citizen Science Approach. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14094919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Marine litter is a significant threat to the marine environment, human health, and the economy. In this study, beach litter surveys along Vietnamese coasts were conducted in a local context to quantify and characterize marine litter using the modified GESAMP marine litter monitoring guideline. A total of 21,754 items weighing 136,820.2 g was recorded across 14 surveys from September 2020 to January 2021. Plastic was the most abundant type of litter by both quantity (20,744 items) and weight (100,371.2 g). Fishing gear 1 (fishing plastic rope, net pieces, fishing lures and lines, hard plastic floats) and soft plastic fragments were the most frequently observed items (17.65% and 17.24%, respectively). This study not only demonstrates the abundance and composition of marine litter in Vietnam, it also provides valuable information for the implementation of appropriate preventive measures, such as the redesign of collection, reuse, and recycling programs, and informs policy and priorities, with a focus on action and investment in Vietnam. Moreover, insights from this study indicate that citizen science is a useful approach for collecting data on marine litter in Vietnam.
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105
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Seasonal Distribution, Composition, and Inventory of Plastic Debris on the Yugang Park Beach in Zhanjiang Bay, South China Sea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084886. [PMID: 35457751 PMCID: PMC9032269 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Plastic debris contamination in marine environments is a global problem that poses a considerable threat to the sustainability and health of coastal ecosystems. Marine beaches, as the key zones where terrestrial plastic debris reach coastal waters, are faced with the increasing pressures of human activities. In this study, we explored the distribution, composition, and inventory of plastic debris over seasonal and tidal zones at the Yugang Park Beach (YPB) in Zhanjiang Bay, South China Sea, to provide a baseline for plastic debris on a marine beach. The results showed mean abundance of plastic debris in summer (6.00 ± 2.10 items/m2) was significantly greater than that in winter (3.75 ± 2.12 items/m2). In addition, the composition of plastic debris ranged in size mainly from 1 to 5 mm and 0.5 to 2.5 cm in winter and summer, respectively. In terms of composition, white plastic debris was the most common (81.1%), and foam was the most abundant (64.4%). Moreover, there was a significant relationship between the abundance of plastic debris and sand grain size fraction (p < 0.05), implying the abundances of microplastic debris were more easily impacted by sand grain size (>2 mm). In total inventory, there were about 1.18 × 105 and 2.95 × 105 items of plastic debris on the YPB in winter and summer, respectively. The tidal variation and human activities are responsible for the plastic debris accumulation. This study provided a method to quantify the inventory of plastic debris on a beach and could be helpful to consider regional tidal variations and critical source areas for effective plastic debris clean-up.
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106
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Barhoumi B, Sander SG, Tolosa I. A review on per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in microplastic and food-contact materials. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112595. [PMID: 34929191 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Plastic, paper and cardboard are widely used as food contact materials (FCMs), due to its numerous favourable characteristics. However, they are usually coated with hazardous substances, such as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs). PFASs, with its functional properties of oil- and water-repellency, can migrate from FCMs into the food and cause potential risk to human health. There are also increasing concerns about the harm that FCMs can cause to the environment. These concerns include accumulation of non-degradable plastics in the environment, generation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics, and release of PFASs from FCMs. While many reviews have been conducted on PFASs in the environment, including their occurrence, fate, toxicity, biodegradation, migration in ecosystems and remediation technologies, a systematic review of PFASs in FCMs and MPs is currently lacking. In addition, our knowledge of the PFAS sorption processes on MPs is rather limited, and in particular their desorption processes. Thus, this review aims to (1) review the presence of various classes of PFASs in FCMs and their migration into food, (2) review the PFASs in MPs and summarize the sorption mechanisms, and factors that influence their sorption behaviour on MPs in the aquatic environment, and (3) identify the current research gaps and future research directions to predict the risks associated with the presence and sorption of PFASs in FCMs and MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badreddine Barhoumi
- IAEA Environment Laboratories, 4a Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of, Monaco.
| | - Sylvia G Sander
- IAEA Environment Laboratories, 4a Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of, Monaco; GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstr. 1-3, 24148, Kiel, Germany
| | - Imma Tolosa
- IAEA Environment Laboratories, 4a Quai Antoine 1er, 98000, Monaco, Principality of, Monaco.
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107
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Mauel A, Pötzschner B, Meides N, Siegel R, Strohriegl P, Senker J. Quantification of photooxidative defects in weathered microplastics using 13C multiCP NMR spectroscopy. RSC Adv 2022; 12:10875-10885. [PMID: 35425044 PMCID: PMC8988274 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra00470d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Weathering of microplastics made of commodity plastics like polystyrene, polypropylene and polyethylene introduces polar polymer defects as a result of photooxidation and mechanical stress. Thus, hydrophobic microplastic particles gradually become hydrophilic, consisting of polar oligomers with a significant amount of oxygen-bearing functional groups. This turnover continuously changes interactions between microplastics and natural colloidal matter. To be able to develop a better understanding of this complex weathering process, quantification of the corresponding defect proportions is a first and essential step. Using polystyrene, 13C enriched at the α position to 23%, we demonstrate that 13C cross polarisation (CP) NMR spectroscopy allows for probing the typical alcohol, peroxo, keto and carboxyl defects. Even the discrimination between in- and end-chain ketones, carboxylic acids and esters as well as ketal functions was possible. Combined with multiCP excitation, defect proportions could be determined with excellent accuracy down to 0.1%. For materials with 13C in natural abundance, this accounts for a detection limit of roughly 1%. The best trade-off between measurement time and accuracy for the quantification of the defect intensities for multiCP excitation was obtained for CP block lengths shorter than 250 μs and total build-up times longer than 2 ms. Further measurement time reduction is possible by using multiCP excitation to calibrate intensities obtained from series of 13C CP MAS NMR spectra. As photooxidation is an important degradation mechanism for microplastics in the environment, we expect these parameters to be transferable for probing defect proportions of weathered microplastics in general. We demonstrate an efficient strategy to characterise weathering-induced photooxidative defects in microplastics. The central 13C cross polarisation NMR spectra offer high resolution and are quantitative when combined with multiple excitation.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Mauel
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry III, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30 95447 Bayreuth Germany
| | - Björn Pötzschner
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry III, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30 95447 Bayreuth Germany
| | - Nora Meides
- Department of Macromolecular Chemistry I, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30 95447 Bayreuth Germany
| | - Renée Siegel
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry III, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30 95447 Bayreuth Germany
| | - Peter Strohriegl
- Department of Macromolecular Chemistry I, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30 95447 Bayreuth Germany
| | - Jürgen Senker
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry III, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30 95447 Bayreuth Germany
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108
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Uribe-Echeverría T, Beiras R. Acute toxicity of bioplastic leachates to Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin larvae. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 176:105605. [PMID: 35316651 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In an attempt to ensure that bioplastics, progressively replacing petrochemical-derived plastics, do not release any harmful compound to the environment, the study assessed the toxic effects of three innovative bioplastic products: polyhydroxybutyrate resin (PHB), polylactic acid cups (PLA) and a polylactic acid/polyhydroxyalkanoate 3D printing filament (PLA/PHA), together with a synthetic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) toy in Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin larvae. PVC toy was the most toxic material, likely due to the added plasticizers; remarkably, even if PHB is conceived as a nontoxic polymer, it showed a slight toxicity and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectometry analysis (GC-MS) revealed the presence of a wide range of additives. Conversely, PLA cups and PLA/PHA filament were innocuous for the larvae, a positive outcome for these renewable solutions. Proven that additives are also used in some bioplastic formulations, they should be carefully addressed to ensure that they are as safe as regarded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Uribe-Echeverría
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, 36331 Vigo, Galicia, Spain; Institute of Environment and Marine Science Research (IMEDMAR), Universidad Católica de Valencia SVM, Avda. del Puerto s/n, 03710, Calpe, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Beiras
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Facultade de Ciencias do Mar, 36310, Vigo, Galicia, Spain.
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109
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Sipe JM, Bossa N, Berger W, von Windheim N, Gall K, Wiesner MR. From bottle to microplastics: Can we estimate how our plastic products are breaking down? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 814:152460. [PMID: 34973311 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have become an emerging new pollutant of rising concern due to the exponential growth of plastics in consumer products. Most MP and nanoplastic pollution comes from the fragmentation of plastics through mechanical stress, chemical reactions and biological degradation that occurs during use and after disposal. Models predicting the generation and behavior of MP in the environment are developing, however there is lack of data to predict the rates of MP generation as a function of the abrasive forces. A method to deliver scalable, quantitative release rates of MPs during mechanical stress throughout a plastic's life cycle (e.g., sanding, chewing, river and ocean disposal) is described. A custom abrasion machine was built with features to provide data to calculate power input. The generation rate of MPs through abrasion was tested for the following 3D printed polymers: polylactic acid (PLA), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic polyurethane 85A (TPU), polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PETG), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), and nylon. Each material underwent tensile strength material tests to identify which mechanical properties drive their abrasion rate. Abrasion rate was not observed to correlate to macroscopic mechanic properties. Results indicate that the order of abrasion from most to least were HIPS, nylon, PC, PLA, PETG, and then TPU. This study will help comprehend and provide data to understand generation rates of MPs from consumer plastic products and macro-plastic debris. This will be instrumental in helping to better understand the release of MPs and nanoplastics into the environment and to provide data for fate and transport models, especially in order to predict the amount of plastic entering water systems. MP generation rates and power inputs can be correlated with each plastic's use to inform which release the most MPs and how to better change these products in order to reduce pollution in water sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Marie Sipe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Nathan Bossa
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - William Berger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Natalia von Windheim
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ken Gall
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Mark R Wiesner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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110
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James K, V K, G V, Padua S, D P, S AK, Babu A, John S, John S, R L, Joseph RV. Microplastics in the environment and in commercially significant fishes of mud banks, an ephemeral ecosystem formed along the southwest coast of India. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112351. [PMID: 34762925 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112351] [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: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution and the impacts they generate on the marine ecosystem and its biota is a major global concern of recent decades. The present study was conducted to evaluate the spatio-temporal distribution of microplastics in the surface waters, sediments, and their subsequent ingestion by the commercially important fishes of Alappuzha Mud banks, a transient ecosystem formed in the littoral zones of the southwest coast of India exclusively during the Indian summer monsoon. Sampling conducted over three periods, Pre-mud bank (Pre-MB), Mud bank (MB), and Post mud bank (Post-MB) extending over three depths (2 m, 5 m and 18 m), along the semi-circular patch of mudbanks revealed marked spatio-temporal variability in microplastic distribution. In both surface water and sediments, microplastic concentration was comparatively high during MB than in Pre-MB and Post-MB periods. Spatially, during MB, the microplastic concentration was high at 5 m where the dampening of waves occurred concomitant to the thick fluid mud formation. In contrast, during Post-MB, with the subsequent dissipation of MB's and less wave dampening, the microplastics aggregated at 5 m were transported to both inshore (2 m) and offshore (18 m), thus raising their concentration at these depths. Likewise, the microplastic ingestion was more in fishes caught during MB (41%) than Post-MB (30%) and Pre-MB (29%) periods indicating increased uptake corresponding to the higher incidences in their ambient environment. Microplastic ingestion was more among pelagic planktivores, S. gibbosa (38%), A. chacunda (20%) and R. kanagurta (13%) compared to the demersal fishes. White coloured fragments of size 1-5 mm of polypropylene were the dominant microplastic in the surface waters, sediment and fishes analysed. The present study indicates the critical role of wind speed, rainfall, wave patterns, and the fluid muddy environment in regulating the microplastics distribution in a transient ecosystem formed along the southwest coast of India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keziya James
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala, 682018, India; Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, 682022, India.
| | - Kripa V
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala, 682018, India; Coastal Aquaculture Authority, Tamilnadu, 600035, India
| | - Vineetha G
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala, 682018, India
| | - Shelton Padua
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala, 682018, India
| | - Prema D
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala, 682018, India
| | - Abhilash K S
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala, 682018, India
| | - Akhil Babu
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala, 682018, India
| | - Seban John
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala, 682018, India
| | - Sebin John
- India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Science, New Delhi, 110003, India
| | - Lavanya R
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala, 682018, India
| | - Reena V Joseph
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, Kerala, 682018, India
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111
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Polidoro B, Lewis T, Clement C. A screening-level human health risk assessment for microplastics and organic contaminants in near-shore marine environments in American Samoa. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09101. [PMID: 35846448 PMCID: PMC9280386 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid waste disposal is a growing concern among Pacific Island nations. With severe limitations in land area, in combination with the lack of reuse or recycling options, many near-shore marine ecosystems across Oceania are highly impacted by locally derived marine debris, including plastics, microplastics and associated chemical contaminants. In order to catalyze improved solid waste management and plastic use policies, the potential ecological and public health risks must be clearly identified and communicated. Using an ecological risk assessment framework, potential risks to marine ecosystems and human health are explored by quantifying microplastics and organic contaminants in 4 study sites located in Tutuila, American Samoa. Results of sampled near-shore marine waters, marine sediments and molluscs indicate that microplastics are unevenly distributed in the marine environment, with the highest concentrations detected in marine molluscs (e.g. average of 15 and 17 particles per organism, the majority of which were microfibers identified as polyethylene terephthalate). These invertebrates also have the highest environmental concentrations of organic contaminants, including phthalates, pesticides and PCBs. However, based on estimated rates of invertebrate consumption, the risk of adverse impacts to human health are likely to be low. Regardless, future studies are recommended to better understand the environmental partitioning of microplastics in dynamic near-shore marine environments, as well as the specific pathways and consequences of the physical and chemical impacts of microplastics on marine species populations and overall marine ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Polidoro
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ 85306, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Tiffany Lewis
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Cassandra Clement
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ 85306, USA
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112
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Lange K, Österlund H, Viklander M, Blecken GT. Occurrence and concentration of 20-100 μm sized microplastic in highway runoff and its removal in a gross pollutant trap - Bioretention and sand filter stormwater treatment train. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 809:151151. [PMID: 34688750 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution of stormwater can be a serious threat to the environment. Gross pollutant trap (GPT) - bioretention treatment trains have been shown previously to treat (inter alia) particulate stormwater pollutants including microplastic particles larger than 100 μm. This study was carried out to investigate whether such stormwater treatment trains also remove smaller 20 to 100 μm sized microplastic particles from highway runoff. Further, it investigates occurrence and concentration of 20 to 100 μm sized microplastic particles in highway runoff and which polymer types they can be assigned to. Volume proportional samples from nine rain events were taken from the incoming highway stormwater, from the gross pollutant trap effluent and the outflow from a bioretention system as well as a non-vegetated sand filter. The microplastic analyses were carried out using μFTIR and FTIR-ATR, which made it possible to detect particles where carbon black was present. It was found that 20 to 100 μm sized microplastic particles are abundant in highway runoff and that their concentrations are highly variable, with a median of 230 particles/L, a minimum of 42 particles/L and a maximum of 8577 particles/L. The dominant polymer types in highway stormwater were Polypropylene (PP), Ethylene Propylene Diene (EPDM) rubber and Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The treatment train with the bioretention system treated 20 to 200 μm sized microplastic particles significantly better than the treatment train with a non-vegetated sand filter, with median effluent concentrations of 26.5 particles/L and 121 particles/L, respectively. The GPT had no significant impact on the treatment of 20 to 100 μm sized microplastic particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Lange
- Urban Water Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Heléne Österlund
- Urban Water Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Maria Viklander
- Urban Water Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
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113
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Manzo S, Schiavo S. Physical and chemical threats posed by micro(nano)plastic to sea urchins. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 808:152105. [PMID: 34863733 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The awareness of the plastic issue is rising in recent years. Our seas and coastal seawaters are investigated with the aim to evaluate the possible fate, behavior and the impact of these novel contaminants upon marine biota. In particular, benthic organisms are exposed to micro(nano)plastics that sink and accumulated on the seabed. Sea urchins can be prone to the plastic impact for all their lifespan with effect that can be extended upon the trophic cascade since their key role as grazer organisms. Moreover, they are largely used in the assessment of contaminant impact both as adult individuals and as early larval stages. This review analyzes the recent literature about the chemical and physical hazards posed by diverse polymers to sea urchins, in relation to their peculiar characteristics and to their size. The search was based on a query of the keyword terms: microplastic _ OR nanoplastic_AND Sea urchins in Web of Science and Google Scholar. The effects provoked by exposure of different sea urchin biological form are highlighted, considering both laboratory exposure and collection in real world. Additional focus has also been given upon the exposure methods utilized in laboratory test and in the existing limitations in the testing procedures. In conclusion, the micro(nano)plastics major impact seemed to be attributable to leaching compounds, however variability and lacking of realisms in the procedures do not allow a full understanding of the hazard posed by micro(nano)plastics for sea urchins. Finally, the work provides insights into the future research strategies to better characterize the actual risk for sea urchins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Manzo
- ENEA, Department for Sustainability, Division Protection and Enhancement of the Natural Capital, P. le E. Fermi 1, 80055 Portici, Na, Italy.
| | - Simona Schiavo
- ENEA, Department for Sustainability, Division Protection and Enhancement of the Natural Capital, P. le E. Fermi 1, 80055 Portici, Na, Italy
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114
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Fernández B, Campillo JA, Chaves-Pozo E, Bellas J, León VM, Albentosa M. Comparative role of microplastics and microalgae as vectors for chlorpyrifos bioacumulation and related physiological and immune effects in mussels. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 807:150983. [PMID: 34678373 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MP) are contaminants of concern per se, and also by their capacity to sorb dissolved chemicals from seawater, acting as vehicles for their transfer into marine organisms. Still, the role of MP as vehicles for contaminants and their associated toxicological effects have been poorly investigated. In this work we have compared the role of MP (high density polyethylene, HDPE, ≤22 μm) and of natural organic particles (microalgae, MA) as vehicle for chlorpyrifos (CPF), one of the most common pesticides found in river and coastal waters. We have compared the capacity of MP and MA to carry CPF. Then, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis has been exposed for 21 days to dissolved CPF, and to the same amount of CPF loaded onto MP and MA. The concentration of CPF in mussel' tissues and several physiological, energetics and immune parameters have been analyzed after 7 and 21 days of exposure. Results showed similar CPF accumulation in mussel exposed to MP and to MA spiked with CPF. This revealed that MP acted as vector for CPF in a similar way (or even to a lesser extent) than MA. After 21 days of exposure mussels exposed to MP spiked with CPF displayed similar or more pronounced biological effects than mussels exposed to dissolved CPF or to MA loaded with CPF. This suggested that the combined "particle" and "organic contaminant" effect produced an alteration on the biological responses greater than that produced by each stressor alone, although this was evident only after 3 weeks of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Fernández
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Calle Varadero, 1, 30740, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Juan A Campillo
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Calle Varadero, 1, 30740, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Elena Chaves-Pozo
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Carretera de la Azohía s/n, 30860, Puerto de Mazarrón, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Juan Bellas
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Subida Radio Faro, 50, 36200, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Víctor M León
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Calle Varadero, 1, 30740, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Marina Albentosa
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Calle Varadero, 1, 30740, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain.
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115
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Microplastics: impacts on corals and other reef organisms. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:81-93. [PMID: 35137913 PMCID: PMC9023018 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Plastic pollution in a growing problem globally. In addition to the continuous flow of plastic particles to the environment from direct sources, and through the natural wear and tear of items, the plastics that are already there have the potential to breakdown further and therefore provide an immense source of plastic particles. With the continued rise in levels of plastic production, and consequently increasing levels entering our marine environments it is imperative that we understand its impacts. There is evidence microplastic and nanoplastic (MNP) pose a serious threat to all the world's marine ecosystems and biota, across all taxa and trophic levels, having individual- to ecosystem-level impacts, although these impacts are not fully understood. Microplastics (MPs; 0.1–5 mm) have been consistently found associated with the biota, water and sediments of all coral reefs studied, but due to limitations in the current techniques, a knowledge gap exists for the level of nanoplastic (NP; <1 µm). This is of particular concern as it is this size fraction that is thought to pose the greatest risk due to their ability to translocate into different organs and across cell membranes. Furthermore, few studies have examined the interactions of MNP exposure and other anthropogenic stressors such as ocean acidification and rising temperature. To support the decision-making required to protect these ecosystems, an advancement in standardised methods for the assessment of both MP and NPs is essential. This knowledge, and that of predicted levels can then be used to determine potential impacts more accurately.
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Yu X, Zhao Y, Zhang C, Yang C, Ouyang Z, Liu P, Guo X, Zhu L. Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the surface water and sediment of parks in Xi'an city, Northwest China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150953. [PMID: 34656580 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), as a new type of pollutants, have attracted wide attention especially in recent years, but there was insufficient research on the distribution and characteristics of MPs in urban park water body. In this study, the pollution of MPs in water and sediment of Xi'an, the largest city in northwest China, was investigated. The MPs concentration in the surface water and sediment was 2900-6970 items/m3 and 940-3560 items/kg, respectively. According to the urban functions, the parks were divided into residential areas, commercial areas, tourism areas and industrial areas, and the highest abundance of MPs was observed in the tourism and residential areas, suggesting the impacts of human activities. MPs in these parks were mainly in four kinds of shapes, namely fiber, pellet, fragment and film, and dominated by fibers and fragments. Most of the extracted MPs were small in size, and 63-92% of them were smaller than 0.5 mm. Polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate were the main polymer types in surface water and sediments, respectively. This study showed that the park water and sediment can be used as an important "sink" in MPs, which is of great significance for monitoring and alleviating the pollution of urban MPs. This study provided important reference for better understanding MPs levels in inland freshwaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Yu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yimo Zhao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chutian Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Chengfang Yang
- School of Environmental Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Zhuozhi Ouyang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Peng Liu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agro-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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117
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Occurrence and Seasonal Variation of Microplastics in the Effluent from Wastewater Treatment Plants in Qingdao, China. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered as one of the important sources of microplastics (MPs) in the marine environment. In this paper, the characteristics of MPs in the effluent discharged from five WWTPs in Qingdao, China, in winter and summer were analyzed. The results showed that only fibers and fragments were observed, with fibers as a dominant part. Rayon was the most domain polymer type, followed by Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE). The average sizes of fiber MPs were 1010 ± 924 µm and 610 ± 691 µm in winter and summer, respectively. The contents of rayon were higher in summer than in winter. More small and transparent MPs were observed in summer. Rayon abundances ranged from 4.1 to 19.9 items/L and 33.3 to 116.7 items/L, with 12.3 ± 5.6 items/L and 67.6 ± 30.6 items/L as the average value in winter and in summer, respectively. The abundances of other polymer type MPs were 7.23~19.65 items/L with average value of 12.7 ± 4.7 items/L in winter and 12.0~20.0 items/L with 16.8 ± 4.7 items/L in summer. The daily emissions were estimated as 8.38 × 109~4.25 × 1010 items (9.2~27.8 kg) for rayon and 8.0 × 109~1.2 × 1010 items (7.6~5.3 kg) discharged for the other polymer type MPs from the five WWTPs. The results indicated that the seasonal variation of characteristics and emission of MPs in the effluent from WWTPs was mainly caused by increasing discharge of rayon, which may relate to people’s living habits and tourism activities.
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118
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Mohsen M, Lin C, Tu C, Zhang C, Xu S, Yang H. Association of heavy metals with plastics used in aquaculture. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113312. [PMID: 35090295 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113312] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The association of heavy metals with plastics could represent a source of contamination, presenting acute metal exposure to ecosystems. Here, we aimed to evaluate the level of 20 metals on plastics employed in aquaculture areas and their surrounding water. All the selected metals were detected on six different polymers/types of plastics. Despite the difference in sampling sites, there was no significant difference among metal concentrations on plastics. However, some metals showed a significant difference in the surrounding seawater among sites or were not detected. Additionally, the median concentrations of all heavy metals were higher on plastic than in their surrounding water at all sites. Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that metals accumulate on plastics in a similar pattern among sites but distinct from the surrounding water. This study contributes to understanding the accumulation of metals on plastics used in aquaculture areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mohsen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China; Fish Production department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
| | - Chenggang Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Chen Tu
- Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research (YIC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Shaochun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Hongsheng Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao 266071, China; The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
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119
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Du Y, Liu X, Dong X, Yin Z. A review on marine plastisphere: biodiversity, formation, and role in degradation. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:975-988. [PMID: 35242288 PMCID: PMC8861569 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pollution of plastic waste has become an increasingly serious environmental crisis. Recently, plastic has been detected in various kinds of environments, even in human tissues, which is an increasing threat to the ecosystems and humans. In the ocean, the plastic waste is eventually fragmentized into microplastics (MPs) under the disruption of physical and chemical processes. MPs are colonized by microbial communities such as fungi, diatoms, and bacteria, which form biofilms on the surface of the plastic called “plastisphere”. In this review, we summarize the studies related to microorganisms in the plastisphere in recent years and describe the microbial species in the plastisphere, mainly including bacteria, fungi, and autotrophs. Secondly, we explore the interactions between MPs and the plastisphere. The depth of MPs in the ocean and the nutrients in the surrounding seawater can have a great impact on the community structure of microorganisms in the plastisphere. Finally, we discuss the types of MP-degrading bacteria in the ocean, and use the “seed bank” theory to speculate on the potential sources of MP-degrading microorganisms. Challenges and future research prospects are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Du
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xinbei Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, PR China
| | - Xusheng Dong
- Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology Laboratory, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, PR China
| | - Zhiqiu Yin
- National Engineering Research Center for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, PR China
- Corresponding author.
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González-Ortegón E, Sendra M, Sparaventi E, F Sánchez Leal R, de Los Ríos I, Baldó F, González-Fernández D, Yeste MP. Coastal gradients of small microplastics and associated pollutants influenced by estuarine sources. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113292. [PMID: 35090277 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Small microplastics (SMPs) in the gulf of Cadiz was sampled at 5 m depth by pumping it through the ship's pipe system and filtered through a 45 μm mesh size net. Our study reveals that higher densities have been found (130 mg·m-3) compared to other regions worldwide and these densities decreased from the coastline to the outer stations, showing a general coastal gradient influenced by estuarine outflows. SMPs with a size range between 45 and 193 μm were predominant and most of them composed by polyethylene and polypropylene. The metals associated with the MPs were mainly Na (21.1%), K (11.3%), Fe (8.5%), Ca (2.1%), Cr (1.8%), Zr (13.3%) and Hf (0.7%). The high proportion of Zr compared to Fe, which is different from what can be found in the environment, suggests that this metal is intrinsic to the materials used in catalytic processes during plastic production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Sendra
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (CSIC), Vigo, Spain; CBET Research Group, Dept. Zoology and Animal Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology and Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology, PiE, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Basque Country, Spain
| | | | - Ricardo F Sánchez Leal
- Centro Oceanográfico de Cádiz, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Isaac de Los Ríos
- Dpto. de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica y Química Inorgánica, University of Cádiz, E-11510 Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
| | - Francisco Baldó
- Centro Oceanográfico de Cádiz, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO-CSIC), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Daniel González-Fernández
- Departamento de Biología, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Marina, University of Cádiz and European University of the Seas, Puerto Real, Spain
| | - María Pilar Yeste
- Dpto. de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica y Química Inorgánica, University of Cádiz, E-11510 Puerto Real (Cádiz), Spain
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121
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Plastic ‘Highways’ to the Sea: The Problem of Litter in English Inland Waterways. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci10120473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a conspicuous lacuna in the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990 because it imposes no legal duty on statutory bodies to clear litter from aquatic environments (rivers, canals and lakes) in England and Wales. This paper identifies a significant gap in the law on aquatic environmental protection by undertaking doctrinal research, including contextual analysis of references to rivers in ‘soft’ law (e.g., policy documents such as the Conservative Government’s Litter Strategy) and ‘hard law’ (e.g., legislation including the EPA 1990); an examination of the problems with existing legal frameworks in this sphere and an exploration of legislative and practical measures which could protect our rivers and other inland waterways from litter. A legislative amendment to the EPA is proposed with discussion of whether imposing a duty on an existing body or a new, specialised body to clear litter from rivers will ameliorate these problems. The intention behind this paper is to initiate an informed debate on how to protect aquatic environments from the harmful effects of litter.
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122
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De Frond H, Rubinovitz R, Rochman CM. μATR-FTIR Spectral Libraries of Plastic Particles (FLOPP and FLOPP-e) for the Analysis of Microplastics. Anal Chem 2021; 93:15878-15885. [PMID: 34813292 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c02549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Raman spectral libraries specific to microplastics demonstrated improved spectral matching results when weathered plastics and a variety of particle colors and morphologies were included. Here, we explore if this is true for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well. We present two novel databases specific to microplastics using attenuated total reflection (μATR-FTIR): (1) an FTIR library of plastic particles (FLOPP), containing 186 spectra from common plastic items, across 14 polymer types and (2) an FTIR library of plastic particles sourced from the environment (FLOPP-e), containing 195 spectra across 15 polymer types. Both libraries include particles from a variety of sources, morphologies, and colors. We demonstrate the applicability of these libraries for microplastics research by comparing spectral match results from two microplastic datasets. For this, we use different combinations of libraries including: commercially available reference libraries, an open-access polymer library, and FLOPP and FLOPP-e. Among tests, the greatest mean HQI result was achieved when the greatest number of libraries was included. This work demonstrates that spectral libraries specific to plastic particles found in the environment improve the accuracy of spectral matching and are best used in combination with commercial libraries containing chemical components that are commonly found within plastics and other anthropogenic particles. Multivariate principal component analyses of FLOPP and FLOPP-e spectra confirmed differences among polymer types and higher variation in principal component scores among weathered particles, but no patterns were observed among particle colors or morphologies. These results demonstrate that ATR-FTIR analyses are sensitive to weathering of plastics but not to particle color and morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah De Frond
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3B2
| | | | - Chelsea M Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, St. George Campus, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3B2
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123
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Electrocoagulation applied for the removal of microplastics from wastewater treatment facilities. Sep Purif Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.118877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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124
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CF SF, Rebello S, Mathachan Aneesh E, Sindhu R, Binod P, Singh S, Pandey A. Bioprospecting of gut microflora for plastic biodegradation. Bioengineered 2021; 12:1040-1053. [PMID: 33769197 PMCID: PMC8806249 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1902173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The problem of plastic prevalence and associated pollution has grasped the entire planet drastically, putting all fields of science on the stake seeking remedies to this global havoc. To address this crisis, with a single remediation strategy is often found to be baseless, thereby much interest has been evoked in the development of multidisciplinary approaches - involving physico-chemical and biological strategies to nullify the aftermath of plastic pollution in all possible means. Even amidst, the availability of different approaches, the use of biological methods to combat plastic degradation has gained momentum. The most frequently used plastics appear in wide forms such as polyethylene plastic bags, polypropylene-based bottles, polyvinyl chloride pipes and polystyrene styrene cups. Plastic nicknamed as one of the toughest polymers viz. polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and Polydicyclopentadiene; quite often are called so as they resist degradation in normal environmental strategies. They are often degraded in non-hostile and harsh environments of pH, temperature, radiation etc. However, not always it is possible to create such harsh environments for plastic degradation. In such a scenario, the use of gut microbes that can withstand the harsh atmosphere of gut environment could serve as promising candidates for plastic biodegradation. The current article envisages the various gut microbes of various biological agents and their role in plastic remediation. The current review compiles the techniques available for plastic remediation, the microbial prospects of plastic remediation, its challenges, and possible breakthroughs to effective plastic remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Raveendran Sindhu
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, TrivandrumIndia
| | - Parameswaran Binod
- Microbial Processes and Technology Division, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, TrivandrumIndia
| | - Suren Singh
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR – Indian Institute for Toxicology Research, LucknowIndia
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR – Indian Institute for Toxicology Research, LucknowIndia
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, LucknowIndia
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Corami F, Rosso B, Morabito E, Rensi V, Gambaro A, Barbante C. Small microplastics (<100 μm), plasticizers and additives in seawater and sediments: Oleo-extraction, purification, quantification, and polymer characterization using Micro-FTIR. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:148937. [PMID: 34303248 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148937] [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: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the abundance and the distribution of small microplastics (<100 μm, SMPs) and of other components of micro-litter (i.e., additives, plasticizers, natural and non-plastic synthetic fibers, APFs) were investigated in sediments and seawater of three different sites of a transitional environment; different anthropogenic impacts and environmental features characterize these three sites. The pretreatment method developed (oleo-extraction and purification procedures) allowed the collection of particles (SMPs and APFs) in a wide range of densities, e.g., from low-density plastics to high-density plastics, avoiding further degradation/denaturation of polymers. An analytical method for quantification and simultaneous identification of SMPs and APFs via Micro-FTIR was developed. Higher abundances of SMPs were observed in sediments compared to the abundance observed in seawater. SMPs were not the major component of the micro-litter. With natural fibers and non-plastic fibers, additives and plasticizers were quantified and identified in sediments and seawater. These latter are employed to obtain specific characteristics of polymers; hence their presence can be a good proxy of these polymers' presence in the environment. Sources and pathways may influence the abundance and distribution of SMPs and APFs. Differences in abundance and distribution of these pollutants in sediments and seawater of the three sites investigated were statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Corami
- Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172 Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172 Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
| | - Beatrice Rosso
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172 Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
| | - Elisa Morabito
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172 Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
| | - Veronica Rensi
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172 Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
| | - Andrea Gambaro
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172 Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
| | - Carlo Barbante
- Institute of Polar Sciences, CNR-ISP, Campus Scientifico Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172 Venezia-Mestre, Italy; Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino, 155, 30172 Venezia-Mestre, Italy.
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126
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Lefebvre C, Rojas IJ, Lasserre J, Villette S, Lecomte S, Cachot J, Morin B. Stranded in the high tide line: Spatial and temporal variability of beached microplastics in a semi-enclosed embayment (Arcachon, France). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:149144. [PMID: 34346359 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149144] [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: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coastal environments are a predominant ultimate destination of marine debris, becoming a key focus of studies assessing microplastic (MP) contamination. Here, we described the visible fraction of MP (from 0.5 to 5 mm) that washed up during the high tide at different sites of a semi-enclosed mesotidal bay and investigated the main abiotic factors driving MP beaching. Three contrasted beaches of the Arcachon Bay (SW France) were monitored on a monthly basis during 2019. Samplings were made along a 100 m longitudinal transect at the high-water strandline (4 quadrats of 0.25m2) and at an intermediate tidal range. Each sampled particle was characterized by morphometric data (e.g. size, shape, color, roughness) and polymer identification was performed by ATR-FTIR technique. Results show that MP concentration was higher on the beach located at the mouth of the bay (36.0 ± 39.2 MP.m-2) than at the back and the outside of the bay (respectively 2.7 ± 4.4 and 1.7 ± 2.4 MP.m-2). This may be related to the strong currents at the entry of the embayment and the beach orientation, exposed to predominant winds. Beached MP were mainly pre-production pellets and fragments as they represented respectively 49% and 39% of all analyzed shapes. Polymers with low density were particularly abundant. Polyethylene represented 69% of all the particles while polypropylene accounted for 17% and polystyrene for 10%. We also observed that MP were mostly washed up when wind, waves and river flow were more intense. Analysis suggest that wind direction and speed are key factors influencing beaching as strong onshore wind enhance this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lefebvre
- EPOC, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, OASU, EPHE, UMR 5805, 33600 Pessac, France; CBMN, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, UMR 5248, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Isabel Jalón Rojas
- EPOC, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, OASU, EPHE, UMR 5805, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Juliette Lasserre
- EPOC, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, OASU, EPHE, UMR 5805, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Sandrine Villette
- CBMN, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, UMR 5248, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Sophie Lecomte
- CBMN, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, UMR 5248, 33600, Pessac, France
| | - Jérôme Cachot
- EPOC, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, OASU, EPHE, UMR 5805, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Bénédicte Morin
- EPOC, University of Bordeaux, CNRS, OASU, EPHE, UMR 5805, 33600 Pessac, France.
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127
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Vasanthi RL, Arulvasu C, Kumar P, Srinivasan P. Ingestion of microplastics and its potential for causing structural alterations and oxidative stress in Indian green mussel Perna viridis- A multiple biomarker approach. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:130979. [PMID: 34144292 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present study has investigated the distribution of microplastics in sediment and its impact on histological, ultrastructural, and oxidative stress mechanisms in Perna viridis (P. viridis) from Kasimedu, Chennai, India. The results confirmed that fibers were the predominant type of microplastics observed, followed by spheres, flakes, sheets, and fragments. The observed microplastics were confirmed as polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, cellophane, and rayon using μ-FT-IR. Microplastic particles entangled in gills caused abrasion of ciliated structure and hemocyte infiltration in the hemolymph vessels. The digestive gland showed a shrunken nucleus, dark inclusions, and damage in the nucleoid core structure. Enlarged vacuoles and the presence of clusters of vesicles presumably represented the transformed golgi cisternae. Further, the results confirmed that oxidative stress markers were significantly high in gills and digestive diverticula of P. viridis. Overall, the results indicated that microplastics induced different toxic physiological and structural alterations in gills and digestive diverticula of P. viridis. These findings highlighted the necessity to focus on exposure studies to understand the absolute magnitude of the problem due to microplastic pollution in the urban estuarine ecosystems of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkumar L Vasanthi
- Department of Animal Health and Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Chinnasamy Arulvasu
- Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, 600 025, India
| | - Ponnuchamy Kumar
- Department of Animal Health and Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Pappu Srinivasan
- Department of Animal Health and Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, 630 003, Tamilnadu, India.
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128
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Turner A, Filella M. Hazardous metal additives in plastics and their environmental impacts. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106622. [PMID: 34030075 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Historically, many additives and catalysts used in plastics were based on compounds of toxic metals (and metalloids), like arsenic, cadmium, chromium(VI), and lead. Despite subsequent restrictions, hazardous additives remain in plastics in societal circulation because of the pervasiveness of many products and the more general contamination of recycled goods. However, little is understood about their presence and impacts in the environment, with most studies focusing on the role of plastics in acquiring metals from their surroundings through, for example, adsorption. Accordingly, this paper provides a review of the uses of hazardous, metal-based additives in plastics, the relevant European regulations that have been introduced to restrict or prohibit usage in various sectors, and the likely environmental impacts of hazardous additives once plastics are lost in nature. Examination of the literature reveals widespread occurrence of hazardous metals in environmental plastics, with impacts ranging from contamination of the waste stream to increasing the density and settling rates of material in aquatic systems. A potential concern from an ecotoxicological perspective is the diffusion of metals from the matrix of micro- and nanoplastics under certain physico-chemical conditions, and especially favorable here are the acidic environments encountered in the digestive tract of many animals (birds, fish, mammals) that inadvertently consume plastics. For instance, in vitro studies have shown that the mobilization of Cd and Pb from historical microplastics can greatly exceed concentrations deemed to be safe according to migration limits specified by the current European Toy Safety Directive (17 mg kg-1 and 23 mg kg-1, respectively). When compared with concentrations of metals typically adsorbed to plastics from the environment, the risks from pervasive, historical additives are far more significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Turner
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - Montserrat Filella
- Department F.-A. Forel, University of Geneva, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 66, CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
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129
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Meng J, Xu B, Liu F, Li W, Sy N, Zhou X, Yan B. Effects of chemical and natural ageing on the release of potentially toxic metal additives in commercial PVC microplastics. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:131274. [PMID: 34182647 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Various chemical substances, such as potentially toxic trace metals, are used as plastic additives to improve the performance of polymers and extend the service life of plastic products. However, these added trace metals are likely released from plastic into the environment when the plastic becomes a pollutant, although the process is poorly understood. In this study, chemical ageing of commercial polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and natural ageing of PVC that had been added to an alkaline paddy soil were undertaken to evaluate the potential release of trace metals from PVC. Enhanced release of trace metals from PVC with the increasing H2O2 concentrations was observed, in which the released Pb was 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than other metals (p < 0.01). The released Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd and Mn accounted for 87.37%, 79.27%, 22.02%, 20.93%, 17.06%, 15.11%, and 11.02% of their total concentrations (0.28 ± 0.03, 0.08 ± 0.01, 13.67 ± 0.18, 1.07 ± 0.02, 2.20 ± 0.18, 0.05 ± 0.00 and 1.26 ± 0.08 mmol kg-1) in PVC after ageing with 30% H2O2, respectively. Compared with the control treatment without PVC addition, the concentrations of CaCl2-extractable Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the soil treated with 5% PVC are significantly increased after incubation for 60 days (p < 0.01). In conclusion, chemical and natural ageing have the potential to lead to the release of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn from the commercial PVC into aquatic and terrestrial environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Meng
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Institute of Eco-environmental Research, School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science & Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Baile Xu
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Wenjin Li
- Institute of Eco-environmental Research, School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science & Technology, Hangzhou, 310023, China
| | - Nathan Sy
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Zhou
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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130
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Oliva M, De Marchi L, Cuccaro A, Pretti C. Bioassay-based ecotoxicological investigation on marine and freshwater impact of cigarette butt littering. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117787. [PMID: 34274644 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117787] [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: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite representing an extremely relevant portion (20-40%) of worldwide coastal litter, cigarette butts are still an underestimate environmental issue of limited scientific interest. Public authorities of different countries promote active removal of cigarette butts, but the issue remains problematic in terms of aesthetic, environmental and health-related impacts. There are few studies on the environmental side-effects of smoked cigarette butt litter despite being a worldwide issue. In this work, two ecotoxicological bioassay batteries were adopted to evaluate the environmental consequences of cigarette butt water-soluble ingredient release in both marine water and freshwater. Marine assays were generally more affected compared to freshwater. Interesting outcomes were observed with crustacean tests, showing a lower effect of smoked cigarette butt leachate when tested at maximum concentration. This finding were supported by heartbeat measures of Daphnia magna, which were accelerated at 100% of smoked cigarette butt leachate.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Oliva
- Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina Ed Ecologia Applicata "G. Bacci" (CIBM), 57128, Livorno, Italy.
| | - L De Marchi
- Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina Ed Ecologia Applicata "G. Bacci" (CIBM), 57128, Livorno, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia - Unità di Ecologia e Biologia Marina, Università di Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Cuccaro
- Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina Ed Ecologia Applicata "G. Bacci" (CIBM), 57128, Livorno, Italy; Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Portugal
| | - C Pretti
- Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina Ed Ecologia Applicata "G. Bacci" (CIBM), 57128, Livorno, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Via Livornese Lato Monte, Pisa, Italy
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131
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Miraj SS, Parveen N, Zedan HS. Plastic microbeads: small yet mighty concerning. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:788-804. [PMID: 31709817 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2019.1689233] [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: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The net use of plastic has increased and this augmentation in plastic usage results in ever- growing accumulation of plastic waste in our ecosystems. Regrettably, a portion of this waste is the microplastics including microbeads, which are tiny plastic particles <5 mm in diameter. Microbeads are used in our personal care products. Although, legislative ban of microbeads in some developed countries has proven effective, but many countries do not take any legal action. Hence, microbead-containing products are openly sold in international market and entered into the food chain and disturb it. In human beings and animals, plastic when ingested causes internal bleeding, abrasion, ulcers and blockage of the digestive tract. The present review highlighted the bioaccumulation of microbeads via the food chain and its adverse effect on environment health. Moreover, different scientific views and suggestions for eradication of the problem and present scenario of the use of microbeads in some Asian countries have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaima S Miraj
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naima Parveen
- P.G. Department of Biotechnology, Saifia College of Science, Bhopal, India
| | - Haya S Zedan
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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132
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Gómez V, Torres M, Karásková P, Přibylová P, Klánová J, Pozo K. Occurrence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in marine plastic litter from coastal areas of Central Chile. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112818. [PMID: 34391011 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112818] [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: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) were determined in marine plastic litter (MPL) on six beaches of central Chile. MPL was characterized physically and chemically, showing an abundance of macroplastic (size >2.5 cm). The polypropylene (PP) (47%) was the predominant polymer found. The Desembocadura beach, located at the mouth of the Biobio River, recorded the highest abundance of MPL (3.7 items m-2). PFAS detected (n = 15/21) ranged from 279 to 1211 pg g-1 and accounted for MeFOSE (46%) > PFHxS (14%) > PFPA (11%) > PFBS (6%) > PFOA (4%) and > PFOS (4%). Long-chain PFAS were prevalent, which can be metabolically degraded into PFOS (new POPs). This study i) highlights the need to further investigate the occurrence of chemicals in the MPL to reduce their impact on the environment; and ii) points out the need to improve future coastal management strategies for the elimination of solid waste along the coast of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gómez
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Mariett Torres
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, 4030000, Chile
| | - Pavlina Karásková
- RECETOX (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Masaryk University, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Přibylová
- RECETOX (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Masaryk University, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Klánová
- RECETOX (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Masaryk University, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Karla Pozo
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad San Sebastián, 4030000, Chile; RECETOX (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Masaryk University, 62500, Czech Republic.
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133
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Marrone A, La Russa MF, Randazzo L, La Russa D, Cellini E, Pellegrino D. Microplastics in the Center of Mediterranean: Comparison of the Two Calabrian Coasts and Distribution from Coastal Areas to the Open Sea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010712. [PMID: 34682461 PMCID: PMC8535489 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Plastic is everywhere—increasing evidence suggests that plastic pollution is ubiquitous and persistent in ecosystems worldwide. Microplastic pollution in marine environments is particularly insidious, as small fragmentation can increase interaction with biota and food chain access. Of particular concern is the Mediterranean Sea, which has become a large area of accumulation of plastic debris, including microplastics, whose polymeric composition is still largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the polymeric composition, particle size distribution, shape, and color of small plastic particles (ranging from 50 to 5000 µm) collected from the sea surface in six stations at the center of the Mediterranean Sea. We also described, for the first time, the different distribution of microplastics from coastal areas up to 12 nautical miles offshore. The microplastic density was 0.13 ± 0.19 particles/m2, with a marked prevalence of smaller particles (73% < 3 mm) and a peak between 1 and 2 mm (34.74%). Microplastics composition analysis showed that the most abundant material was polyethylene (69%), followed by polypropylene (24%). Moreover, we reported a comparison of the two Calabrian coasts providing the first characterization of a great difference in microplastic concentration between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian sides (87% vs. 13%, respectively), probably due to the complex marine and atmospheric circulation, which make the Tyrrhenian side an area of accumulation of materials originating even from faraway places. We demonstrate, for the first time, a great difference in microplastic concentration between Tyrrhenian and Ionian Calabrian coasts, providing a full characterization and highlighting that microplastic pollution is affected by both local release and hydrography of the areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Marrone
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.F.L.R.); (L.R.); (D.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mauro F. La Russa
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.F.L.R.); (L.R.); (D.P.)
| | - Luciana Randazzo
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.F.L.R.); (L.R.); (D.P.)
| | - Daniele La Russa
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
| | - Emilio Cellini
- Regional Agency for the Environment (ARPACAL), Regional Marine Strategy Centre (CRSM), 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Daniela Pellegrino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.F.L.R.); (L.R.); (D.P.)
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134
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Yan Y, Zhu F, Zhu C, Chen Z, Liu S, Wang C, Gu C. Dibutyl phthalate release from polyvinyl chloride microplastics: Influence of plastic properties and environmental factors. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 204:117597. [PMID: 34482095 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, great efforts have been made to understand the capacity of microplastics to adsorb environmental pollutants; however, relatively little is known about the ability of microplastics to release inherent additives into peripheral environments. In this study, we investigated the leaching behavior of phthalate plasticizer from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics, in aqueous solutions relevant to aquatic and soil environments. It was found that plastic properties, such as particle size, plasticizer content and aging of plastics had a great effect on the leaching of dibutyl phthalate (DnBP). Phthalate release was generally higher in smaller particles and particles with higher phthalate content. Whereas, plastic aging caused by solar irradiation could either enhance phthalate release by increasing plastic hydrophilicity or decrease the leaching by reducing readily available fractions of phthalate. Regarding environmental factors, solution pH (3-9) and ionic strength (0-0.2 M NaCl) were found to have minor effect on phthalate release, while fulvic acid (0-200 mg/L) greatly promoted the release by improving phthalate solubility and solution-plastic affinity. Interestingly, we found that more DnBP was leached out when fulvic acid and NaCl coexisted, and the results from dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy analyzes suggested that the leaching of other fulvic acid-like additives might have played a role. These findings would be helpful for predicting the potential of microplastics to release toxic additives under different environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Fengxiao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China; School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
| | - Changyin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Zhanghao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Shaochong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Cheng Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
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135
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Shang Y, Wang S, Jin Y, Xue W, Zhong Y, Wang H, An J, Li H. Polystyrene nanoparticles induced neurodevelopmental toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans through regulation of dpy-5 and rol-6. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 222:112523. [PMID: 34273852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Micro- and nano- polystyrene particles have been widely detected in environment, posing potential threats to human health. This study was designed to evaluate the neurodevelopmental toxicity of polystyrene nanoparticles (NPs) in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), to screen crucial genes and investigate the underlying mechanism. In wild-type C. elegans, polystyrene NPs (diameter 50 nm) could concentration-dependently induce significant inhibition in body length, survival rate, head thrashes, and body bending, accompanying with increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipofuscin accumulation, and apoptosis and decrease of dopamine (DA) contents. Moreover, pink-1 mutant was demonstrated to alleviate the locomotion disorders and oxidative damage induced by polystyrene NPs, indicating involvement of pink-1 in the polystyrene NPs-induced neurotoxicity. RNA sequencing results revealed 89 up-regulated and 56 down-regulated differently expressed genes (DEGs) response to polystyrene NPs (100 μg/L) exposure. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that predominant enriched DEGs were correlated with biological function of cuticle development and molting cycle. Furthermore, mutant strains test showed that the neurodevelopmental toxicity and oxidative stress responses induced by 50 nm polystyrene NPs were regulated by dpy-5 and rol-6. In general, polystyrene NPs induced obvious neurodevelopmental toxicity in C. elegans through oxidative damage and dopamine reduction. Crucial genes dpy-5 and rol-6 might participate in polystyrene NPs-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity through regulation on synthesis and deposition of cuticle collagen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Siyan Wang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yingying Jin
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Wanlei Xue
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yufang Zhong
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Hongli Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Formation and Prevention of Urban Complex Air Pollution, Shanghai Academy of Environment Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Jing An
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Hui Li
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
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136
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Li P, Wang X, Su M, Zou X, Duan L, Zhang H. Characteristics of Plastic Pollution in the Environment: A Review. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:577-584. [PMID: 32166334 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-020-02820-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plastics are ubiquitous in the environment and have become a hot topic in academic circles. Extensive studies have focused on analytical methods, source, abundance, transport, fate, degradation of plastics in the environment and threats to natural surroundings, wildlife or even human health. However, characteristics of plastic pollution, which are critical to understand this emerging problem, remain unknown up to now. Here, this paper reviews the major characteristics of plastic pollution in the environment to enhance present understanding of this issue. These characteristics, including diversity, persistence, global issues, combined pollution and threats to organisms and human health, are critically summarized in this work. Further, "plastic cycle" in the environment, namely, aquatic, atmospheric, and terrestrial system, is also discussed in this review. Finally, we highlight current challenges of plastic pollution posed to the public and also recommend the research trends in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaodan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Min Su
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zou
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Linlin Duan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Hongwu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Pollutant Conversion, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China.
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137
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Berlino M, Mangano MC, De Vittor C, Sarà G. Effects of microplastics on the functional traits of aquatic benthic organisms: A global-scale meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 285:117174. [PMID: 33957511 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widespread in the aquatic environment and thus available for many organisms at different trophic levels. Many scientific papers focus their attention on the study of the effects of microplastics on different species at individual level. Here we performed a global scale meta-analysis focusing our work on the study of the effect of microplastics on the functional traits of aquatic benthic organisms. Overall, microplastics showed a moderate negative effect on the examined functional traits of benthic organisms. Our results show that some crucial functional traits, such as those linked to behaviour and feeding, appear to be unaffected by microplastics. In contrast, traits related to the capacity of organisms to assimilate energy are affected. Moreover, traits with possible effects at population level appear to be negatively affected by microplastics. We discuss how the direct impact of organismal performance may have indirect repercussions at higher levels in the ecological hierarchy and represent a risk for the stability and functioning of the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Berlino
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, DiSTeM, Università degli Studi di Palermo Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy; National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, via A. Piccard 54, 34151, Trieste, Italy
| | - M C Mangano
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Department of Integrative Marine Ecology (EMI), Sicily Marine Centre, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo (complesso Roosevelt), 90149, Palermo, Italy.
| | - C De Vittor
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, via A. Piccard 54, 34151, Trieste, Italy
| | - G Sarà
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare, DiSTeM, Università degli Studi di Palermo Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Italy
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138
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Eder ML, Oliva-Teles L, Pinto R, Carvalho AP, Almeida CMR, Hornek-Gausterer R, Guimarães L. Microplastics as a vehicle of exposure to chemical contamination in freshwater systems: Current research status and way forward. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:125980. [PMID: 34004584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Contamination by microplastics is increasing steadily worldwide, affecting all environments. Additionally, aquatic organisms are often exposed to mixtures of other contaminants, including various chemicals. Numerous studies reported adsorption of chemicals to microplastics, raising concern about their possible role as vehicles of exposure through transfer to biota. Nevertheless, until recently, the studies on the topic were mostly focused on the marine environment. In the past five years, however, plenty of publications contributed empirical data about freshwater ecosystems, raising the need for a critical appraisal of the information. Herein the scientific literature was reviewed and multivariate data analysis was done. The analysed studies employed widely different experimental designs, endpoints, test species, shapes and concentrations of various polymer types and chemicals, often not relevant for the freshwater environment. Our integrated analytical approach revealed unfathomable research gaps, given the theoretical knowledge available and lessons learned from research about the marine environment. Greater harmonization of laboratory studies investigating this topic is needed, as well as testing conditions reflecting real exposure scenarios. Furthermore, standardized testing protocols are urgently required to guide such experiments and improve the comparability of the results obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Lena Eder
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; University of Applied Sciences, FH Technikum Wien, Höchstädtplatz 6, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Luis Oliva-Teles
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Pinto
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - António Paulo Carvalho
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - C Marisa R Almeida
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | | | - Laura Guimarães
- CIIMAR/CIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Avenida General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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139
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Sid S, Mor RS, Kishore A, Sharanagat VS. Bio-sourced polymers as alternatives to conventional food packaging materials: A review. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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140
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Stollberg N, Kröger SD, Reininghaus M, Forberger J, Witt G, Brenner M. Uptake and absorption of fluoranthene from spiked microplastics into the digestive gland tissues of blue mussels, Mytilus edulis L. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 279:130480. [PMID: 33866097 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present work intended to investigate the fate of contaminant-loaded microplastics if ingested by benthic filter feeder Mytilus edulis under laboratory conditions. In the course of a 7-day experiment the mussels were exposed to PVC microplastics in a size range ≤40 μm, in doses of 2000 particles L-1 (11.56 mg L-1). Particles were either virgin or loaded with one of four different nominal concentrations of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) fluoranthene (500, 125, 31.25 and 7.8125 μg g-1). Verification of fluoranthene concentrations on the particles provided evidence of the high absorptive capacity of PVC for this PAH, indicating that comparable particles may serve as considerable accumulation sites for high concentrations of hydrophobic contaminants in the aquatic environment. Analysis of digestive gland tissues via polarised light microscopy revealed the occurrence of particles and particle aggregates within stomach and intestines of all mussels treated with microplastics, thus making the xenobiotic bioavailable. Results of contaminant analysis in mussel tissues via equilibrium sampling point to a considerable capability of microplastics for the accumulation of hydrophobic contaminants from the environment and their potential to act as vehicles for the transport of theses contaminants into organismal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Stollberg
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Silja Denise Kröger
- University of Applied Sciences Hamburg, Faculty Life Sciences, Ulmenliet 20, 21033, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Reininghaus
- University of Applied Sciences Hamburg, Faculty Life Sciences, Ulmenliet 20, 21033, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jens Forberger
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Chemische Technologie ICT, Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Str. 7, 76327, Pfinztal, Germany
| | - Gesine Witt
- University of Applied Sciences Hamburg, Faculty Life Sciences, Ulmenliet 20, 21033, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Brenner
- Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, 27570, Bremerhaven, Germany.
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141
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Mishra AK, Singh J, Mishra PP. Microplastics in polar regions: An early warning to the world's pristine ecosystem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 784:147149. [PMID: 33895505 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The menace of plastic which is polluting the ocean has emerged as a global problem. It is well-known to everyone that the ultimate end for most of the plastic debris is the ocean. The distribution of plastic rubbish in the oceans is strongly influenced by hydrodynamic properties of water. The continuous break down of plastic objects, as a consequence of thermal, chemical and biological processes along with various environmental factors, results into microplastics (MPs). The microplastics are those particles which are deriving pallets of plastic, having length of less than 5 mm or 0.2 in. Nowadays microplastics are everywhere in the waters all around the world. The high dispersion pattern of oceanic currents takes away microplastics in the entire ocean even to remote areas, like the Polar Regions. Microplastics are difficult to remove from the ocean and the ingestion of these particles by several consumers of different trophic levels like benthos, birds, and fishes is a threat to the diverse food webs and ecosystems. Different scientific investigations have ascertained that a significant concentration of MPs are present in various marine ecosystems globally including the Polar region (both Arctic and Antarctic), and in the upcoming future, the condition is expected to get worse. The objective of this review is to establish a baseline evidence for the availability of microplastics in the polar region. For this reason, the state of the art of knowledge on microplastics in Polar Regions was studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Mishra
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya 224001, U. P., India
| | - Jaswant Singh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya 224001, U. P., India.
| | - Pratyush P Mishra
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya 224001, U. P., India
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142
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Kannan K, Vimalkumar K. A Review of Human Exposure to Microplastics and Insights Into Microplastics as Obesogens. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:724989. [PMID: 34484127 PMCID: PMC8416353 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.724989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous exposure of humans to microplastics (MPs) through inhalation of particles in air and ingestion in dust, water, and diet is well established. Humans are estimated to ingest tens of thousands to millions of MP particles annually, or on the order of several milligrams daily. Available information suggests that inhalation of indoor air and ingestion of drinking water bottled in plastic are the major sources of MP exposure. Little is known on the occurrence of MPs in human diet. Evidence is accumulating that feeding bottles and medical devices can contribute to MP exposure in newborns and infants. Biomonitoring studies of human stool, fetus, and placenta provide direct evidence of MP exposure in infants and children. MPs <20 µm were reported to cross biological membranes. Although plastics were once perceived as inert materials, MP exposure in laboratory animals is linked to various forms of inflammation, immunological response, endocrine disruption, alteration of lipid and energy metabolism, and other disorders. Whereas exposure to MPs itself is a concern, MPs can also be sources of exposure to plastic additives and other toxicants. Exposure of human cell lines to MP additives such as phthalates, bisphenols, and organotins causes adverse effects through the activation of nuclear receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) α, β, and γ, and retinoid X receptor (RXR), leading to oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, thyroid hormone disruption, and altered adipogenesis and energy production. The size, shape, chemical composition, surface charge, and hydrophobicity of MPs influence their toxicity. Maternal transfer of MPs to the developing fetus has been demonstrated in exposed laboratory animals and through the analysis of human placenta. In laboratory animal studies, maternal exposure to MPs altered energy and lipid metabolism in offspring and subsequent generations. Moreover, concomitant with the global increase in plastics production, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in human populations has increased over the past five decades, and there is evidence to support the hypothesis that MPs and their additives are potential obesogens. Even though MP exposures are ubiquitous and toxic effects from such exposures are a concern, systematic studies on this topic remain urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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143
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Sala B, Balasch A, Eljarrat E, Cardona L. First study on the presence of plastic additives in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 283:117108. [PMID: 33866215 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117108] [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: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) voluntarily ingest floating plastic debris and hence are chronically exposed to plastic additives, but very little is known about the levels of these compounds in their tissues. This work studied the presence of organophosphate esters (OPEs) on sea turtles collected from two different areas in the western Mediterranean, some of their prey and some floating plastic debris. OPEs were detected in all the samples analysed and ∑OPEs ranged from 12.5 to 384 ng/g wet weight (ww) in the turtles from the Catalan coasts, with a mean value of 21.6 ng/g ww, and from 6.08 to 100 ng/g ww in the turtles the Balearic Islands, with a mean value of 37.9 ng/g ww. Differences in ∑OPEs were statistically significant, but turtles from the two regions did not differ in their OPE profiles. As per turtle's prey, ∑OPEs ranged from 4.55 to 90.5 ng/g ww. Finally, marine plastic litter showed ∑OPEs concentrations between 10.9 and 868 ng/g. Although most compounds were present in both potential sources of contamination, prey and plastic debris, the OPE profiles in loggerhead turtles and these sources were different. Some OPEs, such as tris(2-isopropylphenyl) phosphate (T2IPPP), tripropyl phosphate (TPP) and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP), were detected in plastic debris and turtle muscle but not in their prey, thus suggesting that ingestion of plastic debris was their main source. Contrarily, the levels of triethyl phosphate (TEP), diphenyl cresyl phosphate (DCP), 2-isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (2IPPDPP) and 4-isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (4IPPDPP) in turtle muscle were much higher than in jellyfish, their main prey, thus indicating a biomagnification potential. Regular ingestion of plastic debris and contamination from their prey may explain why ∑OPEs in loggerhead turtles is much higher than the values reported previously for teleost fishes and marine mammals from the western Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Sala
- Water, Environment and Food Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aleix Balasch
- Water, Environment and Food Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ethel Eljarrat
- Water, Environment and Food Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Luis Cardona
- Institute of Biodiversity Research (IRBio) and Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, Spain
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144
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Teng G, Shan X, Jin X, Yang T. Marine litter on the seafloors of the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea and northern East China Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112516. [PMID: 34082357 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112516] [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: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seafloor litter was investigated in the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, and northern East China Sea (BYnECS) based on fisheries-independent bottom trawl surveys in 2019. The mean density of seafloor litter was 48.44 items∙km-2 (44.56 kg∙km-2) in the BYnECS, which was at an intermediate level compared with the values observed in other continental shelf areas worldwide. There were significant differences in the density of seafloor litter among different regions (P < 0.05), and the high-density litter accumulation areas in the northern Yellow Sea and Changjiang estuary and adjacent waters were close to the sediment accumulation areas. Plastics were predominant in the BYnECS and accounted for 72.80%/44.05% (number/weight) of the seafloor litter. Fishery-related litter was the main source of seafloor litter in the BYnECS. This study systematically reports the density, composition, sources and spatial distribution of seafloor litter in the BYnECS, thereby providing a scientific basis for the management of marine litter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangliang Teng
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Resources and Ecological Environment, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China; College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiujuan Shan
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Resources and Ecological Environment, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China; Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, China; National Field Observation and Research Center for Changdao Marine Ecosystem, Changdao, China
| | - Xianshi Jin
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Resources and Ecological Environment, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China; Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, China; National Field Observation and Research Center for Changdao Marine Ecosystem, Changdao, China.
| | - Tao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fishery Resources and Ecological Environment, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China; Function Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao, China; National Field Observation and Research Center for Changdao Marine Ecosystem, Changdao, China
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145
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Mallik A, Xavier KAM, Naidu BC, Nayak BB. Ecotoxicological and physiological risks of microplastics on fish and their possible mitigation measures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146433. [PMID: 33743469 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are widely distributed and extensively found within marine ecosystems, and approximately 8 million tons of plastics are being dumped into the sea annually. Once reached the marine environment, plastics tend to get fragmented into smaller particles through photo-degradation, mechanical and biological processes. These MPs have raised concerns globally due to their potential toxic impacts on a wide variety of aquatic fauna and humans. Ingested microplastics can cause severe health implications in fishes, including reduced feeding intensity, improper gill functioning, immuno-suppression, and compromised reproducibility. Several studies were also conducted to scrutinize MPs trophic transfer through the food chain from primary producers to top predators and their bioaccumulation. This paper briefly summarizes all the possible sources, routes, bioavailability, trophic transfer, and consequences of microplastics in fishes. The review article also intended to highlight various mitigation strategies like implementing Four R's concept (refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle), integrated strategies, ban on single-use plastics, use bioplastics, and create behavioural changes with public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Mallik
- Fishery Resource Harvest and Postharvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Versova, Mumbai 400061, Maharashtra, India
| | - K A Martin Xavier
- Fishery Resource Harvest and Postharvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Versova, Mumbai 400061, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Bejawada Chanikya Naidu
- Fishery Resource Harvest and Postharvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Versova, Mumbai 400061, Maharashtra, India
| | - Binaya Bhusan Nayak
- Fishery Resource Harvest and Postharvest Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Versova, Mumbai 400061, Maharashtra, India
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146
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Reinold S, Herrera A, Saliu F, Hernández-González C, Martinez I, Lasagni M, Gómez M. Evidence of microplastic ingestion by cultured European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 168:112450. [PMID: 33991989 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the marine environment is a concerning topic due to the ecotoxicological effects and possible seafood contamination. Data is needed to evaluate human exposure and assess risks, in the context of a healthy and beneficial seafood consumption. While microplastic ingestion by wild fish has been reported since the early 70's, farmed fish are rarely investigated. Here, for the first time the presence of microplastics in fish cultivated in the coastal water of Tenerife (Canary Island, Spain) was evaluated. From 83 examined individuals, 65% displayed microplastics in their gastrointestinal tracts, with averages between 0.6 ± 0.8 (SD) and 2.7 ± 1.85 (SD) particles per fish. The total number of microplastics detected was 119. Fibres (81%) and fragments (12%) were the predominant shapes. FTIR analysis showed that fibres were mostly composed by Cellulose (55%) and Nylon (27%), whereas fragments by PE (25%) and PP (25%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Reinold
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), Iu-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Campus Universitario de Tafira, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Alicia Herrera
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), Iu-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Campus Universitario de Tafira, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Francesco Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Carlos Hernández-González
- Centro Oceanográfico de Canarias, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Ico Martinez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), Iu-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Campus Universitario de Tafira, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - May Gómez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), Iu-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Campus Universitario de Tafira, Canary Islands, Spain.
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147
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Bai Z, Wang N, Wang M. Effects of microplastics on marine copepods. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 217:112243. [PMID: 33915449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic contamination has been considered as a global environmental problem in marine ecosystem. Due to small size (< 5 mm) in overlapping with that of microalgae, microplastics can easily be ingested by a wide range of marine copepods both in the laboratory and in situ. Although many studies have reported adverse effects of microplastics on marine copepods, it still lacks a systematic overview about the bioavailability of microplastics and their potential ecological consequences. As copepods dominate zooplankton biomass and provide an essential trophic link in marine ecosystem, this review indicates the bioavailability and toxicity of microplastics in such taxon depend on the shape, size, abundance, and properties of plastics. Also, ours is purposed to tease out the possible molecular mechanisms behind. Microplastic ingestion is prevalent; they impede food intake, block the digestive tract, and cause physiological stress in copepods (e.g., immune responses, metabolism disorders, energy depletion, behavioral alterations, growth retardation, and reproduction disturbance). Notably, in response to microplastic exposure, the copepods show both species- and stage-specificity. Furthermore, microplastics can serve as vectors of organic contaminants (e.g., triclosan, chlorpyrifos, and dibutyl phthalate) and thus increase their toxicity in marine copepods, consequently aggravating the adverse impacts of microplastics in marine ecosystem. Given that most previous studies have partially used pristine microplastics and their short-term exposure might have undervalued their negative effects, more multigenerational mechanistic researches (for example, via an integration of omics-based technology and phenotypic trait analysis) are urgently required for numerous marine copepods exposed to environmental-characteristics plastics as demonstrated by aged microplastics at environmentally realistic concentrations and added with other environmental pollutants; thus it will not only provide mechanistic insights into the biological impacts of microplastics, but also help make the seawater-benchmark setting and ecological assessment for microplastic pollution in marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoan Bai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies/College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Nan Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies/College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Minghua Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies/College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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148
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Meides N, Menzel T, Poetzschner B, Löder MGJ, Mansfeld U, Strohriegl P, Altstaedt V, Senker J. Reconstructing the Environmental Degradation of Polystyrene by Accelerated Weathering. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:7930-7938. [PMID: 34018732 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The fragmentation of macro- into microplastics (MP) is the main source of MP in the environment. Nevertheless, knowledge about degradation mechanisms, changes in chemical composition, morphology, and residence times is still limited. Here, we present a long-term accelerated weathering study on polystyrene (PS) tensile bars and MP particles using simulated solar radiation and mechanical stress. The degradation process was monitored by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), 13C magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy, tensile testing, and Monte Carlo simulations. We verified that degradation proceeds in two main stages. Stage I is dominated by photooxidation in a near-surface layer. During stage II, microcrack formation and particle rupturing accelerate the degradation. Depending on the ratio and intensity of the applied stress factors, MP degradation kinetics and lifetimes vary dramatically and an increasing amount of small MP fragments with high proportions of carboxyl, peroxide, and keto groups is continuously released into the environment. The enhanced surface area for adsorbing pollutants and forming biofilms modifies the uptake behavior and interaction with organisms together with potential ecological risks. We expect the proposed two-stage model to be valid for predicting the abiotic degradation of other commodity plastics with a carbon-carbon backbone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Meides
- Department of Macromolecular Chemistry I, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Teresa Menzel
- Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Björn Poetzschner
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry III, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Martin G J Löder
- Department of Animal Ecology I, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ulrich Mansfeld
- Bavarian Polymer Institute, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Peter Strohriegl
- Department of Macromolecular Chemistry I, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Volker Altstaedt
- Department of Polymer Engineering, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Jürgen Senker
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry III, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
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149
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Gewert B, MacLeod M, Breitholtz M. Variability in Toxicity of Plastic Leachates as a Function of Weathering and Polymer Type: A Screening Study with the Copepod Nitocra spinipes. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2021; 240:191-199. [PMID: 34129442 DOI: 10.1086/714506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe production and use of plastic over many decades has resulted in its accumulation in the world's oceans. Plastic debris poses a range of potential risks to the marine environment and its biota. Especially, the potential hazards of small plastic debris and chemicals associated with plastic have not been extensively studied. When buoyant plastic is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, it will slowly degrade and leach chemicals into surrounding waters. These leachates can include additives, sorbed organic pollutants, and degradation products of the plastic polymers. While most hazard assessments have focused on studying adverse effects due to the uptake of plastic, toxicity studies of the leachates of plastics are less common. To begin to address this knowledge gap, we studied the acute toxicity of leachates from diverse plastics in the harpacticoid copepod Nitocra spinipes. Our results show that leachates caused a higher toxicity after plastic was exposed to ultraviolet light compared to leaching in darkness. We observed differences in toxicity for different polymer types: polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene resulted in the most toxic leachates, while polystyrene and poly[ethylene terephthalate] were least toxic. Furthermore, we observed increased toxicity of leachates from some plastics that had been weathered in the real marine environment compared to matching new materials. Our results indicate that both weathering condition and polymer type influence the toxicity of plastic leachates.
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150
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Browning S, Beymer-Farris B, Seay JR. Addressing the challenges associated with plastic waste disposal and management in developing countries. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2021.100682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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